Since arriving in 2024, she has overseen several impressive achievements, including the new Terri and Jerry Kohl Artists Pavilion at the Hollywood Bowl and an innovative new leadership system.

Topics of her remarks ranged from a history of the LA Phil to the vision needed to attract younger audiences. 

Noltemy began by noting, “Somebody referenced this as a lunch of music. Unfortunately, I am not a good musician. I cannot play for you. I cannot sing for you, but I can hopefully inspire you to want to go to more concerts and events that the LA Phil presents because we’re definitely a one-of-a-kind organization.” 

The description is an apt one. The LA Phil is the largest orchestra in the world in terms of budget and breadth of activity, with some 350 events per year. 

The orchestra was founded by William Andrews Clark in 1919. 

“There was already an orchestra in town. I don’t know if you all knew that,” said Noltemy. “And Clark felt that they were not open enough and egalitarian enough and he decided to make his own orchestra. And this is the orchestra that survived. And the story of the LA Phil is pretty amazing. There are so many pivotal moments that have made the LA Phil what it is today.”

Today, no other orchestra earns as much revenue. 

Noltemy observes, “The average orchestra in the United States earns about 30% of its whole budget and the rest is through donations. And LA Phil earns 70% of its money through ticket sales and other activities. And 30% of our budget is through donations, which also allows us to be able to build an endowment to make sure that the LA Phil is thriving for decades to come.”

The organization is responsible for four venues: the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford and the Beckmen YOLA Center in Inglewood. The diversity of programming is key to the overall success of the LA Phil. 

Noltemy points out that the LA Phil’s first performance at the Hollywood Bowl took place in 1922. Each summer since then, the venue has attracted an audience that enjoys the more casual, outdoor setting and unique way to experience music that comes with the Bowl. 

“In the ’80s and ’90s, the LA Phil worked really, really hard to make the Hollywood Bowl a venue that actually generated money to support the artistic vision of the LA Phil,” she said. 

The Hollywood Bowl has also hosted some of the organization’s most daring and expensive performances. The star-studded production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in 2025 was mounted at a cost of $1.5 million per night. The sold-out, three-night run was widely praised. 

In many ways, the success of the LA Phil can be traced to a willingness to take risks. Noltemy paid tribute to the vision of her predecessors such as Ernest Fleischmann, who hired Zubin Mehta, and Deborah Borda, who brought on Gustavo Dudamel. Both propelled the LA Phil into global acclaim.

“Zubin Mehta absolutely transformed the orchestra in terms of its level of playing from maybe more of a regional orchestra to an orchestra that was attracting talent from around the world. And of course, Deborah’s brilliant plan to entice Gustavo Dudamel to L.A. was a huge risk. Everyone knows how famous he is now. When Deborah hired him, nobody knew who he was. He was this young guy from Venezuela where they had their own system called El Sistema that trained thousands of people to play classical music at the highest level in the world,” she said.

Dudamel would go on to change the way orchestras operate. 

“He brought a lot of new ideas about music that classical music can have a program that can have a pop star and a classical standard classical piece. You can have new commissions and bring new audiences in and there’s so many things he’s done over the years. All of that history is so important to the future. It informs how we think, what the DNA of the organization is. We operate the Hollywood Bowl and the Ford Theater, which I don’t know if any of you have been. It’s a small venue, but it’s gorgeous. I encourage you to go to a concert there,” said Noltemy.

Five years ago the LA Phil opened the Beckmen YOLA Center as a hub for the YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) program created by Dudamel. 

“It’s almost in its 20th year and 5,000 students have gone through the program. It started small and it’s built up over time. And right now, we have approximately 1,500 students enrolled each year. We help them get into college. We give them counseling for their academics. We do full services to help them succeed in life because they’re part of the LA Phil family and we want to make sure that they go out in the world and do great things for music,” said Noltemy. 

Sometimes, music does great things for the world. 

“On August 23, we’re doing a concert to help raise money for the tragedy in Venezuela. Gustavo is conducting it. There will be all these amazing guest artists and YouTube is going to live stream that for us, but they’re not going to just live stream it. They’re going to have an interactive component and they’re helping us raise money for the cause. And in addition to that, some of the networks will also be carrying that live stream. The radio will be carrying. So, you put all this together and that’s the key. We have to think differently, and we cannot just be thinking in a linear fashion,” said Noltemy. 

“Thinking differently” is what Noltemy has done in connection with the upcoming artistic leadership lineup. Daniel Harding will take the reins as music director for the 2027/28 season when Dudamel departs. 

“Daniel is a brilliant musician. He actually became famous at the age of 16 as a great conductor. He’s 50 now, so he has more experience than some of the 80-year-old conductors do in terms of how long he’s been on the stage. But Daniel brings a different energy and excitement,” said Noltemy.

The LA Phil has also hired a group of great artists in addition to Harding, creating, in Noltemy’s words, “the ultimate market segmentation.” 

“You have Esa-Pekka Salonen who’s actually doing five weeks with us a year, who is the guru of new music, cutting-edge music, adding dance to symphonic. He also loves to do technology with symphonic and he’s working on a collaboration with Data Lab, which just opened across the street from Walt Disney Concert Hall,” said Noltemy.

She added, “You have people like Daniel Harding that specialize in how you can use your actual venue to connect people better with what you do, how you can bring in new personalities, how you can bring in different arts, visual arts, film, all of that. And so, when you put this all together, we have devised a way to figure out how we can reach as many people in Los Angeles as possible. Not with one person, because how can one person do that? How can one person reach everybody? You need all different types of personalities with different focuses and different specialties to reach our incredibly unique and diverse population here in Los Angeles.”

Although he has moved on to a new role at the New York Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel will hold the title of Artistic and Cultural Laureate of the LA Phil and Founding Director and Conductor Laureate of YOLA.

“People were concerned with Gustavo leaving that maybe we wouldn’t be committed to YOLA. YOLA is in our blood now. It so important to what we do. And I would say that one of Daniel Harding’s goals is to take the YOLA orchestra on a tour to all of the Frank Gehry halls around the world,” said Noltemy. 

There are also plenty of minds to open here at home. 

“People laugh when I say that everyone doesn’t have to like classical music. But I don’t want them to say they don’t like it because they heard it in an elevator or something crazy like that. Go to a classical music concert, and if you don’t like it, fine. But give it a try. Most people in the end do like it. It’s important for people to experience a place where they can forget about all the horrible things that happen in the world. You can go into Walt Disney Concert Hall or go to the Hollywood Bowl, and literally forget about all of that for two hours of your life and that is transformation.”  

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The ruling comes in the Petition for Writ of Mandate filed by attorney Daniel Lifschitz, a district parent, against the defendants in January. In the petition, Lifschitz alleges that the BHUSD violated its own bylaws when it voted to install Sabag rather than Board Member Amanda Stern as vice president in December of 2025. 

The petition alleges in pertinent part: 

“On November 5, 2024, Beverly Hills voters elected Dr. Amanda Stern, Sigalie Sabag, and Russell Stuart to the city’s Board of Education. Because Stern received more electoral votes than Sabag and Stuart, she was entitled to be elected as the Board’s vice president in December of 2025 under former Board Bylaw 9100. However, three of the Board’s five members— the individual Defendants in this case—refused to follow Bylaw 9100 out of animus for Dr. Stern. Defendants then conscripted their legal counsel to conduct a pretextual ‘investigation’ of an alleged Brown Act violation by Stern to justify their refusal to follow Bylaw 9100.”

The defendants challenged the petition by demurrer, alleging that the pleadings failed to state a cause of action. In April, the court substantially denied that motion, holding that the mandamus claims were meritorious and approving depositions of the defendants.

In June, Lifschitz filed a motion to compel, arguing that the defendants had failed to cooperate with the discovery requests. 

“Specifically,” the motion states, “Defendants served nonsensical boilerplate objections to Petitioner’s depositions notices mere days before their depositions were scheduled to take place, refused to appear, and informed Petitioner that nothing short of a court order would facilitate their participation.”

Lifschitz obtained that court order on July 21. 

The court ruled that each defendant shall appear for deposition on or before July 31, as well as produce all responsive documents sufficiently in advance of the deposition. The order also limits the defendants’ ability to raise objections based on certain privileges, such as attorney-client. 

In a statement to the Courier, Lifschitz noted, “I’m grateful to the court for helping me vindicate my discovery rights and hopeful that, with a bench trial looming, the district might be prepared to reconsider the wisdom of continuing this fight. If not, I will see the trustees at their respective and imminent depositions.”

A Trial Setting Conference is set in this matter on Aug. 25.   

The post Court Orders Depositions of Manouchehri, Sabag and Stuart appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The L.A. Press Club award winners were announced on June 28 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Courier Publisher Lisa Friedman Bloch earned two first-place awards for her Beverly Hills STYLE® magazine profiles. The summer issue cover story, “Byron Allen: How His Extraordinary Journey Created a Media Empire” (“Allen”) earned first place in the category of “Personality Profile, TV Personalities,” with judges commenting that the piece was “well researched, well written and a great read.” The story also earned a third-place win in the category of “Entertainment News or Feature.”

The holiday cover story, “Gustavo Dudamel: The Legacy of a Megastar Maestro” (“Dudamel”), earned first place in the category of “Personality Profile, Music/Theater Personalities,” with judges commenting, “Bloch’s profile of Gustavo Dudamel shares telling details of the maestro, both from his past and present.”

Additionally, the Courier’s Neely Swanson earned a third-place L.A. Press Club award in the category of “Criticism of Film,” and Courier writer Sam Mulick earned a third-place award in the category of “Best News Writing Campus Issues, Layoffs/Strikes/Protests” for his work as a student journalist at the UCLA Daily Bruin.

The California News Publishers Association released the winners of its California Journalism Awards online. Bloch earned first place in the category of “Arts & Entertainment” coverage and second place in the “Profile” category for the Dudamel profile. Additionally, the holiday edition of Beverly Hills Style® magazine in which the story appeared won first place in the “Print Special Section” category.

Bloch also earned a second place in the “Profile” category and third place in the Arts & Entertainment category for the Allen cover story.

Executive Editor Ana Figueroa’s “Courier Exclusive: Leo Pustilnikov On the Record” earned first place in the category of “Coverage of Local Government” and third place in the category of “Housing and Land-Use Reporting.”

Swanson earned first place in the category of “Film and TV Writing/Reporting,” and Courier contributor Eva Ritvo, M.D., earned a second-place award in the category of “Health Reporting.”

The Courier also earned a third-place distinction in the category of “General Excellence” and fourth place in the category of “Print Special Section Cover.”

Sidebar:

The award-winning profile of maestro Gustavo Dudamel in Beverly Hills STYLE® magazine described his dedication to philanthropic causes. This week, in response to the devastating earthquake in his native Venezuela, Dudamel has partnered with the United Nations to raise relief funds and is planning an international concert for the cause. More information is available at https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaGqwp1Pdgk/.

The post Courier Wins 15 Journalism Awards appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Stainbrook spoke candidly with the Courier during an exclusive interview this week about the privileges and challenges of leading the force. 

Courier: Many people are sorry to see you leave, chief. 

Stainbrook:  Well, there’s always people that are sorry to see you go, and there’s people who are happy to see you go (laughs).

Courier: I don’t know about that. But everyone agrees that you will have a lasting impact on the city, beginning with the Real Time Watch Center. Most residents are familiar with its overall concept, but may not know its backstory. Can you explain it to us?

Stainbrook:  Sure. Well, prior to being appointed to the chief position, I recognized the city had incredible potential to use technology to fight crime, but I think the potential was underutilized. The use of law enforcement drones at that time, 4½ years ago, was in its infancy. And then we had cameras, but no one was monitoring them. So, I think I always fully intended to set up a command center using those technologies based on my military experiences overseas. I just didn’t know how long that would take. 

Courier:  As it turns out, you implemented things much faster than you anticipated, correct?

Stainbrook:  When the Jacqueline Avant murder occurred on my first day as chief, I knew that we had to move faster than expected because crime was completely out of control in the city. And not only that, but in the county and the region, even the entire state. The City Council was amazing in giving us the funding and support to execute on that mission. The concept of using cameras and drones and license plate readers together was really kind of formed by our early successes. For example, once a wanted vehicle entered the city and was identified by the ALPR, the Automated License Plate Reader, that it was stolen or wanted, we immediately deployed drones and cameras to watch it and then direct the officers in to stop the car.

In almost all of those arrests, there were also guns in the car, narcotics, stolen property or burglary tools. So, you know they were going to commit additional crimes in the city. Sometimes the people in the car were on probation or parole or had warrants. In that sense, we were preventing future crimes, because we knew if these people are coming to the city, they’d already committed crimes, they were going to commit crimes again. So, I think that was key. All of the technologies individually are good and have their purposes, but when you use them in an integrated manner and then now, when a person calls, we hear the call inside the Real Time Watch Center, we can geolocate them on a map and that helps us get the officers to the right place, and it’s kind of an incredible system.

Courier:  What you have done by combining all these technologies has resonated throughout the greater law enforcement community, hasn’t it?

Stainbrook:  I think people should understand that we have not just changed law enforcement in the city; we’ve changed law enforcement in the country, maybe internationally. This idea of coordinating ground units with technology has been a game-changer, and it’s being adopted across the country.

We’ve ushered in a new era of policing with the Real Time Watch Center concept. I think it will be studied for years. I think as of recently, we’ve had almost 600 local, state and federal agencies as well as the military come to see what we’re doing. Tomorrow, we have Finland, the Consul General of Finland to come see it. When you think about the history of policing and technology, Beverly Hills has actually been part of ushering in a new era of law enforcement in America, and it took a team to get it done. 

Courier:  Would you say that the success of the Real Time Watch Center was your proudest accomplishment, or would it be bringing down the crime rate?

Stainbrook:  So, both of those were certainly a highlight. The crime reductions have been incredible. Over 34% for the Real Time Watch Center, plus our arrests have increased 22%. And that happened before there was a new district attorney who’s amazingly supportive and before Prop 36 passed [which increased penalties for repeat offenders]. So, we were doing it much before that. But I think one of the highlights is my leading the Beverly Hills Police Foundation. I’ve raised over $1 million for education and emergency benefits for all the members of the department. And that’s been a huge thing because we give out $100,000 in educational benefits to employees and their families every year. If an employee has a catastrophic illness or injury that we can help with, we do that. And I think the second thing is just watching the department grow over the last 4½ years. Seeing 240 employees grow and develop in professionalism and knowledge, giving them the very best equipment and training to serve the community. And the technology’s great, but it’s our people that still have to go out there and do the job every day and they do it really proudly with a lot of dedication. So, I’m just honored to be part of that experience.

Courier:  Can you describe how the policing needs of the city have evolved over the past 4 ½ years? 

Stainbrook:  Well, street crime is down significantly. But I think there’s still those quality-of-life issues like homelessness, street racing and loud cars. We have to be prepared for all the major events here like FIFA and then the Olympics coming up. But really one of the things you’re seeing now is more cybercrime. There are more people that get their identity stolen or involved in fraud or hacking or scams or child predators. So as street crime goes down, technology has helped us keep street crime down but also helps enable cybercrime.

Courier:  How has the proliferation of AI affected the work you do?

Stainbrook: AI is something that we will have to deal with in law enforcement to use for good, but also understand that criminals will be using artificial intelligence for potentially bad things. Sticking broadly to the area of cybercrime, of course children and our elderly are probably the two most vulnerable populations. Parents really need to understand who their kids are talking to online because pictures and videos can be fake. And then the older population who may not be as technologically proficient may fall for a scam where somebody says they need money or that they need to pay their bill, which is common. We do see that quite a bit. So, if you think something’s not quite right or it feels a little bit off, remember nobody should be asking you for money or cash or cards via text or over the phone. 

Courier: Let’s talk about the Metro D Line station. Are you confident in the public safety measures that have been implemented there? 

Stainbrook:  Absolutely. Look, we’ve worked diligently for over three years to secure the new Metro station. It is a model for every Metro station on the line, and it has the most resources of any Metro station. First, it’s the only one that has a Public Safety Building, and they’re building the new one on the station. And yes, we’ve staffed it with a Community Service Officer who’s trained to take reports, radio in calls and intervene when appropriate. But it’s also a place where our officers can come and do reports and spend some time, but we want officers in the field. Additionally, we’ve made an agreement with LAPD. We have LAPD officers at the station 24/7, two officers and a sergeant, and we put extra patrol units over there, extra Covered 6 units. And using technology, we’re integrating the Metro cameras with the Real Time Watch Center, and we’re putting drone operations over there, and now our drone operations can go 24/7 when needed. So, there are so many resources over there. And in the first month of operation, we’ve had very few crimes or major issues involving the Metro. As a matter of fact, no major issues. So, I’m very proud and happy of what we’ve been able to accomplish at the Metro station. 

Courier: You mentioned Covered 6, which is one of the private security firms with a city contract. You have been a big advocate for these types of services, can you explain why? 

Stainbrook:  That system was set up before I came here, so I don’t know the historical details. But I will say that what it does is free the officers up to do what they do best, which is fighting crime, working on traffic issues and keeping them in the field. For example, I used to have to put an officer in the City Council every night when they had a meeting. Now I put a Covered 6 person there so I can have that officer doing detective work in the field. I think that public-private partnership really is probably the wave of the future. A law enforcement officer is very expensive, and we don’t have enough of them because it takes so long to background them, train them, get them in the field, and today’s generation may not want to spend 30 years in law enforcement. We balance that by giving them the time and freedom they need to do their job by working in partnership with private security. So, it’s a very, very good system, especially for a small city that can’t move around 8-10,000 police officers when we have big events like the Father’s Day car show or we have protests. So, supplementing our officers with a trained security guard force has proven to be very effective.

Courier:  You mentioned the concept of career law enforcement. Are you happy with your record on hiring and retaining officers? It is a challenge for departments across the country and Beverly Hills is not immune, right?

Stainbrook:  Well, it has been proven tough nationally to hire police officers after COVID and after some of the social things that happened. But Beverly Hills pays very well. We give great bonuses. We’ve really been increasing our marketing campaign, and we have a number of recruits in the process. And we continue to do fun things. At the Father’s Day car show, we had a Batmobile out there and we just hired Anderson Silva, the UFC fighter, as a volunteer and soon-to-be reserve officer. So, I think those things show what a cutting-edge, unique department it is. I think our knock has been, it’s a hard place to get to. If you have to live an hour or two away, it makes it difficult even with the extra pay. The newer generation is really focused on lifestyle and family and quality time. And so, we’ll continue to face those challenges, but I think we’ll find the right people. I’d rather find the right people for Beverly Hills that meet our exacting standards. Even our educational standards have been higher than every other police department. We’d rather get quality versus quantity.

Courier:  I do need to ask about some of the challenges of your tenure. Last year, you were the subject of a “no-confidence” vote by the police union and later received a cease-and-desist letter from them. How did you address the union’s concerns, and do you feel any of them were justified? 

Stainbrook: So, I’ll just say broadly that police chiefs have to balance many competing constituencies. You have to keep the City Council happy, as well as the city manager, the community, the cops, and our civilian employees. I have to keep them happy and focused on the mission, and sometimes those groups disagree. Sometimes there are really challenging issues like contract negotiations and the chief gets stuck in the middle of all those competing constituencies. Leadership requires tough decisions, and I made tough decisions. In the end, I think we worked hard, and everyone continued to communicate and the city entered into a very generous contract with the Police Officers Association. As I retire, I think we’re in a good place, and I think the current POA board is ready to work closely with the new chief and move forward. I’ve always personally tried to have good relationships with the union and always keep the lines of communication open, but it’s hard. Any business that has worked with unions understands they’re fighting for their members, but the chief works for the city and must represent the city’s interests. 

Courier:  As you leave this position, can you tell us what Beverly Hills has represented in the overall arc of your career? 

Stainbrook:  Being the police chief of Beverly Hills has been the highlight of my career and the ultimate achievement. I mean, I’m a country boy from Maryland, so for me to ever have thought that I could be the police chief of Beverly Hills is just unbelievable. And when I first came here, I think initially you’re captured by the glitz and glamour of Rodeo Drive and downtown. But then you realize this is a community that has deep generational roots and so supportive of the police and fire and schools and you may not get that in every community. So, to work in a community that has that level of support and then has the resources to do what we’ve done in terms of technology and keeping people safe and getting our officers to call so fast and giving them all this information ahead of time. I mean, we’ve been able to change policing and that’s what Beverly Hills should be known for. It should be somewhere where you can change the future. You can literally impact the future of the world in a positive way because we have those resources and we have the community that can do it. And so, I’m just proud to have been a part of all that. And anything I feel I’ve done well, it’s been a team effort and I’ve been blessed to work with amazing people.

Courier:  Do you have any regrets as you leave? Are there goals you did not accomplish?

Stainbrook:  The only regret or frustration is from the state level, from the governor’s office. I’ve been on the California Police Chiefs Association for the last almost two years. They make it very hard to police and keep criminals in jail and have thrown every obstacle in our way. And maybe I’ll get to work on some of that after I retire. But it’s been a great frustration. Thankfully, now at least we have a good DA, and we are lobbying in terms of the California Police Chiefs Association at the state level to ask the legislature to make common sense laws and laws that support our police officers on the ground.

Courier:  You are still pretty young, are you really retiring? I suppose once you have been the Beverly Hills police chief, where do you go from there? Tell us about your plans.

Stainbrook: Well, I entered military service when I was 17 in June of 1986. So, this month, it’s kind of appropriate that I leave public service 40 years later. But I haven’t had a job in 40 years where I wasn’t wearing a uniform serving my country or my community. And the military and law enforcement to me have been so much fun. Now I need to decide what to do when I grow up (laughs). For now, I’m just going to take some time with my family and friends and see what the universe has in store for me and then I’ll make some decisions over the next couple months.

Courier:  Will you keep a presence in Beverly Hills? Will we see you around? 

Stainbrook:  I was just telling the Rotary Club yesterday that I’m still living in Century City and my phone number will be the same for anybody that needs to contact me. And I do plan to be in touch and do some things in the city that will hopefully be unique and interesting and in line with the mission and goal of Beverly Hills. That’s my goal unless a job or something else interesting takes me afield.

Courier:  What advice do you have for your newly announced successor, Capt. Max Subin? 

Stainbrook: I’m very proud of Max and excited for him. Max is the ultimate community police chief. He has been very engaged throughout his career and is super well known in the city. I am looking forward to watching him take over and do wonderful things as the chief of police of Beverly Hills. Max is taking over a professional department and will be able to shape the vision going forward. He will be very lucky in that regard and that he has the support of this amazing Beverly Hills community. 

The post Stainbrook Signs Off | Exclusive Courier Interview with Outgoing BHPD Chief appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Courier: The election is two weeks away, but many voters in the city are still undecided about their top three choices. In a crowded field that includes two incumbents and others with years of service in the city, why does Russell Stuart deserve a place on the podium? 

Stuart:  I ran two years ago for City Council as truly, you know, an unknown person. A breath of fresh air when it came to my kind of almost hammer-like honesty. And I think that because I don’t have any political background, I don’t have any political training, if you want to call it that. But, once you get into office, you’ve got to learn how the machine works. The proof was in the pudding when I had a lot of parents reach out to me after my loss who said, “Hey, we really loved your messaging, and we loved how passionate that you were, and you just ticked off a lot of boxes.”  I’m a parent, I’m a business owner, I have a public safety background. I’ve got all of these elements that a lot of people were basically saying, “Would you be interested in running for school board?” I was like, “Absolutely.”  

So then when I was convinced to run for school board and then I won the election, I just got this real massive eye-opener. Obviously, City Hall is different than the school board, but technically in its governance systems, it’s fairly similar.

Courier: You have incited some controversy as a BHUSD board member from early on in your tenure, beginning with your “DOGE” social media post. Do you think criticism of you is warranted? 

Stuart:  I showed up with my hammer-and-nail style kind of honesty of doing things. I just sat down and said, “Let’s open up the books; let’s look at our best practices. Where are we spending money? Where are we losing money? Why has the Beverly Hills Unified School District been failing for almost a decade?” 

Someone filed a recall against me in my first month. It didn’t go anywhere because it was an emotional reaction. Not to the fact that I was doing something wrong. It was an emotional reaction to change. Even though my ideas were, I don’t see them as radical, but they were radical just because they were so different. I didn’t see them as different. I saw them as common sense. But, for instance, you guys ran the story, there was big pushback on the Nike contract.

Courier:  Yes, we did cover the deal that you spearheaded for Nike to supply uniforms and other equipment to students. Not all board members supported or even knew about it.  People questioned the high cost, and whether it was a good look for students to be promoting a brand. You understand the concern, right? 

Stuart: So, when I got the pushback on the Nike contract, and it was pretty extreme, it really confused me. It confused me because our mission as board members is to improve the lives of the students. It didn’t have to be Nike or Adidas or any other specific brand. It had to be a reinvigoration of the athletics program. When I was running for the school board, I had many parents say, “My daughter is in volleyball, or my son is in basketball, and our kids look like they’re in a homeless shelter.”  And, of course, just because of my hammer-and-nail style, I came to my colleagues and said, “You know, I would love to make an investment in the athletic program. There’s a partnership deal that we can sign with Nike.”

It got major pushback because, again, there’s been a trajectory at the school district to be more on the progressive front and to not focus on certain things that might be a bit more, you know, male dominated. 

Of course I got the talk about, “You can’t be that aggressive. You need to ease things in. There’s no hurry, da, da, da, da, da.”  But, when Nike shipped the first batch of uniforms for football, it changed the culture completely. And it not only brought back a commitment to excellence to kids, it brought back community spirit, it brought back camaraderie.

Courier: After you were elected to the BHUSD school board, you did publicly state that you would serve out your term. Why did you decide to abandon that promise and make this City Council run?

Stuart: Because of John Mirisch’s empty seat. I’ve loved every minute of the BHUSD board, even some of the fights and controversial stuff. I don’t mind that because we’re moving the ship forward. But when John’s seat came up, people started to call me. John has always been known as the more conservative voice on the City Council. And that is why there are countless historical 4-1 votes. If we lose that seat to someone who is more of a “go along to get along kind of person,” or someone who’s more a part of the machine, you’re going to lose that opposition vote, or sometimes, in my opinion, the common sense vote. 

Courier: So, you see yourself as someone who’s needed to bring a common sense viewpoint. It is safe to say that it is a conservative Republican viewpoint, or is there another way to describe your ideology? I ask because even though the seat is nonpartisan, you do bring partisanship into the conversation quite a bit. 

Stuart: I was endorsed by the Republican Party for this run. I’ve always been a Republican. I’ve always voted conservative, yet I consider myself a modern conservative. And this is one of the most partisan towns I’ve ever been in. I mean, look at the people that attacked me at the school board. I don’t need to look up what their party affiliation is; I already know because they wear it like a badge of honor. 

People take a stand and people take sides and for me I am a very proud modern conservative, not the MAGA ultra-right movement. The modern conservative just stands for common sense. And I wanna get back to what we did at the school district. A lot of the people that I’ve been speaking to in the community have said, “Russ if you could do at City Hall what you did in your first year at the school district, you’ll change everything.” 

Courier:  We know a fair amount about the current members of the City Council, their backgrounds and career paths. We know very little about Russell Stuart. You were born in Canada, came to Beverly Hills about 20 years ago and are now a business owner and BHUSD Board Member. Can you fill in some of the blanks about your life’s journey?

Stuart:  I was in the production space for several years, and I was working in a security capacity with my clients. The reality TV world is quite toxic. So, I had the opportunity to transition into something that I still had a passion for, which was on the private security front. I did have some clients from my reality past, then I transitioned mainly into the music touring security world, where I worked with a bunch of major artists. I still do that. My company still sends people out on to music tours. And then I served nine, nine and a half years in the California State Guard. 

Courier: What about your educational background? I know you’ve taken many courses at local community colleges. Do you have a college degree? 

Stuart: I did not complete a degree, but I did take a considerable number of college courses. I graduated from the reserve police Academy at El Camino College, which is a part of my college credits. I also studied Public Safety and Law Enforcement at West LA College. I deal with law enforcement every day in my day job, not only on the security front, but obviously on the firearms front. I wanted to expand my knowledge of my own industry rather than really focusing on going to a college and getting a degree. I mean, sure. You know, I could have. But I’m very pleased with the education that I’ve gotten.

Courier: You presently own a gun business that sells to individual law enforcement officers, including those from the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD). Do you plan to continue selling guns to members of the BHPD if you are elected to the City Council? 

Stuart:  Yes. I would obviously make sure that anything I would be doing was kosher, but to individual police officers, yeah. It’s not funded by the city. It’s funded by the officers themselves. I don’t give, you know, freebies to cops. They still go through the same background check as everyone else, and they must have their proper documentation and a proper ID. 

Courier: You have launched an online news publication that covers the city, including news about you. If elected to the City Council, do you plan to maintain a website with clickable ads, that reports on the city and your own actions?

Stuart:  You know, it’s not me. It’s done by an AI agent and it writes based upon press releases. So, when you see something on the school district, it is based upon the press release that’s put out by the school district. Read it if you want, don’t read it if you don’t want. It’s a work in progress, but I think that there is a future in AI journalism. 

Courier:  All the City Council candidates are echoing concerns about public safety. What unique ideas do you have, and how would you implement them?

Stuart:  We all know that public safety is everyone’s number one concern. So just simply saying, “I’m for public safety,” that’s the catch-all phrase. What are the issues internally [at BHPD] that you’re not speaking about? Issues that are going to affect recruiting, scheduling, mental health, equipment, technology, all of these different things go into what builds a proper law enforcement agency that keeps us safe. And the fact that I’ve been able to not only have some closer relationships with officers just in what I do for a living, but I’ve said, “Talk to me, tell me what’s needed, what’s happening on the ground.” I’m expecting, we all are expecting these people to take a bullet for us, yet I don’t see anyone sitting down with cops.

Courier:  The Wilshire/La Cienega station has only been open for two weeks. You have ridden the Metro and say that you’re especially concerned about what you’re seeing. What changes would you implement?

Stuart: I took the train, and you know, some people there were totally fine. Some people I was quite concerned about. I had to step over a homeless guy who almost got into a fight with a couple that had to walk around him. I went to the Community Service Officer and told him about it. You have a person whose sole job is to do what I could have done by calling 911, it almost defeats the purpose.

So having police there, not uniformed personnel, but having police there would be my number one thing. I would change that day one. I have clients who will tell you nightmare stories of what the 4th and Main Street train station did. When the train gets let off at like three o’clock in the morning, all of the wandering zombies come off the train. That’s not to be too disrespectful to the homeless, but there are many, you know, homeless who are mentally ill and on substances that then turn into not themselves.

But again, on the police front, we need a culture change. And again, that truly sets me apart because I understand these people. I did the same thing at the school district. I said, “I’m not here to blame or point fingers. I’m here to fix it.” And that is why no matter what headline that you read of whatever tasty morsel that the papers like the print, as a whole the school district has not done better in a generation. 

Courier:  The state found last year that BHUSD failed to properly address racially motivated behavior at El Rodeo. The district is in litigation over racial harassment and discrimination claims, as well as for its selection of vice president. Is this consistent with “doing better?”

Stuart: The Ivory case is from the MAGA rally at the high school. Yeah. So that was on Election Day, or it could be the day after. I wasn’t even certified. Collins-Williams, I’m not gonna talk about this particular case. If you look at the timeline, that happened prior. Or even the other African American family and their daughter who got the appeal from the state that happened, I believe, two and a half years ago. Romeo Carey was placed on leave prior to the election. So, these are all cases when, if you want to talk about the quote-unquote new MAGA board, all of these things happened not on the MAGA board’s watch. So, the only thing that is current is the vote with Dr. Stern. They are pursuing what they believe is a righteous fight to install Amanda Stern back to her rightful place. Unfortunately, our lawyers and our board do not agree with his standing on it. So that’s about as best as I can say.

When you look at how certain leaders of our city view me, they’re not viewing me on the district lawsuits. Look at the endorsements I have from the Police Department and the Fire Department, I’m right there with Sharona and Lester. They’re looking at my commitment to my craft, which is leadership. 

Courier: You aren’t holding traditional campaign events and haven’t raised much money compared to other candidates. What do you see as your path to victory? 

Stuart:  I’ve not been doing the traditional campaign. What is different is that I have close to 6,000 parents that are involved in the school district. Their kids’ lives are directly associated with decisions that I have made over the last 18 months. I do talk to a lot of people, I have a lot of surrogates, hundreds of surrogates who also speak to their neighbors. 

If I don’t win, I know that the city will be in good hands because the one thing that all the candidates care about is the future of our city. But where I know that I have skills that others don’t is drive. There is a drive that people that know me will tell you about. Yeah, some people call me the “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” guy. I’m totally fine with that title, because with a $24 million deficit, and law enforcement that we can’t staff, and a train that’s already proving to be a problem, and future problems, I think we’re at the “break glass-in-case-of-emergency” stage right now.  

The post Russell Stuart on the Record appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The Beverly Hills City Hall is included in the series as a symbol of California, home to one of the more famous expanses of the iconic “Mother Road.” The David J. Schwartz photograph portrays the historic Art Deco-style building framed by palm trees. Other depicted scenes feature vintage neon signs, historic diners and desert roadways along the route.

Stretching some 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 combined a patchwork of mostly unpaved roads through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. It deliberately meandered across the country to connect smaller rural communities together. In the past century, it has served as a lifeline for those seeking new opportunities during the Great Depression; transformed the trucking industry and stood as a symbol of postwar optimism, freedom and the open road. It was immortalized with a recording by Nat King Cole, “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” in 1946 and a 1960s TV series of the same name. 

Though the interstate highway system eventually bypassed the route, about 85% of it is still drivable. More than 250 buildings, bridges, road alignments and sites along the highway are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Countless private and public organizations have worked to preserve stretches of the road and the small towns along the way. State and federal programs, including the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program are working to ensure its legacy, as well. 

The Route 66 stamps are issued in a pane of 16. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.  

The post Beverly Hills City Hall Honored as Part of Route 66 Stamp Series appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The boundaries of the senate district encompass Beverly Hills plus a swath of the Southland from the eastern edge of Hollywood to the Ventura County line in Westlake Village, then across the Santa Monica Mountains to Malibu and down the coast to Rancho Palos Verdes. 

Goldsmith himself grew up in Brentwood, but Beverly Hills is his lodestar. He has lived in the city with his wife and two children for the past decade. His family roots date back seven decades, leaving imprints on the city’s landscape that include The Bram Goldsmith Theater at The Wallis and Bram Goldsmith Way. 

At 44, Goldsmith is poised to write the next chapter in the family legacy. 

A graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School, Goldsmith has made a name for himself as an award-winning journalist, tech entrepreneur and Democratic consultant. He has helped elect several high-profile Democrats to office. That work is now reciprocated in the form of megawatt party endorsements from the likes of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (a friend since their Harvard days) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi. He’s earned the support of the L.A. Police Protective League, CAL FIRE, two major entertainment unions and myriad local elected officials as well. 

With six weeks until the June 2 primary, Goldsmith faces a crowded field and a tough race. He spoke with the Courier about what motivated him to run at this time, and the ideas that can make a difference in Sacramento. 

Courier: You are a resident of Beverly Hills, and that makes you a favorite son in this race. For those readers who still may not know you very well, what are the strongest arguments for your candidacy?

Goldsmith:  I think it’s important that people recognize that all the big issues that affect residents of Beverly Hills, public education, public safety, fighting antisemitism and promoting economic development, go through Sacramento even more than they go through Washington, D.C. I want to wake people up to the importance of these state offices for our prosperity, our quality of life, our safety, and that’s why this election is so important. 

People in Beverly Hills care so deeply about the quality of our neighborhoods, about the quality of our public services, and I want to make sure to protect those both from Washington, D.C. and from Sacramento, both of which have overreached in ways that have hurt Beverly Hills. I am raising my two little kids here and am committed to the future of this community. 

Courier: You’ve had a varied and successful career thus far. Why did you decide that now is the time to run for office?

Goldsmith: I think we’re at an inflection point in our state. We’re going to have a new governor and a lot of new legislators. We’re going to have a challenging fiscal situation. We have Washington, D.C., which has decided to make life as hard as possible for California. And then we have a lot of festering problems here in the state that we have nobody but ourselves to blame. 

I’ve always been very interested in politics and policy. I covered those areas as a journalist, and then left to go to law school, decided to start a business and launched a startup after I graduated instead of practicing at a firm. That did introduce me to how unnecessarily difficult we make it for small businesses in California. I believe in high standards for our businesses. I believe in California values, but I also think that if it gets so difficult, so expensive, there is a breaking point. So that’s an important piece of this moment, too. 

Courier:  Continuing with that topic of state regulation, here in Beverly Hills, there is a lot of frustration with the Builder’s Remedy provision of state housing law. Many see it as unacceptable interference with local control. What is your view?

Goldsmith:  I think this is an important example of Sacramento overreach and pushing a one-size-fits-all policy on a big, diverse, complicated state of 40 million people. What works in San Francisco may not work with the environmental risks, the fire risks, the land use patterns of this district. And I’m not one of these people who denies that we need a lot more affordable housing. We do. We need a lot more affordable housing and a lot more workforce housing so that our public servants like fire, police and teachers can live closer to the communities that they serve. But I think we’ve been in a decade-long experiment of blowing up local planning and zoning and having the state take it over. And it has not worked. 

