Happy April National Poetry Month! This is an ode for West Hollywood’s vibrant history of creatives who have graced our paths and community. And it’s a poem to encourage us who are shepherding our own projects.
City Council meeting, April 1, 2024
It’s an honor to be representing West Hollywood as the Poet Laureate and get this assignment to celebrate this city. Check out the WeHo Arts page and links below and help us celebrate!
Receiving the proclamation of National Poetry Month at City Council meeting, April 1, 2024
A little background about West Hollywood history referenced in the poem:
Do you know the song by Joni Mitchell with the line “paved paradise?” She has been known as a legend in Laurel Canyon.
The Troubadour on Santa Monica Blvd. has hosted many Grammy-winner artists.
I love walking the dog up Harper Avenue with the gorgeous historic buildings.
Jim Morrison lived at an apartment on Norton Avenue, which is a great quiet alternative street to walk the dog when I’m avoiding Santa Monica Blvd. (My dog likes to pop into every store which drags out the walk!)
The West Hollywood Buy Nothing group has great people who share plants with each other! I like a variety of succulents so at least half of my succulents are collected from my neighbors.
There so much history on Santa Monica Blvd. Look at this two-story building that was a former recording studio that now sports a hot dog shop.
Book Soup is our neighborhood indie bookstore. A great place to hear authors talk, check out new books, and find great gifts.
West Hollywood Library is beautifully designed and with great programming. Come take a class with me or any of their other events!
Great people who were creatives in West Hollywood before we became a city are many. For example, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Aldus Huxley, and parties with brilliant thinkers and stars have been here.
Please check out my appearances in Los Angele Area Poetry Month events and especially our Poetry Spa event on April 17th at the West Hollywood Park Respite Deck with gorgeous sunset views. Special thanks to WeHo Arts for being a leader in supporting artists and creativity and also, my Poet Laureate position in this beloved city.
For quicker updates on my events, please follow me on social media @JenCvoice.