The City of West Hollywood is reminding the community and the region that the City’s annual Halloween Carnaval is cancelled and is urging the general public to Stay Home and Stay Safe this Halloween.
A City press release issued today is warning the public that West Hollywood will not hesitate to issue a curfew if overcrowding develops on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, 2020, in order to protect pubic health and avoid the potential for a COVID-19 superspreader event.
The City’s annual Halloween Carvaval has been cancelled in accordance with the Health Officer Order from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which prohibits public gatherings of more than 10 people as the region responds to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Additionally, LA County Public Health has issued Guidance for Celebrating Halloween and Día de los Muertos, which prohibits carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and more.
Photo by Paulo Murillo for WEHO TIMESLos Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station personnel will monitor compliance with requirements for face coverings and may issue Administrative Citations to people refusing voluntary compliance to use a face covering. In addition, City of West Hollywood Code Enforcement Officers may issue Administrative Citations to businesses that are not in compliance with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health orders and protocols. The fee schedule for an Administrative Citation includes a minimum violation of $250 plus an administrative fee of $50 for a total of $300 on first violation.
While restaurants in the City will be open for business in adherence to LA County Public Health protocols, on-site outdoor dining capacity is limited. Customers are encouraged to use pickup and takeout options in order to control crowd size and safeguard social distancing.
In May 2020, the West Hollywood City Council approved the cancellation of all major special events in the City of West Hollywood through the end of 2020. This includes Pride in June, Halloween Carnaval, and New Year’s Eve events. This action followed the City’s declaration of a local emergency in March 2020 and postponement or cancellation of non-essential events and meetings.
The City of West Hollywood looks forward to celebrating Halloween Carnaval in the future when activities for public gatherings are permitted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. As background, the City of West Hollywood’s Halloween Carnaval was launched in 1987 and is rooted in the foundation of the City’s diverse culture and community. The event has grown year-by-year into an annual gathering of phenomenal costumes, entertainment, culture, and self-expression with a myriad of observers, revelers, exhibitionists, and performers.
At this time, the City of West Hollywood remains in a declared local emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and is focused on efforts to protect public health and safety. When in public, community members should maintain your space with social (physical) distancing of at least six feet, and cover that face to adhere to City requirements for the use of face coverings.