Courier: What solutions would you propose in Sacramento?

Goldsmith:  We need a serious strategy to grow the number of more affordable units in a way that’s smart and where it makes sense. Some of the solutions I propose are, number one: we have a lot of empty commercial properties that are just sitting there creating blight. We can learn from what Manhattan has done over the last several years and do some smart commercial-to-residential conversions. Number two, I think the state and the county need to kick in publicly held land that is being underutilized; kick it in at a below-cost land lease to affordable developers to change the economics so that we can build the affordable units that are required. 

Another solution that I’ve talked about quite a bit is the way we’re building. We don’t do anything else the way we did it 50 years ago. Why are we building multifamily the way we did it 50 years ago? Enormous strides have been made in modular and manufactured housing that lower the cost and speed the process. 

I also think the RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Assessment) process needs to be more reasonable. I mean, most people have no idea where these numbers are coming from. In some places they make sense; in some places they really don’t. 

Courier:  In addition to land use planning, you’ve also indicated that education is a top priority. Can you describe some of your ideas?

Goldsmith:  I want to scale the best practices from our highest performing districts, and make sure that every kid in California does well at third grade reading and math because that’s one area where we’re really lagging. People used to move to this state because we had some of the best K-12 schools in America. Now in the aggregate, we’re underperforming Mississippi and Alabama for poor kids in these critical markers of reading and math. 

I want to make sure that districts like Beverly Hills are getting the resources that they need. I believe in fairness; I believe in sending resources to where they’re needed the most, but I think the funding formula has gotten so unbalanced that districts like Beverly Hills, districts in the South Bay are really getting shortchanged. They’re not being provided any resources for special education, for example. And I don’t care how wealthy the district is, special needs kids aren’t getting the resources that they need. 

Courier: You have also said that the fires in the Palisades and Malibu influenced your decision to run. Can you elaborate?

Goldsmith:  The fires hit quite close to home. I grew up in Brentwood. I still have a lot of friends who lost their homes, businesses and schools in those fires, and we now know they weren’t a natural disaster at all. It was totally preventable. Government at all levels failed before, during, and after, and it was yet one more example of good intentions, but bad outcomes and results. 

Courier:  District 24 is so far-reaching in geographic terms. What are the most pressing issues that affect the constituency as a whole? 

Goldsmith:  I would say the biggest issue is affordability. Even if somebody was lucky enough to buy a home in this area in the ‘70s, ‘80s or ‘90s, they’re deeply worried about their kids and their grandkids being able to live anywhere near them. So, I would say that’s the number one issue across the district. 

Number two, there’s a lot of concern about public safety, and people ask, ‘Well, why is that?’ The numbers overall seem to be moving in the right direction. The answer is that it’s very uneven. I was in the Sawtelle Neighborhood Council meeting a few weeks ago, and those numbers are all moving in the wrong direction. People shouldn’t have to afford private security in order to feel safe in their communities. 

Courier: What can you do as a State Senator to address those safety concerns?

Goldsmith:  Well, we have to support law enforcement, number one. We have to fully fund Prop 36, which I supported, and make sure that cities and counties have the resources to provide people pathways toward rehabilitation. I think there have to be clear and certain consequences if people repeatedly break the law, especially if they’re professional criminals or gang members and the like. But you also want to prevent crime as much as possible by investing in afterschool programs, investing in nonprofits like Homeboy Industries that take somebody coming out of prison and give them jobs and opportunities. So, I think we really have to attack this issue holistically and not just after a crime has occurred. 

Courier:  What can you say to residents who are very concerned about safety risks with the new Metro Station opening in a few weeks? 

Goldsmith:  I’m a supporter of mass transit, but I think it is a classic California problem to spend tens of billions of dollars on mass transit and then not spend tens of millions of dollars to make sure it’s safe and people will ride it. And I know a lot of people, women in particular, who are nervous about riding these trains because they’ve done it once, and they don’t feel they’ve been secure. We have to provide funding and can’t just leave it to the cities. I know Beverly Hills is going to spend a lot of money stationing officers, running patrols and the like around the stations, but the state should be stepping up, too, with a steady stream of security funding to make sure that these trains are used by the widest possible ridership. We’ve spent all this money building out this incredible infrastructure. People should feel safe using it. 

Courier: Homelessness remains one of the most serious concerns throughout the region. For the most part, solutions have thus far eluded local elected officials. What would your approach be if elected to the State Senate?

 Goldsmith:  I think too many people have been satisfied to manage the problem rather than trying to solve the problem. In the richest state, the richest country, nobody should spend a single night outside, period. And how do we make that happen? I think there are a few things that we need to do. Number one, we must dramatically scale up safe, clean, dignified shelter, which can be built at one-tenth the cost of these permanent units. We should do a lot more with tiny homes, manufactured homes and temporary shelter, which is so much nicer than it used to be. And we need to say to people, if we have the shelter capacity, it is no longer a choice to stay on the street. We’re going to enforce our anti-camping laws so long as we have a place for people to go. 

And then, we’ve got to scale up our services. LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority) has been a disaster. The state has spent at least $24 billion on homeless services. Newsom says it’s down 9% statewide. A lot of people don’t believe that. But regardless, even if that’s true, that is a wildly unacceptable outcome for the scale of money that we’re spending, 

And we should demand better. I think the solution is already here. If you go down to Skid Row and you talk to the Downtown Women’s Center or Hope the Mission, all these different projects and nonprofits are really doing an extraordinary job and are transparent and accountable to their funders every year. What you hear from them is either that they take state money, and it’s an enormous pain, and they’re having to spend hours and hours on paperwork and bureaucracy; or they won’t take state money, because it’s so much of a pain, it’s not worth it. And my attitude is, if Sacramento is making it so difficult that these groups are not taking the money, it’s Sacramento that ought to change because these groups are proven, they’re effective. We ought to scale them up so that they can help everybody. 

Look at what Matt Mahan’s been able to accomplish in San Jose, unsheltered homelessness is down one-third in three years. Look at what Daniel Lurie has already accomplished in less than two years in San Francisco, I think they’re down about 20%. It’s not a mystery how you do this. It’s a mystery why we keep repeating the same failed strategy. 

Courier: Another issue very much on readers’ minds is the rise in antisemitism. Some steps have been taken by Sacramento, such as the passage of AB 715, which took effect in January. Some critics argue that this attempt to curb antisemitism in schools is a restriction of free speech. What is your position?

Goldsmith:  I’m a strong supporter. I think we desperately need people in Sacramento who are champions of our Jewish community at a time when antisemitism has hit record levels. I lobbied members of the legislature to pass AB 715 last year. I thought it was mission critical. This is a landmark piece of legislation to protect K-12 students from hate and harassment based on who they are. This community, which has so many Jewish synagogues and vibrant Jewish communities across the district, needs a representative in Sacramento who is going to fight to protect us and take on all of the efforts to water down or weaken this law. And that’s exactly what I would do. That’s one of the reasons why the Legislative Jewish Caucus has endorsed me; why Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur, who’s the sponsor of that legislation, has endorsed me. It’s why Councilmember John Mirisch and Mayor Craig Corman endorsed me. I’m very proud of the fact that in addition to the people I just mentioned, State Senator Henry Stern, who’s been a real champion of the Jewish community, has endorsed me. District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who doesn’t normally weigh in on this kind of race, stepped in to endorse me. 

I am a strong supporter of this law, and I have opponents who will either duck it or who will come out against it. And I think that’s a clear choice for the voters in this election.  

The post The Courier Interview: Candidate and Local Resident Brian Goldsmith on His State Senate Race appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The question is, who will that person be?

Many polls show L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman as the strongest contender for that slot, followed by reality TV star Spencer Pratt. Community organizer Rae Huang and tech entrepreneur Adam Miller are polling in the single digits, but an unusually high percentage of voters are still undecided.  

Miller has embarked on a multichannel informational strategy to introduce himself to the public. He launched his second TV ad this week, emphasizing his background in business, nonprofit and tech. His message: He is the only candidate with a record of results that can change City Hall.  

That record is certainly extensive. Miller is the founder and former CEO of Cornerstone OnDemand (NASDAQ: CSOD). Launched on a shoestring, he spent two decades building the company into a global leader in education software with 3,000 employees in 25 global offices. After selling Cornerstone to private equity in 2021 for more than $5 billion, he turned his attention to civic and nonprofit initiatives. 

Miller co-founded Better Angels, a nonprofit that has served 12,000 unhoused, helped prevent 1,500 evictions and is developing affordable housing units. He served as Chairman of the Board of Team Rubicon for a decade, helping to scale it into one of the largest veteran-led global disaster response organizations in the country with 180,000 volunteers. He also created LA-Tech.org, which connects more than 2,000 underserved youth across South and East L.A. to internships in the tech sector.

Miller holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS from the Wharton School of Business, as well as a JD from the UCLA School of Law and an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. He is also a CPA and passed the Series 7 exam.

The Courier recently spoke with Miller about why he may be the dark horse to bet on in the L.A. mayor’s race.

Courier: With a little more than six weeks to go until the primary, you are becoming better known but are still polling in the single digits. For those who have not heard your campaign message, describe in a nutshell why you are the best qualified in this field to run the city of Los Angeles.

Miller: Our city is broken. And we need somebody who can fix it. And that’s got to be somebody with operational experience, somebody that knows how to manage big budgets, somebody that knows how to lead big teams and lots of people. And I am the only candidate who has that qualification. So, I am best prepared and best able to turn the city around. 

Courier: Other businessmen have been unsuccessful in this endeavor. Rick Caruso, for example, spent many, many millions of dollars and did not prevail against a career politician. What makes you think that you can do it? 

Miller: So, three big differences versus 2022. Number one is just the time. The environment’s very different in ‘22 versus ‘26. Number two, Karen Bass in 2022 was relatively unknown as a leader. She was known as a very effective congressperson, but not as a leader. And I view this as akin to somebody who was great at their job but got promoted to be a manager and is a terrible manager. And that’s what we have here. So, in this case, she is now not unknown. She is a failed mayor and that creates an opening. And thirdly, Caruso was viewed broadly as a Republican in a city that really only elects Democrats. And I’ve been a lifelong Democrat. So, I have similar business experience. I have the acumen. I also have extensive nonprofit leadership experience, which he did not have, but I’m also a lifelong Democrat. 

Courier: Running a municipality is not the same as running a business. A mayor is not a CEO, and the goals of government are quite different from a for-profit enterprise. But your nonprofit work on the issue of homelessness has exposed you to the bureaucratic minefields of the city and county of L.A. Speak to how this may inform your job as mayor. 

Miller: That’s exactly right. And I wouldn’t limit it to homelessness. The work I’ve done around veteran services and disaster response, in health, in workforce development and education, all of that nonprofit experience is very, very different than the corporate experience. So, I see very clearly why being a corporate CEO does not translate to running a government because as a corporate CEO, you have, in some ways, unlimited power. What you decide goes. In the nonprofit world, that’s not the case. In the nonprofit world, it’s all about building consensus, getting alignment, collaborating, and getting results. And that is perfectly applicable to the public sector. It’s exactly the same thing. 

Courier: You’ve been quite critical of Mayor Bass’ Inside Safe program, which does claim to have reduced street homelessness. What would you do differently? Would you totally gut that program? What would you do from day one on homelessness? 

Miller: Yeah, I would end Inside Safe immediately. It’s very ineffective and extraordinarily expensive. We’re spending over $7,000 a month on those motel rooms that are servicing people on the street without services wrapped around those rooms, which results in a revolving door. People end up right back on the street. What I would do is manifold, but the three immediate things would be, first, allocate more funds to prevention. Better Angels now has the most effective prevention program in L.A. We’ve been doing eviction prevention now for a few years and have kept over 4,000 Angelenos off the street for a fraction of the money that it costs once they become unhoused. Second, I would dramatically improve the efficiency of service delivery. And third, you’ve got to build more housing, both interim housing and affordable housing. 

Courier: Explain what you mean by “eviction prevention program.” 

Miller: The program is targeted to people who are below 50% area median income. These are people who are already very poor, who’ve had a financial shock.  Something happened to them; they got into an accident, they had a health issue, something happened with a dependent. So, if they were living paycheck to paycheck, suddenly they are off track, and they’ve received an eviction notice. They have less than 30 days to clear out or pay up. What we do is we go in and negotiate with the landlord. We pay the landlord or the utility company directly and we keep the people housed. On average, we’ve been spending about $2,100 and it’s been a very, very effective program to keep people housed. It costs 98% less than when they’re on the street. 

Courier: So, you keep them housed until they get back on their feet?

Miller: Yeah. And usually, they are able to get back on their feet. It’s again, paycheck-to- paycheck kind of thing. They’re off track for a couple of months. What we have found is that the timing of the intervention is also really important. You’ve got to intervene as quickly as possible after an issue so that you get the person back on their feet. The same thing, by the way, is true with people who actually become unhoused. We have a policy in the city of exclusively focusing on people who are the most acute and most chronically homeless. But the problem with that policy is we’re ignoring people who are recently unhoused, and people who are recently unhoused are the easiest ones to get back off the street. We have to get the people off the street right away who fell onto hard times so that they don’t become chronic. If you’re only dealing with the people who have been on the street for the longest, what happens naturally given how many homeless people we have? It means that anybody newly unhoused probably ends up staying on the street for six, 12, 24, 36 months. Well, by then, they are chronic also. If you’re living on the street even for two or three months, then there’s a high likelihood you’re going to develop an addiction and/or mental illness. That’s true for all of us. And so, by ignoring the people who are recently unhoused and not getting them off the street, we are making this problem worse. We’re cementing the difficulty of the problem. 

Courier: Let’s switch to another topic on the issue of housing, and that is Measure ULA. It has become a lightning rod of unintended consequences. Can it be fixed? 

Miller: Measure ULA is a disaster. It was a very poorly drafted bill that resulted in a continued drop in net new housing builds in this city. At a time when we have an affordability crisis, where the single biggest issue related to affordability is housing, we have decided to build less housing instead of more housing. So that’s insane and we can do much better. We have to make this city much more attractive to real estate developers. We have to make it much easier to build in L.A., and we absolutely must either repeal or completely rewrite ULA to exempt multifamily residential housing and exempt affordable housing projects. 

Courier: Housing and state mandates are points of contention in Beverly Hills, primarily due to the Builder’s Remedy and other laws such as SB 79. How do you reconcile the legitimate need for more housing with what some consider the overreach of Sacramento? 

Miller: SB 79 is our punishment for not doing our job to have a plan to build housing. If you look at the regional housing needs assessment, what you would find is that L.A. is 90% below plan. We’re doing 10% of what we’re supposed to be doing. So of course, some external force is going to come and intervene because we are so off track. We’re going to be forced to do this, but we don’t want this happening. We want local control. We don’t want people telling us where to put buildings or what kind of buildings or where they go. We have 99 unique neighborhoods in the city. We want to be able to preserve the character and uniqueness of those neighborhoods. 

Courier: How do you propose to do that? 

Miller: Different solutions should be applied in different places, and that means not that we shouldn’t have more affordable housing, more workforce housing, and more market-rate housing, but that we should control where we put it and how we do it. I’m a big fan of the Livable Communities Initiative that’s been proposed in places like Larchmont and Hancock Park, pushing for conversion of commercial streets with single-story retail that often is relatively dilapidated. You see that in parts of Westwood that are right near Beverly Hills. And we could easily convert that into four-plus-one units. So essentially the building has one story of retail and four stories of housing above it. If we do that, it makes the neighborhood more beautiful. It encourages better stores, restaurants, boutiques, cafes in those places, makes a neighborhood more walkable and still preserves the single-family nature of the interior while adding way more housing on the perimeter.

Courier: Realistically, do you have a path to success in this race? 

Miller: We have two distinct races, right? We have the primary and then we have the general. Right now, the focus is entirely on the primary. Karen Bass will advance to the next round. She has the union support, she has the Democratic establishment, she has the existing name recognition. So even though she has a 67% disapproval rating, she still has a baseline of support that will get her into the runoff. The question is, of the remaining candidates, who is the most qualified for that one seat to run against Karen in the November election? And I have by far the most leadership experience, the most management experience, the most results across the board in all these different issue areas, and the plan to turn the city around. Nobody else has that. I also have the biggest lane. I’m running against two far left Democrats and one far right reality TV character. I have the entire middle and most of Los Angeles is in the middle. 

The post The Courier Interview: Adam Miller on Why He Should be L.A.’s Next Mayor appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

As its name indicates, the entertainment destination is managed by global hotel and casino giant Hard Rock International. But it is owned by the federally recognized Tejon Indian Tribe.  The history of the tribe permeates the property, beginning with the ceremonial blessings bestowed during an invitation-only grand opening attended by the Courier. Inside, the casino proudly displays tribal artifacts and artwork, highlighting the role the Tejon have  played in the history of the southern San Joaquin Valley.

Of course, this being a Hard Rock, authentic music memorabilia are ever-present as well. A 30-ft.-tall sculptural guitar at the entrance pays tribute to the intricate basket weaving of the tribe as well as the acoustic guitars popularized by local music legends Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. 

Step onto the 150,000-square-foot-casino floor, and you will swear you’re in Las Vegas. In addition to more than 2,000 slot machines and 50 live table games, facilities include exclusive VIP rooms for blackjack and baccarat and exclusive Plum Lounge. 

Dining options include a Hard Rock Cafe, Deep Cut Steaks | Seafood and YOUYU for a modern take on Asian noodles. The casual Marketplace Food Hall offers everything from artisanal pastries to street tacos and wood-fired pizzas. 

Hard Rock International COO Jeff Hook noted for the Courier that the drive to the propery is less harried compared to casinos in desert areas. He added, “I like to say, ‘Take the stress-free way to exciement.’”

https://casino.hardrock.com/tejon. 

The post Looking for a Glitzier Getaway? This new Vegas-style casino is only 1.5 Hours Away appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

As reported in the Courier, the Metro Purple (D) Line Extension is set to open its first phase, from Koreatown to Beverly Hills, on May 8. New stations will open at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega. According to Metro officials, the journey from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles to the edge of Beverly Hills will take approximately 20 minutes. Plans call for the line to eventually extend to Westwood/West LA. 

The D Line extension is part of Metro’s “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative, put in place to enhance transit infrastructure for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Traveling through Mid-Wilshire to experience the culture, cuisine and commerce across diverse neighborhoods will be easier, faster and more accessible. The opening of Section 1 of the D Line extension also brings us three stops closer to connecting Metro to the Westside, including the 2028 Olympic Village at UCLA where the world’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes will reside,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and City of Whittier Council Member. “That connectivity from Downtown LA to the Westside will serve as a lasting legacy for all Angelenos.” 

The post North Canon Drive to Reopen as Metro Extension Progresses appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

As reported in the Courier, Mirisch filed his writ petition on Jan. 12 against Huma Ahmed, in her capacity as clerk of the city of Beverly Hills; the office of the city clerk; and the city of Beverly Hills. Mirisch argues in the petition that the city has unlawfully applied the term limits ordinance retroactively in his case. 

At issue is whether the terms Mirisch served prior to the enactment of the ordinance should count as part of the three total terms set forth in the ordinance. The city’s position is that those terms do count and hence, refused to provide Mirisch with nomination papers as he requested on Feb. 10. 

In anticipation of the Feb. 23 hearing, both sides have now filed their respective legal arguments and supporting authorities with the court. The city’s outside counsel, Frederic Woocher of the firm Strumwasser & Woocher LLP, argues, among other things, that the voters “unambiguously intended to count previously served terms against the three-term limit” in passing the ordinance (as Measure TL in 2022) with more than 81% of the vote. 

Mirisch’s attorneys, Eric George and David Carroll of Ellis George LLP, rely heavily on the plain language of state law that allows limits to City Council terms on the condition that they are “prospective only.”

The matter is now before the Hon. Lisa K. Sepe-Wiesenfeld to decide. The Courier will update this story with the judge’s ruling on beverlyhillscourier.com.  

The post Mirisch Term Limits Writ on Calendar for Feb. 23 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

According to a release from the BHPD, at 12:42 p.m. on Jan. 16, the department received numerous 911 calls reporting a suspect with a weapon assaulting an individual. Witnesses also stated the suspect used his vehicle to run over the victim.

Patrol officers arrived on scene within two minutes.  A containment was quickly established, and the suspect was subsequently taken into custody without incident.  

The victim was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

The investigation has determined that the suspect and the victim were involved in a verbal altercation. During the altercation, the suspect struck the victim multiple times with a metal object, then got into his vehicle and drove into the victim, running him over.

The suspect fled to a nearby building and was quickly detained by BHPD officers.

The exact relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victim is not known at this time. The suspect, Christopher Cornelius, 54, of San Bernardino, was booked into BHPD Jail for 187 PC Murder and his bail was set at $2,000,000. 

Cornelius has an extensive criminal record that includes violent crimes.

The BHPD urges anyone with information to contact the department at 310-550-4951. 

The post BHPD Homicide Investigation Continues appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The writ seeks to compel the clerk’s office to accept Mirisch’s nomination papers for the June 2, 2026, municipal election to the Beverly Hills City Council. The nomination period opens on Feb. 9. 

As previously reported in the Courier, Mirisch’s candidacy is on its face precluded by the provisions of Measure TL, which was adopted in 2022 and codified as Beverly Hills  Municipal Code section 2-1-21 (“the Ordinance”). 

The Ordinance provides, “The City Clerk . . . shall not accept or verify the signatures on any nomination paper for any person [that] will result in a City Council term that exceeds . . .three (3) total terms of office as a City Councilmember.” 

Mirisch has completed three previous terms as a City Councilmember and is currently serving his fourth term, which expires in June 2026.

The petition alleges that any refusal by the city to accept his nomination papers will constitute an unlawful, retroactive application of the Ordinance, given a state mandate that “any proposal to limit the number of terms a member of the city council may serve on the city council shall apply prospectively only.” (Gov. Code, § 36502(b)).

The petition cites as authority a 2012 Attorney General opinion indicating that “[a] term served on a town council that was served prior to the effective date of a local initiative term-limit ordinance may not be counted against the term limit imposed by that ordinance.”

Moreover, the petition argues that a 2023 court case that the city is expected to rely on,  San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors v. Monell, actually supports Mirisch’s position and is otherwise distinguishable. 

This is a developing story which will be updated online. 

The post Mirisch Files Writ of Mandate to Allow Candidacy appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Residents of 68 homes in Zone BHL301 in Trousdale are being asked to evacuate. Those residents will receive phone calls and written notices, in addition to alerts from our emergency notification system, with detailed instructions on where to go and how to get there.

Although the target evacuation area is in Trousdale, the city is urging all residents to participate, especially those in the area north of Sunset Boulevard.

Sirens will sound at 1:30 p.m. on the day of the test. Residents, whether they hear the sirens or not, should gather their “go bag” emergency supplies and personal items and make their way to Will Rogers Park via designated evacuation routes. Police and Fire Department staff will be deployed throughout the area to direct traffic and assist residents.

“In Beverly Hills, we believe in being proactive—because preparedness is the foundation of excellence. I encourage every resident to take part in this important drill,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “While our city has some of the most advanced fire prevention tools and policies in place, we live in a fire-prone environment.

Preparation isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment. And the more prepared we are, the safer and stronger our community will be,” Nazarian added.

A community meeting to provide information and answer questions will be held at the City Hall Municipal Gallery on Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.

Additionally, the city will send multiple reminders leading up to the drill that will include:

• Social media Facebook, Instagram, X (@CityofBevHills)

• e-Notices newsletters

• Flyers and signage in neighborhoods.

Detailed information on the evacuation, including evacuation routes and recommended emergency supplies can be found on the city’s website (beverlyhills.org/evacdrill).

The post City to Conduct Evacuation Drill on Nov. 9 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Within two days of the reported incident, the group StopAntisemitism named an individual it claims to be the perpetrator. The group stated that it has handed over relevant information to the BHPD. As of press time, however, the BHPD could not confirm that this individual is in fact a suspect. 

The swastika, which had been on the sidewalk for an unknown period of time, was removed immediately upon discovery.

Video footage of the incident reviewed by the Courier shows a male individual dressed in burgundy sweats, a white T-shirt, black backpack and black cap cross Whittier Drive and walk on the sidewalk along Wilshire Boulevard. He is carrying what appears to be a canvas tote bag in his hand. He stops for a moment to speak to an unhoused individual, and then proceeds to draw on the sidewalk with a black marker before jaywalking across Wilshire Boulevard.

A statement released on Sept. 22 by the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) described the incident as “a deeply troubling act of hate” which it condemned “in the strongest possible terms.”

The statement continued, “This hateful symbol was visible just steps away from a campus where students, staff, and families arrive to learn and feel safe. Antisemitism is not abstract, it is real, and it continues to show up in ways that are meant to intimidate. We want to be clear: hate of any kind is not acceptable.”

Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss noted, “Our district will act with transparency, responsibility, and care when hate harms our community. Your safety is our top priority.”

This is a developing story which will be updated as the facts unfold.  

The post BHPD Investigating Swastika Incident appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“In the last 20 or 30 years, a small handful of people changed how we look at food.”  

The narrator then proceeds to cite the late Anthony Bourdain and René Redzepi of Noma. 

“And then you have José Andrés,” the voice adds. 

“José is a maximalist. On one side, you have the chef who has established a small empire of incredible restaurants, in essence bringing Spanish cuisine to the U.S. And the other side, you have a guy entirely dedicated to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization wanting to feed the world. It’s totally unreasonable to try to do both those things at the same time, but José wants it all.” 

Indeed, if the Spanish-born Andrés’ life was a movie title, it would be “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” And the local restaurant scene played a supporting role in the Andrés success story.  

In 2008, the chef opened The Bazaar by José Andrés at the SLS at Beverly Hills on La Cienega Boulevard. The ground-floor venue, in a space designed by Philippe Starck, quickly rose to superstar status with its Spanish-influenced take on modernist molecular cuisine. Among its many accolades were four stars by the legendary Los Angeles Times food critic S. Irene Virbila and a place on the top 10 new restaurant list by GAYOT. A separate tasting area, which became Somni in 2018, garnered the chef his first two Michelin stars. Though both restaurants closed in 2020 after a consulting agreement dispute, the Andrés legacy—and that of The Bazaar—remain a powerful force in greater Los Angeles.  

Andrés, of course, is a powerful force globally, as well.  

His José Andrés group oversees more than 40 restaurants, one of which holds two Michelin stars, with several others accorded Michelin Bib Gourmand awards. Andrés is a New York Times bestselling author, James Beard Foundation Award-winner, Emmy-winning TV personality, entrepreneur and prolific communicator. His three-year-old Substack newsletter, “Longer Tables with José Andrés,” regularly regales close to 90,000 followers (whom Andrés calls “Food Fighters”) with uplifting stories, culinary tidbits, recipes and profiles. Topics this past summer ranged from the wonders of the Cap de Creus lobster of the Costa Brava to a primer on Mexican Merlot. The content, brought to life by National Geographic-worthy photos, weaves together a central theme: that every meal has the power to change the world.  

It’s a through line of Andrés’ work.  

In 2010, he launched the nonprofit World Central Kitchen (WCK) after a devastating earthquake struck Haiti. In the 15 years since, WCK has become synonymous with frontline emergency food relief during disasters both natural and man-made. Known for quick, nimble action and the ability to adapt on the ground, the organization has provided a food lifeline to hundreds of millions around the globe. Its teams are currently braving danger to provide ongoing aid in Ukraine (287 million meals provided thus far) and Gaza (147 million meals). Earlier this year, Andrés joined WCK relief workers mobilizing after the Southern California wildfires. More recently, WCK teams sprang into action after the tragic flooding in central Texas. 

For his actions, Andrés has thus far been recognized with a National Humanities Medal, Presidential Medal of Freedom and Nobel Peace Prize nominations in 2019 and 2024.  

His humanitarian efforts also extend beyond WCK. In 2023, Andrés launched The Longer Tables Fund, whose mission is to address “urgent issues in food systems, social justice, and education and advocacy, while uplifting communities.” In the same year, he founded the Global Food Institute at George Washington University, a multidisciplinary think tank to address food insecurity, food systems solutions, and in essence, seek solutions to the world’s problems through the lens of food. 

At the same time, the roster of Andrés’ endeavors continues to expand.  

This spring, he co-hosted a culinary cooking competition show on NBC with Martha Stewart called “Yes, Chef!” He also published “Change the Recipe: Because You Can’t Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs.” Billed as a collection of life stories and lessons, it reads like a tapas menu of wisdom gleaned from experience (“You Don’t Need Everything to Be Happy,” “Move Forward Fearlessly”). Recollections range from his boyhood in Barcelona, savoring the simple dishes of his mother; to his days as a cooking school student and later as a chef at El Bulli, the transformative Catalan restaurant named the world’s best several times over; to a stint in the Spanish Navy; to the launch of his first restaurant, Jaleo, in Washington, D.C. 

Though some of the book’s chapters are scant in size, they’re profound in message. One chapter begins, “Cooking makes us human. It’s what separates us from every other animal on the planet. There’s good reason to think that cooking helped our brains grow, to develop sophisticated language and to grow community.”   

One community in particular—Los Angeles—holds a special place in Andrés’ heart, as I learned during an interview with him earlier this summer. He was half a world away in northern Spain, but eager to speak about his role in LA and its importance to his personal story.  

Though our meeting was virtual, via Zoom, the chef’s larger-than-life persona had no trouble breaking through. 

“Yo no hablo inglés,” (I don’t speak English) he proclaimed in a booming voice as he switched on his camera.  

“Yo hablo español!” (I speak Spanish!), I replied, although I had assumed the interview would be in English. It was, with the chef occasionally giving instructions in Castilian Spanish to those around him. Every now and then, he would puff on a cigar before responding to my questions.  

I began by asking about his first venture into the City of Angels.  

Courier: Chef, we know the José Andrés name as a global brand today. But not everyone realizes how important Los Angeles was to your early success. You launched The Bazaar here in 2008 as your first expansion outside of your home base of Washington, D.C. Tell us about that experience, which was groundbreaking in many ways. 

Andrés: It was, and I was very thankful to Sam Nazarian, the founder and owner of sbe and his family. To me, they’re family and friends. Sam was a very young man, looking for somebody to open his first hotel on La Cienega in Beverly Hills. And probably it’s always better to let others say this, but I have a feeling that what we did in the hotel was a breakthrough. I will be in eternal gratitude to Sam Nazarian, his family, his company SBE and his team to give me the chance to join Philippe Starck to show that hotels had room for creative improvement. We created one of the most amazing food-restaurant experiences. I think what we did at Bazaar was a ‘before and after’ in the understanding of how restaurants could be amazing food, amazing service but also highly original and entertaining all at once. 

Courier: You now have a presence in downtown Los Angeles, with the Spanish restaurant San Laurel at Conrad Los Angeles. That hotel is part of The Grand LA, the mixed-use project designed by Frank Gehry across from the Disney Concert Hall. Is it true that Gehry walked you through that space and encouraged you to open there? 

Andrés: Well, yes, all the above. Frank Gehry for me has been an icon. I met him many years ago. Frank Gehry is very obviously a visionary who has done so much, not only for LA but so many communities in America and around the world. Not so young anymore, but he’s still strong. He had such a passion for what he wanted to do there, explaining what he envisioned for that part of town that everybody agrees needs to become part of the greater LA. But when I met him, we were already committed. And it is not the only work I’m doing at the Conrad; we have already built a Bazaar there, too. 

Courier: That’s my next question. Can you tell us about the plan to open an outpost of Bazaar Meat at The Grand LA? That concept has been very successful in Las Vegas and Chicago as a ‘celebration of the carnivorous.’ What will this LA version be like, and when will it open? 

Andrés: It’s already built, but we need to be smart, and we are waiting for the right time between our friends and partners. But the restaurant is fully built. It’s right under the hotel. It’ll be Bazaar, which has been moving into Bazaar Meat. It will have the spirit of the original Bazaar, with traditional dishes and modern dishes. More focusing on meats that move away from steak, but steak, too, and obviously, fish and vegetables. People seem to want, and we’ve been having a lot of success with fish. We call it Bazaar Mar. We probably will end up opening Bazaar Green, which will be vegetables. But again, LA gave me this opportunity to be creative in probably one of the most creative cities in the world without a doubt. 

Courier: In the last year you have also expanded into Culver City at the Shay Hotel. You have Zaytinya there, which follows in the Mediterranean footsteps of its namesake in Washington, D.C. You have also opened the Mexican-inspired Butterfly on the rooftop. You seem to gravitate toward hotels. Is that part of your strategy?  

Andrés: I love hotels. In D.C., all my restaurants except The Bazaar in the Waldorf Astoria are stand still restaurants, but that is my home where I live. When you go to cities, it is good to be in the comfort of a home, and a hotel is a home away from home. There is great synergy with hotels and malls. We have some projects where we don’t have to carry the heavy burden of the investment. And in a way it’s a win-win. I did two big investments in New York with Mercado Little Spain and in Disney Springs with Jaleo. I opened the two biggest food enterprises representing Spain in the world right before the pandemic. When the pandemic hit, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I have all these spaces, this big investment.’ And you need to adapt to the situation and make the best out of it and create an even bigger opportunity. So, this expansion into hotels and a few malls that are up to the standards and quality I’m looking for makes all the sense in the world, and that’s what we are doing.  

Courier: You have experienced great success in LA over the years. What comes to mind when you think about the overall dining scene in LA right now?  

Andrés: It’s a city called Los Angeles (the angels) with ancestry from Spain and Mexico and all those Spanish and Latin influences. It’s a very cosmopolitan place in a way. And I have to mention people who came from being my teammates in Bazaar that now own their own restaurants. Somni used to be my restaurant. We opened inside Bazaar LA, and the name was my gift to one of my team members who wanted to be on his own like I did when I was young.  

[Author’s note: That team member, chef Aitor Zabala, opened a reimagined Somni (the Catalan word for ‘dream’) in West Hollywood in 2024. Earlier this year, it became the first restaurant in LA to earn three Michelin stars.]  

Andrés: It gives me a lot of joy that now Somni becomes its own dream, and in a way, I feel a grandfather of those three stars of Somni. I mean, it took him a long time and perseverance. But obviously, Aitor is one of the most talented chefs, not only in LA, not only in America, but in the world. And so, people like Aitor and Somni show us that the power of the will can move mountains.  

Courier: There are other veterans of The Bazaar who have also gone on to make a name for themselves, right?  

Andrés: Yes. Joshua Whigham also was with me many years. He was chef at Bazaar. I’m so proud that now he has his own restaurant [Casa Leo in Los Feliz]. Joshua is amazing. And the Voltaggio brothers, especially the chef Michael Voltaggio, who was my opening chef at Bazaar when we got the four stars in the LA Times. I remember when Mercado Little Spain got a huge review in the New York Times, too. I’ve been getting through my life a lot of three or four stars in reviews. And that doesn’t mean we are perfect. We also had our shortfalls. Everyone understands that in the restaurant business, you are only as good as the last plate. But for me, talking about a chef who came from Bazaar gives me a lot of joy, and I can keep giving you more names. Not to praise me or Bazaar. It only tells you that it’s a team that keeps investing in each other. And that’s how you create the city.  

Courier: In addition to those former teammates of yours, what other chefs do you think are doing the most interesting work here in LA? 

Andrés: Obviously, I’m a big fan of Roy [Choi, the chef who launched the Korean Mexican taco truck concept, Kogi]. What he’s done, the food trucks, he’s created the system of making good food more democratic and able to reach everybody. Not only in a high-end restaurant or a fancy restaurant, but even in the streets. People like Roy bet that food trucks could bring good food to people who would not go to a restaurant. That’s only LA. Also, the guys of Eggslut in that market [Grand Central Market]. You go there, and it looks like, what the heck is going on? You don’t know if you want to quit and run away. But once you become part of it, you may be a foreigner or tourist in LA, but all of a sudden you become a local, even if you are only there one day. And to see what Eggslut and its founder—he’s amazing—to see those lines, to get the egg sandwich, breakfast sandwich, oh my God. 

I mean LA is a small country, man. The bounty of things is just unbelievable. And influences. And that’s very powerful. Just look at the farmers’ markets where my guys go and buy things that are iconically seasonal. You keep going and going from the best breads and pizzas by Nancy Silverton to the Mexican restaurants and the great molés you can find. And the Japanese places like Sushi Zo, which is one of my favorites. I remember when I brought [El Bulli’s] Ferran and Albert Adrià for the first time to LA. We went there, and we went for lunch early, and we finished. And before they closed, we told them, ‘Can we do a second lunch?’ And the quality of taco places and the quality of Arab Muslim food and the quality of Jewish kosher Israeli food and the quality of Persian food.  

But LA to me, you have in LA a guy like Seamus Blackley, the founder of Xbox, who was crazy enough to make bread from scratch with ancient yeast. He’s able to create the best chocolate bar in the middle of LA with trees he’s growing in LA. I mean, this guy may be one of the best creative minds and engineers in the world. And in his free time, he’s able to make the best loaf of bread. And on top of that, being so generous that he shares that technique with everybody. You have a guy that has nothing to do with cooking, but he’s teaching even people like me how to make the best loaf of bread, create your own natural ferment and yeast from scratch. That’s LA. 

