Hello, beautiful people! I'm Shauna Frente, the self-styled Duchess of Argyle and Mysterious Masked Lady of Hollywoodland. I'm reaching out because I need your help to stay in the neighborhood I call home that has embraced me as one of its own Iocal icons.

THE IMMEDIATE CRISIS

I need $10,000 (minus whatever the current tally is) by the end of February to resolve my eviction case and stay in my home.

Here's the breakdown:

• $6,000 ASAP - Rent arrears (triggers rent relief program for the rest)

• $4,000 by end of February - Legal fees

(February rent is now also overdue, adding to the urgency)

HOW I GOT HERE

The short version: A perfect storm of mental health struggles, job loss, and bad timing.

During COVID, I fell into what I call a "Blue Void Puzzlement" - a deep depression that left me barely functional. Three therapists later, I was still struggling when my job went on hiatus two summers ago after tragedy struck my employers' family (the LAPD killed their mentally ill son).

I should have found work immediately, but depression kept me paralyzed. Things spiraled: my best friend and roommate of 4 years had to move out, a replacement roommate left owing significant money, and I fell behind on rent. The eviction process began.

Then, in timing worthy of Dickens, my lawyer was fired exactly when I sent my settlement proposal - which got lost in the shuffle. My landlord thought I was stonewalling them, so we went to court instead of settling. That's why the legal fees are so high. And just before rent came due, my new job dried up.

WHY IT MATTERS THAT I STAY

Last night, a young man stopped me on the sidewalk to take a picture, telling me I was his favorite Hollywood legend. Now, I'm not a movie star - I know I'm marginal in this town. But through countless interactions with locals and tourists, I've become part of the living fabric of this neighborhood. People tell me I give them something intangible that they treasure.

Beyond that, I have work to finish here:

I'm starring in a unique immersive theater production this month - audiences will tour Hollywood on a bus, picking up planted actors, before arriving at the DeMille Manor where I'll give a walking tour of Hollywood's memories, history, and delusions. Six dates through the end of February, two shows per night.

You get to choose the ending: Do I give the tour of a home I've been cast out from, or does this Blanche DuBois get to stay at Belle Reve?

I'm finishing my memoir - a two-volume work-in-progress with the working title "I COULD DIE TOMORROW!" Plus my LA noir detective novel "SOFT BOILED" and other Hollywood-obsessed projects.

If I'm evicted, especially with an eviction non-sealed/on record, I'm priced out of Los Angeles. And I don't think I could live anywhere else. I know I shouldn't.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Any contribution, large or small, helps save this duchess.

Want something in return? I'm happy to treat this as a loan if you prefer, or provide services:

• Tutoring (fair market rates)

• Editing and "textual midwifery"

• Poetry readings over the phone at bedtime (seriously!)

• Other creative collaborations

I don't want this to be a one-way street - I want to give you something you actually want.

A NOTE ON DIGNITY

This is embarrassing to post. Mental health issues aside, this is my mess. I don't want to be a damsel in distress. But I also believe I owe the world something greater, and I can only deliver it if I stay right here in Hollywood.

If you have questions, want to see documentation, or just want to chat about the details, please contact me directly.

Regardless of what happens, I am grateful for your time and kindness.

You are no stranger to me.

— Shauna Frente, Restored Duchess of Argyle