West Hollywood Proposes $17.64 Minimum Wage for All Workers Beginning in 2022

The City of West Hollywood is seemingly always on the vanguard of policy to ensure the wellbeing of its stakeholders and residents, potentially at the burdening or detriment of its businesses. But this latest one is certainly going to raise some eyebrows from all sides, because Wehoville reports that city councilmember John D’Amico is proposing to increase West Hollywood’s minimum wages to $17.64 for all workers beginning in 2022. Initially, the idea was to have the new minimum wage only apply to hotels, though the members agreed it wasn’t fair to have two different minimums. The council proposed the idea of increasing the minimum across the board to $17.64, which would be the highest rate across the county.

While the motion hasn’t passed the city council quite yet, the proposal is to increase minimum wage for hotel and hospitality workers to $17.64 by January 2022 and then the same amount for every other employee in the city by July 2022. The city of Los Angeles passed an ordinance to steadily increase the minimum wage beginning in 2016, with the minimum set to $15 by July 2020.

Weird timing Mr. Vice President

Former Vice President Mike Pence thought it timely to boast that he was getting a milkshake, fries, and Double-Double at a California In-N-Out Burger yesterday afternoon. This week, the Southern California-based fast food chain made a stand that it would not enforce vaccine-proof mandates at its San Francisco outlet because they do not want to become “vaccine police.” San Francisco then shut down the location for not following the ordinance. San Francisco Chronicle critic Soleil Ho thought it timely to dunk on the beloved chain for its policy and fare: “On an elemental level, the food is terrible.” It just seems foolish for the company to try and take a stand on an issue where public opinion and science is clear. In-N-Out isn’t going to win any more fans than it already has by feeding its haters with a misguided policy and statement. The city of Los Angeles, which has five In-N-Out locations, will begin enforcing a vaccine-proof mandate to dine indoors beginning November 4.

Punjabi to North American for one of LA’s best Indian restaurants

The Mahendro family gets a major profile in the Land magazine, with an inside look at how the Badmaash and Burgers 99 operators have become so successful in Los Angeles. A key part of the equation is being tight with celebrities and other cool people like Action Bronson and Tyler, the Creator. The entire history is pretty fascinating, and LA wins because of the Mahendro family’s work to prepare quality Indian fare.

A new burger front man

In somewhat curious but potentially highly profitable move, Alvin Cailan of Amboy Quality Meats has signed on to become the new “face of Umami Burger.” Cailan, who was a co-founder of the popular Eggslut chainlet and hosts the Burger Show for First We Feast, will consult on Umami and develop a new menu.

The name for Waters’ restaurant

Alice Waters, who is opening a restaurant inside the Hammer Museum with chef and writer David Tanis, has revealed the name of the upcoming establishment. It’s called Lulu. The place will carry a similar mission to Waters restaurant Chez Panisse, with a focus on locally sourced, “regenerative,” and sustainable food meant to combat climate change. [What Now LA]

New French comes to Playa Del Rey

Toddrickallen reports Café Bohème, a charming Frenchy spot with omelettes, quiche, and galettes, has opened in Playa Del Rey with breakfast and lunch hours. Seems like a great place for a bite before heading to one of LA’s most underrated beaches.