Courier: LA went through a terrible period early this year with historic, wind-driven wildfires. I understand you had a personal reason for coming out to help the WCK teams on the ground.  

Andrés: Usually, I take time away from my business and from my family for World Central Kitchen in big events. And big events are Category 5, where millions of people are impacted. Because if not, I will be 24/7 working on World Central Kitchen. And I still have to work. I mean, World Central Kitchen is not my job; it’s my hobby. It is my giving back to the community. But seems it’s taking more time of my private life and my business than I ever imagined or expected. And I’m very proud of it. But on paper, I was not going to go to LA. I was in a taxi on my way to Europe to take the plane. I got news that my friend lost his house. He texted, ‘José, my house burned down. My entire neighborhood burned down; my church burned.’ And in that moment, I stopped the taxi, I went back home, I put my golf clothes and my ‘having fun’ clothing away. And I took my World Central Kitchen bag, and I was on my way to LA to join teams that were already feeding people.  

Courier: Can you tell us what the experience was like and was there anything special about the way that Southern Californians responded to the disaster? 

Andrés: In the worst moments of humanity, the best of humanity shows up. And LA was not any less. Sometimes it is not just giving a plate of food; it’s giving a smile. Sometimes people just want to talk to somebody. And that’s what World Central Kitchen does. We had the actress Jennifer Garner with us. She was great. She spent many days helping her community, helping us. To me, it was beautiful to see because she didn’t have to do that. Her house was on the watch list. She was driving me around and giving hugs to firefighters and to police and to people who lost their homes and crying with them and laughing with them. What LA should be very proud of is that LA came together as one. Putting religion aside, putting politics aside, putting color of your skin aside, Angelenos were helping Angelenos. And that I’m very proud of. 

And then LA goes beyond the moments of emergency. A lot of people don’t know about David Grohl from Foo Fighters, ex-Nirvana, he joins local organizations. He cooks barbecue when he’s in LA on a Friday night in the back lot of his music studio. And then when he finished barbecuing all night, he goes out in the morning without sleep. He delivers food in different squares and neighborhoods with, unfortunately, a large, hungry or homeless population. So, it’s people like Dave Grohl who also make LA great. He does it because he believes that’s the way he can make his city slightly better. And that’s the power of LA.  

Just then, an assistant gently reminded us that we had gone over our allotted time. I quickly asked one last question about new ventures outside of LA, such as a reported new branded hotel in Washington, D. C. (“Not yet, but we have the plans,” said Andrés in reply.)  

He then picked up his phone and began to walk but remained on Zoom. For a few moments, he spoke about his life’s philosophy and worldview. 

But, those are topics for another interview, which I hope to conduct someday.  

He did give me his word about meeting in person the next time he is in town.  

“My team will make it happen; I promise you. Ciao.” 

The post José Andrés Wants It All appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

On the surface, the parallels between Beverly Hills and Redondo Beach may not spring readily to mind. The bustling beach city in the South Bay conjures up images of an iconic pier, beach volleyball, “Baywatch” and the aerospace industry. Its population is more than double that of Beverly Hills. 

Redondo Beach does share something in common with Beverly Hills on the land use planning front, however. Both cities are engaged in litigation with the real estate investor-developer, Leo Pustilnikov. 

Pustilnikov, whose real estate ventures in the Southland are substantial, has become a high-profile figure in the Builder’s Remedy arena. That concept is part of the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) and requires cities to approve development projects even if they don’t comply with local zoning laws, so long as preliminary applications were filed while the city lacked a certified state Housing Element.

The current Housing Element cycle began in October 2021 and extends through October 2029. October 2021 was also the deadline for cities and counties to have their Housing Elements adopted by the state. Although Beverly Hills did submit its original Housing Element in 2021, it was not approved until 2024. In the interim, the city’s plan to create capacity for more than 3,000 state-mandated units was rejected and revised three additional times before the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) agreed to certify it.

While city staff and officials were engaging in the three-year back-and-forth with HCD, Pustilnikov and others exercised their statutory right to submit Builder’s Remedy project applications. In total, more than a dozen were filed (five by Pustilnikov) and still considered active. A handful are now in various stages of litigation, with Pustilnikov securing a major win recently.

On Aug. 12, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin issued a writ of mandate ordering Beverly Hills to process the application for Pustilnikov’s Builder’s Remedy project at 125-129 S. Linden Drive. 

A Pustilnikov case in Redondo Beach may also raise concern. 

The Second District Court of Appeal has issued a tentative ruling in a case Pustilnikov brought against the city of Redondo Beach. If the tentative remains unchanged (and there are no signs that it will change), the ruling is expected to become final in the next month. It will likely invalidate the entire Housing Element passed by the Redondo Beach City Council and certified by the HCD.

It is a feat that Pustilnikov believes he can duplicate in Beverly Hills. 

Last week, in his first-ever comprehensive interview, Pustilnikov spoke to the Courier about the state of play for his Linden Drive project, what he’s prepared to do to get housing built in Beverly Hills and how he became synonymous with Builder’s Remedy (though it is but a small part of his endeavors).

For Pustilnikov, it’s about housing. 

As he explained to the Courier, “With Linden, it started as a project that I think is needed in Beverly Hills. And when you talk to people that are my age or younger, their struggle is being able to afford living in Beverly Hills. And a lot of people move out of Beverly Hills because they can’t afford to live here. That’s a problem if you can’t build units. How do you accommodate for growing families? How do you accommodate for growth?”

As Pustilnikov sees it, Beverly Hills is woefully short of leverage now when it comes to ongoing Builder’s Remedy battles with him
or other developers. In his words, the city is  “at the end of its rope,” but he still hopes to work things out. 

He also said that the more time goes by, the more complicated the situation becomes. If time is money, it is also a stack of building blocks piling atop each other against a ticking clock. When Pustilnikov announced at the end of August that the previous 19-story Linden Drive project had now expanded to 36, few were surprised. 

“I have a number of Builder’s Remedy projects in Beverly Hills. And the more that they make it difficult to process anything, the more I need to make back my investment,” he explained. 

He justified the additional stories with an economies of scale argument.

“You have to realize since I started, we’ve had increases in costs of development. We’ve had parts of the cities around us destroyed. I lived in the Palisades; my home is no more. So, construction costs continue to go up. We have this ongoing debate with tariffs and what’s going to happen with steel, what’s going to happen with other raw materials like copper. And so, the longer it takes, it seems like the more expensive it’s going to get. Well, if you’re building 10 stories or 20 stories, the land only costs you once. You’re doing the same process over and over, so you’re able to have cost savings,” he said. 

He did add a caveat. 

“The 36 stories is under the assumption that I have to keep fighting the city. That’s the project I need to build to make it viable. If the city works with me, we could maybe do something not quite as large. It’s just you need a constructive partner in anything you do. And absent that, you’re left to your own devices.”

Those devices include a repeat of what he appears to have accomplished in Redondo Beach. 

“I have a fairly good track record in the courts,” he explained. 

“The only other jurisdiction I’m familiar with that likes to think that the law doesn’t apply to them is Redondo. And recently I invalidated Redondo’s Housing Element,” he said.

“So now Builder’s Remedy is going to apply all over Redondo a second time. And if Beverly Hills chooses not to work with me, I wouldn’t rule that out for Beverly Hills either. And so, if they’re not happy with the 12 or so Builder’s Remedies, they might end up with a lot more than that,” said Pustilnikov.

He also made the observation that the city (for reasons he would only share off the record) is perhaps a bit in denial about its relative bargaining position or lack thereof.

“I don’t know, but if I were a gambling man, and I gamble on real estate, so I essentially am a gambling man in that regard. I don’t think the city has gotten its arms around what it’s facing or what it could face because there’s one thing to deny my projects and continue fighting. If they appeal [the writ], there would be a bond hearing. The bond hearing would essentially necessitate the city to post such a large bond that, I would venture to say, it becomes insolvent.”

He noted that a $14 million bond was recently required in a La Canada-Flintridge case involving a project much smaller than Linden Drive. The court in that case considered the costs of delay of the project in calculating the amount of the bond. 

While the bond amount is in the court’s discretion, the requirement of a bond is not. The HAA specifically spells out the need to post a bond “to the benefit of the plaintiff if the plaintiff is the project applicant.” Moreover, the HCD has stated in an opinion letter on this topic that in fixing the bond amount, the court shall “afford the fullest possible weight to the interest of, and the approval and provision of, housing.”

As for what comes next for Linden Drive, the matter was listed on the City Council Closed Session Agenda of Sept. 9, but was continued, presumably to Sept. 16.

“[Beverly Hills] could try to delay it, could try to fight it, it could throw money at the problem, but in the end, it’s making the problem worse, especially since I think I’ve made it clear to the city, to the extent they fight the project any longer, all the other projects will get bigger,” said Pustilnikov. 

He also reiterated that he is prepared to attack the city’s Housing Element. 

“I’ll fight their Housing Element as not being sufficient. And if their Housing Element is deemed insufficient by the courts, which I’ve already done once to another city, now it opens up a whole other can of worms. Then let the city fight every other guy that wants to propose a Builder’s Remedy,” he said.

Indeed, the picture Pustilnikov is painting is one in which “the entire city will be rebuilt because no one’s going to miss the opportunity to jump on it” should the city once again lack a compliant Housing Element.

Pustilnikov, a favorite subject of real estate publications, didn’t set out to become the poster boy for Builder’s Remedy. But he is rightfully considered a pioneer who took a chance on an untested area of the law. Though not an attorney, he is an expert on the Builder’s Remedy provisions of state housing laws.

“It is actually funny, because even most attorneys don’t know the nuances of what goes into this,” said Pustilnikov.  

“When I started this, it was unknown law,” Pustilnikov recalled. He credited two attorneys, Matt Gelfand of the nonprofit Californians for Homeownership and land use attorney Dave Rand, as his guiding lights. 

“What happened is I read about some of Matt’s lawsuits on the Housing Element, and I called him because I was intrigued. I’ve seen different practitioners sue under the Housing Accountability Act [in the Government Code], and I thought it might have some benefit to me. So, I called Matt, and we had a discussion. He’s like, ‘I don’t see why anyone doesn’t do Builder’s Remedy.’ And we hung up, and I’m like, what the hell is Builder’s Remedy?”

Pustilnikov then proceeded to scour the Government Code and started asking his own attorneys to file projects under the Builder’s Remedy statutes in cities lacking certified Housing Elements. 

“Every attorney I called and many with whom I’d worked for decades said, ‘You are out of your mind. You can’t do this. You can’t believe it works.’ And then I met Dave Rand, and I realized he’s absolutely the best practitioner of real estate law I’ve ever met. Dave actually agreed with me. But he wanted something from verifying it. So, I submitted my Builder’s Remedy. Dave submitted his first ones. I guess we were both independently right on the law. And since then, we’ve had AB 1893, AB 130, no shortage of legislation, essentially taking it from an unknown stepchild to a very easily understood and required law, the prescriptive law that cities have to abide by,” said Pustilnikov. 

He pointed out that the consequences of not abiding by that law can be expensive. Beverly Hills is liable for Pustilnikov’s attorney’s fees in the Linden Drive writ case in addition to its own attorney’s fees. The attorneys for Beverly Hills in the writ case also represented Redondo Beach in the case that was reversed on appeal.

Pustilnikov said Linden Drive will now be resubmitted to the city and processed. He maintains a core belief that the development is a sensible one that will bring critical housing.

He also noted, “Linden is also unique in that it’ll be the only one that’ll have a hotel component because it is a great part of town. It’s right by the Triangle. It’s very walkable. You have restaurants nearby. You have Steak 48 that opened. It used to be a retail dead zone. You have a lot of new openings on Wilshire, and it’s becoming this walkable street that I think was envisioned 60 years ago.”

He believes that the project will enhance the connection among the city, One Beverly Hills, the Metro and Saks development. 

“I’m hopeful that the city will see that and become less resistant because I would like to work with them and see these projects be built rather than be fought over in the courts,” he said. 

Out of his four additional pending Builder’s Remedy projects, Pustilnikov says one of them, at 346 N. Maple Drive, is being contemplated for expansion. The property is next door to the Beverly Hills Tennis Club.

“So, Maple will be a larger project, and then depending on how the city works through the next few weeks, the appeal, the processing and so forth, the others might grow and there might be more coming if they continue to be resistant,” he said.

Looking back on how Linden Drive has unfolded, Pustilnikov believes that the city made a miscalculation in not working with him early on, before he submitted his other projects. 

“The city had the opportunity of just working with me on Linden and me helping them get a certified housing element as someone that is fairly well-versed in housing these days. But they chose to fight. So, if they choose to fight again, well I don’t envy them,” he said.

In addition to an obvious tenacity and willingness to try novel arguments, Pustilnikov is driven by a basic belief that he returned to in our conversation. 

“At the end of the day, I like real estate and residential real estate because everyone needs to be housed. I’m a firm believer that housing is as close to the universal right as we have, and that people shouldn’t be left to suffer on the streets,” he said.

Pustilnikov, who is not yet 40, notes that his background as an immigrant from Odessa (he came here as a young child) has also shaped him. 

“You have to realize even though I was born in what was then the USSR, what is now Ukraine, my nationality when I lived there was neither Russian nor Ukrainian. It was Jewish. So even there I was separated, and even there we were discriminated against. We were a minority. So here you have the same issues where people that have try to say, ‘You know what? You can’t do this here because this is ours and not yours.’ I grew up with that, and now I have an opportunity to fight it. And my philosophy is, if I’m not going to do it, I don’t know how many others will.”  

The post Courier Exclusive: Leo Pustilnikov On the Record appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Gohlich currently serves as assistant city manager and is “the natural choice” for the position said Mayor Sharona Nazarian.  “Since joining the City of Beverly Hills almost 20 years ago, Ryan has led the critical planning and development functions with a meticulous attention to detail while earning the trust of his colleagues, the City Council and the community. In Beverly Hills, we are fortunate to have strong succession planning and with several competitive City Manager recruitments currently underway on the Westside, it was important to make this selection in a timely manner.  Ryan’s institutional knowledge will play an important role in the ongoing success and prosperity of our city.”

Gohlich first came to Beverly Hills as an assistant planner in 2007. Since then, he has held a number of positions, including senior planner and assistant director of community development/city planner. In 2021, he became director of community development, followed by the assistant city manager role in 2023. 

“It is truly the privilege of my career to be selected as city manager of Beverly Hills,” said Gohlich.  “I am thankful to the City Council for the trust they have placed in me and look forward to leading the incredibly dedicated and talented staff of this organization into the future.”

Gohlich holds a B.S. degree in city and regional planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Master of Arts in organizational leadership from Woodbury University.  

The post Ryan Gohlich Appointed Next Beverly Hills City Manager appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

A city of Beverly Hills spokesperson described the fire as “small” and “contained primarily within the ventilation duct system with minimal damage to the restaurant.” The spokesperson added that the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. 

Chef Evan Funke provided this statement to the Courier regarding the incident at his eponymous establishment:

“To our cherished guests and friends,

Last night, a fire occurred in the upper portion of our exhaust system, the cause of which is still unknown. We’re relieved to share that all building safety systems functioned exactly as designed.

Thanks to the calm cooperation of everyone present, our staff and guests were evacuated swiftly and safely. Our deepest gratitude to the Beverly Hills Fire Department for their rapid response and expert handling of the situation.

To our guests with reservations this week, our team will be reaching out personally to arrange alternative accommodations at either Felix or Mother Wolf. We’re truly grateful for your patience and understanding as we work diligently to repair and restore the affected areas. 

We can’t wait to host you all very soon. 

All love and pasta.

EF”

The tri-level Funke opened in 2023 to great acclaim, with an emphasis on hand-crafted regional pasta dishes. Like its fellow Evan Funke-helmed outposts, it is a favorite of celebrities, food critics and even royalty. Earlier this month, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, posted a photo of her birthday dinner at the restaurant. She noted, “The culinary mastery of @evanfunke and his team is in the top five meals in my life.” 

A spokesperson for Funke told the Courier that they hope to have the doors open again as soon as possible. 

The post Fire at Funke Temporarily Closes Restaurant appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

After the occupants fled on foot, the BHPD was able to apprehend and arrest two of them. According to BHPD spokesperson Lt. Kevin Orth, the BHPD is still investigating to determine if there are additional outstanding suspects.

Arrested were Ahmeen Stevenson, 18, and Armon Brinson, 22, both of Oakland. They were charged with Vehicle Code section 2800.2(a)-fleeing or eluding a pursuing police officer and Penal Code section 148(a)(1)- resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer in the performance of duties. Additionally, said Orth, Stevenson had an outstanding felony warrant. 

The post BHPD Makes Arrests After Pursuit appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Bloch’s 2024 Summer STYLE cover story entitled “Jay Leno and Bruce Meyer How They Became the Kings of Cars” garnered a third-place award in the category of “Lifestyle Feature-Print.”

Additionally, the Courier’s former staff writer Clara Harter earned a third-place award in the category of “Hard News-Print” for her story entitled “Local Pro-Palestinian Protests Elicit Strong Response.” In total, the Courier was a finalist in nine award categories.

The Southern California Journalism Awards are given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, the oldest and largest organization of its kind in Southern California. Each year, the organization honors journalistic excellence in print, radio, podcast, TV and online categories. This year’s winners were announced on June 22 at a ceremony at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. 

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A curfew is currently in effect for the area bounded by the Golden State (5) and Harbor (110) freeways, and from the Santa Monica (10) Freeway to where the Arroyo Seco (110) Parkway and Golden State Freeway merge. The area includes the Arts and Fashion Districts, Chinatown and Skid Row.

“If you do not live or work in downtown L.A., avoid the area,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said. “Law enforcement will arrest individuals who break the curfew, and you will be prosecuted.”  

Protests have been ongoing since June 6, when ICE agents carried out a series of immigration enforcement raids, detaining dozens of people. In response, President Donald Trump federalized 2,000 California National Guard troops and ordered them to be deployed to Los Angeles, despite protests by Bass, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other local officials who said such a move would further exacerbate tensions and lead to more intense protests. 

On June 9, Trump ordered 2,000 additional Guard troops into the city and directed 700 U.S. Marines to move into the area. Newsom condemned the move, stating that Marines “shouldn’t be deployed on American soil facing their own countrymen to fulfill the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president. This is un-American.”

The state of California has sued Trump to overturn the federalization of National Guard troops. Pentagon officials said on June 10 that the deployment is expected to cost about $134 million. 

On June 14, “No Kings” counterprotests to Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., are scheduled throughout the country, including Beverly Gardens Park in Beverly Hills. This is a developing story.

With City News Service  

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Law enforcement authorities have arrested a suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, who reportedly has a history of activism against the war in Gaza. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies were reviewing his social media accounts and other past activities as of press time. Rodriguez was charged on May 22 in federal court with two counts of first-degree murder.

In the wake of the shooting, security at Israeli embassies and diplomatic missions has been heightened worldwide. Reports across the U.S. indicate similar measures are taking place around synagogues and other sensitive locations.

In Beverly Hills, Mayor Nazarian issued the following statement:

“We are absolutely devastated to learn of the news out of Washington D.C. this evening. Just as we held a powerful event in Beverly Hills tonight celebrating the diversity of the Jewish experience, hatred and antisemitism were on full display in our nation’s capital.  

Two innocent lives were lost at the hands of pure evil. The victims, who were employees of the Israeli embassy and about to be engaged, were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when they were senselessly gunned down by a man who later yelled ‘Free Palestine.’

This is the reason we need to stand up, speak out and say Never Again is Now. On behalf of the City Council and the entire Beverly Hills community, we send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.  May their memory be a blessing. 

The safety and security of the community remains our top priority.  The Beverly Hills Police Department continues to actively monitor the latest information.”  

The post Nazarian Issues Statement in Response to Embassy Staff Killings appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In a statement released on May 15, Hunt-Coffey said, “I would like to thank the Mayor, City Council, our devoted city staff and this incredible community for allowing me the privilege to serve for all these years. It’s been an honor to represent you, and I will always cherish my time in Beverly Hills.”

“As the first female City Manager in the history of Beverly Hills, Nancy leaves a legacy of respected leadership, superior institutional knowledge and humility,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian.  “On behalf of the City Council and our entire community, we thank Nancy for her tireless dedication to making Beverly Hills a better place and wish her and her family the very best in the years ahead.”

 “Watching Nancy ascend to the highest levels of leadership within our organization has been a pleasure to witness,” added Nazarian.

The City Council will discuss the selection of a new City Manager at a future meeting.  

The post City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey to Retire in June 2026 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Stewart’s love for the Beverly Hills community is strong. His leadership has been marked by compassion, consistency, and a deep belief in the potential of every learner. BHUSD is deeply grateful for his years of service, his commitment to our students, and the impact he has had on the BHHS community,” said a May 2 statement from the district. 

In that same statement, Stewart noted, “This decision wasn’t easy. Beverly has been home to me in every way, but I’ve come to a place in life where I need to prioritize my family. I will forever be grateful for this community, for the people, the purpose, and the heart of this school. Beverly will always be part of me.” 

The district added that it is dedicated to a smooth transition as it begins the process of selecting a new principal. 

The post Principal Drew Stewart Leaving BHHS appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Stewart’s love for the Beverly Hills community is strong. His leadership has been marked by compassion, consistency, and a deep belief in the potential of every learner. BHUSD is deeply grateful for his years of service, his commitment to our students, and the impact he has had on the BHHS community,” said a May 2 statement from the district.

In that same statement, Stewart noted, “This decision wasn’t easy. Beverly has been home to me in every way, but I’ve come to a place in life where I need to prioritize my family. I will forever be grateful for this community, for the people, the purpose, and the heart of this school. Beverly will always be part of me.”

The district added that it is dedicated to a smooth transition as it begins the process of selecting a new principal.

The post Principal Drew Stewart Leaving BHHS appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Louis Vuitton’s parent company, the luxury conglomerate LVMH, has owned the site since 2018 and has partnered with the city for decades to enhance the global profile of Rodeo Drive. LVMH Maisons comprise at present more than 15 storefronts on Rodeo Drive and the greater Business Triangle. Each is illustrious in its own way.  

The new Louis Vuitton project is transcendent.

As a flagship, it will break through the boundaries of traditional retail into the full “Louis Vuitton lifestyle.” In addition to diverse product lines, bespoke client experiences, a restaurant and café, it will house the first permanent exhibition space for Louis Vuitton in the U.S. That feature will highlight the brand’s influential global role as a touchstone not only of design, but of art and culture. 

Choosing an icon such as Frank Gehry for the project’s architectural concept further cements that status. 

One of the most important architects of our time, Gehry’s body of work includes the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, to name a few illustrious examples. He is the recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But it is his designs that speak the most eloquently. Gehry’s works are renowned for incorporating materials such as stainless steel and titanium and the use of sculptural or undulating exteriors to make them landmarks of postmodernism.

The design for the Louis Vuitton flagship bears the Gehry signature.

As the Courier can exclusively reveal in an exterior rendering, the design features a dynamic light-colored façade of sleekly angled curves. Interiors of the project will be completed under the supervision of architect Peter Marino, who helmed the Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills project originally proposed for the site. 

According to documents filed with the city of Beverly Hills, the new flagship will include a 45,000-square-foot retail space fronting Rodeo Drive featuring three levels dedicated to products such as Women’s and Men’s collections, Travel, Watches and Jewelry, and Beauty and Fragrance. The rooftop level will include private spaces for clients, as well as a rooftop garden terrace that extends across the two buildings. 

An entrance on Beverly Drive will lead to the exhibition or hospitality space of 55,000 square feet. It will include one level featuring a café and exhibition lobby, two levels dedicated to the exhibition space and the rooftop level with a 100-seat restaurant and open-air terrace. Sources tell the Courier that decisions have yet to be made as to the chef and type of cuisine affiliated with the restaurant, but it will be an indoor-outdoor establishment to take advantage of the Southern California weather.

Construction work on the Louis Vuitton flagship is slated to begin in early 2026. It is undergoing the normal Development Plan Review process for code-compliant buildings in the Triangle. The project stays within the allowable floor area and height limits typically applied in the area.

“This version of the LVMH luxury project will be a real asset for the community,” Mayor Sharona Nazarian told the Courier. “The new retail and the amenities will appeal both to residents and visitors alike. I am especially pleased that this project will bring Frank Gehry’s iconic and unique design to our Business Triangle.”

Louis Vuitton is currently in the process of providing additional information in response to a comment letter received from the city in late March. Among the items requested are additional details about the construction process. The parties are also discussing the project’s operational parking needs and a proposal to use mechanical stackers. Due to AB 2097 (pertaining to new developments within a half-mile radius of major transit stops), mandatory parking minimums do not apply. 

Next steps include an internal Planning Division staff analysis, followed by a report from the CEQA consultant. Hearing dates before the Planning Commission will ensue. The goal, sources tell the Courier, is to reach the Planning Commission hearing stage with a proposal that is both practical and workable.

Construction is expected to commence in 2026, as will another chapter in the cultural, artistic, retail and culinary history of Beverly Hills.  

The post Frank Gehry-Designed Louis Vuitton Flagship Planned for Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The 24th State Senatorial District stretches westward from West Hollywood to Agoura Hills and Malibu, and then down the coast to Rancho Palos Verdes. It includes Beverly Hills, where Goldsmith, his wife and two children have resided for the past nine years. Goldsmith, 42, was raised in Brentwood, but his family’s deep ties to Beverly Hills extend back for generations.

Goldsmith himself is an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur and Democratic consultant. Through his firm, Kona Media, he has advised candidates, nonprofits, and companies, and helped elect several Democratic members of Congress. He also founded Scriber, a text-based subscription service in Los Angeles. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School and was a member of the inaugural class of Presidential Leadership Scholars, a program co-founded by former Presidents Clinton and Bush.

In describing his motivation to enter politics, Goldsmith told the Courier, “I was born and raised in this district, and my family and I have called Beverly Hills home since 2016. This community is in our blood—my grandparents moved to Beverly Hills in 1952 and thought they arrived in heaven. I never expected to run for office but we’re at a critical moment: too many people believe California’s future won’t be as bright as our past. Politics as usual can’t get us out of this; we need new voices and fresh perspectives in Sacramento. My mission will be to listen to my neighbors, here and across the district, and work for better results from our state government.” 

In addition to Goldsmith, announced candidates for Allen’s seat include Dr. Sion Roy, the vice-chair of the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees; West Hollywood City Councilman John Erickson; Ellen Evans, one of the founders of the Doheny Sunset Plaza Neighborhood Association; former Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Eric Alegria; Vice President of the Los Angeles Planning Commission Mike Newhouse; Brittany McKinley, a Los Angeles City Commissioner; and Kristina Irwin, a Republican real estate agent and activist. 

The two candidates with the most votes in the primary will then face each other in the November 2026 general election. 

The post Brian Goldsmith Enters State Senate Race appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

An exclusive statement to the Courier from BHUSD indicates, “While [Carey’s] reinstatement comes after a period of administrative review, the district’s primary focus remains on supporting students and fostering a productive learning environment.”

“We are committed to ensuring the continued success of our students in all academic and extracurricular programs,” said BHUSD Board President Rachelle Marcus in the statement. “KBEV has a long history of excellence, and we look forward to seeing our students thrive as they continue their work in journalism, media production, and broadcasting.”

The statement continues, “Moving forward, BHUSD will continue to work with all faculty, students, and stakeholders to maintain a structured, professional, and student-focused learning environment. Our goal is to provide KBEV students with the resources, mentorship, and educational integrity necessary to prepare them for careers in media and beyond.” 

The post BHUSD Confirms Return of KBEV Instructor appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Former Mayor Julian Gold, M.D., introduced Nathanson, noting that the ambassador’s term coincided with the start of the current Russian-Ukrainian conflict. 

“He had lots to do with strengthening the relationship between Norway and the United States and achieving significant milestones in many of the military sorts of cooperations that we created,” said Gold. 

Gold noted that the ambassador had earned “enormous accolades” for his accomplishments, which include the founding of Falcon Cable TV and serving as Vice Chairman of Charter Communications. Nathanson served as Chairman of the United States Agency for Global Media during the Clinton-Gore and Bush-Cheney Administrations; Representative to the Board of Governors of the East-West Center in Honolulu; Co-Chairman of the Pacific Council on International Policy; and Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a long-standing Trustee of the Aspen Institute.

He was also familiar to the audience. Nathanson and his wife lived in Beverly Hills for 19 years, and two of his children graduated from Beverly Hills High School. His company, Mapleton Investments, is based in Beverly Hills, granting him, in Gold’s words, the status of “Beverlyhillsian.” 

“I’d like to tell you about my experiences as a U.S. ambassador for the last almost two years and a little bit about Norway in general, because I find most Americans don’t know a lot about Norway, and it’s a fascinating country,” Nathanson began. 

Norway, explained Nathanson, is small but mighty. Though its population is only 5.5 million, Norway holds critical importance on the geopolitical front for several reasons.  Foremost among them is its border with Russia. 

“The second fleet of Russia is based across from Norway in Siberia, across from the Norwegian city of Kirkenes. And in addition to that, Russia does all its testing of its weapons in that part of the world. So, the United States and Norway are very close in sharing intelligence about what the Russians are doing. And Norway was an original member of NATO as the United States. But one of our most important achievements as the U.S. ambassador, along with the other U.S. ambassadors in the Nordic countries, was to get Sweden and Finland to join NATO, which we’re very happy that occurred,” said Nathanson.

Norway, he noted, is the richest country in Europe, with a government sovereign fund of $1.7 trillion. It is also a relatively new country, only gaining independence from Sweden in 1905. The country is 98% English-speaking. 

Between 1880 and 1930, one million Norwegians settled in the United States. Many ended up in Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas, as well as Seattle because of its shipping industry. 

The current King of Norway happens to be staunchly pro-American. 

“When I first presented my credentials to the King of Norway, he said to me, ‘Let me tell you a story.’ Now, he’s 88 years old today, and he said the Nazis invaded Norway. Norway was neutral, but the Nazis and Hitler wanted oil, gas, iron ore, and shipping of steel from Sweden. The ports were in Norway.  So, Hitler invaded Norway and stationed 250,000 Nazi troops in Norway. The current king’s grandfather and his father fled to England to lead the resistance. But his mother, who was the Crown Princess Martha at the time, went to the United States with the current king and his two sisters. Where did they stay? In the White House with President Roosevelt. The current king was 5 years old and they lived there until he was 10 years old. In the last year or so, they moved to a home in Maryland. But the United States was the home for the royal family in Norway. And if any of you have seen the PBS series, ‘Atlantic Crossing,’ it is about the Norwegians living in Washington and about Roosevelt. Martha is very important historically because she was one of the many people who pushed Roosevelt into entering World War II. And that has been very well documented,” said Nathanson. 

In 1969, the country’s fate changed dramatically after Exxon and Mobil discovered oil on Norway’s continental shelf. The Norwegian government agreed to allow the extraction of its natural resources in exchange for, among other things, 50 percent of the profits. 

The wealth of the country funds its famous socialism. 

“It is a very socialistic country, even though it’s a democracy, even though there are more billionaires per capita in Norway than in the United States. They have free healthcare, free medicine, free education through Ph.D. or medical school,” Nathanson said. 

The government also pays 25 % of all expenses of the country’s 250 daily newspapers. 

“They feel a free press, an active press is in the best interest of a democracy,” he said.

Nathanson added, “There’s no student debt, there is no homelessness. There is almost no crime in Norway now; it’s a cashless society. Everything’s done with credit cards. So that may have something to do with it.”

On the other hand, the system is not utopian. 

Nathanson relayed the story of his wife wanting a particular type of eye drop not on the approved government list. The price quoted was $700. 

“You don’t have much choice. The government picks the medicine and it’s only one brand, and you either have to take that brand, it doesn’t cost you anything, but if you want another brand or you want to go to your own specialist, you have to go to Germany or England to see a doctor there. So, it’s not a perfect system, but there is no poverty. There’s a huge middle class in Norway. Now, I must say, I always felt when we lived in Beverly Hills, they had great police and fire and emergency responders. They have that in Norway as well, but it’s throughout the country. It’s not just in one area of the city or another area. And Oslo, a metro area, has nearly a million people now. It’s very green. They have electric cars. Seventy percent of all cars and trucks are electric,” said Nathanson. 

He then touched on the country’s relationship with firearms. 

“Norwegians are avid hunters. Most Norwegians own rifles and hunt, even though there’s very little violent crime in Norway with firearms, because they use a system where when a boy or girl becomes 16 and they want to own a rifle, they have to go to training and then they have to join a club that does gun safety.”

As for the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Nathanson noted, “Norway is the biggest provider of aid and military assistance to Ukraine. And that was a first, because Norway has always provided aid throughout the world to countries because of its great wealth, but they haven’t provided military aid. They made an exception because of Ukraine. And I gave an address at a conference when I first arrived. I compared Hitler’s invasion of Norway in April 1940 to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Well, the Russian ambassador immediately attacked me on all of the services. And we spent the next day on the front lines of Russia and Norway. Shortly thereafter, as you know, Finland joined and later Sweden joined NATO, and today they have a united front against Russian aggression. So, this was a very, very important step of what was going on.”

Toward the end of his remarks, Nathanson spoke of Norway as a gateway to one of the last frontiers on earth, the Arctic. 

“As the ice is melting, not only Russia, but China is extremely interested in the polar route from China, and this is very important for Norway. And with the help of the Secretary of State Tony Blinken, we got permission from the State Department to open an American Presence Post in Tromso, the largest Norwegian city in the Arctic. And we now have American State Department people, a very small office up there, but to focus on the Arctic, not only because the Russians are there and all the Russian weapon testing is there, but because of the melting of all of the glaciers. They’re melting four times faster than anywhere else on Earth,” said Nathanson.

He urged the audience to visit Norway and the Arctic in particular. 

“The northernmost city in the world near the North Pole is Longyearbyen, which is in Norway, and it’s the closest city to the North Pole. It only has 2,500 people. But it’s very, very interesting to see because you see the glaciers. And in addition to that, the seed vault is there. They actually take the seeds of all crops of all food, and they put the seeds in a permafrost in the ice in caves in Norway in case there’s a disaster and they have to regrow the plants.”

Nathanson then came full circle from his tales of the Arctic, back home to Beverly Hills. 

He described one of his last official acts as ambassador. 

“I had the great honor to pick the career State Department diplomat who would be the DCM (Deputy Chief of Mission), the number two person at the embassy. And when there’s no ambassador, the DCM runs the embassy. They are the chargé d’affaires. And I chose, as I know, all of you would’ve chosen, an outstanding young man named Eric Meyer from Beverly Hills. He is now running everything, doing a much better job than I ever could, and I am so proud of Eric and his father and brother [Bruce and Evan Meyer] are right here, and I’m so proud of him.” 

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The twins are now in their late 30s.

Plaintiffs in the case are the unnamed couple, described in the complaint under the pseudonyms “John Doe” and “Jane Doe.” They claim that for nearly 40 years, the family believed that the husband was the biological father of the twins, one of whom now has a child of her own. 

The complaint states that as a young couple, the plaintiffs turned to Danzer, a well-known fertility specialist, to help them start a family. They underwent successful treatment in 1986. Unbeknownst to them, the sperm used to conceive the twins belonged to a stranger named Dennis Goldman. 

The twins made the discovery about their paternity after tests through Ancestry.com and 23andMe revealed no relation to their father. The suit alleges that the actual sperm donor, Goldman, produced several other biological children through Danzer and his now-shuttered fertility clinic, Los Angeles Fertility Institute.  Moreover, the complaint states that Goldman suffered unspecified medical issues and died young, raising the specter of health concerns for the twins.

The complaint alleges causes of action for battery, fraud, infliction of emotional distress, professional malpractice and breach of contract. It states that Danzer co-founded and currently practices at the Southern California Reproductive Center in Beverly Hills. 

This is a developing story, which the Courier will continue to follow. 

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The DuPont complaint alleges causes of action for tortious interference with contractual relations and related claims and for negligent and intentional misrepresentation. DuPont has filed a separate breach of contract action against Douglas Emmett, which is still pending.

Earlier this year, the city and its employee managers filed a special motion to strike under what is commonly known as the anti-SLAPP statute (CCP 425.16). That statute confers “protected activity” status on a wide swath of official statements, including those made in connection with issues under consideration or review by an official body or proceeding. 

The court ruled that most of the conduct alleged in the complaint fell into the category of a protected statement and as such, must be struck from the complaint. The ruling did not extend to allegations regarding the withholding of permits by the city, however. 

“We are pleased that the Court has vindicated the city’s position through a neutral evaluation of the evidence,” said Mayor Lester Friedman in a statement.  “As the city has indicated time and again, it vigorously supports a woman’s right to choose and the decision to rescind DuPont Clinic’s lease was not made by the city of Beverly Hills. We welcome future medical facilities that offer complete reproductive health services to Beverly Hills.”

A statement from DuPont indicated, “DuPont is very disappointed with the Court’s ruling today, especially in light of the complaint filed by the California Attorney General that points to clear wrongdoing on the part of the city of Beverly Hills.  DuPont remains committed to its claims against the city of Beverly Hills and believes that the merits of its case will ultimately prevail.”

