At a regular West Hollywood meeting on Monday, October 17, 2022, Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas gave the city council a brief report on the City’s Halloween Safety Plan for Halloween weekend beginning Friday, October 28 through Monday, October 31, 2022, in anticipation of a busy nightlife in the Rainbow District.
According to Rivas, there is a plan that has been in the works, and it will definitely be in place to keep people safe.
The plan will include an increased level of public safety personnel working from Friday through the entire weekend, as well as Halloween itself. Safety personnel will include officers from West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, Los Angeles County Fire Department, members from Security Ambassador Program, as well as City Code Enforcement and other department staff involved in safeguarding the public and maintaining our existing infrastructure such as removing our trash and pressure washing our sidewalks.
Rivas reported the placement of message boards throughout the city a week in advance to communicate that no full or partial street closures will happen this year. However, there will be barricades that will be installed on Halloween on the edges of traffic lanes on Santa Monica Boulevard within the Rainbow District. This is intended to provide further distance between pedestrians and vehicular traffic to enhance safety for pedestrians.
In addition, the city also has a contingency plan in place should an emergency situation occur that would necessitate any immediate need to close down the street.
All public eating and alcohol-serving businesses like restaurants and nightlife venues have been informed earlier this month by the city’s community safety department with information that there will be an increased presence of public safety personnel and also made them aware and mindful of overcrowding issues, and to not over-serve patrons.
The community should also keep in mind that parking will remain in effect throughout the city. However, there will be available parking at the Pacific Design Center that will be available until 12 a.m. There will be a flat rate for folks who wish to park after 6 p.m.
The night before Halloween drew massive crowds last year even though the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval had been cancelled. People spilled onto the streets due to overcrowded sidewalks and there were long lines at the bars. There were also traffic jams on Santa Monica Boulevard throughout the night creating havoc on the street.
In order to ensure Halloween safety for everyone, the City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station are reminding residents, businesses, and visitors If You See Something, Say Something: members of the public are encouraged to reach out to
the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station 24/7 at (310) 855-8850 with any safety or security concerns. Additionally, the City’s Block by Block Security Ambassadors program leverages the effectiveness of local law enforcement and works in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Station. The Block by Block Security Ambassador Hotline provides access to free, 24/7 support by phone or text at (323) 821-8604. In an emergency, always call 911.
