The Human Relations Commission met on Dec. 19 to discuss a range of topics, including reports from priority agencies Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD). Our House provided insights into its grief support programs, serving 818 people through groups in 2024. OPICA Adult Day Program and Counseling Center discussed its services for dementia patients and the Westside Food Bank reported providing 3.5 million meals to 72,000 households. The commission also reviewed initial plans for Kindness Week 2025 and the Critical Conversation Speaker Series.
Opening the meeting, BHPD Lieutenant Andrew Myers read out the monthly police report, noting a 32% increase in total crime from October to November, with a 450% increase in violent crime. Property crime increased by 23% due to a 26% rise in larceny thefts, with specific locations such as Rite Aid, Neiman Marcus, Pavilions, Erewhon and CVS experiencing multiple incidents. Lt. Myers reassured attendees that these figures must be viewed in the wider context—October was anomalous with lower-than-average reported crimes and the statistics for November remain in line with the five-year average for that month.
Myers also shared a heartwarming story from the BHPD’s ongoing support of Cedars-Sinai patients. Arlo, a 12-year-old child who has undergone 32 medical procedures, mentioned his passion for exotic cars. The BHPD arranged a private tour of the Beverly Hills Auto Vault for Arlo, ending with an unforgettable ride in a blue Ferrari on Rodeo Drive. He also had the opportunity to tour the police department and was able to speak to members of the Citizens Police Academy about his experience with the BHPD during their Cedars-Sinai collaboration. “His story has inspired everyone, and highlights the power of connection, compassion and community [with the BHPD],” Myers said. Following Captain Giovanni Trejo’s retirement, Lieutenant Myers will now take over as acting captain for a few months.
Retiring BHUSD board member Noah Margo provided an update on the school district, highlighting the new board members as well as the new liaison to the commission. Margo spoke about the district’s celebration of Human Rights Day and involvement of students in activities related to managing stress and understanding different cultures. He also discussed various clubs and community service initiatives, a holiday toy drive and a Thanksgiving parade organized by kindergarten students.
The commission then welcomed Victoria Villa, Grants Associate of Our House Grief Support Center. Our House offers grief support groups in English and Spanish, serving over 818 people over the last year alone. In addition, they run school-based programs which are free for any school based in Los Angeles County and support children who have experienced the death of a person close to them through their Camp Erin program. Villa provided advice on how best to support grieving children and adults during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of honesty, memory-making rituals and community support.
Next to speak was Pam Schwimmer from OPICA Adult Day Program and Counseling Center. Schwimmer, a community outreach associate, discussed the organization’s mission and services for people with dementia and their families. They have a robust traineeship program and several outreach initiatives, including seminars and care consultants for under-resourced areas alongside various programs supporting individuals suffering from memory loss.
The final presentation was from Genevieve Riutort, President and CEO of the Westside Food Bank, who told the commission about the organization’s mission—to end hunger in our communities. The food bank provides access to free, nutritious food through a network of 60 agencies and mobile food pantries. “Fifty percent of our food comes to us through donations through a statewide program run by the Association of Food Banks, and community food drives, including many in Beverly Hills,” Riutort explained. She emphasized the importance of preventing homelessness and the high need for food assistance in the community, with the organization already serving around 150,000 people annually.
The commission also discussed plans for Kindness Week 2025, which will kick off on Feb. 9. Community Services Manager Joana Torres confirmed partnerships with organizations, including the Midnight Mission, Westside Food Bank, Step Up on Second, Safe Parking L.A. and Foster Love. A previous ad hoc committee had requested including an organization that helps animals in need too, and Torres informed the commission that L.A. Animal Services was still pending and will hopefully be confirmed soon. Beverly Hills High School will participate in storytime and other activities, with a focus on involving students with the community. Torres also confirmed a “Self-Care Saturday” social media campaign run by Commissioner Noelle Batista, who will share inspiration on how to take better care of oneself during the weekends. Further details will be discussed during the next Human Relations Commission meeting in January.
Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse reported on the challenges of securing speakers for the Critical Conversation Speaker Series. The theme is “Unity and Diversity: Stronger Together,” with a focus on dispelling stereotypes and promoting unity. Three speakers have expressed interest, but many have declined or requested compensation. As a result, the commission agreed to postpone setting a date for the series and instead work on securing more local speakers who will not have to travel too far for the event.