As of press time, the next procedural steps in the case—including an appeal by DuPont—are not clear. The city has indicated it intends to pursue its attorney’s fees in the matter and the Courier will continue to report on all future developments.  

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The awards were announced at a Dec. 1 gala dinner in the Crystal Ballroom of the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. The evening’s program also included special recognition to actress Kathy Bates, who received the Legend Award for lifetime achievement. Singer and activist Melissa Etheridge received the Distinguished Storyteller Award. Actor and comedienne Tiffany Haddish received the Visionary Award for humanitarian work, and “Entertainment Tonight” host Kevin Frazier was honored with the Luminary Award for career achievement. 

The awards were co-dedicated to the late filmmaker Roger Corman and music legend Quincy Jones. 

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The plan has always envisioned the continued operation of the Saks Fifth Avenue women’s store, which recently reopened at 9570 Wilshire Blvd. The historic Saks Fifth Avenue building will become a boutique hotel with a spa, social club and restaurant.

The initial plan included the addition of two new office buildings on Wilshire Boulevard and up to 70 apartments. However, after community stakeholders raised concerns about traffic and other issues, the plan was revised to reduce office square footage. Additional revisions include an increase in the number of housing units by eight; an expansion of public areas to create more pedestrian spaces and provide a better connection between Bedford and Peck drives, as well as improved vehicle circulation and parking.

“You are seeing 9600 Wilshire refined by feedback from more than 200 meetings with our neighbors in Beverly Hills. We have considered many of their suggestions, and the dialogue has helped us to improve our plan in a way that enlivens Wilshire Boulevard, improves traffic circulation in the area and creates new public spaces. We are looking forward to the next steps of the public process,” Douglas Adams, Senior Vice President of HBC-Streetworks Development, told the Courier.

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The audience heard from Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Co-Chair of the House Israel Allies Caucus and member of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group. 

Sherman began his remarks by lauding the mission of WIZO, adding, “I was a Zionist since before my bar mitzvah and that was a while ago.” 

He then reminded the audience that in addition to the travails currently facing Israel on the ground, another front is equally crucial, that of world public opinion. 

“I don’t have to tell you how important that front is,” said Sherman. 

He explained, “While the IDF is on the front lines, we are also on the front lines. We don’t have to take the physical risks. They do, but we have to work just as hard. We have to remind Americans that Oct. 7 was the worst holocaust for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. When you see these kids shouting, ‘river to the sea,’ most of them don’t know which river, which sea. But their leaders know full well and what their leaders mean is from the river to the sea, every Jew should be expelled or killed.”

Sherman then turned to the subject of Iran, which earlier this month launched nearly 200 missiles into Israel.

“We need to respond to what Iran did. I am a strong advocate of also funding every dissident group that’s working for democracy in Iran because this regime is not popular. And finally, we have to make sure that Iran never has nuclear weapons,” he said. 

Following Sherman, a panel discussion on antisemitism focused on issues close to home, edifying the audience on several topics in the news. Moderated by Beverly Hills Courier Publisher Lisa Friedman Bloch, the panel featured Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman, Los Angeles County Supervisor Chair Lindsey Horvath, Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky (District 5) and State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood).

Bloch opened the discussion by asking the participants about their first memories of being Jewish or meeting others who were Jewish. Friedman recounted growing up in the Fairfax District, the son of Polish immigrants and Holocaust survivors. Yaroslavsky spoke of her grandparents, founding members of Stephen Weiss Temple. She now has three children of her own who go to Jewish day school and preschool. 

“Right now, it feels like we as Jews are very vulnerable,” Yaroslavsky said. “I walked my kids to school this morning, and there was a whole group of parents walking their kids. We all sort of looked at each other, and I think we all quietly said a prayer. That’s what we’re focused on, that’s what my team is focused on, making sure all of us are safe. We’re doing what we can to make Los Angeles a safe space for everybody, uplifting everybody. That’s the core of who I am, and Judaism is a big part of that.” 

The other two panelists are not members of the Jewish faith but represent areas with a significant Jewish population. Zbur spoke of growing up on a small farm in New Mexico. He fondly recalled that his school guidance counselor—a man who helped shape his life—was the only Jew in the entire region. 

“Every day when I get up, I understand the responsibility I have to listen to the constituents of my district, which is to not only fight antisemitism, but to make sure Israel is strong as well,” said Zbur. “I want to represent this district in the same way I would hope someone who’s not LGBTQ represents the LGBTQ members of my district,” he said.

Horvath spoke of the traditions of her Catholic upbringing, beginning with the recognition that Jesus was a Jew. The fact that she can attend religious services weekly without security concerns, but her Jewish constituents cannot, has weighed heavily on her for some time. Earlier this year, it inspired her high-profile motion to create a so-called “bubble zone” ordinance for houses of worship and other sensitive sites. 

Yaroslavsky noted the importance of connecting the Jewish community with other faith groups. “We are stronger together, and we need each other,” she said. 

She also expressed enthusiasm for the newly appointed LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.

“He’s wonderful. I saw him last night at an event at the Museum of Tolerance. We’ve fully funded LAPD, and it’s his job now to go hire recruits and bring those numbers back up to approach where they were a decade ago. I’ve authorized overtime money from my own discretionary dollars to focus particularly on the High Holidays and around houses of worship during this time,” Yaroslavsky said.

The topic of college campus protests also elicited discussion. Horvath described lessons learned during the UCLA protests this spring. 

“We learned that while the Sheriff is in charge of deploying and operating a mutual aid declaration on that campus, the order of operations was campus police, then CHP, because they are the state officials, then LAPD, because UCLA is in the city of Los Angeles, and then the Sheriff’s Department. So even though mutual aid is led by the sheriff himself because he is the highest-ranking law enforcement official for the region, that was the order of operations. We are working to make sure that there is a practice in action about how we keep people safe,” she said. 

Yaroslavsky noted that she recently sat down with the new chancellor of UCLA, Julio Frenk.

“I think he’s going to be a great addition to UCLA. We had a serious conversation. We mostly talked about what happened in the spring and how unacceptable it was. He is Jewish, and the institution that he was running at the time in Florida didn’t have any of the problems UCLA had because he was clear at the outset what the rules of engagement were going to be, and then they followed the rules. And so, he is doing that now at UCLA,” she said.

Horvath added that the events at UCLA strengthened her commitment to the bubble zone concept. That county ordinance, approved by the full Board of Supervisors in August, will make it a misdemeanor to, among other things, obstruct, hinder or block the entry to or exit from educational or healthcare facilities, as well as places of worship.

“We saw what happened to students on campus [UCLA], which was part of what prompted our motion. And this is based on a policy that was passed in the state of Colorado, which protected people who were attempting to access healthcare centers. There are laws already to protect our buildings. I am interested in protecting people. And so, the bubble zone creates around a person an 8-foot bubble when you are walking into a healthcare center, a place of worship or a school,” said Horvath. 

Yaroslavsky said that she is pushing through a similar ordinance, acknowledging that Horvath “led the charge.”  

“Unfortunately, the city takes a little longer,” she admitted. 

Horvath said her office has received pushback on the county ordinance, on grounds that the proposed bubble zones threaten free speech rights. To that pushback, she responds, “If you can’t figure out how to express your point of view without physically touching someone or harassing them when they are accessing their place of worship, a healthcare center or their school, you’re doing it absolutely wrong.”

Horvath also urged members of the audience to engage with her office on this topic. 

“The organizers of the opposition are already hard at work, and we are going to continue because we know how important it is to keep people safe,” she said. 

On the topic of First Amendment rights, Friedman described the delicate position the city of Beverly Hills is in. 

“We are a target because if somebody is going to protest, why not protest in Beverly Hills, because then you’re going to have media coverage. And that’s a problem. People do have a right to protest. They don’t have a right for hate speech. They don’t have a right to interfere with the enjoyment that people have in the community. And unfortunately, the people who come in know their rights. They have a right to protest, and what they’re looking for is to have confrontation within our streets.”

Friedman said that while he reluctantly thinks the best course is to “ignore them because engaging with them is just going to give them the purpose to come back again,” he did add a caveat. 

“When I say ‘ignore,’ I think we have to stand up for our rights. Don’t get me wrong, when I hear people say that they don’t want to wear their Star of David around their neck or their lapel pins, or I have even heard people wanting to take down their mezuzah from their door. Absolutely not,” he clarified, emphatically.

Striking a positive note, Friedman said that approximately 200 U.S. mayors will gather in Beverly Hills in December for an antisemitism conference. 

“What we hope people see is what is going on in our community, how we support the right of the Jewish people to exist. Yes, Zionism is not a dirty word. Point two percent of the world’s population is Jewish, and for us to call a small strip of land in the Middle East our homeland is not asking a lot,” he concluded. 

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Horvath first spoke in detail about the homelessness crisis. She has been a leading voice on that topic, authoring the county’s declaration of emergency on homelessness and appointing herself to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Commission. 

“Sitting at that table to see what LAHSA does and doesn’t do has given me a lot of important insights,” said Horvath. “There are also several regional bodies that exist to address homelessness.” She went on to name several of them, adding a list of county and city departments, as well. 

“This system is nearly impossible to understand, which is why I put myself at every seat at every table that has to do with homelessness to really try and diagnose what’s wrong,” she said, expressing frustration.

But Horvath has taken concrete action, as well, such as co-authoring a motion to audit the LAHSA Commission to understand where dollars are being spent. 

She also had a positive note to add.

 “We have locked arms with the mayor of Los Angeles and others throughout the region and have finally turned the tide in terms of reducing the number of unhoused that we have both in the city and county of Los Angeles. So, we know that the ways that we have changed our system thus far are working and moving us in the right direction, and there’s more work to be done in order to achieve more outcomes,” she said. 

Horvath then turned to the topic of public safety, and the influence Beverly Hills has had on the region. 

“Last Friday, I had the privilege of being at the Malibu Lost Hills station of the Sheriff’s Department where they opened a real time watch center that is a support for all the cities in the area and the unincorporated area. There was mention of the work that Beverly Hills had done. I wanted you to know that your impact is being felt regionally.”

The topic of public safety continued into the question-and-answer period when Horvath was asked about crime on the Metro. 

She responded by pointing to statistics that show crime on the Metro is actually decreasing. She also noted that supervisors are looking to create a separate law enforcement agency to patrol the system. 

“The thing that I’ve been advocating for is increasing our funding to make sure that there is personnel on every bus, in every car, of every train,” she said. 

Horvath was asked about Measure A, the Affordable Housing, Homelessness Solutions and Prevention Now measure. It is designed to replace Measure H, the quarter-cent sales tax that voters approved to address homelessness in 2017. Measure H is set to expire in 2017. 

She explained that “marrying services with housing” is a critically needed piece of the puzzle that the new measure addresses. 

“It was part of Measure H’s mission to make sure that people who were on the street were provided services while they were there. They didn’t have to wait for housing in order to be served. But the outcome is people now expect to be served on the street, and that doesn’t solve the crisis,” she said.  

The questions then turned to the topic of Measure G, the Los Angeles County Government Structure, Ethics and Accountability Charter Amendment. Co-authored by Horvath, the measure will, among other things, expand the Board of Supervisors, introduce an elected County Executive, establish open budget hearings and create an independent Ethics Commission.

The Beverly Hills City Council voted 4-1 to oppose the measure at its Sept. 17 Regular Meeting, with concerns raised over the need/role of the County Executive.

Horvath explained that the measure does “three basic things,” beginning with an increase in the number of supervisors from five to nine. 

“Right now, my district is more than 2 million people. My district ranges from Malibu to Pacoima, from Venice to Westlake Village. And so, it is pretty sizable, and when you’re thinking about service provision, making sure that we are able to reach people in an effective and efficient manner is incredibly important,” she said.

The second element of the measure—the elected executive role—is one which has caused confusion, said Horvath. 

She explained it as a separation of executive and legislative authority of the board.

“Our state legislature is separated from our governor. Our Congress is separated from the president. For cities like yours, where there is an empowered city manager, that manager has the authority to hire and fire, to administer the departments. They draft your budget, but it is approved by your City Council. Right now, our CEO does not have the authority to hire and fire that exists with the board.”

In sum, said Horvath, the County Executive would be “elected by the people and held accountable for drafting the $46 billion budget and making sure that the work of the county is done on a daily basis.” 

She also emphasized the importance of an independent ethics commission. 

“There’s a lot of concern and diminished public trust in the county’s ability to get work done. And I think this government hasn’t been changed since 1912 when there were 500,000 people, more cows than people in Los Angeles County,” she noted. 

Horvath clarified the time frames contemplated by the measure. 

“By 2026, the independent ethics commission must be created and operated. By 2028, the elected executive would be on the ballot, and with the next redistricting process, that’s when the number of seats would expand.”

She concluded the session by disputing a remark by an audience member. Namely, that Measure G would double the bureaucracy at the top management of the county. 

“This charter amendment explicitly states we will not be raising revenue, we are not collecting taxes to create this governmental change. We are working within the provisions of what already exists within county government. There are 400 positions that currently exist in the CEO’s office in addition to the hundreds of millions of dollars that are spent on the five Board of Supervisor seats. Reducing the districts from 2 million to 1 million means those offices need fewer staff. It doesn’t mean you get rid of all your staff, but every office will be reapportioned to accommodate the new size of the district.”

She noted that the auditor controller performed a fiscal analysis of the cost of implementing Measure G. 

“His number was $8 million out of a $46 billion budget. Implementing this kind of change to bring government closer to the people and have services delivered even better… I think it is worth it,” said Horvath. 

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Strangulet, Funke learns, is made with a stringed wooden instrument called a “pettine,” and the one Cristina uses is generations old. Later, he is overcome with emotion as she hands the heirloom to him as a gift with the entreaty to “take it to California!”

Fast forward a few years and a world away to Beverly Hills, where Funke’s eponymous restaurant debuted to great fanfare in May 2023. Located in an art deco jewel box on South Santa Monica Boulevard and Canon Drive, it remains the hottest ticket in town.

Warhols and Basquiats grace the walls, but humble tools of the trade hold a higher significance in the space. Inside the imposing glass and steel “pasta laboratorio” in the main dining room, several wooden implements hang on the walls. Among them is a pettine, like the one Funke first encountered in Calabria.

“That’s not the real one. The real one is in a safe,” Funke noted when I met with him for an interview earlier this year.

And that, in a nutshell, exemplifies a key theme of Evan Funke’s remarkable career.

At 46, the two-time James Beard nominee is one of the most celebrated chefs in Southern California, if not the country. Yet, his role as chef-owner comes across as but an adjunct to his true passion, which is to be a culinary anthropologist and historian.

Standing intently beside me (as he did throughout our “sit down” interview at the restaurant), Funke doesn’t disagree with that assessment. He has made it his life’s work to discover, teach and share the art of handmade pasta in its hundreds of iterations.

“I am a student of this craft and of the history of pasta making. And, not necessarily just for the technical knowledge, but for the historical knowledge and the connection between the people who have made these shapes since a very young age and continue to do it,” he says.

Those “people” tend to be women, and Funke is an unabashed feminist in lauding the importance of the Italian “nonnas” (grandmothers) who hold the keys to the dying art.

“If you trace each one of those shapes back, each one of them has an ancestral shape that was at one time made in the home by a woman. And the ingenuity, the creativity was driven by women in the home working with their hands with very meager ingredients: flour and water. All the shapes that exist today are because of that creativity and the need to disguise that you’re going to be eating the same thing today as yesterday, made with that flour and water. All of pasta was born from that,” he said.

When he opened the Beverly Hills flagship 16 months ago, it was hailed as a crowning achievement to follow the venerable Felix Trattoria, which opened in Venice in 2017, and Mother Wolf, the opulent ode to Roman cuisine whose 2021 launch in Hollywood was an instant success.

Helming a triumvirate of wildly successful restaurants could easily fell an ordinary mortal. Funke, by contrast, has launched two new establishments in the past nine months, with another to soon follow. Mother Wolf Las Vegas opened at Fontainebleau Las Vegas in late 2023. Tre Dita debuted this spring at the St. Regis Hotel in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood. It quickly garnered top marks for its Tuscan cuisine (which, like Chicago, gravitates toward steak), as well as the sweeping views across a panel of 40-foot-tall windows.

By year’s end, a third Mother Wolf is set to open in Miami’s Design District.

Funke, who has said in interviews that “100-hour weeks are easy, if you spread them out over seven days,” has an understandable reputation as an intensely driven perfectionist. (He once spent 20 days in Rome eating only cacio e pepe to hone his presentation.)

On the morning of our interview, Funke had already returned with his team from one of his three weekly visits to a local farmers’ market.

“We’re roughly 93-95% farmers’ market driven in all the restaurants. Nothing outside of 500 miles,” said Funke. He then proceeded to describe the bounty that morning  in the throes of spring, from peas to artichokes and the last winter crop citrus, with the promise of morel and porcini mushrooms to come.

“It’s an incredible palette to paint from,” he noted.

Funke’s path to superstar culinary artist was by no means a predictable one. He and his four siblings grew up in Pacific Palisades. Their father, Alex, is an acclaimed special effects director of photography and three-time Oscar winner. Funke attributes his work ethic to his dad, though the cooking connection came somewhat by accident.

Finding himself at one point “lost” as a young man, Funke signed up for the Marine Corps. He was on the verge of reporting for boot camp when a friend’s mom suggested that he consider cooking school. Funke then made a decision that would change his life: to enroll in Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena.

The rest is culinary history.

From (the now defunct) Cordon Bleu, Funke went on to a seven-year stint with the Wolfgang Puck organization, first with the catering division and later the front lines at Spago where he worked his way to sous chef. An unfulfilling job followed at a hotel in Beverly Hills, after which he again decided to change course.

“I was trained classically in French technique at Le Cordon Bleu, worked for Wolfgang, cooked Asian and French quite a bit for seven years. And I obviously received extraordinary mentorship at Spago. I wouldn’t trade it for anything because the principles that I learned kind of define how I do a lot of things today,” he said.

Nonetheless, Funke was dissatisfied with cooking French food, which simply “did not resonate.” Once again, he decided to seek professional training, this time in Italy. He enrolled in a sfoglini (pasta maker) course taught by the acclaimed chef Alessandra Spisni at La Vecchia Scuola Bolognese in Bologna, Italy.

That time in Italy not only changed his trajectory as a chef but also as a human being.

“I immediately fell in love with the rhythm of Italian life. I was enamored with the way that they choose to live. What you do for a living does not define how you live or who you are as a person. You can sweep the streets and go home and make your own cheese and your own olive oil and live life culinarily to the fullest,” Funke explained.

He added that when he cooked French and Asian food, he was not aware of the background of a dish. Italy instilled in him a reverence for seasonality, for the land and for the history of things.

He came home from Bologna and worked for a while at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica. His next step was a major one: opening his own place, Bucato in Culver City. Though a critical success and—ostensibly—a commercial one, the venture failed in 2015. In its wake, Funke faced personal bankruptcy and litigation from which he was later dismissed.

It was a low point in his life, but from great pain often springs great art.

In 2018, the media company Tastemade produced a feature-length, documentary film called “Funke,” which recounted the chef’s comeback from the Bucato implosion to launch Felix Trattoria. The film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival and is still available on streaming platforms.

“Funke” is not entirely flattering to its namesake, laying bare the resentment left in the wake of Bucato’s closing. But displays of sheer doggedness and belief in something bigger than oneself transmute Funke into a hero figure by film’s end. Adding to the mystique is a parallel storyline detailing the faith Funke manages to instill in Janet Zuccarini, the Canadian CEO and founder of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group. Zuccarini takes an odyssey of her own in the film, agonizing as she risks everything to back his Abbot Kinney venture that would become Felix Trattoria in 2017.

The gamble paid off.

Felix was Funke’s breakthrough, earning accolades that included Esquire’s “#1 Best New Restaurant in America” and Eater LA’s “Restaurant of the Year.” It was there that Funke first introduced the concept of the climate and humidity-controlled glass “pasta lab,” through which patrons could observe firsthand the crafting of handmade pasta. The idea sprang from Funke’s time in Bologna, where pasta makers plied their trade in front of storefront windows.

With its menu that breaks down dishes by region of Italy, Felix transformed the way Californians, and by extension, Americans, think of pasta. The trattoria also introduced now-classic Funke signatures, such as the soft-as-down “sfincione” focaccia, which even renowned chefs describe as unequaled.

In 2019, Chronicle Books published Funke’s “American Sfoglino” cookbook. Its pages unfold as a paean to the hand-rolled sfoglino (sheet) of pasta made the old-fashioned way, with a mattarello (specialized wooden rolling pin) and not a pasta machine. The book won the 2020 International Association of Culinary Professionals Award for Best Cookbook, Chefs and Restaurants and a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Photography in 2020.

Though he literally wrote the book on it, Funke chuckles at the notion that he is one of the world’s expert pasta makers.

“I’m a perpetual student. I have a talent for this, and I define talent as an intense love of something,” he said.

He motions to a young man rolling out a sfoglino behind the glass of the pasta lab behind us. Murano glass light fixtures designed to evoke Champagne bubbles reflect from above like so many fairy lights.

“I’ve made upwards of 35,000 [sheets of pasta], far beyond the 10,000 hours of mastery, if you will. It’s very much a meditative state that you can lose yourself in. It’s part martial art, part craft, part mysticism, part spiritualism, for me anyway. Pasta is not really a job for me. It’s not a vocation. I have to do this,” he explained.

The year after publishing “American Sfoglino,” Funke opened Mother Wolf in Hollywood. With a name that pays homage to Rome’s origin story and a menu inspired by La Cucina Romana, its star power was immediate. In the words of an early L.A. Times review in the spring of 2022, “Mother Wolf is a Hollywood production in every sense. Every night is a party, loud and posh and rowdy …” That same review added, “A new Funke restaurant will always involve some razzle-dazzle, but I doubt he’ll attempt anything of this size again soon. There’s no need. With Mother Wolf he’s pulled off serious cooking while pulling in Beyoncé and the Obamas … and the rest of us jockeying for reservations.”

Alas, the reviewer may have mistaken Funke for an ordinary mortal.

In fact, Funke at that moment was already deeply engaged with a bigger, bolder project in the heart of Beverly Hills. Westside Estate Agency (WEA) Co-Founder Kurt Rappaport was the financial Midas who would become Funke’s Medici.

After purchasing the building at 9388 South Santa Monica Blvd. in 2018 (for a reported $40 million), Rappaport worked with Dan Brunn Architecture to reimagine and transform both its exterior and interior to house WEA’s main office.

Rappaport wanted a significant restaurant for the space. He also knew that many in his circle of friends and business associates were Funke aficionados.

“I knew of Evan from Felix and the restaurant before that. My friend Steve Tisch and others would always rave about him. I heard through the grapevine that he was opening in Beverly Hills with Larry Gagosian on Camden next to the gallery,” Rappaport recalled.

He added, “I was depressed because I had bought the building. I had potential clients that were major restaurant operators but with concepts I didn’t really love and wouldn’t do anything to improve the community. We didn’t need another steakhouse or some strange concept that wouldn’t have a longstanding ability to succeed. I thought, ‘Oh my God. It would be so incredible to have Evan in my space,’ and ‘How did I not hear about it till it was too late?’”

Then, in March 2020, the world came to a screeching halt.

“All of us were locked in our houses and businesses were shuttering. I wanted to check in to see if the Funke-Gagosian project was still happening. Funny enough, I called a mutual friend who said that the deal was on hold. I said to myself, ‘You don’t put Evan Funke on hold. I want to meet with him.’”

The next day, Rappaport and Funke met.

“I told him, ‘The world will come back. Let’s build something that is exquisite.’ I told him that I believe in letting talented people do their thing. We will make it beautiful and special for the public. We worked on the restaurant for 3.5 years of planning and construction,” said Rappaport.

He noted that the city of Beverly Hills was a great help in bringing the project to life.

“I would say that [former Mayor] Lili Bosse was a real champion. I said to her, ‘I need the city’s help because Beverly Hills is going to lose another great concept to WeHo. The city was great and understood when I told them the restaurant will bring traffic that will help revenue in all parts of the city.”

When Funke opened, it was hailed not only as a career pinnacle for its namesake, but an architectural and design marvel, as well. Spanning three levels (including the most popular rooftop in the city) and 10,000 square feet, it is a showplace of Italian moderne. Interior design by Clint Nicholas incorporates striking stone surfaces, graceful, curved lines and touches that only an unlimited budget can provide, such as Loro Piana fabric on soundproofing panels. The net result is a space that encapsulates and propels forward the glamour of bygone eras. At the same time, the energy of the bustling venue on any given night conveys the sense that this corner of Beverly Hills is the center of the world.

To Funke, the magnificence of the setting helps achieve one of his main goals as a chef, which is to tell stories.

“So much of the restaurant industry is theater. It’s environmentally driven, as is Italian food culture. It’s where you are, it’s who you’re with, it’s what you’re eating that informs the experience. And every dish that I make in all the restaurants has some form of storytelling connected to it. The history of Italy, the history of pasta is very much interwoven into the history of the country. And there are very beautiful themes that inform this space and all the spaces,” he said.

This spring Funke manned the pizza oven in his third year catering Vanity Fair’s post-Oscars party for Hollywood’s biggest night. But he always returns to pasta, which he describes as “the food of the people” or more aptly, the food of the nonnas who have shared their craft with him.

“[E]very dish that I make in all the restaurants has some form of storytelling connected to it.”

Many of those nonnas are immortalized now, their names on the Funke menu alongside regional specialties now served nightly to a rapturous clientele. There is Agnolotti dal Plin from “Gemma,” tagliatelle from Bologna, with credit to the Maestra Alessandra and, of course, the strangulet, attributed to Cristina, his teacher from the ancient village in Italy.

Funke, said Rappaport, is the highest grossing restaurant in the city.

“People love it, and everyone compliments me on the service, on the staff. The experience starts when you walk in the door. Everyone who works there is a passionate foodie, and Evan is the hardest working chef in America. He is never satisfied. Most people look at and are happy with 99 percent. He’s looking at the one percent and wonders how we can elevate and provide a better experience,” Rappaport added.

At the moment, Funke is also looking at other potential ventures, including an Amazon project with chef-restaurateur Giada DeLaurentiis.

“That is still in the works. But television always takes a lot longer than people think, and I want to make sure that whatever I do, no matter if it’s a restaurant or if it’s a TV show or it’s a book or a project, I don’t want to be a talking head. I want it to be meaningful.”

What about meaningful time off, I ask?

“I take about half a day off a week on Sunday. I cook a little, my wife [Grace] cooks a little. If I go out, I like to go to small Thai places, little Vietnamese places. But I leave pasta for Italy,” he replied.

Thus far, Funke has been to 17 of Italy’s 20 provinces and tries to visit between two and four times a year to, as he puts it, “reset the culinary North Star” and build relationships.

“I work every hour that is available in the day, and I’m very motivated to do as much as I possibly can with my life. And I just so happened to choose pasta and restaurants as my medium to build a legacy that I can leave behind. The mentorship that I leave behind will be the legacy. I just think I have a responsibility to do it, and I’m privileged to do it. I’m not having children, and this is what I’m going to leave behind,” said Funke.

He added, “L.A. is an extraordinary place to cook.”

The post The Paradox of Evan Funke appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I fund and finance affordable housing, schools, public transportation, hospitals, green energy advanced manufacturing… If anyone needs or wants money, please come see me,” she added, to scattered laughter. But it was a point she meant in all seriousness. 

She explained that her office “does not do a great job of announcing to folks” that the state has many grant and loan programs available. She handed out resource guides and directed the audience to the website www.treasurer.ca.gov.

“If you’re looking for manufacturing resources or solar or electric vehicles, please go there and it should have a pretty extensive list. So that’s what I do. I’m very happy in this job because I get to go around and talk about people’s money problems and where they need more money, and I’m able to kind of shake the trees a little bit, get things going and so I’m finally in a good place,” she added. 

Ma acknowledged longstanding relationships in Beverly Hills and has addressed the Rotary Club more than once. She addressed topics of local interest, ranging from affordable housing to public-private partnerships. Ma, who has announced her candidacy for lieutenant governor in 2026 (she is being termed out), also answered a diverse array of questions from the audience.

The first query came from Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook, and it was on the topic of finances. 

“Two years ago, I believe we had about a $97 billion surplus in the state, and we just announced a $44 billion deficit. How and why does that happen and what are you going to do about that as lieutenant governor?” Stainbrook inquired. 

Ma’s response looked back on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Miraculously, that first year, we had a $46 billion dollar surplus. Why? Well, sales taxes all stayed there. Everybody stayed, bought RVs, boats, cars and did not travel. Number two, the tech industry was doing extremely well. We needed to have a communication mode, so all the tech companies were coming out with a new Zoom and Google Meets and all that. Also, interest rates were low, so people were still buying and selling and had capital gains on homes. Home prices were still going up. And then the second year of COVID, we had a $96 billion surplus, same scenario, more IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, bonuses and stock options.”

She continued, “Now this recent fiscal year, we’re facing about a $50 billion deficit. Why? 

Number one, interest rates keep going up. So that has really slowed a lot of the capital gains and investments. Number two, we had writers and actors strike in Hollywood, which essentially shut everything down for a good nine months, and it’s not easy to turn on and off Hollywood, they’ve already made their contracts, they’re filming in other places, ancillary businesses have shut down. Number three, traditional tech companies have started laying off and therefore they’re not coming back to the city. Their revenues are down. And so that’s what happened,” she said. 

Ma noted that her role is to manage the money and make sure everything gets funded and financed. She doesn’t have a big role in the budget itself, but has used her office to effect change, nonetheless. 

“Because I am all over the state, I am trying to encourage more businesses to come to California, more investors to come. I give them tips on where they would be successful, what places they should go and locate, who wants certain types of industries, et cetera. And then AI is going to be the next tech boom. Whether you like AI or not, I personally love it. We need to make sure that Silicon Valley continues to flourish. As more AI companies come, the tech market sector will be booming again, but we need to have those high-paying jobs. It does not help if wealthy people move out of the state.”

She pointed to one region of Southern California as a key to deficit recovery: the Inland Empire. She described the region as a “shining light,” thanks to the train line set to run from Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas in 2.5 hours as well as the inland port in the works for Barstow. 

“So, the Inland Empire, I believe, is going to get us out of this deficit. We need to make sure we keep aerospace growing, AI and we have to get Hollywood back on track,” she added. 

Other topics Ma addressed included the impact that devastating fires in the state have had on the budget. 

“The major impact that it’s had is on insurance. The fact that insurance companies have pulled out of California, they’re not insuring, they’re charging three times what they used to  in terms of premiums. That is the devastating impact. We did put a lot of our surplus to fire mitigation more for OES and Cal Fire, et cetera, and we’re hoping that the utility companies are also going to do what they can to harden their infrastructure, but that’s always a fight,” said Ma. 

When asked about the topic of public service, Ma made this observation. 

“I’ve had over a thousand interns come through my office. I want the young people to know that public service should be a good thing. We should be helping the public. We should be approachable and accountable and transparent,” said Ma. 

She also gave a retort to the oft-repeated question, “Why can’t government be more like business?”

“When business is doing well, everybody’s doing well, making money, bonuses, stock options. Then when companies aren’t doing well, they lay people off. Sometimes they take away their retirement, and then the public sector has to be that safety net and pick up the pieces. So, we’re not the same, but we should be working hand in hand. And a lot of my programs are all public-private partnerships because I’m rolling out the tax credits and the bonds. I have to work with developers and banks and investors. We’re funding and financing everything,” she said. 

The discussion turned to a topic that has been particularly vexing to local officials throughout the state: housing. She used examples in the educational realm to make her point. 

“Tuition at UC Berkeley last year was like $17,000 and housing was $19,000. So, if we do not fix our housing crisis, we are not going to fix the high cost of education. It’s not the tuition. Our UC campuses are still top of the list in terms of public universities across the nation. People want to go but for the housing. That’s what I tell investors. If you want to invest, please go build housing—faculty and student housing—around our UC and CSU campuses. They will always be full.”

One of the last questions for Ma came from a real estate attorney who said that complicated application processes are driving his developer clients out of state. 

She responded with a plea. 

“I’m always asking groups like this to please run for office. We need more of you in office. We need more business owners, more accountants who are going to look at the reality of the situation. I distribute and oversee the bonds and tax credits for affordable housing. I know how difficult it is. Everything is more difficult at the local level. My office is the last step. I’ve made my office as efficient and flexible as possible. Unless the local governments start working more efficiently, we’re going to have a problem.”  

The post California State Treasurer Addresses Rotary Luncheon appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Over the course of 10 days, the group attended meetings with government officials at the Foreign Ministry and met with the city leaders of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Sederot, Ofakim and Modiin Maccabim-Reut. They traveled under armed guard to visit Kibbutz Be’eri and the site of the Nova Festival and met with survivors and family members of the victims of Oct. 7. 

The mayors received a report from experts on the psyche of Hamas and its infiltration into the population of Gaza. And they also participated in the MuniExpo 2024 conference,  which included a discussion on antisemitism and was attended by hundreds of Israelis. 

Friedman was an invited panelist in one of the six conference sessions, entitled “Long-Distance Hatred.” His fellow panelists included the CEO and Director General of The Jewish Agency for Israel, the ADL’s Senior Vice President for International Affairs and the Hessian State Minister of Finance from Germany, who is also the State Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight against Antisemitism. The session attracted a capacity crowd. 

Perhaps one of the most moving moments of the tour was not on the official schedule, however. On June 8, Israeli forces dramatically rescued four hostages, to the relief of the entire nation. That evening, Friedman’s delegation participated in an emotional celebration rally in Hostage Square in Tel Aviv that was attended by thousands. 

Reflecting on the trip after returning to Beverly Hills, Friedman noted, “It was really amazing to be with all those mayors from different cities. Four mayors came from Florida, others from New York, New Jersey and the mayor of Sandy Springs, Georgia was there. Two of the mayors from New Mexico weren’t Jewish. Not everyone was. But they were very supportive of Israel and are going back,” he said. 

He continued, “The antisemitism conference was quite revealing. I spoke there. But it was the people in Israel who were so warm and welcoming of Americans. All they see are the protests at Columbia University and that kind of thing, which is very concerning to them.”

In other words, the visit will carry long-lasting effects, not only in terms of education, networking and fact-finding, but also in goodwill. 

The post A Mayor’s Mission: Lester Friedman on His Recent Tour of Israel appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“The suspect vehicle was located in the area of Doheny Drive and Beverly Boulevard and immediately fled from BHPD Officers,” said Myers. “A pursuit ensued and traversed northbound into the San Fernando Valley. The suspect vehicle became disabled after a collision with another vehicle. The suspect then fled on foot and was apprehended a short distance away.”

Myers identified the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle as Gagik Arshakyan, a 26-year-old from Van Nuys, California.  He was booked on charges of Assault with a Firearm, Evading a Peace Officer, Reckless Driving, Forged/Altered Vehicle Registration, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Hit and Run Causing Injury, Resisting or Obstructing a Public officer and Assault on a Police Officer.  

The post Man Arrested After Brandishing Weapon in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“This decision has not come lightly, as Horace Mann has been my home and the heart of my professional journey for five amazing years. As the principal of Horace Mann, it has been a tremendous honor to work alongside such dedicated educators, supportive parents, and exceptional students, and a community who truly cares for one another,” he said.

Bugbee expressed gratitude to the school community and the city at large for “support, collaboration and friendship” during his tenure. 

He added, “Together, we have accomplished remarkable achievements and created lasting memories that I will always treasure. We survived a global pandemic together. THAT, my friends, will be a connection that we will share throughout our lives.”

BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy wrote in a statement released May 9 that Bugbee’s “tireless advocacy for social-emotional wellness for every student has enhanced our academic programs and enriched our school culture.”

Referring to Bugbee’s contributions as a “high bar,” Bregy added, “As we plan ahead, please rest assured that we are committed to finding the very best next Principal for Horace Mann Elementary School. Our search will be thorough and thoughtful, selecting a leader who will uphold the values we cherish and drive forward the mission that Mr. Bugbee has so passionately carried out.”

Bregy said he will release the next steps in the selection process shortly.  

The post Bugbee Stepping Down as Horace Mann Principal appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I have personally worked with Mr. Waters for over seven years, and he is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and beloved leaders in our district and throughout our extended Beverly Hills community. His care for student success transcends the gates of BVMS and carries into the future of every person he meets. Mr. Waters’ deep connection to our community and his outstanding dedication to education have made him a standout member of our faculty for decades. He has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to inspire trust and enthusiasm among students and staff, fostering an environment that values collaborative learning and growth,” said BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy in a statement announcing the appointment. 

Waters will begin his new role as Principal on July 1. 

The post Waters Appointed Beverly Vista Middle School Principal appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Discovery has been ongoing, and in February, defendants filed a special motion to strike portions of the complaint under California’s “anti-SLAPP” statute, alleging that DuPont’s claims arise from activities protected by that statute. (SLAPP stands for strategic lawsuits against public participation.)

In the pending motion, DuPont is arguing that it needs additional time to respond to the anti-SLAPP motion because the city’s prior responses to interrogatories and document requests are inadequate. In addition to compelling the city to submit compliant responses, DuPont is asking for a new briefing schedule, allowing sufficient time to respond to the anti-SLAPP motion. 

