During the fifth Straight Talk with Sharona on Aug. 14, Mayor Sharona Nazarian discussed an array of topics with the Director of the Public Works Department, Shana Epstein.
The Straight Talk series invites residents to interact with the mayor and other city officials, learn more about the community and provide input on some of Beverly Hills’ most pressing issues. Past topics have included fire safety with Fire Chief Greg Barton and building skills for success with Director of Community Services Stephanie Harris.
In her conversation with the mayor, Epstein spoke about the functions of the Public Works Department and how it impacts residents daily.
“We’re with you all day, all the way,” said Epstein.
The Public Works Department is responsible for services such as utilities, traffic and streetlights, and the stormwater system. The city’s non-emergency assistance program, AskBH, is also a program of the Public Works Department.
Nazarian asked about some of the department’s sustainability initiatives. WaterSmart, an online water-use tracking tool that was launched earlier this year, is one of the key water efficiency programs under the city’s sustainability initiatives. In recent years, the city has increased its reliance on more energy-efficient infrastructure, such as LED streetlights and solar photovoltaic on the main library, police station, City Hall, and a parking garage structure. Epstein also mentioned that businesses in the city are prohibited from distributing single-use plastic and Styrofoam foodware and are now required to use compostable or recyclable products for those that provide disposable foodware items.
Like the rest of the state, Beverly Hills has adopted more stringent water conservation methods in light of historic drought conditions. Currently, Epstein explained, Public Works is looking for new wells to increase its independence from the Metropolitan Water District to ensure the city has adequate water resources. The city has also encouraged residents to conserve water and has implemented regulations for when watering can be done and how long sprinklers can be turned on.
Epstein explained how the Public Works Department works with other city departments to prepare for and prevent the spread of wildfires, especially since the deadly fires that swept through parts of Los Angeles in January.
“Fighting fires is a team effort,” Epstein stated.
Public Works helps maintain water quality standards, ensure continuous water supply for firefighters and plan for remote water shutoffs in the case of a wildfire. During disasters, the department is responsible for the essential infrastructure that allows for first responders to do their job and keep communities functioning.
Epstein then talked about upcoming projects the department is working on, such as the public safety kiosk center at the Wilshire/La Cienega station, which is set to open later this year. Ongoing projects include pipeline replacement at Coldwater Canyon and selecting new trees to contribute to help grow the city’s urban forest.
Finally, Nazarian briefly spoke to Matthew Brown, Recreation Services Manager, on the topic of coyotes, including how residents can protect themselves and their pets.
“Food, water and shelter are what coyotes look for,” said Brown, who encouraged residents to not leave food or water outside. He also instructed residents to keep their pets on short leashes and indoors as much as possible. When encountering coyotes, Brown said to “make yourself big” through waving arms in the air and making loud noises to “haze” the animal.
Brown explained that the city does not have its own animal control staff but works with the city of Los Angeles and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in dealing with coyotes.
He hopes that through educating the public about safety measures they can adopt when living in a community with coyotes, residents feel more comfortable with coexisting safely in their shared environment.
