The possible creation of a separate Public Health Department for the City of Beverly Hills was the main topic of discussion at the City Council’s Dec. 8 Special Study Session. The concept was first introduced at the Dec. 1 Study Session, in response to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) Order that prohibits in-person dining. The Council has since approved a resolution, sending a letter to County Health officials opposing that Public Health Order. The letter cited a lack of data that supports a link between in-person dining (including outdoor dining) and the surge in COVID-19 cases. As evidenced by the public comments at recent Council hearings, as well as the amount of correspondence received by City officials, the decision to curtail restaurant operations has been devastating to businesses in Beverly Hills. Although opponents of the dining prohibition have recently gained some victories in the Los Angeles Superior Court, this week’s Regional Stay at Home Order imposed by the State will continue to keep restaurants closed for any on-premises dining.
The notion of creating a City Public Health Department for Beverly Hills sprang from the restaurant health orders. It is, however, a complicated proposition. Like many other Southern California cities, Beverly Hills has been under the jurisdiction (and contracted with) the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health for several decades. The earliest date that the County’s public health jurisdiction over the City could be terminated is July 1 of 2021.