The Courier will continue to monitor relevant developments in this case as they occur. 

The post Motion Set for April 29 in DuPont Clinic Lawsuit appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Adam Selkowitz, Chair of the Board of Governors, said the honorees were thoughtfully selected based on their records of excellence in leadership roles. “We’re incredibly lucky to be honoring Bela and Gillian—decision-makers known for their dynamic, creative and innovative thinking that is emblematic of the research we support at Cedars-Sinai,” said Selkowitz. “Our last campaign to support the Board of Governors Innovation Center was like building the rocket; now, with this new campaign, it’s time to blast off.”

Proceeds from the Sunset Soiree will benefit the board’s Innovation to Impact initiative. The campaign’s goal is to raise $60 million to accelerate research and development of treatments for challenging illnesses impacting children, cancer, diabetes, neurological conditions and autoimmune disorders. 

The post Cedars-Sinai’s Board of Governors Holds Sunset Soirée 

 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“It’s about time,” said Djie, summing up a decision bound to surprise and disappoint  patrons throughout the city. 

Walter’s origins date back three-quarters of a century, when Swiss baker Walter Weber  opened an eponymous establishment on the nascent Rodeo Drive. After 25 years at  313 N. Rodeo, Walter’s moved to 434 N. Canon Drive, the present site of La Scala. The  Canon Drive location became a favorite of Hollywood legends such as the late Jacky Cooper, who came in daily for the sticky cinnamon raisin rolls known as schnecken (German for snail). 

In subsequent years, celebrities such as Jodie Foster, Jason Alexander, Victoria Principal,  John Lithgow, Kris Jenner, Carrie Fisher, John Ritter and many other well-known personalities would become regulars. 

Djie’s own history with Walter’s began more than 40 years ago. His late father Richard  purchased the establishment from Weber in 1981. 

Interestingly, the elder Djie almost took the restaurant in an entirely different direction. 

“My dad had a high-end Indonesian restaurant in Holland. He wanted to do that with  Walter’s, but it was already an institution,” recalls Djie. 

Even institutions evolve, and that is exactly what Walter’s did under Djie’s direction. 

In 2014, the restaurant moved to its present location at 153 S. Beverly Drive. It soon  became the neighborhood anchor tenant for the reliable comfort food, served in person, by takeout or delivery. In fact, Walter’s laid claim to the largest food delivery in the city.  Walter’s fleet of delivery bikes, pedaled by employees in eye-catching green T-shirts  adorned with a “Got Food?” logo fanned out across the city at lunchtime. 

Over the years the menu grew to reflect current times and tastes. Selections now include everything from breakfast burritos to matzo brie, shakshuka (poached eggs with chickpeas  and a spicy sauce) to salmon bowls. Mainstays, such as charbroiled burgers, turkey clubs and salads, never fell out of favor. 

“Our tuna salad was always one of the most popular items on the menu. Ladies come in for that every day,” said Djie. 

The decision to close, though not easy, was in many ways inevitable. 

“Before the pandemic, we were the biggest delivery operation in Beverly Hills. But then,  Uber, Postmates and the like came around and took away the business. Also, a lot of our regulars have gotten older or passed away,” said Djie 

The cost of doing business continues to increase, as well.  

“Even with the patronage of our immensely loyal customers and the support of the Hakim family, our landlord, fluctuations in customer traffic have placed immense strain on our business,” Djie noted. 
 

He cites his relationships with customers and employees as his greatest accomplishment.  

“I’ve had such loyal employees. My average employee has been here about 22 years. My  baker has been with me for 28 years, though he got ill and had to take some time off. Until  recently, we baked all of our own pastries and cookies. I have a busboy and a waitress who were here for 34 years,” said Djie. 

To say that his employees are disappointed is an understatement. Djie is giving them time to find other employment. 

“I don’t know what comes next for me. I may take some time off. All I can say is that it has been a pleasure and honor to serve everyone. It was like ‘Cheers’ in here. When you came  in, everybody knew each other. This was a home away from home where people came in to meet their friends. I would like to express my sincere gratitude that we were able to be part of the Beverly Hills community for all those years,” said Djie. 

Noting that some customers have been coming in for five decades, he added. 

“It would be nice for people to come in and say goodbye.” 

The post Walter’s Cafe to Close on April 30 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Although a familiar name to most, Prang acknowledged that his role is not as high profile as the other two countywide elected officers, the LA County Sheriff and LA County District Attorney. 

He began his remarks by joking that “the mosquito commissioner was not available,” but delivered enlightening and topical remarks about the role his office plays. 

He leads the largest assessor’s office in the country, but contrary to popular belief, collects no taxes. Rather, he is charged with locating and evaluating taxable property. 

“My primary responsibility is the production of what we call the annual assessment roll, which is essentially just the inventory of all taxable property in the county. It includes both land and improvements as well as what’s known as business personal property, which is furniture, equipment, machinery and fixtures, although it also includes commercial and general aviation aircraft, mobile homes, boats, and for some odd reason even racehorses,” said Prang.

The 2.5 million real property parcels and business assessments on the LA County rolls add up to a total value of $2 trillion and generate about $24 billion in property taxes for cities, school districts and county government.

Acknowledging the presence of a significant number of real estate professionals in the audience, Prang noted that Beverly Hills is the fourth highest-valued city in Los Angeles County. That is a significant factor considering the city’s modest size and population. Nonetheless, the total assessed value of 8,100 single-family residential homes and 843 commercial industrial properties in Beverly Hills is nearly $43 billion. 

He added that the median sales price of a single-family home in Beverly Hills is approximately $6.7 million, which is a 14% reduction in median sales price over last year. 

“That doesn’t mean the property values are going down in Beverly Hills. That’s just a bit of a correction from the overheated market,” said Prang. 

He also briefly discussed Proposition 19, the ballot measure that amended Proposition 13 back in 2020. 

“It does a couple of things that are beneficial and does other things you may not think as much of,” he said.

“Prop. 19 says that if you’re 55 years or older, severely disabled or the victim of a natural disaster such as a flood, fire or earthquake, you can transfer your tax base to a new home without being reassessed. It greatly expanded on the previous law. You can now transfer your tax base to any county in the state. You can transfer it to a home with any value, and you can transfer it three times. If you’re married, you can transfer it six times. So, once you’re 55, your property tax base is portable for the rest of your life. The way that they offset that was they slashed and burned inheritance benefits under the old law. Your kids could inherit your house and they would not be reassessed. They could also inherit an additional $1 million in other properties such as a rental without reassessment. Prop. 19 changed all that.”

He continued, “So now the only property that your kids can inherit from you without reassessment is the home that you live in and you have to have the homeowner’s exemption to qualify and for them to qualify, they have to move into that home within 12 months after the transfer, and they must file for the homeowner’s exemption. After 12 months, you lose that tax base,” said Prang. 

On the currently hot topic of Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs, Prang observed that the industry has “gone off like a rocket. It’s now about 25% of all the work that we’re doing is processing ADU applications. If you add an ADU, we will assess the value of the new addition to your property. We don’t reassess your entire property.”

He also spoke about some of the technological systems in the Assessor’s Office that he has proudly modernized. 

“People who work in private industry don’t realize that most government agencies at the local, state and federal level are still on old 1980s mainframe systems, which is probably why the DMV and EDD are so inefficient. But we have invested about $100 million over the last eight years to upgrade our platform from a mainframe system to a cloud-based system. The 2.5 million property files in my office, when I was elected, were all associated with a paper file. We have digitized hundreds of millions of documents and moved everything online,” said Prang.

He also pointed out a recently enacted program designed to help property owners. 

“With our new technology platform, we’re able to do a lot more things online and save people a lot of time and money. One of the programs we just launched is called the Assessor’s e-service account. You can now register your property and set up an online account with your property. There’ll be a lot of services that you can take care of from the comfort of your home or laptop. But what I wanted to emphasize here today is something we call the Homeowner Alert. I think we’re all aware that there’s been growing occurrences of title and title fraud. One of the challenges in the past is if somebody potentially commits fraud against your property by filing a deed on your property. You may not know about it until you get a letter from the registrar-recorder, which usually is about 30 to 45 days after something has been recorded. And if there’s fraud involved, that may be too late. But you can now register through our e-service account for the Homeowner Alert. We just need your email address and anytime something is recorded against your property, you’ll get an email within 48 hours. So, if it is fraud, you’ll be able to move much more quickly.

The Homeowner Alert system is available on the Assessor’s Office home page at https://assessor.lacounty.gov/news-information/enotification.

In closing, Prang noted, “I’ve been in this job for 10 years. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long, but I think we’ve provided a great deal of value to the people of Los Angeles County. Last year we were recertified for something called the Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration by the International Association of Assessing Officers. It is the highest award that can be granted to a public assessment agency. We are the only California county ever to receive it and we’ve received it twice. Wow. Only 100 agencies out of over 2,200 nationwide have ever received this designation. I’m really proud of the men and the women who work in my department who work so hard to bring good service and value to the people of LA County.” 

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The program began with the Hon. Nicole Avant and Gwyneth Paltrow taking part in a “fireside chat” on the topic of mother/daughter legacies. Avant commemorated her birthday and that of her late mother, Jacqueline, the beloved Beverly Hills philanthropist.

She also bestowed the Visionary Women Changemaker Award to Stone. The award includes the sum of $40,000 to be donated to a charity of the recipient’s choice. Stone made the surprise announcement on stage that she would donate the funds to the Jacqueline Avant Children and Family Center. Visionary Women also made an additional donation of $10,000 to the Center, leaving those on stage (and in the audience) visibly moved. 

Additional highlights included a conversation featuring 96-year-old Dr. Edith Eger, psychologist, Holocaust survivor and the best-selling author of “The Choice: Embrace the Possible,” with her daughter Audrey Thompson.

The event marked the announcement of a donation by Moll Anderson to the Visionary NextGen Scholarship Fund in the total sum of $100,000. Additional awards disbursed included The Visionary Prize for Women’s Economic Empowerment sponsored by Visionary Women and The Hostetler Wrigley Foundation ($100,000) to Fatima Graves from the National Women’s Law Center. The Visionary Catalyst Prize ($15,000) was awarded to Jane Vernon at The Acceleration Project and the Rising Visionary Award ($15,000) was given to Ashante Taylorcox of You Are More Than, Inc. 

This year’s event sponsors included the Maurice and Paul Marciano Foundation, the Hostetler Wrigley Foundation, GEARYS Beverly Hills, JP Morgan and The Wall Street Journal. 

The post Visionary Women Holds International Women’s Day Summit appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“There are 10 candidates running for two seats on the Beverly Hills City Council. Assume that there is a clear front-runner who will handily secure the highest number of votes, locking in one of those City Council seats.

Assume this candidate is NOT you.

Rather, you are one of several candidates in a close race for the second City Council seat.

With less than one month to go before the election, make the case to an undecided voter as to why you are more qualified than your closest competitors.

Be as specific as possible and try to avoid repeating the statements you have already made in candidate forums and your campaign materials. At this point, the voters know your background, what you stand for, and what you believe are the most critical issues facing the city.

How do your solutions for these critical problems and your overall qualifications distinguish you from your competitors?”

Each candidate was allowed a response of 600 words. Those responses follow in alphabetical order.

Craig Corman

While every candidate running for City Council is smart and believes they can do a good job, my people-centered approach to problem solving, my educational and legal background, and my 13-plus years of experience in city government set me apart.

First, as I often say, Beverly Hills has unique concerns and challenges that require innovative solutions, not cookie-cutter ideas that have been tried elsewhere. I’ve talked at length about some of the solutions to vexatious issues that I helped craft during my eight years on the Planning Commission, including the Trousdale View Preservation Ordinance, the current Historic Preservation Ordinance and the Hillside and Basement Ordinances; what these ordinances all share—apart from being effective and different from what city staff initially proposed—is that they reflect an approach to problem solving based on empathy and psychology. I always listen carefully to people so I can understand their concerns, then try to find compromises wherever possible, because I know people will accept solutions more readily if they feel at least some of their concerns have been addressed. I also know the most effective way to get people to act in the collective interest is to treat them respectfully, and to incentivize desired behavior, not criticize or penalize them for doing otherwise—in other words, use more carrot and less stick. And when differences do arise, either with residents or co-workers, I never make them personal or take them personally. I believe this approach to problem solving, as much as anything else, has enabled me to work effectively on city commissions for the better part of the last decade and a half.

Second, my educational and legal background are particularly relevant to serving on the City Council. At Stanford, I studied journalism and filmmaking, which taught me to convey ideas clearly and in a relatable way—something essential to good governance. My law school training honed those skills, as well as my abilities to research, analyze, rebut and construct persuasive arguments, and to think strategically and creatively. And my years of law practice as a corporate litigator taught me the need to put in the time and energy to completely understand a problem in order to work through potential solutions, and to never settle for just “good enough” or “OK.” Above all, everything I’ve learned through the years has trained me to make reasoned decisions based on facts and logic, not ego, and to always be flexible enough to acknowledge if an idea is not working and pivot to a new one.

Third, experience in city government matters. Not everything germane to a given subject is contained in city staff reports, and knowing when and what relevant information might be missing often depends on having dealt with similar situations before. Moreover, it’s one thing to watch other people grapple with conflicting viewpoints, and quite another thing to have to balance those viewpoints in coming to a decision; I know I’m much better at doing that now than I was when I first went on the Planning Commission in 2009.

Taken together, I believe my government experience, background, and approach to public service make me uniquely qualified to serve on the council.

Tiffany Davis

I’m Tiffany Davis, and I am asking for your partnership in ensuring Beverly Hills holds a steadfast commitment to reinstating a neighborhood worthy of our residents. I am the most qualified candidate for City Council in the current era in which we are living. As someone who deeply appreciates the heritage and timeless elegance of our neighborhood, I understand the desire to return to the golden days of Beverly Hills.

If we haven’t met yet can we get to know each other? I’ll start here, and I hope you will reach out to tell me about yourself at tiffany@tiffanydavis.com. I am a business owner and seasoned resident of many world-renowned cities. I bring a fresh perspective and common-sense solutions that are actually attainable. I have carefully studied the issues by attending every City Council Meeting, Study Session, and Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting the past two years. I believe in implementing solutions for what we can immediately control and correct as we work on long-term planning. For example, we need more police officers on foot while we continue to hire and train, which can take up to 18 months. We can instantly move private security from their cars onto foot in all commercial areas. We can add more lighting and cameras to streets and alleys. We can improve traffic by simply delaying pedestrians from crossing for 30 seconds while turning cars clear the lane. We can feel comfortable again on the streets, in our schools and stores, in places of worship, and at home.

Beverly Hills operates on the world stage, but real people live here. I propose we survey city-owned property to turn into resident-only, gated recreation areas. This is a highly effective model in New York and London.

Why don’t we design”‘Beverly Village” similar to what you find in Brentwood or the Palisades? Where are the teen centers, live music  and family-friendly dining? Let’s welcome young families to plan their future in Beverly Hills.

With my 20 years of experience as an executive and business owner managing multimillion-dollar budgets for clients including the Super Bowl and Formula 1, while managing staff, vendors, and client requisites, I am prepared to balance the needs of residents, business owners, and tourists while providing effective direction to staff.

I have led city committees including Next BH, city initiatives such as Next Night Street Festival, and held leadership roles with BHHS programs, the Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club, which have directly benefitted this community while demonstrating my strength as a leader and community connector. I would establish a community-wide calendar featuring everything happening in Beverly Hills and would deploy a weekly newsletter highlighting topics from within City Hall, keeping you informed.

As a renter who has owned property and been a landlord, I am prepared to address our housing needs, not just to meet state mandates, but to enhance relations between owners and tenants.

I’ve lived in Beverly Hills twice with several years of experience in other iconic communities, which provides me with the only perspective outside of Beverly Hills in the past decade. I see solutions that are not apparent to the other candidates who have spent the better part of their lives in only this one community.

This election is more than a vote—it is a statement about the direction we wish to take. By choosing me, you are choosing an advocate. Your voice will be heard and valued. This is a job for someone who understands what you need now. It’s time for you, it’s time for Tiffany.

Myra Demeter

The next years will be transformative times for Beverly Hills. There is a necessity for a leader who not only understands our community’s concerns but possesses the experience and dedication to address them effectively. My name is Myra Demeter, and I stand poised to be that advocate on the City Council, your community voice, placing transparency, collaboration and tangible results for all residents at the forefront of my agenda.

Twenty-seven years ago, I relocated to Beverly Hills from New York with my husband Dan and our four sons. With a love for community and a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education, I immediately became deeply involved in our city, assuming numerous leadership roles from school board to commissions. Through my current extensive engagement with thousands of residents, I recognize the pressing need to address safety concerns, enhance family-friendly resources, and ensure that public voices are not only heard but actively considered at City Hall. My commitment remains steadfast: to serve as the voice for residents, attentively listening to their concerns and collaborating tirelessly with colleagues to devise practical solutions. Transparency and accessibility will serve as the cornerstones of my approach, ensuring that every resident feels adequately represented in the decision-making process and that residents feel they know what’s going on.

My extensive governance experience distinguishes me as a candidate with a proven track record of delivering results. With eight years of service on the BHUSD Board of Education, seven years on the Health and Safety Commission, and my current role as a Planning Commissioner, I have consistently prioritized collaboration and strategic goal setting (SMART goals—strategic, measured, attainable, reliable, time-bound). This approach has yielded significant achievements, from securing funding for state-of-the-art school facilities to implementing life-saving policies such as the ban on cigarette smoking and tobacco sales.

Public safety stands as my top priority. Recent incidents underscore the urgency of strengthening community-police relations and bolstering security measures. Through collaboration with law enforcement, social workers, local government, residents and businesses, I am committed to tirelessly working towards making Beverly Hills the safest place possible for all residents. Investing in innovative technology and community-based initiatives will be pivotal in achieving this objective.

Moreover, I possess a clear economic vision for Beverly Hills. By prioritizing resident-serving retail and family-friendly businesses, I aim to infuse vibrancy into all areas of our city, extending beyond the confines of Rodeo Drive. Through direct engagement with our real estate community, I endeavor to attract family-friendly businesses to our city-owned retail properties by collaborating with commercial real estate partners to rejuvenate underutilized retail corridors. Safer street designs will alleviate traffic congestion, bolstering support for local businesses and enhancing our city’s overall vibrancy.

With a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education, I am guided by principles of financial accountability, employing zero-based budgeting and clear metrics to safeguard our city’s financial health into the future. Navigating the challenges posed by the State of California’s directives on housing development necessitates expertise and experience. Today’s Housing Element contains assurances that we will build over 500 units to satisfy the state’s mandate. As a current member of the Planning Commission, I am uniquely positioned to ensure that Beverly Hills meets its obligations while preserving our community’s character and addressing residents’ needs.

I am the most qualified and approachable candidate to lead Beverly Hills through the challenges ahead. With my governance experience, commitment to transparency and collaboration, and deep dedication to directly addressing residents’ concerns, I am poised to be an efficient and effective voice for our community. Vote Myra Demeter, your community voice for City Council. Together, we can forge a brighter future for Beverly Hills.

Nooshin Meshkaty

As we approach the final stretch of this election, I want to take a moment to address why I am the most qualified candidate for the Beverly Hills City Council. While you may have already familiarized yourself with my background and the core issues I stand for, I hope to offer additional insights into why my solutions and qualifications set me apart from my competitors.

First and foremost, my extensive experience in municipal governance uniquely positions me to tackle the critical issues facing our city. With over a decade of service on various advisory boards and community organizations, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricate workings of local government. This experience has allowed me to cultivate relationships with key stakeholders within our city, among our neighboring cities and counties, and at the state level, and gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities Beverly Hills faces.

Moreover, my track record of tangible accomplishments demonstrates my ability to translate ideas into action. To my knowledge, I am the only candidate that comes with significant supervisory experience from a technical workplace. I do not rely on rhetoric. I have a proven history of bringing team members with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences together to execute projects successfully. Whether that be my 20-plus person team with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory or on city commissions or BHUSD School Board, I bring a proven history of implementing practical solutions to address pressing issues. This will be needed to spearhead initiatives to improve public safety, enhance infrastructure or promote sustainable development, and I have consistently delivered results that benefit our community.

I stand out in my innovative approach to problem solving. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of local priorities, we need leaders who are unafraid to think outside the box and explore new avenues for progress. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a willingness to embrace change, leverage emerging technologies, and best practices to achieve our shared goals. By harnessing the power of data analytics, fostering public-private partnerships, and embracing smart city initiatives, I am confident I can usher in a new era of prosperity for Beverly Hills, its residents and businesses.

Additionally, I recognize the pressing need to address the housing element issue, ensuring affordable and accessible housing options for all residents. Furthermore, it is crucial to take care of our aging community by providing adequate support services and facilities while integrating and engaging our younger community members to help our businesses thrive.

Furthermore, my commitment to inclusivity and collaboration sets me apart from my competitors. I firmly believe that effective governance requires input from all segments of society and a willingness to seek consensus despite differing opinions. As your council member, I will strive to foster an environment where every voice is heard, and decisions are made with the best interests of the entire community in mind. By bridging divides and building coalitions, I am confident we can overcome any obstacle and realize our shared vision for Beverly Hills.

I humbly ask for your support and your vote in the upcoming election. While there may be several candidates competing for your attention, I am confident that my qualifications, experience, and vision for the future uniquely position me to serve as your representative on the Beverly Hills City Council. Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow for our beloved city.

I appreciate your consideration.

Hamid Omrani

We are all well aware of the challenges presented nowadays, more so as City Council candidates have diligently provided important information which concerns our residents.

We are at a pivotal point aligning our views by actual plans, direction, know-how, relevant experience and meaningful determination to set the course. Exciting speeches and promises are not enough.

For example, I am confident to assert the facts that my half-century relative experience, background, and involvements in construction and development within the community empowers me to provide the necessary guidance to ensure the state housing mandates, and the Metro station projects emerge while the best interest of our residents remains protected.

Council members are rightfully expected to bring strong advocacy for Beverly Hills residents as rightfully expected. It is about important responsibilities, the chair cannot be fielded for fame, and personal satisfactions, nor a place for expressions and pleasing promises.

I am devoted to bringing on my vision and experience to contribute and assist in guiding our community to wellness and betterment tirelessly.

I value your vote of confidence in me.

Sharon Persovski

On the campaign trail, many Beverly Hills residents have told me of their disappointment with the current City Council. It’s going around in circles, they say, and is lacking in fresh ideas. It’s the same set of insiders that have been running things for decades, with little to show for it. This “country club” approach may have worked reasonably well 30 or 40 years ago—quieter times when the city faced fewer challenges and less serious ones.

Today, though, that approach is threatening Beverly Hills’ reputation as a first-class community— crime runs rampant, businesses struggle to survive, the state government continues to reprimand us for failing to meet basic mandates, parents seek to find other places to raise their children. The situation becomes more dire all the time.

Beverly Hills needs fresh thinking, new leadership, an outsider who is not a part of the old-line Beverly Hills clique. A leader who can get things done. I, Sharon Persovski, am that leader. I am a well-prepared outsider with government experience who is ready to serve the families and businesses of our great city. I stand ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Take, for example, the housing element, the state’s mandate that the city take affirmative steps to provide a targeted number of new housing units in the city, including some set aside for low-income residents. The State of California has rejected Beverly Hills’ housing plan not once, not twice, but several times. The matter has gotten so out of hand, that courts have stepped in, enjoining further permitting in the city until the housing situation is appropriately addressed, that matter is on appeal.

A major reason for this is that our existing council members, while intelligent and well-meaning, fail to understand the language of development. Most, if not all, cannot read an architectural plan, or understand critical details. We need someone on the City Council who can speak the language of development, and that someone is me. I earned my degree in environmental design decades ago, and since then began a career in design, where I participated in the development of major retail projects, hotels, restaurants and government buildings throughout the world. As chair, vice-chair and member of Beverly Hills’ Architecture Commission, I had the opportunity to review projects of all sorts that were proposed for Rodeo Drive and other parts of the city. Although it is useful for the Beverly Hills City Council to draw upon the skills of its members in a variety of fields, such as law or business, we also need the perspective of someone who truly understands building, planning, costs, materials and aesthetics.

Also, as a mom who raised two kids in Beverly Hills, crime and public safety is a very personal issue for me. This is our top priority. It is important that we recruit the finest, best-trained officers and outfit them with the most advanced crime-fighting technologies. Most critically, we have to be ready for the arrival of the Metro, and for all of the law enforcement challenges that will bring. On day one of my term in the City Council, I will reach out, not only to our own Beverly Hills Police Department, but to the Los Angeles County Sheriff, to the L.A. Metro management, to affected businesses and residents. The Metro will bring tourists and workers to our city, but it will also bring some serious public safety challenges, and the City Council needs a tough fighter who will do what it takes to keep our beautiful city safe.

Alissa Roston

Having walked our city over the last several months, the concerns of the community are resoundingly clear—public safety is job number one. Your safety is top of mind as we face an unprecedented rise in antisemitism, two incoming Metro stops, three major world events coming to Los Angeles, and the current policy of District Attorney George Gascon, which prevents Beverly Hills from prosecuting crimes the way we see fit. I share our community’s desire for a new District Attorney, more police officers, a dedicated Metro unit and police substation, and an overall increase in patrols and visibility. The question is not whether or not we as a city want this, it’s how we are going to pay for it. To put it simply, keeping our community safe and increasing city services is not cheap. We need a council member with the financial acumen to be able to make these desires a reality.

What distinguishes me from the other candidates is that I have the financial expertise to tackle these critical budgetary issues. My  40-plus years of professional financial experience are what we need on the council, and I am the only candidate that brings this to the table. Professionally, I worked as an Economic Analyst for the U.S. Department of State, a banker at Union Bank, and I ran a successful medical practice for over 30 years. I served on the Temple Emanuel Board as V.P. Budget and Finance and on several other organization boards serving on the finance committees.

When working with any organization, I always start with a full financial review, and I would do the same once elected to council. Some of my financial solutions include implementing zero-based budgeting in departments where it makes sense, advocating for the creation of a Vendor Oversight Committee to review outsourced contracts, vendor agreements and external expenditures, and hiring an independent City Auditor to assess financial and operational risks.

Current City Treasurer, Howard Fisher shares, “Alissa’s background as a financial analyst and banker, will bring much-needed financial expertise to the council. Alissa brings invaluable insights cultivated over 40 years of dedication to our city. I’ve known Alissa for 30 years, and I hope she can earn your vote in this election.”

Past City Treasurer Joan Seidel shares, “Alissa has tremendous experience and a genuine interest in keeping residents and businesses engaged in the city’s budget process.”

This experience in finance is why I am more qualified than the other candidates to make our safety desires a reality. This is not an entry-level position. This job requires years of city and governance experience. I have over four decades of experience serving this community, including two terms on the Beverly Hills Unified School District governing board, Recreation and Parks and Charitable Solicitations city commissions and dozens of city committees.

Aside from my city experience, professional financial background, and commitment to our community, I believe my approach to solving problems is what makes me the ideal choice for City Council. When deciding which candidates to support, I understand that there may be one or two issues you focus on. However, the reality is that this council will make hundreds of decisions over the next four years. I encourage you to assess the disposition of the candidates, consider how they approach complex problems, and evaluate their experience and expertise. I am proud of my record of always trying to find balance and to make the best decision for all involved on any board or organization where I have served. I will approach this job in the same way, and I hope to earn your vote.

Robin Rowe

Beverly Hills City Council candidate Robin Rowe sides with Beverly Hills Police Chief Stainbrook, who says Beverly Hills doesn’t lack for police officers, that the Beverly Hills crime rate is falling, and that simply adding more officers cannot be expected to reduce crime.

Robin Rowe urges voters to reject all nine of the other candidates because they have said they will significantly increase spending yet have no plan how to pay for it. That has serious consequences, forcing future cuts to Beverly Hills Parks and Recreation, the library, building safety enforcement and other city services.

Robin Rowe has a plan…

1. Police: Put more Beverly Hills uniformed police officers on foot patrol to deter crime. Make cuts to so-called ambassadors, private security who were hired as a stopgap during police staffing shortage, but who can only report crime, then wait for a real police officer to arrive.

2. Housing: Stop proposing brain-dead mixed-use housing plans that cannot possibly meet the state housing requirement for 3,100 new units. Robin Rowe’s housing plan would zone for two high-rise residential towers like Chicago’s beautiful Lake Point Tower, on undeveloped city property away from single-family homes.

Robin Rowe urges voters to reject all candidates from the Beverly Hills Planning Commission, responsible for the lack of affordable housing in Beverly Hills and for the lack of protected bike lanes. The commission’s many failures to produce a housing plan acceptable to the state has serious consequences, with the Builder’s Remedy overruling Beverly Hills zoning laws. That the Planning Commission’s architecturally flawed Cheval Blanc Hotel plan was rejected by Beverly Hills voters in referendum also has serious consequences, with future Beverly Hills budget cuts expected due to lack of hotel tax revenue.

3. Schools:  Reinstate the Beverly Hills schools diversity honors program, repealed by the Beverly Hills City Council in 2010. The diversity program had the best students from outside Beverly Hills compete to fill empty seats in Beverly Hills classrooms, created high academic standards and filled gifted student classrooms. The City Council and BHUSD together are responsible for Beverly Hills High School falling from first to 1,518th place academically.

Robin Rowe urges voters to reject all candidates from the Beverly Hills School Board. BHUSD destroyed all public records associated with BHUSD’s improper diversion of $16 million of school building renovation funds, that investigators sought to trace. BHUSD was sued in Superior Court for withholding public records. In settling that case, BHUSD acknowledged that they had destroyed public records. Incompetent and negligent.

A current School Board official running for City Council is not fit to serve, was on the BHUSD Oversight Committee previously. That committee failed to stop the BHUSD diversion of funds and destruction of public records.

4. Transportation: Build the Beverly Hills Skyway, a modern aerial tramway with suspended gondolas, like at the best ski resorts, to provide public transportation within Beverly Hills capable of moving 2,000 visitors per hour. To be built in a year, before the Rodeo and La Cienega Metro stops open. Without the Skyway, Beverly Hills traffic will come to a standstill, clogged by hundreds of Ubers trying to reach Metro passengers to ferry them the last mile.

5. Legal: Stop wasting millions on nuisance lawsuits against the county, state and federal government in an expensive and ultimately futile effort to delay enforcement of progressive U.S., state and county laws that City Council conservatives don’t like.

Robin Rowe has experience planning and implementing national security for the U.S. Department of Defense. Current elected chairman of a U.N. medical task group.

Russell Stuart

In the vibrant heart of Beverly Hills, where tradition meets innovation, our City Council election represents a pivotal moment for our community. As one of the candidates vying for the second City Council seat, I understand the gravity of the choice before you. With a clear front-runner for the first seat, the competition for the second is intense. However, I believe my unique blend of experience, vision, and commitment sets me apart from my fellow candidates, making me the most qualified choice for shaping our city’s future. Unlike my competitors, my approach to the critical issues facing Beverly Hills is not just about addressing immediate concerns but ensuring long-term sustainability and prosperity. My campaign is built on more than promises; it’s grounded in actionable plans that consider the future impact of today’s decisions.

Public Safety and Community Well-Being

While all candidates prioritize public safety, my commitment extends beyond traditional measures. Drawing from my personal experience in the military, as a business owner and as a family man with deep roots in this city, I advocate for a holistic approach to safety. This encompasses not only enhancing the capabilities of our police force but also integrating advanced technology and community-based programs to create a cohesive safety network. My plan includes targeted initiatives to address rising crime, homelessness, and the anticipated challenges the subway opening most certainly will bring. I also propose innovative partnerships with technology firms to implement smart, data-driven policing strategies that are proactive rather than reactive.

Economic Revitalization and Small Business Support

Economic vitality is crucial, and here, my background as a successful entrepreneur provides me with insights my competitors lack. I understand firsthand the challenges small businesses face, especially in a high-stakes environment like Beverly Hills. My commitment to easing regulatory burdens and fostering a business-friendly atmosphere is not just rhetoric. I have a comprehensive plan that includes tax incentives for small businesses, streamlined permitting processes, and support programs for local entrepreneurs to innovate and expand. This approach not only aids current businesses but also attracts new ventures, ensuring our city remains a dynamic hub of opportunity.

Education and Youth Engagement

Education is another area where I differ significantly from my opponents. Recognizing that our children are the future, I am dedicated to creating and supporting initiatives that provide safe, enriching learning environments. However, my vision extends beyond school walls. I propose the establishment of community mentorship programs that connect students with local leaders and professionals, fostering a sense of civic duty and providing practical experience that textbooks cannot offer.

Preserving Beverly Hills’ Unique Character

Protecting the unique character of Beverly Hills while encouraging sensible development is a delicate balance. Unlike my competitors, who lean towards either preservation or development, I advocate for a balanced approach. My strategy involves careful zoning reforms that protect our city’s charm and heritage while accommodating innovative businesses and development. This balanced approach ensures that we preserve the small village feel of Beverly Hills, even as we embrace the changes necessary for our city’s growth and vitality.

In conclusion, my qualifications extend beyond my professional achievements and political aspirations. They are deeply rooted in my love for Beverly Hills, my dedication to its people, and my vision for its future. With less than a month to the election, the choice you make will shape our community for years to come. I offer not just solutions but a partnership with the people of Beverly Hills to build a city that remains safe, prosperous and vibrant for all who call it home. Thank you for considering me as your choice for Beverly Hills City Council.

Mary Wells

I am Mary Wells, the only currently elected official of the 10 candidates running for Beverly Hills City Council. As a School Board Member, I represent our community now and am engaged in city governance daily, working directly with city officials and staff, BHPD and BHFD as liaison to several commissions addressing safety, traffic, and resident needs, or as a negotiator of the new Joint Powers Agreement. Also, after Oct. 7, I championed the BHUSD Board resolution supporting Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, and enforcing policies to combat antisemitism and hate.

I earned a degree in Business from USC, and I understand budgets. I supported zero-based budgeting for the school district and will do so for the city to end wasteful spending. I have saved tens of millions of taxpayer dollars for the district, implemented a safety and security program and cleaned up the school district’s construction program. I have a track record of proven leadership and proven results with accountability and transparency. Simply put, I will hit the ground running and get things done!

My priorities include:

Safety and Security:

• Add sworn officers, increase neighborhood patrols and invest in technology to fight crime and catch criminals.

• Promote a dedicated BHPD Metro Unit to address the risks associated with the coming Metro stations.

• Advocate for a dedicated city prosecutor to charge criminals who commit theft, robberies and smash-and-grab crimes.

Support for Renters, Seniors and Families:

• Support BHFD’s nurse practitioner program and related services to help seniors age in place.

• Partner with BHUSD to create a city-operated Beverly Hills Early Education Center at Hawthorne School offering preschool, daycare and after-school programs.

• Create an Emergency Renters Assistance Program to offer short-term rental subsidies, housing conflict resolutions and mediation services for renters to partner better with owners.

• Hire a Renters Ombudsman who strictly enforces our laws regarding poor living conditions, mold remediation and timely maintenance and repairs to apartment buildings.

Traffic Mitigation:

• Explore Google’s AI Green Light Traffic Mitigation program now being successfully tested in Haifa, Israel and Seattle to calm traffic and reduce harmful emissions.

• Address long-term traffic plans including the impacts of cut-through traffic to our Southeast and Southwest residential neighborhoods.

Fiscal Accountability and Transparency:

• Hire an independent permanent city auditor.

• Implement more stringent review of consultant and vendor contracts.

• Use zero-based budgeting to mitigate wasteful spending and allocate resources where most needed.

• Stabilize and regulate essential service fees for residents.

Planning for our Future:

• Update the 2010 General Plan to better address traffic, density, parking, housing, retail, and create a long-term vision and blueprint for our future.

• Respond to housing needs of young professionals, families  and seniors by partnering with developers and/or offering better incentives.

• Create a Utility Infrastructure Plan to reduce power supply issues and our dependence on SoCal Edison, and invest in infrastructure to improve our quality of life.

• Review and improve the permitting and building inspection process for businesses to cut red tape.

All candidates can identify the issues, but what distinguishes me is that I am deeply engaged in our community now, am confronting our most critical issues daily, and I have proven that my leadership skills of listening, focusing on the issues and finding consensus-building solutions gets results. My term on the School Board ends this year, and I want to bring my experience and skills to our City Council. I have been endorsed by the BHFA and numerous organizations and city leaders who know that I am the uniquely qualified candidate who you can count on to get things done.

The post The Candidates Respond appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, incidents of antisemitism have soared since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Social media metrics continue to reveal alarming rates of antisemitic sentiment. And a recent poll from The Economist/YouGov found that 1 in 5 young people in this country between the ages of 18 and 29 believe the Holocaust is a myth. 

For this reason, Holocaust Museum LA CEO Beth Kean told the Courier, the day has even more significance. 

“As we commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we are reminded of the importance of Holocaust history,” Kean said. “The Holocaust shows us where unchecked hate rhetoric against Jews can and will lead. When Holocaust distortion and antisemitism are not called out directly and confronted head on, antisemitism will only continue to grow.”

Kean emphasized the power of education as a change agent in the struggle against misinformation and hate. Accordingly, student programs at the Museum and other institutions have an especially important role to play at this time.

