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    Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    WeHo wants to save Barney's Beanery despite its intolerant past

    Barney’s Beanery in West Hollywood is well-known for its chili and beer, and less known for its controversial past. At some point in the 1950s or ‘60s – the exact date is unclear – a previous owner put up a sign that made it clear that gays were not welcome.

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    By Madeleine Brand • Sep 27, 2016 • 1 min read

    Barney’s Beanery in West Hollywood is well-known for its chili and beer, and less known for its controversial past. At some point in the 1950s or ‘60s – the exact date is unclear – a previous owner put up a sign that made it clear that gays were not welcome. The city council forced Barney’s to take the sign down shortly after West Hollywood was incorporated in 1984. Now, somewhat ironically, the city – one of the gayest in America – is fighting to save the 89-year-old landmark from a large commercial development.

    The full episode

    5 of 5
    Debate recap: The highs, lows, and the effect on the undecided
    1. 0:30The highs and lows of the first presidential debate
    2. 12:21Did the debate help undecided voters decide?
    3. 20:31Post-debate, separating crime facts from fiction
    4. 30:04Colson Whitehead on his imagined real 'Underground Railroad'
    5. 44:31WeHo wants to save Barney's Beanery despite its intolerant pastYou’re reading this
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Madeleine Brand

      Host, 'Press Play'

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Matt Holzman

      Producer, 'The Document'

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Anna Scott

      Former KCRW Housing and Homelessness Reporter

    • KCRW placeholder

      Jolie Myers

      Managing Producer, 'Press Play'

    • KCRW placeholder

      Chris Nichols

      Los Angeles magazine

      News

    The full episode

    5 of 5
    Debate recap: The highs, lows, and the effect on the undecided
    1. 0:30The highs and lows of the first presidential debate
    2. 12:21Did the debate help undecided voters decide?
    3. 20:31Post-debate, separating crime facts from fiction
    4. 30:04Colson Whitehead on his imagined real 'Underground Railroad'
    5. 44:31WeHo wants to save Barney's Beanery despite its intolerant pastYou’re reading this
    Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand