Councilmember Lili Bosse walked out of the April 4 City Council Reorganization/ Installation ceremony with too many plaques, awards and framed letters of commendation for one former mayor to carry. The event, which took place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, saw Bosse formally pass the baton to Julian Gold, M.D.
The ceremony was attended by residents and leaders from Beverly Hills and beyond, who seized upon the opportunity to thank Bosse for her ceaseless devotion and indefatigable work ethic during her third term as mayor.
Gold acknowledged that Bosse leaves big shoes to fill and looks forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand to uplift the community and improve the city.
“I could take the rest of the evening and probably not get through half of what I really think of all the great things you’ve done,” he said. “I will say out the gate that you are going to be a very hard act to follow. You have certainly set the bar as high as the bar can be, and I appreciate the challenge.”
Councilmember John Mirisch and newly installed Vice Mayor Lester Friedman also expressed their deep admiration for Bosse and the pleasure they have had serving alongside her.
“During your year as mayor you have shown commitment every single day, every waking moment, probably every sleeping moment, too,” said Mirisch. “That dedication to me, shows just how much you love this community.
Friedman fondly recalled the first time he met Bosse. She was perched 12 feet high on a ladder hanging banners at her alma mater Beverly Hills High School.
“It was indicative of your love for this community and your commitment to doing; you lead by example through collaboration and inclusion,” he said.
Friedman also thanked Bosse for being a fierce voice against antisemitism and an outspoken champion for women’s rights as she rallied the city in demanding justice for Mahsa Amini.
“You have left an indelible mark on our city as mayor and as a representative at conferences around the world,” said Friedman. “Your advocacy for women’s rights, human rights and countless causes has elevated Beverly Hills. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore John Erickson also praised Bosse for taking a stand against injustice of all forms.
“Lili Bosse, you shine a light on this world that helps take away the darkness and helps people ensure that they know that they’re home,” said Erickson. “But most importantly, when we’re around you, we feel safe and welcome.”
State Senator Ben Allen said that Bosse’s bold leadership has had an impact far beyond the boundaries of Beverly Hills.
“She’s such a force to be reckoned with, not just here in the City of Beverly Hills but throughout our region,” said Allen as he presented her with a framed resolution from the California Legislature thanking her for her leadership.
Allen also praised several of the initiatives Bosse spearheaded during her term, including a mental health speaker series, an event series highlighting local businesses, and public safety initiatives such as the Beverly Hills Police Department’s Real Time Watch Center and text alert system.
When the time came for Bosse to deliver a speech, she returned the community’s “thank yous” for her service with scores of her own.
She gave a huge expression of gratitude for members of the “visionary dream team” of city staff, whom she took the time to recognize and thank individually.
includes, but is not limited to, Police Chief Mark Stainbrook, Fire Chief Gregory Barton, City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey, Deputy City Manager Keith Sterling, Assistant City Manager Ryan Gohlich, City Clerk Huma Ahmed, City Attorney Larry Wiener, Community Services Director Stephanie Harris, Public Works Director Shana Epstein and Executive Assistant Adrianne Rosas.
Bosse also gave a heartfelt thanks to her fellow council members and to newly installed Gold, alongside whom she has served for the past decade.
“I personally feel that I’m the luckiest woman in the world to be serving with these extraordinary human beings and that we as a community are lucky to have this council,” said Bosse. “I want to thank you all and tell you how much I love you.”