“Over 99% of the students who visit the Museum identify as non-Jewish and we see first-hand the power of cross-cultural conversations and learning,” Kean said. “Our goal is to provide students and all visitors and attendees of public programs with the information they need to call out and stand up to hate.”

Public programming to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day will take place at Holocaust Museum LA on Jan. 28. At 3 p.m., the Museum will screen “Return to Auschwitz:  The Survival of Vladimir Munk,” an award-winning film documenting Czech Holocaust survivor Vladimir Munk’s return to Auschwitz in 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the camp.  Documentary co-author Julie Canepa will discuss the film after the screening. 

Munk was a biology professor at SUNY Plattsburgh, who passed away last fall at the age of 98. Canepa met Munk while working on an article series for a community newspaper in New York. She later accompanied Munk to Auschwitz and authored the novel “The Missing Star” based on the love story of Munk and his wife. More information about events at Holocaust Museum LA is contained in the Calendar section on pg. 2. 

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“The motivation behind the trip was both personal and partially became professional, seeking inspiration from Japan’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. The stunning landscapes, historic temples and vibrant cityscapes left a lasting impression on us, providing a valuable perspective on global diversity,” Nazarian told the Courier. 

While not an official trip, Nazarian did take the time to meet with one of Japan’s most distinguished politicians, Masako Mori. The two connected after a mutual contact recognized that they shared much in common, beginning with their leadership styles. Both women clearly have impressive backgrounds. 

Nazarian was long active in public service on city and county levels before winning a seat on the Beverly Hills City Council in 2022. She moves into the post of vice mayor this spring and in 2025, will serve her first term as mayor. 

Mori has served in the House of Councillors, the upper house of the national legislature of Japan (known as the Diet) since 2007. She has also held major posts in the government, including Special Advisory to the Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, Minister in Charge of Women’s Empowerment and Child-Rearing, and Minister of State for Gender Equality. A lawyer by training, Mori completed a fellowship at New York University School of Law. 

It is no surprise that the two hit it off. In fact, their meeting, which took place near the American Embassy in Tokyo, lasted several hours. 

“Ms. Mori and I found common ground in our commitment to advancing the rights and roles of women and women empowerment. We discussed policies and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, drawing from our respective experiences. We spoke about the duality of being a mother (she has two daughters) while serving in an elected position,” said Nazarian. 

The two also discussed global issues and challenges. Nazarian has been at the frontlines—both literally and figuratively—in speaking out against the oppression of women throughout the world. In particular, she has led efforts to bring attention to the Mahsa Amini case in Iran, as well as to the victims of the brutal Hamas attacks. It was especially powerful to sit amidst the stately government buildings in Japan and convey the unique perspectives of Beverly Hills. 

“Our conversation primarily focused on sharing insights into effective governance and addressing societal challenges. We spoke about the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, and the role that elected leaders can have on being a voice for women around the world. We also spoke about the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, and how women were used as pawns and the unspeakable atrocities of war,” Nazarian recounted. 

Other topics of common interest included transportation. Now that Beverly Hills finds itself on the Metro Purple (D Line) corridor, it can certainly heed some observations from the world’s leader in mass transit.

The mass transit conversation, said Nazarian, “provided valuable insights for addressing similar challenges in our respective constituencies. We discussed safety, efficiency and cleanliness.”

The Nazarian family also gained some hands-on knowledge about the Japanese transportation model by hopping on public transit during the visit.

Perhaps most importantly, the meeting with Mori established a foundation for a warm working relationship. 

“We expressed mutual interest in continuing our dialogue and exploring opportunities for collaboration. We are exploring the possibility of future meetings, both in person and virtually, to strengthen our connection and work toward common goals,” said Nazarian.

With the new year beginning and a new job role in a few months, Nazarian feels the journey to Japan will continue to provide invaluable insights here at home. 

“I am always looking for opportunities to introduce fresh and innovative ideas to our community, particularly from a global view. I firmly believe that embracing possibilities can lead to valuable insights and growth. We live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but there is always room for improvement. I was very impressed with the meticulous urban planning and efficient mass transit in Japan. Of course, the spectacular spirit and beauty of Beverly Hills is like no other city in the world. Both places share a commitment to progress, and I look forward to implementing lessons learned from Japan in our local context.”

She can no doubt also take comfort in a well-known Japanese proverb, which states, “When you have a good government, the grass will grow over your troubles.” 

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City Attorney Laurence Wiener has since issued an additional statement regarding this matter, which follows:

“Our goal has always been and continues to be a certified housing element, as required by state law.

The city has provided comprehensive information to [California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, ‘HCD’] demonstrating our commitment to diverse housing options in Beverly Hills now and in the future.

The city has appealed the trial court’s decision in the case filed by Californians for Home Ownership and therefore the trial court’s judgment, which suspends the city’s ability to issue building permits, has not taken effect.   

The city continues to process projects and issue permits and will be submitting additional information to HCD in the coming weeks. 

We look forward to a swift resolution and obtaining a certified housing element in the near future.”

The Courier will continue to update readers on all matters pertaining to the Housing Element as new facts arise.   

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Candidate names were drawn at random, with the first group consisting of Tiffany Davis, Craig Corman, Nooshin Meshkaty, Alissa Roston and Mary Wells. Their interview will take place from 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber offices located at 9400 S. Santa Monica Blvd.

The second group of Myra Demeter, Hamid Omrani, Sharon Persovski Robin Rowe and Russell Stuart will be interviewed from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. 

Chris Bonbright, Government Affairs Committee Chairman, and David Mirharooni, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, will moderate the sessions. 

On Jan. 16, the Board of Trustees of the Chamber’s Leadership PAC will conduct 30-minute one-on-one interviews with all 10 candidates. The PAC is an unincorporated association created in 2014 that evaluates and makes endorsements of candidates when it deems appropriate. The PAC is expected to announce its endorsements, if any, that same week. 

“We at the Chamber are excited to get to know each of these candidates and hear their vision for our city. The Chamber understands security is a priority. We also feel business growth and prosperity need to continue to move forward to keep the city of Beverly Hills as one of the elites known for being the luxury capital of the world,” Todd Johnson, Chamber President and CEO, told the Courier. 

The City Council election takes place on March 5. Those wishing to attend the Candidate Forum should register at https://beverlyhillschamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/27425. 

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The ball of rags—and what it stood for—would inspire Bergoglio to advocate for youth of all backgrounds throughout his life’s journey.

In 2013, that journey took him from Buenos Aires to Rome, where the world now knows him as His Holiness Pope Francis. The spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, and a revered figure on the world stage, he has never lost his devotion to young people. 

In fact, while still serving as Archbishop of Rome, he created an educational foundation dedicated to that purpose. The nonprofit Scholas Occurrentes (Latin for “schools for the encounter”) serves a mission to provide young people of every background with critical leadership and citizenship tools to help them thrive. 

This year, a new initiative under the Scholas umbrella carried that vision into the sports realm. Launched successfully in Argentina, Italy, Mozambique and Spain, the program has now made its U.S. debut in Los Angeles. Its name: Pelota de Trapo, after the makeshift soccer balls of the Pope’s youth, still used by young people around the world. 

“The Holy Father as an international religious leader is concerned about isolation that students experienced after the pandemic. Scholas and the Pelota de Trapo program, through sports and civic engagement programs, are designed to help students get out of their shell and relate to each other to improve their well-being and mental health. It is an interfaith, free program to help all youth,” María Martha Barreneche, Executive Director of Scholas Occurrentes USA, told the Courier.

Los Angeles was chosen for a number of reasons, said Barreneche. 

For one thing, the city will find itself at the forefront of the sports world in the next few years. It will host the Copa America in 2024, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2028 Summer Olympics. 

Additionally, Los Angeles is home to a tailor-made collaborative partner in the LA84 Foundation. Formed with surplus funds from the 1984 Summer Olympics, that organization is a leader in supporting youth sports programs that empower young people from diverse communities. 

“We didn’t want to reinvent the wheel, and with the LA84 Foundation, we found a partner with lots of experience on the ground. We have coordinated our curriculum with them, and it is a good match,” said Barreneche. 

She added that perhaps the biggest appeal of Los Angeles—a factor specifically acknowledged by the Pope—is its diversity. The notion that students from all backgrounds and faiths could come together in dialog and action held a special resonance. 

Producer Bonnie Abaunza was tapped early on to help facilitate the program’s launch in Los Angeles. Abaunza got to know the Pope while serving as one of the executive producers of the Discovery+ documentary “Francesco.”

“When I was asked to help launch Pelota de Trapo, I said, ‘Of course I would be happy to help.’ What I started to do was to make introductions to various people in LA that I felt would be very interested in supporting the program. There was a very positive response, so we worked very closely and strategically to bring together the right mix of people,” Abaunza told the Courier.

That “right mix” included political, media and philanthropic elite, including Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Spectrum News 1 Anchor Giselle Fernández (who is a member of the Courier Advisory Board) and philanthropist Jessica Sarowitz.

“I don’t know who says ‘no’ to the Pope, but it certainly wouldn’t be me. It’s not just that he is the Pope and not just because I’m Catholic,” Horvath told the Courier. 

Horvath said that the message of Pelota de Trapo spoke to her from the outset.

“The very first slide I looked at during their presentation said that ‘Young people are not our future; they are our present.’ This is exactly the message I’ve tried to convey, and it continues to be my message. That is, we need to do whatever we can to listen to and empower the younger generation.” 

Horvath has taken the time to travel to the Vatican twice this past year to meet Pope Francis. 

“I had a private audience with him, and we spoke for about 30 minutes. We talked about climate change, immigration, the importance of the arts and so much more. He is such an intelligent and humble human being. To be in his presence is beyond words,” said Horvath.

Like Horvath, the program’s exceptional Youth Ambassador for Scholas USA, Talei Fernández, has also met twice this year with the Pope. The daughter of Giselle Fernández, Talei impressed representatives from Scholas and the Vatican with her intelligence, poise and willingness to speak up about issues confronting her age group, ranging from cyberbullying to racism. 

When asked if she would like to be the country’s first Youth Ambassador, Talei admitted she was a little surprised. 

“I said, ‘You do understand that I’m Jewish, right?’ But it didn’t matter to them, because it is an interfaith program. So here I am, an adopted kid from Guatemala who is Jewish, but I told them I would love to take this on,” she told the Courier. 

Talei has also met twice with the Pope in connection with Pelota de Trapo. The first opportunity took place last August, during the World Youth Day conference in Portugal attended by thousands of young people. There, she met with and exchanged ideas with other youth ambassadors from around the world. 

When it came time to meet the Pope in person, Talei found herself in tears. 

“I was crying when he came into the room. You can feel the holiness and kindness that radiates from him. I was so nervous. I introduced myself and said I was so honored to be given this position,” she recounted.

Talei was picked to present the Pope with an actual pelota de trapo for him to sign. She then brought the ball back and delivered it to the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors on Aug. 13. That day, thanks to a motion by Horvath, was declared Pelota de Trapo Day in Los Angeles County. 

Pelota de Trapo programming began in earnest in November, when some 80 students from nine Los Angeles schools took part in a pilot program. The young people came together to discuss issues of importance to them, including mental health, addiction and immigration. They also shared ideas about how they can make a difference in tackling those tough issues in their communities. 

Horvath, who attended, was impressed with the manner in which the young people jumped right in to pose solutions for “adult problems” that policymakers consistently find challenging.  Talei, too, came away with strong impressions. 

“I’m an immigrant, and I know that I have been given the world. Listening to these kids, I think that my life could easily have been like theirs. If there is one thing I’d like people to know, it’s that this program has the power to change lives. I will do anything for this organization. I’m so honored to be able to play a role,” she said. 

That role continued during Thanksgiving week. Talei and her mom were part of a delegation of Pelota de Trapo supporters invited to visit Rome and Vatican City. The group also included Horvath, the Mayor Pro Tem of West Hollywood John Erickson, LA City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, Sarowitz, as well as representatives from LA84.

In Rome, the visitors were invited to the Scholas Headquarters, where they learned about the organization’s global work. The next day, they met at the Vatican with the Pope. During the hour-long meeting, the Pope shared his vision of bringing together young people from different communities. He also answered questions on a range of topics that included climate change, the conflict in Gaza, to LBGTQ rights. 

Talei presented the Holy Father with a painting created at the San Fernando Valley Refugee Children’s Center, where she volunteers. 

“I brought a painting that the kids at the Center made because it represents what Pelota de Trapo is all about, connecting everyone of all colors and backgrounds. It said, “Somos Familia,” which means “We’re all family.” It doesn’t matter where we’re from,” said Talei.

The Pope’s face lit up upon receiving it. 

Abaunza, who put the Thanksgiving delegation together, recalled many of its special moments. 

“I think really what everyone experienced was the fact that he’s very concerned about youth and what they’re going through now. We know sports is a great equalizer and that is why he started this program.”

She added, “We actually all got a chuckle because we asked the Pope what position he played in soccer as a young man. He said he was only good as a goalie,” said Abaunza. 

Goalies, of course, must be adept at facing challenges from every angle. 

At the moment, Pelota de Trapo is meeting the challenges that come with the launch of any new charitable program. Raising awareness—and funds—are primary concerns at the moment, said Barreneche. 

She has followed the Pope from Buenos Aires to Rome and has now relocated to Los Angeles to introduce Scholas and Pelota de Trapo here. Already, she laid some important groundwork, holding ZOOM meetings with LA County mayors, including Mayor Dr. Julian Gold. She has also met with representatives from the Church of the Good Shepherd High School in Beverly Hills. 

“We would love to involve more schools in Beverly Hills,” said Barreneche.

In the meantime, the next county-wide Pelota de Trapo program is expected to take place in April. Horvath is excited about future opportunities in tandem with the LA Unified School District, county and city parks and recreation departments and other agencies. 

She recalled in particular that the Pope kept repeating the Spanish word “harmonia,” or harmony during their meetings. 

“He said that the goal is not to erase our differences and try to make everyone the same. The goal is to try to find ways for all these diverse communities to build bridges together. That was profound, and it is what this program of encounter embodies. If we’re doing our jobs right, that’s what we should be doing throughout Los Angeles.

She added, “The holidays are a time to reflect on this message. Every faith has a path toward harmony. In this moment, there are things that can unite us.” 

For more information on Scholas and Pelota de Trapo, visit www.scholasusa.org or email info@scholasusa.org. 

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Peck, a Principal Dancer with the New York City Ballet, is considered one of the preeminent dancers in the country today. 

She studied with Westside Ballet co-founder Yvonne Mounsey before joining the School of American Ballet at age 14. 

“Yvonne Mounsey and her school had a tremendous impact on my training and it was wonderful to share the stage with her students and carry on her legacy. I know Yvonne would have been so happy to see so many of her alumni returning to inspire the next generation,” Peck told the Courier.

That next generation put on a dazzling display of talent in the program. Five Beverly Hills pre-professional student dancers deserve particular mention: Chloe Meyer, 13, Billie Dane, 13, Elle Shim, 14, Willa Cross, 15 and Jenne Shim, 16 (who  excelled in the role of the Snow Queen). 

The production itself featured over 107 dancers, 225 costumes, and four elaborate settings that included a growing tree, angels gliding on clouds and falling snow. And the Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra provided a masterful performance of the iconic Tchaikovsky score. 

Meyer, who performed as one of the Crystal Bells, noted that she especially loves performing for families that have not seen “The Nutcracker” before. 

“There are always people in the audience who are seeing the costumes, the magic or hearing the music for the first time.  It’s fun to look out into the audience and see their smiling faces,” she remarked. 

At the matinee the Courier attended, the faces with the biggest smiles belonged to young girls. Attending a production of “The Nutcracker” in a frilly party dress is always something of a rite of passage. In this case, it was also an opportunity to admire the dedication, artistry and hard work of local young women who, like Peck, may very well find themselves on the national stage some day. 

In light of the fact that this year’s production sold out quickly, the producers of the Westside Ballet’s 50th “Nutcracker” have provided links for the community to watch the performance for a limited time. 

For Vimeo, visit https://vimeo.com/888968873 and for YouTube, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OLOQoGigeA&feature=youtu.be.

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The BHPD made several robbery and gun-related arrests in connection with the Beverly Hills cases. Those investigations, in turn, led detectives to realize that the same suspects were possibly involved in crimes in other jurisdictions. 

BHPD coordinated with local agencies including the Santa Monica Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Division, Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division, LA IMPACT, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Working together, BHPD and its partner agencies identified suspects in six robberies in L.A. County. As a result, search warrants were executed in both Southern California and Arizona. Those warrants resulted in the recovery of property from two victims of a Beverly Hills robbery, as well as additional items including luxury watches, jewelry and weapons. 

As a result of the efforts of the BHPD and fellow agencies, the L.A. County District Attorney’s Organized Crime Division has charged Justice Bloodworth, 21, of Los Angeles, with four counts of PC 211 robbery, one count of PC 182 conspiracy, and one count of PC 2800.2 VC felony reckless evading. Bloodworth was out on bail for armed robbery at the time these robberies were committed. 

The District Attorney has also charged Cameron Woods-Harvey, 23, of Long Beach, with three counts of PC 211, PC 182 and two weapons charges. 

In a statement to the Courier, BHPD Lt. Reginald Evans noted, “The Beverly Hills Police Department is proud to serve the residents and visitors of the city of Beverly Hills. We will continue to investigate crimes to the fullest, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners.”

The BHPD encourages anyone with additional information to call 310-285-2125. To remain anonymous, text BHPDALERT followed by the tip information to 888777. Information can also be relayed via Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. To access Crime Stoppers, download the “P3 Tips”Mobile APP or use the website http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.

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Rodeo Drive was bedecked, bedazzled and bejeweled for its annual Holiday Lighting Celebration on Nov. 16. As in previous years, thousands converged on the world-famous thoroughfare to enjoy an evening of diversions, themed décor and entertainment. But it was the simple act of greeting friends on the sidewalk that provided the most holiday cheer.

As Mayor Dr. Julian Gold noted last week, “Our Holiday Lighting Celebration is an opportunity for us to come together, recognize how fortunate we are, and begin this year’s holiday season—a celebration of our city and a hopeful beginning for the New Year.”

He added, “At the same time, we recognize the impact of world events and our thoughts are with those here and abroad as we approach the holiday season. We hope they can find a sense of hopefulness and strength as we all overcome darkness with light.”

Light was in abundance at the celebration, encircling palm trees, holiday displays and the world-renowned storefronts of Rodeo Drive. As part of the festivities, Gold led a countdown to illuminate the center median, adorned with banners, garland, oversized, brightly-wrapped packages and—in a nod to the “Up, Up & Away Holiday!” theme—deco- rative hot air balloons. On block after block, faces young and old lit up at the sight of performance artists on roller skates, dressed up as “holiday packages,” while towering “Candy Cane people” strolled by on stilts.

In keeping with tradition, Santa made his way down Rodeo Drive from atop a Beverly Hills Fire Department truck, accompanied by the Beverly Hills High School Marching Band. The crowd collectively held its breath for a tree lighting at the Rodeo Collection. And, then they enthusiastically welcomed Emmy Award-winning actor and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph to the main stage. After Ralph belted out some holiday classics, a brilliant fireworks display lit up the sky. The sparkling—and uplifting—finale reminded everyone that Beverly Hills will always find light to overcome the darkness.

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Heroes, according to a familiar adage, are ordinary people faced with extraordinary circumstances. An apt description—at first glance—for the individuals who addressed a select audience at the Beverly Hills Municipal Gallery on Nov. 13. But as their presentation unfolded, it became clear that none of them was ever ordinary. Each was destined to bear witness to the events of Oct. 7 that changed their life’s trajectory, leaving loved ones killed and taken hostage.

“It’s unimaginable that we could be here tonight at this moment in time,” said Mayor Dr. Julian Gold in his welcoming remarks. We all want to do something. What can we do? And so tonight is very much a part of what we can do because what we can do is hear their stories and we can become the messengers for their stories.”

Those stories are familiar in their broad strokes, as details began to emerge over one month ago of the worst tragedy to befall the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

“We never imagined arriving at day 36 of this tragedy,” said actress and activist Noa Zahavi, a representative of the hostage families in the United States who is working with the group U.S. Forum for Israel. Zahavi helped bring the speakers from Israel to Beverly Hills for the Nov. 13 event, recognizing the inherent power and influence of the city.

In a hushed Municipal Gallery, and later at a private meeting with the Courier, personal stories of unspeakable tragedy unfolded with steely resolve, dignity and remarkable grace. A month of grief had settled on each speaker’s face, etched also by the unspoken undercurrent that time is running out for their family members.

One by one, each presenter relayed the personal anguish that will one day be the stuff of history books.

Soft-spoken and wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a photo of his smiling, lookalike son, Nir Shani described his struggle to keep terrorists from breaking the handle to his saferoom door on Oct. 7. A physical therapist by profession, Nir lived at Kibbutz Be’eri, not quite three miles from Gaza.

“One of the terrorists broke the drywall above my ceiling and used a flashlight inside the room to see who was there. I had to hide close to the door so they wouldn’t see me. Then they set a fire and burned the house. I was thinking, ‘Okay, I’m going to die.’ I was texting goodbye notes,” he recounted.

Nir’s ex-wife was sheltering nearby, along with the couple’s son Amit, 16, and their two daughters. Once the attack started, the family kept in touch for a while on WhatsApp. But then Hamas militants dragged Nir’s ex-wife and their children outside and took Amit away in a vehicle. They have not seen or heard from him since.

“When I saw my family that night they were crying and told me Amit was kidnapped. But I felt a relief because I saw my two daughters and my ex-wife and they’re alive, which is a better situation than many others. And when they said he was kidnapped, I heard ‘alive.’ He’s a quiet boy. He’s a sweet boy. He’s demanding little. So, I believe he’s holding on and he’ll be okay eventually,” he said.

Later that evening, Nir implored Courier readers to “do whatever you can to end this nightmare for us. It is non-human. Children shouldn’t be held underground in captivity no matter what. And they should be released and the world should demand that.”

On Oct. 7, Yoni Asher’s wife Doron and their daughters Raz, 4, and Aviv, 2, were visiting Doron’s mother in Nir Oz, a kibbutz only 2 miles from Gaza. Asher, who is in real estate investments, stayed behind at the family’s home in central Israel to work.

“My entire family was kidnapped Oct. 7, 36 days ago. And that is why I’m here today,” Yoni told the Municipal Gallery audience.

When the attack began, Yoni’s wife texted to say they were locked down in a shelter, but then they lost contact. It wasn’t until Hamas released a video a “few nerve-wracking hours later” that Yoni learned the fate of his family.

“I saw on Saturday afternoon my family getting kidnapped in front of my eyes on a video released by Hamas itself, on TikTok. They were attacking the communities, the kibbutz and had GoPros for the horror films,” he told the Courier.

His wife’s mother was killed during the abduction. In the days that followed, Yoni found himself unable to eat or sleep. But he decided that he owed it to his family to care for himself.

“I’m the father. I’m the only man that can represent my family. I’m the only one that can speak out on their behalf. So, I did the bare minimum of eating, the bare minimum of sleeping. And ever since, all I’m doing all morning until night is work and the activity of making them return back home.”

As the days go by, Yoni cannot bring himself to look at photos or videos of his family. “I miss the smell of their hair. I miss the sound of their voice. I am concerned deeply about their mental position, given the fact that they’ve seen their grandmother die in front of their eyes. And I never did so much work and felt so helpless. And that is why I’m here today,” he added.
Since Oct. 7, Yoni has ventured to Germany, to Brussels to speak at the European Union and now to the U.S.

“I know that America and LA are powerful places. And I think that each one of you, now that you’ve heard us, now that you’ve seen us, no one will be able to argue with you because you can say, ‘I spoke with him, I met him.’”

Yoni told the Courier that his level of hope ebbs and flows.

“After 36 long days and long nights, I can’t be more hopeful. I have no time. I don’t know if I can call it maintaining, increasing or decreasing. The emotional state is unbearable. But as a father, the only representative left from my family, it is my obligation to fight.”

 

Powerful and resolute though the two men were in describing their ordeal, it was the youngest member of the contingent, Ela Shani, whose observations were perhaps the most profound.

Introduced by Zahavi as “little sunshine,” Ela was the first to address the audience and the last to speak privately with the Courier. Ebullient, articulate and self-possessed beyond her years, she was captivating in her descriptions of an idyllic life, innocence lost and the moral imperative to help.

Ela is 14 years old, with long brown tresses and emotive big blue eyes.

She began her remarks in the Municipal Gallery with a description of Kibbutz Be’eri as “a wonderful community that is one big family.”

She continued, “We had 1,200 people, but we knew each and every one of them. Our kibbutz is surrounded with beautiful fields and so many beautiful views. It’s a peaceful place where we all live together. We didn’t need anything else and it was perfect.”

Before Oct. 7, Ela said her biggest problems were “math homework or perhaps an argument with a friend.”

Then, she calmly and vividly described the horrors of that day.

“We woke up with shouting of Arabic and sounds of gunshots. I ran into the safe room with my mother, my little brother and a friend of his. We stayed there. But it wasn’t long before someone tried to break into our house. We turned all the lights off and stayed silent,” she recounted.

As the situation worsened and militants overran the kibbutz, teens began to use a group chat to call for help.

“They were begging for help and we couldn’t help. I’m a 14-year-old girl. I was in the same position, locked in the safe room with my family, with terrorists walking around our yard,” Ela relayed.

More anxious moments came when the family got word that their grandparents had been injured but were still alive. In the early evening, an army unit came to move them out. Ela found herself shielding the eyes of her 8-year-old brother so he wouldn’t see “blood and inner body parts” as they left the kibbutz.

“There was obviously no one to cover my eyes, so I saw it,” she said.

Upon leaving the house, shots began to fire in their direction. They ran over pools of blood and bodies on sidewalks.

“I couldn’t take my eyes off the kibbutz,” said Ela. “I saw houses of my close friends on fire knowing they’re still in there and I have nothing to do but keep running.”

Eventually, she and her family made their way to a bus to join others who had been rescued.

“We started hugging each other even if we don’t like each other very much. We were just happy to see who was alive. And then they started telling us who we lost. And I remember one of my brother’s friends, an 8-year-old boy. He ran to us with blood all over his face. He came to my little brother and said, ‘They killed Dad and my little sister.’ And just let me give you this detail. His sister is 10 months old, she’s a baby. And she was shot while her mother was holding her.”

Ela’s trauma didn’t end after she, her mom and brother were taken to safety in Tel Aviv. A few days later, they received word that a cousin had been asked to identify the body of Ela’s father.

“We buried him one day after they identified him because we just couldn’t keep his body unburied. It was in no condition to stay in the fridge. They didn’t tell me exactly what happened to them. They told me that he was shot and he was burned,” she said.

Ela now realizes she is entering a new phase of her life, although she is but a teenager.

“I miss these little things like going to my grandparents to visit them in the house, just drinking lemonade in the yard or going to my Dad’s to drink coffee with him and talk. And now our life will just be taken from us. Nothing is going to come back to how it was.”

When asked by the Courier if she sees herself destined perhaps for a career where she can help others, she sheepishly whispered.

“My teacher said I could be Prime Minister one day.”

For now, she is using her skills to deliver an eloquent plea for the hostages.

“I’m begging you as someone who went through all of this. I can barely cry. I can barely mourn because people still need us to stay strong. People like my cousin and people like little kids who are still there, kids, elderly, babies, everyone…I opened my speech by saying we’re like a big family and we lost 90 people of our family and one of them is my beloved cousin. And we need them back because my dad can’t come back and my friends can’t come back. But they can. And we need them back because they’re holding us together. And each and every one of them is a whole family. Each one of these 241 people is a whole family that can be destroyed if they won’t come back quickly.”

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More than 350 attendees gathered on the stately outdoor terraces of the Greystone Mansion’s Formal Gardens on the evening of Sept. 28. The occasion: the annual “State of the City Address” during “An Evening with the Mayor.” Sponsored by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, the event is one of the highlights of the city’s municipal calendar. It was also the second high-profile gathering of community leaders and residents in as many nights. The previous evening, the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association held its annual gala.

Guests at the Greystone event mingled on the breezy courtyard while a violinist played classical selections and Local LA Catering by Chef David Lefevre served a selection of food and beverages. They then moved up to the manicured, fountain-bedecked lawn, where video screens were set up for the formal program.

“This is an event that we’re extremely proud of because of the way it brings the community, business and government all together. This may be the luxury capital of the world, but everybody knows everybody here,” Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Johnson told the Courier.

This year marked a milestone of sorts for the evening’s speaker, Mayor Dr. Julian Gold. He began his remarks by reflecting on this, his third term in office.

“People have said that the third time must be easier, after all you have so much more knowledge. Perhaps, but one needs wisdom also. The difference? Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad,” he said, drawing laughter.

After recognizing and thanking the city officials and other VIPS in attendance, Gold went on to highlight some of his accomplishments of the past six months. He also spoke frankly about the opportunities and challenges for the future.

“Generally, the city is doing very well,” Gold remarked. “The hard days of the pandemic seem in the distant past, thankfully. But we are still recovering and while things are better, my conversations with many of you suggest there is still a way to go to meet your revenue expectations. The same is true for the city. Our net revenues are approximately where they were in 2019 before the pandemic.”

He praised the work of the Chamber, noting that a dozen new restaurants and a number of new retail stores have opened in the city.

“We are seeing areas of the city, previously very quiet, becoming hubs for restaurants and night life. There are unparalleled investments by big brands with store redesigns-Chanel, Cartier, Rolex and Patek Philippe to name a few. Despite TikTok proclamations to the contrary, our commercial spaces are occupied and the few vacancies we have, are mostly in transition between businesses,” said Gold.

Public safety also made Gold’s topic list.

“I know we have described the advances by our Police Department several times in the last months. Today, I am pleased to report that recently we achieved full staffing at 145 sworn officers. Additionally, the Real Time Watch Center is up and running 24 hours a day and our drone is flying 12 hours a day across the entire city,” said Gold.

He addressed another topic on the minds of residents, and that is the unhoused. Gold noted that the council recently committed to a $14 million appropriation over 10 years for the support of housing the homeless. The money will go toward 30 permanent supportive homes and 20 temporary housing sites annually.

“While none of the housing will be within Beverly Hills, all of it will be earmarked for those in our city identified as needing these services. I believe it is the right thing to do but there are also good legal reasons to do it. For instance, it allows us to enforce our laws which don’t allow camping in our parks. Being homeless is not illegal and the fact that housing is available doesn’t allow us to force anybody into it. But if someone chooses not to avail themselves of it, we can then enforce our laws,” said Gold.

Gold then spoke with pride about his initiative to develop a unified medical system for residents and visitors. At its core is the nurse practitioner program which operates within the fire department’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS). It was the one of the first in the country to be embedded into a Fire Department’s medical response model and has seen great success.

Gold pointed out, however, that industry-leading police and fire department programs such as these come at considerable cost.

“Today we spend nearly $170 million on public safety alone. Our total general fund budget is about $320 million; public safety is approximately half perhaps a little bit more. Based on a 4% annual inflation rate over the next five years, we will spend nearly $30 million more in 5 years than we are spending today on public safety alone. This does not consider the opening of new subway stations and the impact on our public safety costs. That nearly $30 million is the minimum increase we will see. I am concerned about how we will afford this and maintain our current level of service,” he said.

He then lamented the loss of the Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills hotel project and its anticipated revenue stream. That revenue will have to be replaced from other sources, said Gold. For this reason, he has created the Mayor’s Blue-Ribbon Committee to understand what current spending is, what proposed future spending will be, and how best to pay for the things the city needs in the future.

Looking forward into that future, Gold spoke about the upcoming City Council election to fill his seat and that of Councilmember Lili Bosse.

“The choice of our replacements is critical as this next council will quickly need to take that financial blueprint and turn it into actionable programs which support city revenues. We cannot afford to lose the next Cheval Blanc. We need strong businesses which support the city’s economic well-being in order to sustain our current levels of service. For me, our next council must be unequivocally and strongly pro-growth. Anything less, jeopardizes our ability to provide world class services,” he stated.

As important as the need to keep revenues strong, so is the need for a strong electrical infrastructure. Gold has been upfront in his desire to protect the city from electric grid failure. To that end, he is working with a consultant to determine viable steps the city can take and will report more by year’s end.

Finally, he turned to a few community-facing initiatives implemented this term. One of them is the “Mayors’ Minutes” initiative, which highlights businesses large and small in the city. Similarly, his “Office Hours with Dr. Gold” program has enabled him to spend time in a sit and chat format with residents. The next installment takes place Oct. 12.

After that, it will be but a few short weeks until the holiday season kicks off. Gold made sure to put in a plug for the city’s programming.

“We have a wonderful holiday lighting ceremony planned with world class entertainment the night of November 16, of course on the world class Rodeo Drive. Food, entertainment, fireworks-Santa!! We hope to see you all there,” said Gold.

And, in an announcement sure to please pet-lovers, Gold also announced that the city has just been granted the “Pet Friendly City” award.

In closing, Gold noted, “Cities are organic, like people. The status quo doesn’t last very long. Circumstances change. The best cities are those which anticipate change, prepare for it, remain resilient and then adapt to the new realities. Even then, life can throw a curve ball. Covid for instance.

He added, “As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem. We are doing very well as a city, but we must recognize that there are problems to solve. Which will likely bring other problems to solve. That is ok. That’s life. We will meet that challenge – Beverly Hills always does.”

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Lorenzo California

When Renato Araujo and his wife Cynthia Raslan opened Lorenzo California in early 2023, they weren’t simply opening a new sandwich shop. They were launching a dream.

Originally from Brazil, Araujo lived in New York where he worked at high-profile eateries such as Asia de Cuba and Man Ray. He moved to Los Angeles, where his first job was with Ago, Robert De Niro’s restaurant. He then opened a wine bar in Silverlake called Vinoteca.

“My wife and I went to Florence right before the pandemic and ran across an amazing sandwich shop. We were mesmerized. I told my wife, ‘Why don’t we have this in LA?’ We postponed our trip home to stay longer and researched all the sandwich shops in Florence. The city was so busy. Our GPS wasn’t working and we were looking for directions to this one shop. We met an Italian family with a little boy who was four years old. His name was Lorenzo. It turns out we were right in front of the sandwich shop we were looking for.”

He came back and worked on recipes for two years during the pandemic. After securing financing, they started to look for a location. “We looked at more humble places, but our broker said, ‘Why don’t you look at Beverly Hills? It isn’t that much more money.’” They’ve never regretted making that leap.

“We realized we took a risk in coming to Beverly Hills, but it was so well worth it. The foot traffic is amazing. We built Lorenzo from the ground up. There was nothing here. For eight months to get the permit and five months for construction,” said Araujo.

Located on South Santa Monica Drive, Lorenzo seats a cozy eight on the inside, eight outside. There are also to-go options, all a labor of love by the couple.

“I cook; I make the sandwiches; we are doing everything together. This is a small, little family business and we’re hands on.  I wake up at 5:30 a.m. I go buy produce and then to the bakery.”

Although Florentine sandwiches are typically made with Schiacciata (a thin, chewy flatbread) it is difficult to find. Renato uses the more familiar focaccia sourced from Bianca Bakery in Culver City. Lorenzo also features pastas on the menu.

“I would say 60% of the clientele work here in Beverly Hills. Another 20% drive here to try us and 20% are tourists,” said Araujo.

“Working with fine dining my whole life, we brought simplicity with elegance at Lorenzo. It is simple but delicious food.”

Cha Cha Matcha

Matcha is mainstream in Southern California, appearing in everything from smoothies to baked goods to lattes to lemonade. But even trendy Beverly Hills has not seen something quite like Cha Cha Matcha. Opening in late fall on South Santa Monica and Beverly Drive, Cha Cha Matcha will offer, in the words of CEO Jay Gujjar, a “full experience of matcha.” That translates into fresh matcha milled on site and made to order.

“Coffee shops have roasters. Matcha is milled. We will have it on display, so when a customer orders it, they can take it home in a custom tin, high quality matcha that we mill on site.
It’s super versatile for smoothies baking and beverages,” Gujjar told Wine + Dine.

“The matcha category continues to grow as people are conscious of its beneficial effects. It has an incredible amount of amino acids and antioxidants. It’s a superfood. You get caffeine with matcha and the great energy without the anxiety that comes from coffee. So, people are starting to transition their afternoon drink to matcha.”

Additional offerings will include a thoughtful food program that includes labneh (strained yogurt) and fresh pastries for a fresh, casual meal.

“It’s an ancient food that has been around for 1,000 years, and it is finally coming around for people’s diets and rituals. We want to continue to educate people about what matcha is. Deliciousness is at the heart of everything we do,” said Gujjar.

A big ribbon-cutting event in October will include farmers from Japan who will be milling the matcha fresh as customers order. It is a fitting touch for the new West Coast flagship.

“We will have exclusive merch for Beverly Hills, and a prominent location in front of the Beverly Hills sign,” said Gujjar.

He added, “We like to say there is something on our menu for a purist and a tourist. Above all, we take pride in what we offer and are really excited about this new Beverly Hills location.”

