The Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission meeting on April 22 covered a quartet of agenda items, from plants to pickleball to a proposed prize.
Before those topics were discussed, however, the meeting started with a report from Judy Manouchehri, Beverly Hills Unified School District board vice president. The commissioners asked for updates on education technology, athletic facilities and victims of the Palisades wildfires who relocated to local high schools. The district absorbed 46 students—an estimated two-thirds of whom were ninth graders, as some upperclassmen could not transfer their curriculum progress without risking scholarships.
Manouchehri also reiterated her support for recently appointed BHUSD superintendent Alex Cherniss. She characterized his previous management of the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s budget as successful, arguing that Cherniss’ experience in San Marino and Palos Verdes made him a qualified choice.
Cherniss previously served in Beverly Hills as a middle school math teacher, K-8 principal, director of human resources and assistant superintendent of business services.
“Dr. Cherniss’ trajectory is really clear,” Manouchehri said. “Palos Verdes decided to take a different direction on their board, but I believe his skills and vision align with ours.”
Commissioners then hosted KMB Design Studio’s Kari Brooner and Tiffany Mohr for an update on the Greystone Reforestation Project. Originally presented by Public Works Department staff in March 2024, the project has since been modified to its current goals, namely increasing canopies of native trees and reducing invasive species, rather than implementing a dense “tiny forest.”
The ultimately chosen Arboretum-style and botanical garden approach, according to Brooner, would highlight native plants, promote conservation and “aesthetically promote” Greystone Mansion. She told commissioners that the diverse flora would better teach residents about native plants.
In response to a public commenter’s concern about blocked downtown views, Brooner said clearing out the palm trees and some of the pine trees would improve the landscape, since replacements would be lower. Commissioner Zale Richard Rubins requested clarification on whether “the view” meant the neighbors’ view or the mansion’s view, to which Brooner said she was referring to both.
Rubins also pressed the architects on a claim that budgets could be affected by federal tariffs.
“The pricing we have right now is market rate,” Mohr said, making particular note of irrigation systems.
Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse then spoke on updates to the pickleball pilot program. Having taken commissioners’ suggestions from a City Council Liaison in February, Muse’s presentation invited feedback on his proposed court measurements and rules, such as stricter registration limits and banned equipment.
All commissioners were mostly supportive of the guidelines, but at least two requested further details within the rules themselves. Tara Riceberg wanted glass containers specified as a prohibited safety hazard, while Amie Sherry advocated for facility signage asking players to not enter courts before their scheduled times.
“The idea is to respond to concerns about overcrowding and noise,” Muse said. “If you’re not playing, we’re asking that you wait.”
Muse stayed to give an overview of the “Parks Make Life Better” campaign for the month of July. The summary was largely procedural, as most events had already been highlighted in other commissions’ meetings, but it gave the panel a chance to discuss promotional strategy.
The main agenda concluded with a dialogue about the commission’s community award. As interim Recreation Services Manager Adrine Ovasapyan informed the panel that she had only received five nominations (down from 11 last year) and floated the idea of extending the upcoming deadline, Vice Chair JR Dzubak announced his intention to double the total.
“I’ll submit my five later today,” Dzubak said. “Folks from [Rotary Club of Beverly Hills] mentioned it to me; they assumed I’ll just do it for them.”
