BY PAULO MURILLO
WEST HOLLYWOOD
NEW MURAL CELEBRATES LESBIAN VISIBILITY AND SWEETWATER OPENING
A new 20-foot exterior mural centering lesbian love and sapphic identity has been unveiled in West Hollywood’s Rainbow District. Created by fine artist Melanie Posner (@therealmelpoz) and commissioned by the new lesbian bar and nightclub SweetWater, the public artwork serves as a permanent landmark celebrating the venue’s recent June 5 Grand Opening during WeHo Pride. Posner, who launched a casting call for the mural’s models back in February, called the project a deeply personal milestone honoring queer community in the world-famous “gayborhood.”
SAN DIEGO
FOUR ARRESTED IN HILLCREST LGBTQ+ BUSINESS ATTACKS
San Diego Police arrested three adults and one minor following a string of egging attacks on University Avenue customers, staff, and venues on June 21. Tracked via automated license plate readers from security footage, the suspects face felony charges including civil rights violations, conspiracy, and battery in what authorities are treating as hate crimes.
PALM SPRINGS
PALM SPRINGS’ ICONIC THE BARRACKS REOPENING IN PHOENIX
After its unexpected 2024 closure following a 32-year run in Palm Springs, legendary leather bar The Barracks is relocating. Former owner Scott Murchison has partnered with Phoenix promoter Matthew Moody to purchase a permanent venue in Phoenix’s Melrose District (4601 N. Seventh Ave), with an opening slated for late summer or early fall 2026.
LONG BEACH
LONG BEACH UNVEILS LGBTQ+ CULTURAL DISTRICT DESIGNS
Long Beach revealed preliminary designs for its 1.4-mile Broadway corridor district. Backed by $3.3 million in initial funding, Phase 1 will transform the area between Hermosa and Junipero avenues with a new Pride Plaza, overhead color-changing lighting, murals, and historical markers. Construction is set to run from early 2027 through 2028, with future plans including an HIV/AIDS memorial.
LOS ANGELES
PROGRESS PRIDE FLAG FLOWN AT ALL COUNTY FACILITIES
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a motion proclaiming June 2026 as Pride Month. The directive enforces a 2023 policy requiring the Progress Pride Flag to fly at all county-owned facilities throughout June, kicked off by an official flag-raising ceremony at the Greater Whittier LGBTQ+ Center.