Sweet Angeles Bakery Café

Ruby Davids and her dreams have arrived in Beverly Hills. Sweet dreams, in fact, in the form of Sweet Angeles Bakery Café. Newly opened on the second floor of the Rodeo Collection, the inviting bright pink storefront is the result of years of Davids’ hard work, dedication to her craft and sights long set on Beverly Hills.

“I have always wanted to have my pastry shop where I can sell my recipes, which are delicate and detailed. Everything I make is from scratch, using the finest ingredients,” Davids told Wine + Dine.

Sweet Angeles sells not only hand-crafted desserts, but also home-made Belgian chocolate bars , ice cream and coffee.

Davids said that she learned from the “best pastry school,” which was her grandmother Hasmik, a renowned pastry chef in Armenia. Davids, too, hails from Armenia and spent years honing her skills in Washington, D.C. She eventually impressed no less than the Pentagon with her cakes (one shaped like the famous building itself), landing on their coveted vendors’ list.

Then, the pandemic struck, and business ground to a halt. At the same time, changes in her personal life made the mom-of-three decide to make the move to Southern California.

“I knew that Beverly Hills is where I can sell whatever I want because people will appreciate it. Very few bakeries now work the way that I do. They work from cake mixes. I do everything from scratch, and you can tell if you try my cake and cupcakes. My signature red velvet cake, carrot cake and peanut-butter cupcakes are award-winners,” said Davids.

Now that she is in Beverly Hills, Davids plans an expansive menu that will change throughout the day. She will also offer a grab-n-go breakfast box as well as breakfast in-store. Offerings will include bagel sandwiches with razor-thin slices of smoked salmon, pancakes, waffles, fresh orange juice, crepes and homemade yogurts. In the evening, customers will find Champagne and dessert pairings.

“Our chef is Ukranian, he is amazing. What we have at Sweet Angeles is so special, you will believe me as soon as you stop by.”

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A timely event five years in the making took place on Rodeo Drive July 5. The occasion was the groundbreaking and blessing of the space for the new Rolex and Patek Philippe Boutiques. The prime real estate at 312 North Rodeo has housed an illustrious array of tenants over the years, from facialist Georgette Klinger to fashionistas Dolce and Gabbana.

Thirteen months from now, it will house the largest Rolex and Patek Philippe boutiques in the country.

Thomas J. Blumenthal, President & CEO of Gearys Beverly Hills, welcomed family members and invited guests to the ceremony, including his parents, uncle Bruce Meyer, cousins Evan and Emily Meyer, Mayor Dr. Julian Gold, Vice Mayor Lester Friedman and members of the Gearys executive team.

In his remarks, Blumenthal noted that “Rolex and Patek Philippe both asked us to expand and do it in a very thoughtful and experiential way on the famous Rodeo Drive. When we started thinking about where that’s going to happen, I discussed with my uncle and my cousin and my parents and asked when the Dolce and Gabbana lease was up. They told me June of 2023. That was five years ago.”

Fortunately, time did not stand still.

“We waited and this is a spectacular location. It is so fitting for the two brands that we represent in the US,” he observed.

Blumenthal unveiled three sleek renderings of what the space will look like on the Rolex side, the front façade, terrace and the Patek Phillipe side. He then asked Father Ed Benioff, Pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills, to provide a blessing.

Benioff obliged by sprinkling holy water around the space, asking for “blessings and success” for the planned endeavor.

Then, in recognition of the ceremony as demolition day one, Blumenthal took a sledgehammer to some remaining fixtures.

A Champagne toast followed, along with dessert bites from The Farm of Beverly Hills. When it came time to add remarks of his own, Gold described Blumenthal and his family as “Beverly Hills royalty.”

“You have done so much for this street and city. This is the next chapter. I’m sure it’s going to be beyond spectacular. On behalf of our community, we thank you,” said Gold. And then it was time for one more toast to the successful venture to come.

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Beverly Hills Courier publisher Lisa Friedman Bloch was honored at the 65th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards with a first-place win in the category “Feature: Business/Government” for her profile of Nicholas Bijan. Entitled “Nicholas Bijan: The Prince of Beverly Hills,” the piece appeared on the cover of the Beverly Hills Courier’s 2022 Summer STYLE Magazine and in the June 17, 2022 issue of the Courier.

Bloch also came in third place in the category of “Personality Profile, Politics/ Business/Arts Personalities” for her Holiday 2022 STYLE Magazine cover feature, “ANASTASIA: Beverly Hills’ World-Famous Eyebrow Queen,” which appeared in the Nov. 18, 2022 issue of the Courier.

The awards were given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, the oldest and largest organization of its kind in Southern California. Each year, the organization honors journalistic excellence in print, radio, podcast, TV and online categories. A list of finalists was published this spring, with the winners announced on June 25 at a gala dinner in the Crystal Ballroom of the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.

In addition to Bloch’s achievements, the Beverly Hills Courier also shared in one of the most important honorary awards of the evening. Beverly Hills Courier Advisory Board Member Giselle Fernandez from Spectrum News 1 received one of two President’s Awards for Impact on Media.

Fernandez was introduced by actress and humanitarian Sharon Stone, who cited the critical role the media play as truth-tellers. She lauded her longtime friend Fernandez as a courageous and tenacious industry role model.

Fernandez’s accomplishments as a multiple Emmy-winning television correspondent and anchor are well known. But it is her “second act” in journalism that is particularly impressive. After leaving journalism for 15 years, she returned to television in 2018, to the newly-created Spectrum news network. In the five years hence, Fernandez’s passion for telling stories has helped to propel the network into a hyper-news powerhouse.

Fernandez continues to win awards (including two Los Angeles Press Club Journalist of the Year honors) in this latest phase of her career. She currently appears daily on the Spectrum News 1 “Your Morning” broadcast, on the weekly “L.A. Stories With Giselle Fernandez” series, as well as on her “L.A. Stories Unfiltered” podcast.

Additional awards of note presented during the evening included the Guardian Award for First Amendment Contributions, which went to Alene Tchekmedyian of the Los Angeles Times, who famously stood up to the intimidation tactics of former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. The Daniel Pearl Award for Courage and Integrity in Journalism went to philosopher, writer and filmmaker Bernard-Henri Lévy. And the Joseph M. Quinn Award for Lifetime Achievement went to David Ono from ABC7.

The Los Angeles Press Club is more than a century old, with a membership of some 1,000 strong. The organization is now more than ever an ardent advocate of the rights of journalists in Southern California and throughout the globe. On a day when an attempted coup in Russia sent shock waves around the world, the fate of journalists covering world hot spots was top of mind at the awards dinner. Fittingly, the royal blue and yellow flowers on table centerpieces were designed as a tribute to Ukraine, where more than 17 journalists have been killed during the conflict with Russia. The evening itself was dedicated to all Ukrainian journalists as well as Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is currently wrongfully detained in Russia.

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Beverly Hills resident Sunny Sassoon filed a request for a manual recount of the 7,128 ballots counted in the election. That process, as well as a material review of some 170 rejected ballots, took place at the office of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (LARRCC) on June 13 and 14.

The recount was carried out by LARRCC staff, with observers from each side present. Sassoon canceled the recount on June 14, noting, among other factors, costs (borne by him) of approximately $27,000 for the two days of review and other “substantial hurdles.”

A statement to the Courier from Dean Logan, the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk for LA County, indicated: “On Wednesday, June 14, our office concluded the recount activities from the May 23 City of Beverly Hills Special Municipal Election based on the direction of the voter who made the request. The recount process is a crucial component to our governance as it enables transparency and ensures accuracy and integrity. I’m pleased to relay that this recount process solidified the accuracy of the original certified results.”

During the recount process, there was, in fact, one additional vote identified in the Measure B contest.

However, the LARRCC has no ability to amend the official certified results if only a portion of the ballots have been recounted and/or when the outcome of the ballot measure contests remains the same, pursuant to Elections Code section 15632.

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The matter has drawn considerable attention and spirited discussion throughout the city and beyond. 

By now, all 22,000 registered voters in the city have received Vote by Mail ballots from the office of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Many residents have already returned those ballots. Those who have yet to do so may use the following options to ensure their voice is heard in this important election:

Vote by Mail Ballots may be returned by U.S. mail, with no postage required. Ballots must be postmarked no later than May 23, 2023. 

Vote by Mail Ballots may also be deposited in one of two official Drop Boxes in the city. These locations are City Hall (next to Kelly’s Coffee and Fudge) 455 N. Rexford Drive or Roxbury Park Community Center, at 471 S. Roxbury Drive.

In the alternative, an in-person Vote Center is located at the Beverly Hills City Hall Municipal Gallery. The Vote Center is open through Election Day. Hours of operation are from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m, from now through May 22. On Election Day, May 23, the Center will be open from 7 a.m.- 8 p.m.

A free subscription service called “Where’s My Ballot” will automatically notify voters of the status of their ballot, including when it is mailed, received and counted. To sign up for the service, visit https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/.

The Courier will provide election updates as they become available next week.  

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Horvath began her speech on a popular note, the transfer of the historic Virginia Robinson Gardens from the county to local stewardship by the city. Horvath’s efforts to obtain that result were acknowledged with applause. 

Then, it was time to move to pressing county business, which Horvath addressed in her trademark rapid clip. Topics ranged from the crisis of the unhoused to mass transportation to clean water to the frayed social safety net. 

Horvath described as a “whirlwind” the transition from a city of 36,000 people to a Supervisorial District of 2 million. She had only nine days between the time she was declared a winner of the race to her swearing-in ceremony. In the five months since then, she has fully staffed up and proceeded to make her mark. 

One of her first orders of business as a new Supervisor was to bring forth a motion declaring a state of emergency on homelessness in the county. 

“I came to the county and I thought, ‘how can the city (of LA) be in a state of emergency and the county is not?’ When we look throughout the county, we need to make sure we are stepping up on mental health. We need to ensure not only housing, but wraparound services that people count on, and most importantly, that the county is working in partnership with the city of LA and every community that has been impacted by this crisis.”

Coming from local government, Horvath had a “bit of insight” into what worked well and what did not when it comes to the unhoused. She appointed herself to the board of LAHSA, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, to make sure that “there is no bureaucracy between myself and where those decisions are being made.” 

As part of the declaration of emergency, Horvath said the county will be focused on housing and encampment resolution. It will also launch a program to address mental health and substance use disorder services as well as report on where Measure H dollars are being spent. 

“Measure H passed in 2018, and what good has it done? It feels like homelessness is getting worse, not better,” said Horvath. 

Horvath then moved on to the topic of investing in county facilities. She touched upon the impacts of public safety realignment resulting from AB 109. Specifically, the fact that that county must now house people who were once part of the state corrections system. 

“In 2015, the LA County Jails signed a consent decree with the Department of Justice to address human rights abuses there. In 2018, the Board of Supervisors voted to shut down Men’s Central Jail, but that is yet to occur,” noted Horvath.

She added that she recently visited that controversial facility with an envoy from the United Nations to “look at what’s actually going on there.”

The governance of LA County overall is another issue Horvath has in her sights. 

For one thing, she believes it is important to study whether the number of seats on the Board of Supervisors should be expanded. 

“Five people for more than 10 million residents is quite unique. Making sure we have the kind of access and resources that everyone in LA County needs is very important to me,” she said. 

Not surprisingly, she is also championing the free flow of ideas amongst the local communities she now represents. 

“The diversity of our district is something we see as a strength. We invited the mayors of all the cities in the district to the home of the Mayor of LA. We focused the conversation on homelessness as a regional issue and had the opportunity to touch on other topics. That kind of collaboration is necessary so we stay current and relevant with issues that are on the ground,” said Horvath. 

One of those issues on the ground is emergency preparedness. She gave a nod to the city of Beverly Hills, for its investment in technologies to ensure the safety of residents. 

Public safety is one of the paramount issues she faces as a member of the Metro Board of Directors. Horvath noted that the expanding rail infrastructure in the county carries opportunities as well as challenges. During a brief Q&A session, she acknowledged security concerns from residents about the Metro stops planned to open in Beverly Hills. 

She offered a hands-on response.

“I’m personally riding Metro trains and buses, trying to get to all the alignments so I can experience what riders experience. There are not enough personnel throughout our system on buses and trains to ensure safety. You may have read that we recently reauthorized contracts with law enforcement and I voted against that. I authored a substitute motion. I don’t think that the existing contracts are doing enough to keep people safe. I didn’t think we should be authorizing the expenditure of hundreds of millions of dollars to get more of the same. I think we need to do better. We need to invest more resources and more personnel including law enforcement throughout the system to make sure there is safety throughout,” said Horvath.

Again on the topic of safety, Horvath spoke about Measure W, the Safe, Clean Water Program. Passed by LA County voters in 2018, its mandate was to provide local, dedicated funding to increase local water supply, improve water quality, and protect public health. 

“At a future point we will be convening all the water districts in the county, including the Beverly Hills Water District, to be part of a regional conversation on best practices,” said Horvath.

She added that she has welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris to the district to inspect some of the local water infrastructure. 

“I am happy to report that the federal government is quite interested in investing further right here in the district on safe, clean water infrastructure,” said Horvath. 

She concluded her remarks with praise for Beverly Hills and its “richness in culture and community.”  

“One of the things that makes serving in government very special is collaboration with people in communities. As you know, I come from West Hollywood. I’ve had no shortage of people asking me if I was going to put rainbows on everything. I know Beverly Hills is no stranger to this phenomenon, too.”

She added, “I’m grateful for the insights that you have given me to understand your community better, and I hope that you will continue extending me that grace so we can make sure that the county actually meets you where you are in your neighborhood and addresses the concerns that are top of mind for each and every one of you.”

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Real estate development is not in the portfolio, a point Melwani noted more than once during a recent sit-down interview with the Courier. The point is a salient one, in light of the upcoming referendum on the LVMH-backed Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills hotel project. 

The May 23 referendum, Measures “B” and “C,” asks residents to weigh in on the city’s approval of the Cheval Blanc project. The process, which took nearly three years, resulted in unanimous approval by the Planning Commission and a 4-1 vote in its favor by the City Council. 

A “yes” vote on the measures confirms the city’s actions and has garnered extensive support (including an endorsement from the Courier’s Advisory Board). 

The “no” on “B” and “C” forces are mounting a vocal campaign in their own right. Their arguments include the refrain that a luxury commercial developer has come in to snag huge zoning and land use privileges from the city.

Not surprisingly, Melwani demurred from making any prediction on the referendum. He did, however, expound on the genesis, vision and philosophy behind the project. 

“We have been part of the community for 30, 40 years, and we’ve continually increased our presence and our investment in Beverly Hills,” he told the Courier. 

Melwani sees Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills as a logical next step for a company with decades-long ties to the city. Moreover, the idea of the hotel is a “deeply personal one” for LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault, whom Melwani refers to as “the boss.”

“Obviously, all the corporate people like me are excited about it now, but this was his vision from the beginning. We’ve been talking about this project since 2017,” said Melwani. 

During that time period, LVMH had already opened Cheval Blanc properties in Courchevel in the French Alps, the Maldives, St-Barth and St. Tropez. Cheval Blanc Paris would open in 2021, to immediate acclaim. 

“Each of those properties is deeply personal to Mr. Arnault and his family. Courchevel is where he went skiing growing up. St-Barth is obviously a French island. And while our corporate headquarters are mostly in New York, I think if you ask him what’s his favorite place to visit in the United States, he would say here in Los Angeles, in Beverly Hills,” said Melwani. 

Though the concept of placing a hotel in Beverly Hills may have been long-standing, the reality came into focus only when the real estate became available. Key parcels, such as the former Brooks Brothers building on the corner of South Santa Monica and Rodeo and the Paley Center for Media on Beverly Drive, were acquired and eventually combined to create an expanse suitable for the hotel. 

Melwani noted that early on, the city made requests that were incorporated into the overall design. 

“When we first met with city officials to talk about the project, one of the things they asked us was ‘How can we in our design reinvigorate North Beverly Drive?’ There is not a lot of energy on Beverly, and for the health of the economy and the Golden Triangle, it can’t only be Rodeo. So instead of having the entrance of the hotel on Rodeo Drive, we are wrapping it around to help pull the energy over on Beverly. The restaurant will be over there,” said Melwani. 

He described the multi-year hearing process in the city as a “collaboration.”  

“The scale of the project was reduced as a result of the hearings. We redesigned significant elements of the project. I think people need to understand they’re not actually voting ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on us. They’re voting ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the process that their representatives put the project through, which was robust,” said Melwani.

He added, “We’ve always said from day one, we only want to build a hotel that the community is excited about. This was an extraordinarily professional process by the city, and we were super impressed.” 

Not everyone felt the same way.

The most significant organized opposition came from UNITE HERE Local 11, the union representing hotel and other service industry workers. The union’s representatives voiced objections at Planning Commission and City Council hearings and hired experts to oppose the project on various grounds. Eventually, the union garnered enough signatures on petitions to place the City Council approvals on a referendum.

Of the challenge, Melwani will only say, “We’re not anti-union.”

Union labor will be used to construct the hotel. And prominent unions have endorsed the project. 

“When you’re building a world-class building, you want the electricians and the plumbers to know what they’re doing. You’re not going to cut costs in that area, and you want the best people to do it,” said Melwani.

Updated design details for Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills are still scarce at this point. 

“I’m not being coy. The project is still four years out,” noted Melwani. 

He did share that Arnault’s personal involvement is extensive. Thus far, Arnault has worked closely with architect Peter Marino on the other Cheval Blanc properties. His  input extends to choosing artworks for the hotels. In Paris, for example, a white horse sculpture by Frank Gehry is a focal point of the lobby.

“Frank and the boss have a special relationship because Frank built the Fondation Louis Vuitton museum in Paris. At the property we hope to build on Rodeo Drive, we will focus on American artists. Of course, there will be touches of French savoir-faire. The mural in the lobby is a Sol LeWitt that is planned. The large exterior sculpture is by Tony Cragg,” said Melwani.

Other design details include stone chosen by Marino to capture the setting sunlight. Windows of varying sizes will create the sense of a village.

“You can imagine what that does to the budget. But again, this project is not a short-term money-making thing. Frankly, if we wanted to make money with this real estate, we would just have opened retail. And we would make far more money by doing that,” Melwani observed.

Plans also call for a private club at the hotel, though that concept has evolved. 

“When we conceived of the private club three years ago, what private clubs were doing is already different today. What we did in the design and in the permitting is to allow the space, and make sure that the operations of it would be unobtrusive to the hotel operations, to the community. Things have been floated, but it is just too early to say,” said Melwani. 

He did note that he expects the membership of the club to be a combination of locals and frequent travelers to Beverly Hills. 

“It will be a place where you can feel comfortable to go and hang out, possibly do some work or what have you. But also, a place where you can bring a couple of guests. And there was a big debate in the proceedings about how many guests people can bring in. This is not a place where you go to host a raging party,” he said.

At 109 rooms, Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills is a boutique property. It will not host weddings or bar mitzvahs. (“Beverly Hills already has many fine properties for that,” Melwani said.)

“The point is, it’s not like we’re adding this enormous thing. The rooms are going to be quite large because of the purpose of this as an ultra-luxury hotel. So yes, it’s only 109 rooms. I think the misconception that people have is that this is somehow going to be a bustling hub of activity. But if you think about the kind of travelers that we’re trying to attract with this kind of property, they don’t want to stay in a bustling hub of activity. That’s not the goal. If you go and visit our property in Paris, it is of similar size. I’ve never seen more than one car in the driveway.”

LVMH, he noted, is not a short-term actor or a developer that will flip the property. Nor will it build the hotel and then get someone else to manage it. 

“I know it’s popular right now to villainize big corporations. And I also understand that the city has had experiences in the past with developers who may not live up to what their initial promises were. The only thing I can say is we’re not in the property development business. It’s just not what we do. There is literally zero chance that LVMH somehow five years from now will not be an active citizen of Beverly Hills. We are far too invested in this. And we’re not going anywhere. So, you can say that we’re a big company. Yes, that’s a fact. We are a big company, but we’re not outsiders to the market. As a group, as an institution, I think we have ample evidence of our roots here and our interests,” said Melwani.

Longevity and the concept of time also have a distinct meaning to LVMH.

“This is the thing. The boss’ focal distance, when we’re making investments, is 100 years. If you look at our recent acquisitions, we bought Tiffany & Co. It’s a brand that was started in 1837, and the boss believes it will be here for another 200 years.” 

He cites as “conservative” the oft-repeated figure of three-quarters of a billion dollars generated by the project over the next 30 years. The numbers have been challenged by opponents. 

“Those numbers are based on occupancy rates and the fact that hotel prices aren’t going down over time. The only time rates go down is when a hotel is not maintained. Well, I go back to my previous point. We are not developers. This is our hotel. It’s our name on the door. We’re going to keep this at the highest level. If there’s a pandemic in the next 30 years, there will be a couple of tough years. Fair enough. But I will tell you this, if you look at this last pandemic, 2020 was a rough year. By 2021, business was back. So even with a shock to the system, I still feel pretty confident in our numbers,” said Melwani.

As a closing thought, Melwani summed up the pitch he would make to an undecided referendum voter. 

“Look, as an outsider, I’ve always thought of Beverly Hills as a beautiful place. And it’s not by accident. The city has prioritized beauty and art, culture and an aesthetic that represents the city, that takes advantage of the natural beauty of Southern California. And to me, the origin story of this project is to contribute to that legacy. And so, I think if you believe in that, if that’s why you live in Beverly Hills, that’s why you love to be here. This is something that we humbly submit is of the caliber to fit in with and dare even enhance that legacy going forward. If you believe that Beverly Hills is the pinnacle of a harmonious, beautiful, and prestigious community, then this fits in with that.” 

The post Anish Melwani on the Vision for Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Beverly Canon Gardens transformed into a high-fashion hot spot on March 25, as the backdrop for the GLAUDI by Johana Hernandez fashion show. The event, entitled “Dreams Do Come True,” was sponsored by City National Bank. The afternoon-long program included a launch party and VIP reception, followed by a Role Models Panel moderated by Spectrum 1 anchor Giselle Fernandez that included Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse. Fernandez, Bosse and the panel were attired in custom-made GLAUDI power suits in an array of hues.

The fashion show that followed featured the designer’s collection of evening and bridal gowns and men’s tuxedos. It culminated with Hernandez walking down the runway in a bridal gown with her fiance? John Daniel Hutton.

“Dreams really do come true,” Hernandez told the Courier. “Whether it’s finding love or your dream career, we are here to celebrate you dressed in GLAUDI. Thank you to City National Bank for believing in women empowerment. Launching our GLAUDI power suits in beautiful colors, I want to present that women can be in leadership roles with feminine style, and we can find love just like I did…I’m newly engaged!”

Proceeds from the show benefitted EmpowerHer Institute.

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The Rotary Club of Beverly Hills hosted a very special luncheon on March 27 commemorating Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This important and colorful festival brings together people of all religions, focusing on the richness and longevity of the ancient Persian culture. The first female Persian-American Councilmember of the city of Beverly Hills, Sharona Nazarian, Psy.D., facilitated the program, which included a speech on the incredible contributions of the Persian culture, from Before the Common Era to the modern day, by Houman Sarkshar, Ph.D; a traditional music performance by former mayor (and first Persian-American on the city council) Jimmy Delshad and his brothers and a mesmerizing dance performance by the acclaimed Banafsheh Sayad. In addition to festive table decorations, guests admired a special Nowruz Haft-Sin table, whose traditional elements were explained by Nazarian. The luncheon concluded with a serving of Persian ice cream, a treat sponsored by Rotarian David Mirharooni.

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Hosted in conjunction with the city’s Teen Advisory Committee, the Jan. 29 Mayor’s Youth Mental Wellness Event features a keynote from the fashion brand Madhappy; an array of local mental health resources plus hands-on workshops to inspire creativity.

Taking place on the Crescent side of City Hall from 12:30 – 3 p.m. in the afternoon, it promises to be a street fair of positivity, acceptance and inclusion with one important theme:  No one should feel alone. 

Bosse spoke with the Courier about the genesis of the event as well as its important mission. 

“I really wanted to work with the Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) and have them share what they wanted this to look like. They have done the hard work on this. It is really their event,” said Bosse. 

The TAC is comprised of 6th-12th grade students who live in or attend school in the Beverly Hills Unified School District. The group holds monthly meetings and works on special events and community outreach programs such as this Jan. 29 event.

“In this generation it’s so important that they hear from each other because I really do believe that growing up is hard enough on its own. So often kids and teens think that whatever they’re feeling they didn’t want to share it with anyone else,” said Bosse.

When TAC members were asked about their vision for the event, they immediately suggested that Madhappy would be the perfect fit.

Created in 2017 by co-founders Noah Raf, Joshua Sitt, Peiman Raf and Mason Spector, Madhappy is a streetwear line founded to encourage discussion about mental health. With positive messages such as “Local Optimist” and “Sharing is Caring” emblazoned on hoodies, T-shirts, leggings and more, Madhappy has attracted fans such as LeBron James and Cardi B. After hosting a succession of pop-ups over the years, the LVMH Ventures-backed Madhappy will open a dedicated storefront in West Hollywood this year. 

Two of the company’s founders, Peiman Raf and Spector, launched The Madhappy Podcast in 2021. And The Madhappy Foundation is a recently created 501(c)(3) organization that distributes a portion of the company’s proceeds in the mental health space. 

The Mayor’s Youth Mental Wellness Event kicks off at 1 p.m. with a conversation with The Madhappy Podcast co-founders. This keynote speaker portion of the afternoon will be livestreamed at beverlyhills.org/live. 

Bosse is particularly enthusiastic about the participation of Madhappy.

“The Raf brothers went to Beverly High and that is what is so great about having them here. They themselves went to our schools. When I reached out to Noah Raf to see if he would be willing to do this, he said absolutely. It was serendipitous since this was the TAC’s first choice,” she said.

Bosse adds that the Madhappy message is perfect for these times. The Madhappy community, called “The Local Optimists,” is connected to mental health resources and news through the podcast, as well as newsletters and social media channels. 

“I think we can learn a lot from the way the Madhappy brand has taken away the stigma that goes with asking for help. What they’ve done is encourage people to be comfortable with their feelings. I’m curious to hear how they found the courage to be public about times in their lives when they had their own mental wellness challenges. I so admire it. To take it to a clothing line that people can proudly wear is such a step in the right direction. I think they are walking the walk. For me, they are inspiring to every generation,” said Bosse. 

In addition to the keynote, the Mayor’s Wellness Event will also include mental health and wellness booths offering resources and information from local agencies such as the Maple Counseling Center, Norman Aid, Bulldog Aid and the city’s own police, fire, and parks and recreation departments. 

Also on the program are an array of Arts and Culture workshops for anyone interested in expressing nascent talents. These include poetry sessions with poet Brian Sonia-Wallace, the West Hollywood City Poet Laureate whose work explores the topics of queerness, grief and transcendence. The iconic East L.A. printmaking collective Self-Help Graphics will be on hand to conduct poster-making screenprint classes. And Iranian American artist and designer Parisa Parnian, founder of Savage Muse, will conduct a workshop in collective mural making. 

“If we can touch one person with an ‘aha moment,’ it will be worth it,” said Bosse. 

She adds, “The struggles that anyone would have at 15, 18 or 90 are very similar, whether it’s depression or anxiety or sadness or feeling alone. I believe that this event is going to resonate with every generation. The conversation about mental wellness, whether it’s with Dr. Edith Eger at 95, or the founders of Madhappy at 30, knows no boundaries at all. No matter what age you are, you will feel you aren’t alone.”

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Sterling will report to Hunt-Coffey. His responsibilities will include the implementation of Mayoral and City Council initiatives. He will continue to oversee city communications, along with marketing and economic sustainability. He will also liaise with the City Clerk in the preparation of staff reports for City Council meetings and manage the Team Beverly Hills program.  

A former television news anchor, Sterling holds a degree in journalism from the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College. Prior to joining the city in 2018, he served as the primary media spokesperson for high-profile public agencies for 15 years.

“I am thrilled to welcome Keith to this critical role,” said Hunt-Coffey.  “Since joining the City, he has led our communications program through tremendous growth and success and I know his diverse skill set will continue to benefit the city organization and the Beverly Hills community for years to come.”

Sterling told the Courier that he is “deeply grateful for the incredible opportunity to serve Beverly Hills as Deputy City Manager.” “My work with Mayor Bosse and the City Council is extremely rewarding and I look forward to supporting Nancy and Ryan as we carry out the vision of the City Council,” he added.

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Trejo said that the department is working around the clock to arrest those responsible.

“We are committed to finding the people who did this and we are using every piece of technology available to us. That includes both public and private surveillance in the city. Detectives are working nonstop, following up on leads they are developing,” he noted. The Courier will provide updates to this investigation as soon as additional details are available. 

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The messages on the billboards bear phrases such as “A Little Bit of Light Dispels a Lot of Darkness,” “Be Slow to Anger and Abounding in Kindness” and “Only a Life Lived for Others is a Life Worthwhile.” Some of the words come from the ancient texts, others were penned by the organization’s leaders. All are profound in a time that is complex and troubling in many ways. 

“We made sure that they were presented in a way that everyone would be able to absorb them. It’s really important that everyone understand the message of kindness that we are trying to share,” said Rob Goldenberg, the Federation’s chief creative officer who spearheaded the billboard project.  

The campaign follows a spate of antisemitic incidents in the Los Angeles region, including in Beverly Hills. On the first night of Hanukkah, a Nazi symbol was carved into the base of a menorah in the city. A Texas man was later charged with felony vandalism. 

“The ugliness of antisemitism has revealed itself in many ways throughout our community and across the country in recent weeks,” Los Angeles
County District Attorney George Gascón said in announcing the charges against Eric Brian King, 47, of Dallas. “I condemn it, and we must make clear that such hate will not be tolerated. The conduct alleged in this case is despicable, especially coming during one of the most joyous times of the year for Jewish people. We will always stand up against such hatred and hold accountable those who commit hate crimes in Los Angeles County.”

In October, flyers blaming gun control on Jewish people were disbursed in Beverly Hills. Reports of those flyers came the day after seven activists with the anti-Jewish group Goyim Defense League draped signs on an overpass of the San Diego (405) Freeway in Los Angeles that read, “Kanye is right about the Jews” and “Honk if you know.” Several of the activists were photographed making “Heil Hitler” salutes on the overpass. The sign was a reference to antisemitic statements made by rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. According to a report by the county Commission on Human Relations, religion-based hate crimes jumped by 29% in 2021, with 74% of the offenses targeting Jews. 

“The constant antisemitism that Jews here in Los Angeles and around the country and world are seeing has had a devastating impact on our community,” said Goldenberg. 

He credits the billboard company, Outfront Media, for making the campaign a reality. 

“A few months ago, someone vandalized a billboard near the Grove in LA. We reached out and asked Outfront to expedite taking it down. A few weeks later they called us back and said they would like to offer us the chance to put something positive out there,” Goldenberg told the Courier.

www.jewishla.org/unite. 

The results have been overwhelmingly positive. Traffic to the JFGLA website has increased by 10 % and social media postings are praising the organization. Both religious and mainstream media have reached out about the billboards and the messages they contain.

Goldenberg has received thanks from well-known members of the Jewish community. Many personal tributes have affected him, as well. 

“My daughter’s teacher, who is a cantor, said he wants to put a printout of the billboard sayings in the classroom. That was a goosebumps moment for me. I spent a large part of my life writing ads for Jack in the Box and Beats by Dr. Dre. But this is everything, to be able to put Jewish values and thoughts out there for the city to see. Not that Jews have a monopoly on kindness. But, throughout history, when Jews are faced with darkness, our mission is to be a light.”

Additional reporting by City News Service

The post Billboard Campaign Targets Antisemitism with Kindness appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Under California law, the union was tasked with obtaining 10% of all registered city voters, or approximately 2,100 signatures on each petition. According to Unite Here Local 11 Research Analyst Danielle Wilson, that goal has been met. 

The signatures must now be certified by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. 

Beverly Hills City Attorney Laurence S. Wiener confirmed that the union delivered the petitions to the Beverly Hills City Clerk by the required deadlines this week. The petitions were then hand-delivered by the City Clerk’s office to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder on Dec. 20 and 21, respectively.

“The county has 30 working days in which to process the certification. They will check the signatures and give us a report. If the numbers are sufficient, then our City Clerk will certify to the City Council that the petition has met the requirements,” said Weiner.

The California Elections Code dictates the steps that the city must follow if the petitions are certified. 

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“I knew I wanted to get involved, I just didn’t know how,” Luftman told the Courier. 

She posted on Facebook and reached out to contacts at Hadassah in search of a way to volunteer in a meaningful way. Eventually, a friend of a friend put her in touch with Dr. Paula Rackoff, a New York rheumatologist with a similar mindset. Rackoff had connected with a small crisis relief group in Israel called Lev Echad or One Heart. 

Founded in 2005 by a then-18-year-old student, One Heart’s original mission was to help Israelis displaced by dismantled

settlements. The organization jumped in to help Ukraine early on. One Heart used its expertise to set up leadership programs in Ukraine and had solid infrastructure on the ground when the escalation began in February.

Speaking from Israel, founder and CEO of One Heart Tomer Dror told the Courier, “This is the first time we acted abroad. We look at this war as a global war between the Western world and the world of dictators. In that sense, Ukraine is fighting our war, and we have to help them.” 

One Heart recruited Israeli citizens from various fields who wanted to help in Ukraine refugee centers. It had never taken Americans until Rackoff contacted them. 

After a Zoom call with One Heart, Luftman was sold. She decided to join Rackoff’s group on a trip to help Ukrainian refugees in early June of this year. 

It was a week that changed her life. 

Luftman left Los Angeles to meet the rest of the team, consisting of Rackoff and another husband-and-wife pair of physicians, plus their son. The group traveled first to Poland, carrying large duffle bags filled with medications donated by the NYU School of Medicine. Upon arrival, they strapped the duffle bags atop a small car and squeezed in together for an eight-hour drive to the Polish border town of Przemy?l. 

The town’s somber history was not lost on the group. During World War II, Jewish refugees gathered there, only to be sent eventually to concentration camps. 

From Przemy?l, the doctors traveled to Ar?amów, where they met up with representatives from One Heart. Bright orange vests awaited them, emblazoned with the words “Medical Doctor” written in English and Hebrew. The vests also bore an Israeli flag, and a large heart with the Star of David. 

Their hosts from One Heart – three 24-year-old Israelis – gave assurances that the Star of David was now a welcomed symbol in a country where millions of Jews had perished. 

Luftman soon observed the power of the symbol for herself. Refugees greeted them with hugs, an acknowledgement of the fact that so many relief agencies in the area are Jewish. 

Nearly 5 million refugees from Ukraine have crossed into Poland since the Russian invasion in early 2022. The great majority are women and children – the men stayed back to fight –who fled with the few possessions they could carry. 

In Poland, Luftman and her group encountered refugees housed in all types of accommodations. None of them were comfortable. Some, essentially converted retail warehouses, even brought concerns about sex trafficking. 

“There is no way for the young people and children to have as much structure as they did at home. This is going to be their lost generation. That is another horrible side effect of this war,” said Luftman. 

Shortly after their arrival, One Heart informed them that Lviv, the largest city in Western Ukraine, was safe and the group was needed there. During the four-hour drive across the border, Luftman was struck by the beauty of the country and patriotism of its people. 

“The love of Ukraine by its citizens was evident everywhere,” she recalled. “Flags were draped over buildings; people were wearing its blue and yellow colors on their clothing.” 

“Lviv,” said Luftman, “looks like a typical European city. You see cobblestone streets, an opera house.” 

The group headed to a refugee center in the middle of a university.

“Imagine UCLA, with beautiful gardens. They had set up modular units for families of four, all women and children,” said Luftman. 

It wasn’t long before she realized that human needs are remarkably similar all over the world. Another surprise:  Her specialty proved the most in-demand. 

“I saw the most patients, which was kind of interesting. People were so stressed out and stress shows on the skin,” said Luftman.

To communicate, Luftman and the others used Google translate on their phones. It enabled them to not only speak to the patients, but to translate prescriptions and names of medications. 

Luftman treated a chemistry professor whose face was bright red from a rosacea flare up. A young woman came to her whose psoriasis had gone from a few scaly spots on her scalp to most of her body. Yet another young man came to her with severe acne. 

Some of the refugees simply needed a break from those circumstances. 

“One facilitator brought me this woman who was so stressed out living with her mother and two children in a little hut. Her hair was falling out and she said she couldn’t take it anymore. I took her outside and said, ‘Look how beautiful this garden is. Think about the trees that have been there over 100 years. Think about that as you walk around, even if only for 10 minutes.'”

Other physicians working with the refugees also employed whatever strategies they could to diffuse tension. 

“One of the other physicians was from Russia, and she did a lot of meditation circles. We tried to use all of our tools, not just medical ones,” said Luftman.

She also realized that the patients she was seeing could easily be from her Beverly Hills practice. 

“At the height of COVID, I saw all kinds of stress-induced skin disorders. It brought home the fact that we all share the same responses, even though we’re half a world away. I never thought that I could be doing Botox and fillers one week and the next, find myself in a war-torn country taking care of kids. But that is what happened,” said Luftman.

Her group ended the trip with a visit to Auschwitz, where, Luftman said, she could feel “ghosts in the forest.” 

“We passed houses on the way and wondered if perhaps they had helped to hide Jews there. Part of the power of the whole experience was that I reflected on my ancestors who were from Eastern Europe, Poland and Romania. It felt really good that I was able to use something that I had to make a difference,” said Luftman. 

Since her visit in the summer, two more delegations from the U.S. have gone to Ukraine with the help of One Heart Israel. In one case, American doctors diagnosed a dangerous cardiac situation in an 82-year-old refugee, who was fortunately evacuated on time. 

Thinking back on her visit, Luftman says the striking beauty of the landscape will stay with her. 

“Everywhere, there were blue skies and sunflowers. Poland is filled with farmland. But winter is approaching now, and it is still incredibly unstable and scary. Any way to be helpful is important. And, money does talk in this particular situation,” she noted. 

Luftman is particularly proud that one of her patients recently donated to One Heart to help displaced Ukrainian women and children. The Tamkin Foundation, Inc. of Santa Monica has made a $25,000 grant to One Heart Israel to honor Luftman’s work with the refugees. 

Six months after her visit, Luftman remains steadfast in spreading the word about helping the refugees.

“I’m not someone who has done these missions all my career. I know some doctors who have. You don’t have to be a doctor to help people. The really big point – and getting back to World War II – is that we must never forget. If there is something I’d like to convey it is that this is not over. No one knows when it will be over. They really don’t want to be forgotten.” 

To learn more about One Heart Israel, visit https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/77682/about.

The post From Beverly Hills to Ukraine: One Doctor’s Story appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“It is with great honor and humility that I accept this call to serve as Supervisor for LA County’s Third District,” said Horvath in her remarks. “Los Angeles today stands on the precipice. In the past five years, we’ve suffered a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, witnessed growing inequality and homeless- ness, and been called to action by the largestracial justice movement in a generation. We know this is a moment of profound change. We can sense it. We can feel it.” 

She added, “I am honored to be in this work with all of you and I would not be here today without the support and encouragement of my family, my friends, my colleagues, and my allies. Thank you for believing in me, and for believing in this moment. This seat does not belong to me – it belongs to all of you. It belongs to the people of the Third District –and the people willing to fight for our future. I am humbled and honored to march forward with you. To take those bold steps forward into the unknown. As the Board’s 166th member – and 8th woman – I join you in writing the next great chapter for Los Angeles County.”

The Third District includes the city of Beverly Hills and stretches from the San Fernando Valley to the Santa Monica Mountains all the way to the Ventura County Line and the Conejo Valley. 

In addition to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and former Third District Supervisors Zev Yaroslavsky and Sheila J. Kuehl, three Beverly Hills City Councilmembers – Lester Friedman, Sharona Nazarian and Julian Gold – attended the ceremony. 

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The post Bosse Signs Historic Declaration at Antisemitism Summit appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The summit’s mission is to present strategies, exchange ideas and create partnerships among municipal leaders united with a common purpose: to fight antisemitism. 

For Bosse, the child of Holocaust survivors, it is destiny.

“This is something I’m very, very, very passionate about. It’s part of who I am,” Bosse told the Courier.

The topic is one of increasing concern on both the local and global stage. Here in the United States, incidents of antisemitism continue to rise, according to statistics from the Anti-Defamation League. Hate speech proliferates on social media, which in turn magnifies the rantings of high-profile individuals. The trends show no sign of abating.

“I was on a U.S. Conference of Mayors Zoom yesterday that was talking about combating hate and extremism. I’ve gone to the U.S. Conference of Mayors before, and I don’t recall this being a topic that we had talked about. So, this is clearly front and center,” said Bosse. 

Last year CAM hosted its inaugural Mayor’s Summit virtually. Participants ranged from the Mayor of Pittsburg to the Mayor of Poway, as well as the then-Mayor of West Hollywood and current Supervisor-elect, Lindsey Horvath. The leaders discussed innovative ideas in the areas of education, law enforcement, and community-building, among other topics. 

This year, Bosse and other high-profile attendees such as New York City Mayor Eric Adams have been invited at the organizer’s expense to attend the first in-person event. Bosse is especially enthusiastic about the global reach of the Athens summit. 

While not slated to give a formal address, Bosse fully intends to let her voice be heard.

“Being a daughter of an Auschwitz survivor, my mother always told me to never give up. She told me to always, always tell her story. We hear, ‘never forget,’ and we hear ‘never again,’ and yet here we are again in 2022, having the same conversation. That is why I intend to speak up a lot while I’m there to tell the story of what is happening in our city and neighboring cities. I will tell the story as somebody whose whole family was murdered because of antisemitism. And I will tell the story as I see it. There are those who defend this as free speech and the First Amendment. But we have seen too many examples of how hate speech does lead to violence,” said Bosse. 

She also believes it is important to show that no destination is immune from the scourge of hate, even one with a glamorous, idyllic image, such as Beverly Hills.

“We’ve seen here locally flyers in our city filled with hate and antisemitism. We’ve seen a van drive around our city with hateful slogans. And we’ve seen people standing over the 405 with a Nazi salute. Hate speech is meant to divide. But these acts brought our community even more together. I am hoping to inspire other mayors and other people to never be fearful about speaking out against hatred,” she said. 

A major objective of the summit is to share best practices, and Bosse hopes to bring ideas back to Beverly Hills. Bosse herself will have a lot to share about ideas she has spearheaded here. Security concepts and solutions, for example, feature prominently on the summit agenda. Beverly Hills excels in both, thanks to initiatives she has sponsored, such as The Real-Time Watch Center and BHPD Alerts. 

“I think we are definitely using technology in ways that many other cities and countries are not. I know that for a fact because Chief Stainbrook has said that he’s had at least 30 law enforcement agencies come to look at our Real-Time Watch Center because they’re in awe of what we’re doing. I think we have a very powerful story to tell,” said Bosse. 

Convinced that a city on the world stage should be seen as a leader in the movement against hate, Bosse is tireless in her efforts.

“Just two weeks ago, the ‘Dr. Phil’ show invited me to speak. I was happy to see that he was doing a story about antisemitism. So, for me to fly out literally for two days to attend a summit about antisemitism, I’m going to do it. We are seeing now that what happens outside of the United States does affect us. We are one world. I feel that we are really fighting for the soul of humanity. And humanity, in my mind, knows no borders. It’s important that this summit is happening on the other side of the world and that Beverly Hills be represented there.

It is equally important – and significant –that Bosse is representing Beverly Hills. 

“When I first ran for office back in 2011, I always told people that I grew up here on South Maple Drive with my parents, and that I was an only child of Holocaust survivors. That was literally the first thing that came out of my mouth. People would say to me, ‘Why does that matter?’ And I really did feel it mattered because it shaped my being, my sense of commitment to community and my perseverance. I had no idea in 2011 that I was going to be Mayor in 2022 and that it would matter so much now. I don’t think any of us thought that we would be having this conversation in 2022.”

She adds, “I have more fire and more strength now. I am my mother’s daughter. It’s not just me as a Jew and a child of an Auschwitz survivor, but it’s everybody’s responsibility to stand up and say no to hate of any kind. It is up to us as human beings to fight for each other. That’s why I feel that this summit is very, very necessary. And there is nothing that will keep me away.” 

The post Mayor Bosse Invited to Antisemitism Summit in Athens appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The shooting in question took place on Aug. 15 at 10:47 p.m. Police officers responded to the 100 block of North Canon Drive following the report of a possible shooting in the vicinity of the Nusr-Et Steakhouse. They found a gunshot victim at the scene with non-life-threatening injuries.

After conducting an extensive investigation, Max Alexander Whitehead, a 20-year-old male citizen of the United Kingdom, was identified as the primary suspect.

A felony criminal complaint for PC 664/187 and PC 245(a)(1) – attempted murder and assault with a semi-automatic firearm with significant bodily injury – was filed against Whitehead by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office last month.

On Oct. 27, Whitehead was located in the city of Santa Ana, 50 miles south of Beverly Hills. The Santa Ana Police Department assisted BHPD detectives in safely taking Whitehead into custody. A search warrant was also executed on the 2900 block of South Fairview Road, and additional evidence was recovered.

Whitehead is currently being held on $1,080,000 bail at the BHPD jail and is scheduled for arraignment at the Los Angeles Superior Court Airport Branch on Oct. 28. Detectives are still determining a motive in this case, and anyone with information is urged to call the Beverly Hills Police Department at 310-285-2125. 

Anonymous reports can be made by text to TIP BHPDAlert followed by the tip information to 888777. Calls can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. To access Crime Stoppers, download the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP or the website www.lacrimestoppers.org. 

The post BHPD Arrest Suspect in Connection with August Shooting appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

On Nov. 8, voters will choose a new Los Angeles County Supervisor for the powerful 3rd District seat currently held by Sheila Kuehl, who is retiring. The district, which includes Beverly Hills, stretches from Santa Monica and Malibu to the San Fernando Valley and out as far as Westlake Village. Its population of 2 million residents exceeds that of 14 states. Contending for the seat are two high-profile runoff candidates, West Hollywood City Councilmember Lindsey Horvath and State Sen. Bob Hertzberg. Both have granted interviews to the Courier about the most pressing issues in this high-stakes race. Part One of this series featured Horvath and ran in our Oct. 21 issue. This week Part Two spotlights State Sen. Bob Hertzberg, the former California State Assembly Speaker and Senate Majority Leader.  

BHC:  You and your opponent have both spent approximately the same amount of time in public service. Why do you think your experience in Sacramento makes you the better candidate for a countywide seat?

Hertzberg:  She is a city official in a city that has a part-time City Council. It’s called a General Law City, which means all the laws are written by us in the state. You meet twice a month. 

I came into the legislature, served for six years and quickly became Speaker of the House. I left for 12 years and worked around the world. Now I’ve been in the State Senate for eight years. 

Here’s what I will tell you. L.A. County is not the normal local government. By population, L.A. County is larger than the state of Michigan. The county is a deep partner with the state of California. There’s not a single issue the county deals with that we don’t deal with in the state. 

So having a deep understanding and deep relationships at the state is critical to getting things done. 

What I’m trying to express is that this position isn’t about local government. It’s about state government operating on the local level. I’ve worked on dozens of issues across the board. The Governor endorsed me because he knows I know how to get stuff done.

I wasn’t intending to run. I thought about it a lot. The job needs someone with deep experience. I decided to run because I have those relationships and I can deliver. 

Crime is one of the most troublesome issues facing the electorate right now. What actions are within the purview of a Supervisor to address the rise in crime? 

First, let me say that every law enforcement agency, whether it’s the county or the city, has endorsed me. My opponent has a very different view about public safety than I do. 

One of the reasons why I decided to run was after talking to so many of my friends. The wife of one friend orders everything online; she won’t go out. They’re scared to death. Homelessness and crime are moral issues; you shouldn’t be in a society where you have that fear. You’re supposed to protect people. But it is different on the county level versus the city level.

With respect to the crime issue, one of the problems is that we have 684 vacancies at the Sheriff’s Department,  and the County Supervisors are in a fight with the Sheriff. Now, I’m not going to give an opinion one way or the other about the nature of that fight. But we’ve got to protect the public. 

So, number one, you need more officers, absolutely number one. 

And I haven’t always agreed with law enforcement. But they know I’m the adult in the room. They know I can get things done. I’m not a flip flopper. I’m consistent. I’m old school; I like to have the senior lead officers work in the community, get to know the community, go to the neighborhood councils and so forth.

I know we have issues with some bad cops. We have to have transparency and correct that. A lot of the crime-related issues are either mental health or drug-related issues. Not every incident needs to be met with a gun and handcuffs. The mental health piece is gigantic, and we need to focus attention on that as well.  

How do you propose to focus more attention on mental health services, especially for the vulnerable unhoused population?

On the homelessness issue, my response is informed by my experience in government. When I was Speaker of the House, I formed a commission on regionalism. Why is that? I did it because there is no such thing as the Sherman Oaks pollution control authority because it doesn’t stay within the boundaries of Sherman Oaks. It’s the same thing with homelessness. 

When you look at the number of homeless, my opponent’s numbers are down. The numbers in Beverly Hills are up. You’re next door to her. Are they just being moved around? Is this really solving a regional problem?

I get that if you’re a local politician, you want to say you reduced homelessness. That’s fair for a local politician. But it’s not fair for a county official who represents 88 cities, 86 school districts, 526 subdivisions of government and has to take a look at the whole big picture. That is not a record of success in the county. 

The county has $2 billion sitting in the bank now from the millionaire’s tax, most of it was paid by people in your area. They paid the tax, and it is sitting in the bank, and the county has done nothing. It was supposed to fund training for mental health workers. As a partner, the county has been a horrible partner to the state. We’ve gone out and given them a revenue stream. They have the ability to get stuff done,  and they’re not getting it done. So, we have to. 

You seem to imply that the Board of Supervisors as presently constituted is a bit dysfunctional. Why do you want to be a part of that group?

I want to change it. I got endorsed by [5th District Supervisor] Kathryn Barger, so that puts two of us in alignment. There are five members in total, so all I need is a third one to vote with us. I was Speaker of the House, I had to deal with people from Fresno, from Imperial County. I had to deal with Republicans and Democrats. West Hollywood is a wonderful place but it’s relatively harmonious. As Supervisor, I’ve got to represent from Santa Monica to Beverly Hills to Granada Hills to Porter Ranch, Sylmar and all those communities. I’ve worked in those places and been able to bring people together. I was the first person in over 50 years to be elected Speaker of the House unanimously by both parties, so that has to tell you something. 

 By the way, the other Supervisors, Sheila Kuehl, who I’m seeking to replace, served in the Assembly and the Senate. Holly Mitchell served in those places and so did Hilda Solis. You can’t hit the ground running if you don’t know how everything works. 

What else about your background, both in public service and the private sector, makes you better qualified to be Supervisor than your opponent? 

It’s all about experience. What I mean by experience is this. It’s very different to talk about something and be at a press conference than it is to actually take a tough vote when you’re in the meat grinder and people on all sides are really after you. It’s about character. I’m not somebody who’s flip flopped all over the place in terms of something as essential as a woman’s right to choose. My life is consistent. I’ve made mistakes. I’ll admit them, no problem. But my opponent was a Republican writing stuff for George Bush. Now she’s a super progressive Democrat supported by the Democratic Socialists of America. My opponent on the choice issue was way over on one end, now she’s way over on the other end after she moved to California from Notre Dame. My level of experience and my consistency is there, and my values are there. 

Another thing, she is supported by and is supporting D.A. George Gascón. I would venture to guess there’s not many people in the City of Beverly Hills that support Gascón. I did not get involved in the recall, but I do not support him. 

I’m not thinking only about what’s in front of us today in terms of crime, public safety and homelessness. I’m also thinking about economic development. We’re going to face a recession. I’m the only one who has been through a downturn. Try to lead when there are big budget cuts, see what that looks like. It’s easy when there’s a bunch of money. We better think about jobs down the corner. All the Chambers of Commerce have endorsed me, including the one in my opponent’s city. They know I’m the one who can bring in the revenue to pay those taxes in the first place. I’ve started two businesses of my own. 

One last thing is this idea that she is the change agent is exactly wrong. She is endorsed by four members of the Board of Supervisors. Do you think she is going to go against what they’re doing? The Board of Supervisors is at 17 % popularity with the public. No one likes what they’re doing. No one sees what they’re doing as effective. She’s in a situation where she can’t challenge them because she’s been endorsed by all of them. She’s not change. She may be younger, but she is status quo. I’m the one who’s change. 

The post Bob Hertzberg Makes His Case in the L.A. County Supervisor Race appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

BHC:  Crime is a paramount issue on the minds of voters right now. Cities such as Beverly Hills are dedicating extra resources to its police department. This past summer, you cast a vote in West Hollywood that was widely seen as part of the “defund the police” movement. Can you explain why that is a mischaracterization of your actions? 

Horvath:  Yes, and thank you for asking about that. First of all, I want to make it clear that I share the concerns of our neighboring cities and other cities in our region. There is a perception of a “defund movement” that was all about our city canceling a contract with the Sheriff’s Department. We didn’t do that. I want to be crystal clear. What we did in West Hollywood was to exponentially increase our spending on public safety. We authorized the largest ever contract with the Sheriff’s Department in the history of West Hollywood. We added one deputy to our entertainment policing team. We invested in public safety. So, what we did was to greatly expand our security ambassadors on patrol so there are more eyes and ears on the street. 

Many people don’t know that one Sheriff’s Deputy costs West Hollywood nearly $400,000. I support fiscal responsibility especially when it comes to keeping people safe. I have consistently supported an increase in funds for training. Every single dollar that we spend on our Sheriff’s Department and on public safety overall needs to be actually doing that. My opponent supports the status quo and we have seen that the status quo hasn’t kept people safe. Nobody feels safer after four years of Sheriff Villanueva. I want to make sure that instead of spending money on liabilities, on deputy gang involvement and abuses in Men’s Central Jail, that we are actually spending that money to fight violent crime instead of being the cause of violent crime. 

Can you explain how the expanded security ambassador service works with the Sheriff’s Department and other resources in West Hollywood? 

Yes, there are actually three different ways to get help. If someone calls 911, that call is still going to the police. Every call to our Sheriff’s station goes directly to law enforcement. There is a separate number if someone wants to call our security ambassadors for help. You can call them to walk you home from a nightclub. You can call them if you see someone sitting on the street corner and you don’t know what’s going on with them. That’s what our security ambassadors are for. They are on foot and on bike patrol and we’ve expanded them in our neighborhoods to address those times when maybe you don’t want to call a Sheriff’s Deputy. The security ambassadors are coordinated with our law enforcement so if they show up and find that they can’t handle the situation, they can get the Sheriff there. 

And, then there is a third option that was instituted throughout the country and L.A. County is responsible for how it operates for us locally. It exists in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills and throughout L.A. County, and that’s 988. Everyone is encouraged now to call 988 instead of 911 if you think someone is having a behavioral health crisis. If the matter is not about someone’s safety per se but they need a social service. Maybe they are having a mental health episode or experiencing homelessness. You can call 988. Those calls in L.A. County go through Didi Hirsch (Mental Health Services). The county has a few dozen teams to dispatch if a call comes in to 988.

But in our city, we decided that we wanted to have our own behavioral crisis response teams dedicated to West Hollywood. We are working with the county so when those calls do come into 988, we can have a much faster response. We know that if people call 988 and they don’t have the same rapid response as 911, they are just going to call 911. So, we decided to invest in mental health behavioral crisis response teams. We’re building that out in addition to our security ambassadors and in addition to our Sheriff’s contract so each of those things exist and they will all work together. We don’t see homeless encampments in West Hollywood; it’s because we have responsiveness at the local level that addresses those issues. We need that kind of responsiveness county wide. It is a net gain for law enforcement and protection of people. 

The role of a County Supervisor is much broader than that of Mayor or Councilmember. Aside from the public safety arena, what other experiences in West Hollywood give you qualifications to be a Supervisor? 

I led West Hollywood during the COVID-19 crisis and am proud of the services we were able to provide, from rental assistance to meals for those who needed them, to testing sites. We helped business stay open by expanding their outdoor facilities. I’ve held leadership roles in statewide organizations, in the League of Cities and other groups where I’ve worked closely with our neighbors. I’ve been lucky enough to work with your own Councilmember, Dr. Gold. We worked together to address the needs of all the cities that contract with the county, and I know it provided critical needs. I’m interested in bringing these solutions to the region. I know that Los Angeles residents are frustrated with navigating the city bureaucracy; let alone the county. What I’m trying to do in this moment is to bring us back home into our neighborhoods and restore some of that local control where we actually have a say. I have worked directly with neighborhoods and partnered with colleagues on a local level.

L.A. District Attorney George Gascón recently survived a contentious recall campaign that you did not support. What is your position on Gascón?

I’m going to give you a little context. Several years ago, we were once again in the headlines during the term of Jackie Lacey. We had a serial predator named Ed Buck. Jackie Lacey was the District Attorney. I called her five days in a row, and she never once returned a phone call. When you have someone in your community reaching out and you won’t even return a phone call, what does that say? She lost my confidence, and I could not support her. Buck is now behind bars on nine federal counts because our own D.A. wouldn’t take up this issue.

As for the Gascón recall, I don’t support continuing to invest in political solutions. The recall tool in this case was a political way to remove him and that’s what elections are for. We need direct accountability from our elected officials to make sure they’re delivering what we expect. Gascón should be held accountable to deliver on the expectations we have for the office of District Attorney. When he’s up for reelection he will answer to the voters that he serves. My hope is we can get the conversation out of the political space and into the accountability space which is where most people want to see results. 

You are endorsed by the outgoing Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. What does it mean to follow in her footsteps? 

Sheila Kuehl is an icon. She made history as the first openly LGBQ member of the state legislature. She helped to enact very early legislation to protect women from violence and keep us safe. Of course, I want to build upon her legacy and that of Zev Yaroslavsky, who was very much present and engaged with our communities. But I will also say one way that we are different is that she came from Sacramento and I’m coming from the local level. I will be able to build upon some of the most important pieces of my experience and this is connecting people to the services and the county. I also want to note that I’ve been endorsed by a total of four of the sitting Supervisors.

Your opponent has pointed out that you have changed your party affiliation from Republican to Democrat and accuses you of flip-flopping on issues such as choice. 

Well, he is the one who is currently on a panel coming up with former President George W. Bush. I have been very clear in my values. I’m endorsed by almost every Democratic club and by the Democratic Party in L.A. County as well as the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley, which started I am told, out of my opponent’s home in the 1970s before I was born. They still decided to choose me over him despite that long relationship with him. They’ve seen how he has failed on issues that are most important, whether it is protecting our environment and selling out to corporate polluters or social services and the support that people need to stay housed and be cared for. He hasn’t stepped up to do that work. I think that everyone has done things in their college years that they might have done differently when they have the wisdom that comes with age. I have been very clear in my commitment to supporting people and working with everyone to solve problems. It’s unfortunate he wants to be divisive, but he’s not right. He just wants to be divisive. 

You and your opponent both have the same amount of public service experience, albeit in different forms. Why is he not as qualified as you to be the next Supervisor for the 3rd District?  

The first step that any good local leader takes is to come into the community. He’s only worked in Sacramento. The one time he tried to serve as mayor, he did not succeed. He’s never had to work in that local level. He likes to work in backroom deals and the very partisan politics of Sacramento, and I don’t think we need that. He says he will make sure there is more funding for this or that. But throwing money toward a problem is not going to necessarily solve it. There is a $40 billion annual budget in the county. The county has a lot of resources to be making the right kind of change. I’ve implemented solutions during some of the most difficult times that a community can face. You’ve seen that my opponent tries to diminish my work. Men do that to women in elected office and in leadership positions across the board. But I think the voters are sick of that kind of politics. We need a different kind of leadership to implement the policies that are needed now and I’ve proven that I can be that leader. 

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The PATH Metro Villas consist of 187 units of affordable housing and 98 interim housing beds.

“PATH Metro Villas epitomizes the partnerships that are required to end homelessness for individuals, families, and communities,” said Jennifer Hark Dietz, CEO of PATH. 

“Through public funding, private giving, and community collaboration, we are able to end homelessness for nearly 200 people and provide them with comprehensive services to help them thrive.”

Nazarian, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, told the Courier that organizations such as PATH serve as valuable partners with the City of Beverly Hills. 

“Beverly Hills supports programs such as this to help the unhoused get off the streets,” said Nazarian. She noted that attending the ribbon-cutting provided the opportunity to “ask questions and provide feedback to further our understanding and improve the services that we provide.” 

Recognizing the good work that PATH is doing, the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills provided a $10,000 grant to PATH from the Rotary Charitable Foundation on Oct. 3.  

The post Beverly Hills on a PATH to Support the Unhoused appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

BHC: Rising crime is of primary concern across the Southland. Your own home was burglarized a few weeks ago. Your opponent has called for the hiring of 1,500 new officers to help combat rising crime levels. What are your key proposals?

Bass: Of course, we need to hire officers, absolutely. And we need to hire several hundred officers. But they’ve not been able to recruit more than 20, 23 or 24 graduates in a class. Let me say that Rick and I have been friends and we have worked together. He knows he can’t hire 1500 officers. He knows that, and it is disingenuous to tell people that. It’s one of the things that contributes to people being so cynical about elected officials. I think it’s really important to be honest and transparent and tell people the truth, even if it’s something they don’t want to hear.

What solutions do you propose, then? 

If you want to get officers on the beat tomorrow, we need to get them from behind the desk. That is my plan for business areas, commercial areas as well as residential areas that want to see a police presence.

Now, some neighborhoods want to see more community-based programs to prevent crime. I want to fight for funding for those programs. As a matter of fact, that’s one thing that I’ve done in Congress because the majority of time I was in Congress we weren’t allowed to fund specific programs. But beginning last year, we’ve been able to do that. So, I’ve been able to bring home millions of dollars for programs in my congressional district to prevent gang violence, to get kids out of gangs and to prevent crime.

These programs have been researched and tested to be viable, and we really need to invest more resources in those type programs. So, I call for a comprehensive approach to address crime.

Explain what factors go into a comprehensive approach. 

Different neighborhoods are different. Some need to beef up their own protection, like with the use of cameras. As a matter of fact, in my own neighborhood – and I didn’t learn this until after I experienced a break-in – we all pitched in money for cameras. I didn’t realize they were license plate reader cameras, and that’s why they were able to catch those suspects. I was talking to some of the officers afterwards and they said, ‘It works really well when neighborhoods get together and install cameras.’ That’s one thing I’m going to promote now in neighborhoods and try to assist, especially in those neighborhoods where people can’t afford to pitch in. And, the cameras are not owned by the police, they’re owned by the neighbors. 

Los Angeles, and in fact much of the Southland, is experiencing an epidemic of homeless. People are frustrated because they haven’t seen elected officials come up with effective programs to help this situation. What plans do you have?

I believe very strongly that you have got to get people off streets immediately. There are some things you don’t do outside, and sleeping is one of them. All over the city, people now will just pitch a tent anywhere. It is really tragic and outrageous at the same time.

I also believe you need to be honest about this as well.

You can’t just put people in shelters and not address why they wound up in the street. What is the issue? Is it substance abuse, mental illness or a woman facing domestic violence?

People have gotten so angry. They now view homeless as all the same; you know, meth addicts. But you have thousands of little children in those tents, and you actually have people who work eight hours a day. You’ve got to address why they’re unhoused. Otherwise, you’re going to round everyone up, force them to go to shelters, and they will just leave.

Now, some people say, ‘Maybe some folks need to go to jail.’ That can be true if they break the law. But the problem is, you can’t give someone a life sentence for pitching a tent. If you arrest them, they’ll only be in jail for a couple days and then they will be back out on the street. What I believe is that the city and county have continued to address the situation and reduce the situation. But they have never been committed to saying, ‘Whatever it takes is what we’re going to do.’ 

A superficial response is more of what we have seen, and that’s not going to help anyone.

Doesn’t the solution begin with more temporary housing, as your opponent is proposing? 

We’ve done shelters in the past, but we didn’t do anything else. Some folks can’t go from a shelter to an apartment building on their own. If you don’t address what led them to lose their housing, you are putting a Band-Aid on it. Address the illness. Address the situation.

Here is another example. There are a number of teens on the street because they were in the foster care system. They turned 18 or 21, and we just turned the faucet off. You don’t take an 18-year-old and put them into an apartment alone. What middle class people do is we transition our kids to adulthood and independence. It’s called college. If you have teenagers who are unhoused, they need housing, but they need supervision. If you just put them in an apartment, it isn’t going to last very long because they won’t be able to manage.

Your opponent argues that you are not qualified because you have never operated anything and have no business experience. He also points to what he calls a ‘cloud of corruption,’ due to the USC scholarship you received. Can you address those points?

Rick and I have worked together, and he knows this is not true. He was the head of the USC Board of Trustees, and he knew absolutely full well about my scholarship. He led delegations once per year to Congress to advocate for education funding. The board was so impressed with my diligence to go to school while I was a member of Congress that they awarded me an honorary doctorate and made me the commencement speaker. 

Now, there was a cloud over the Dean that gave me the scholarship, as a matter of fact more than a cloud. But that had nothing to do with me.

I did apply for the scholarship. He says I didn’t, but I did and attended every class which is why I was an A student.

In terms of me having no business experience, I managed the world’s fifth largest economy through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression when I was Speaker of the Assembly. I was also a nonprofit executive for a number of years, starting my own organizations. I’ve been very entrepreneurial, built them up and moved on. 

Let me also say that if I had done nothing, the President of the United States and the Vice President would not have endorsed me. I would have never been under consideration to be [Biden’s] Vice President. By the way, if I was ethically compromised do you think I would ever have been asked to participate in that process? They vetted my childhood. I would never have been invited in.  

He is saying those things because he knows I’m doing very well. He’s spent $67 million, and I have spent $4 million. Think about how many people could have been housed with $67 million. His claims are those of a desperate man. He has to be pretty angry to have invested $67 million. He isn’t getting a very good return on that investment. 

I asked your opponent this question about you and now it is your turn. Why is Rick Caruso not the right person to be the next Mayor of Los Angeles?

I think we’re not sure who he is. When one does flip flops back and forth, you’re not sure what that person’s values are. I think the main thing is that Rick has run a corporation for years. He has never had a board. He has never had a shareholder. He has been a one-man show for decades. That is not how government works. It isn’t how a democracy works. Being a commissioner as a volunteer is not the same as being an elected official. 

I have the support of all the elected officials, which he disparages. The thing is, if you disparage all the people, how do you think they’re going to work with you? I systematically got the endorsements of everybody because those are the people who would be voting on everything I would be proposing as Mayor. 

The post Courier Exclusive: Karen Bass Makes Her Case in Los Angeles Mayoral Race appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, a two-count indictment was returned on Oct. 5 against Long Beach residents Jimmy Lee Vernon III, 31, Ladell Tharpe, 37, and Deshon Bell, 20. The men were charged with conspiracy and interference with commerce by robbery pursuant to the Hobbs Act. 

If convicted of both charges, defendants each face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count.

“If you commit a crime in the city of Beverly Hills, we are going to exhaust all leads until we have you in custody and then we will make sure you answer up to charges either on the state or federal level,” Beverly Hills Police Department Spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Trejo told the Courier. He added, “Once we started working with our federal partners the decision was made to seek federal charges. In the past we have had great results on the federal level.”

The FBI and the Beverly Hills Police Department both investigated the matter. 

“It is not unprecedented to bring federal charges in these types of cases,” Ciaran McEvoy, spokesperson for the United States Attorney’s Office told the Courier. The case is being prosecuted by that office’s Violent and Organized Crime Section. 

According to the indictment, the defendants and other co-conspirators drove together in three different vehicles from Long Beach to Beverly Hills. Once outside the jewelry store, Vernon and other co-conspirators allegedly got out of a Kia vehicle, smashed the store’s exterior glass cases multiple times, and then stole merchandise worth at least $2,674,000. The stolen merchandise consisted of 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings, and 20 watches.

The defendants then ran out of the store to a nearby alley, leaving the Kia (which had been reported stolen) behind. Defendant Bell allegedly served as a getaway driver. 

Law enforcement was undoubtedly aided by certain actions of the defendants. One of them lost his cellphone in the process of smashing the store window. Another posted photos on his Instagram account on March 25 praising his “robbery gang.” 

The defendants were arrested last month. Vernon is in federal custody, was ordered jailed without bond, with an arraignment scheduled for Oct. 13 in United States District Court. Tharpe is in state custody and should be remanded to federal custody in the coming weeks. Bell was released on $15,000 bond and his arraignment in federal court is scheduled for Oct. 20. A juvenile was also arrested in connection with the robbery, and faces charges in Los Angeles Superior Court for commercial burglary. He was not named in the federal indictment.  

The post Federal Charges Filed in Jewelry Store Robbery appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The race for Mayor of Los Angeles is in its final stages, with ballots for the Nov. 8 election expected in the mail in early October.

Developer Rick Caruso and Rep. Karen Bass are maintaining a packed schedule of campaign events as each vies to become the first new Mayor of the City of Angels in nearly a decade. 

In two exclusive interviews, the Courier spoke with both Caruso and Bass about key issues resonating for all Southland residents. Part One of this series will spotlight Caruso. Part Two will appear in the Oct. 7 issue of the Courier and
feature Karen Bass. 

BHC:   Crime is on everyone’s mind. Many areas are dealing with a frequency and type of crime they have not previously experienced. What measures and solutions are you proposing to combat these trends? 

Caruso:   I can speak from the point of view of Los Angeles, but it is translatable across any city. In Los Angeles, we’ve got some of the highest crime rates we’ve had in many, many years. Homicides are at a 15-year high. Hate crimes are up 180%. It’s all going in the wrong direction. 

Also in Los Angeles, we’re 880 officers short. So, we’ve got a huge problem in just policing the streets and having enough manpower. 

My plan is really pretty simple. It’s a plan that has worked in the past, 20 years ago when I was Police Commissioner under Jimmy Hahn. That is, to bring in 1,500 more officers and institute a more community-based policing model. You put the senior lead officers actually on the sidewalk. You’re walking beats. Officers get to know businesses; they get to know residents. That builds an enormous amount of trust. 

What we saw 20 years ago is we dropped crime by 30%. We brought it back to levels of 1950. It works. That’s what I plan to do as Mayor. More officers prevent crime. So, we need to focus on two things, preventing crime and holding criminals responsible. 

That sounds good in theory. But we hear that it is difficult to recruit qualified people and train them. We’re not in the same environment as we were before the pandemic.

There’s no doubt it’s a challenge. The challenge we’re also facing in Los Angeles is that officers are frustrated because they haven’t been able to actually be cops. There are so many restrictions on them now. So, if you’re someone who wants to serve and protect, you’re going to other agencies. Our last Academy class only had 23 people in it. You can’t rebuild a department 23 at a time.

But that’s a culture change that’s going to shift when I’m Mayor. We have to change the culture and allow good people to be officers and actually go out there to protect and serve.

Beverly Hills has employed private security services to enhance safety in the city. Is that something you see as an option for the greater Los Angeles area?

There are places where it probably does make sense, maybe not like Beverly Hills is doing it. But there are areas where you can have ambassadors on the street. You can have them connected by radio to officers. We have neighborhoods in Los Angeles that are putting in their own camera systems so that crime can be identified much quicker. I think there are a lot of measures that we can put into place, and I would certainly do so as Mayor. I was just in the Melrose area, and they’ve got a whole camera system that they are putting up privately up and down Melrose. 

That leads to another big issue affecting security, and that is homelessness. Even before the pandemic, it was reaching crisis levels in Los Angeles. We see the unhoused everywhere we turn now. What solutions do you propose to tackle this complex problem?

If you look at Carusocan.com, you will see we have a very detailed plan. It’s to build 30,000 beds, to immediately declare a state of emergency and hire 500 case workers. You’ve got to get people off the streets and into shelters. You can’t provide services on the streets and have it be successful. 

We’ve got to unbundle the overregulation, streamline and fast track the process for building affordable housing very quickly. 

Where would you build the affordable housing? 

There are more than enough areas. I’m a big believer that it is around transit corridors, so you are tying into mass transit. You are having people living and working and getting on rail lines very efficiently.

Speaking of mass transit, the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project is a plan to connect the San Fernando Valley and the Westside, but it has generated controversy along the route. What is your stance on this ambitious plan?

I completely agree with it in concept, which is getting people efficiently out of cars and getting them moved around this city. But I rode Metro a few weeks ago; it’s horrifying. It’s filthy, there are encampments in the subway systems. There’s drug abuse down there. There are lots of great ideas to build it, but we have to do a better job operating what we have. As Mayor, I get four seats on the Metro Board, so it becomes a real priority.

You stepped away as CEO of Caruso, but how do you plan to steer clear of conflicts of interest if you are elected? The Caruso name is very entrenched in the fabric of Los Angeles real estate development. And, we’ve not had the greatest track record recently with businessmen holding political office.

Well, let me first say that we’ve had businessmen that have been great leaders. Franklin Roosevelt was a businessman, and he was a pretty good leader. Bloomberg was a good leader. Mitt Romney was a good leader. We’ve had one that has been pretty bad, but I would say he’s more the exception to the rule.

I have stepped away from the company. As I said in the debate the other night, I have had very powerful positions under three very strong mayors, Tom Bradley, Jim Hahn and Dick Riordan. I was President of the Police Commission, President of DWP and served on the Coliseum Commission. I have never had one claim, one scandal, not an indicium of scandal in 40 years. My reputation is incredibly important to me. I protect it. I believe very strongly that you should operate with character and integrity. I’ve done it my whole life.

I have no interest of doing this job other than serving the public. That’s why I’m doing it for $1 a year. 

I also have an ethics czar, and we have a corruption plan that we have issued.  I’m not worried about things that I’m going to do. I want to stop corruption in City Hall. We have a very corrupt City Hall. I have a very corrupt opponent. She doesn’t have a corruption plan, which I can understand because it would probably eliminate her from her job. But I’m going to be incredibly careful and operate the way I’ve done for 40 years. 

You are in the luxury hospitality business, in addition to your real estate ventures. We have some high-profile projects coming to Beverly Hills. There is also a proposed Bulgari Hotel in the Benedict Canyon area that you are on record opposing. Can you explain your position? 

It’s in a predominantly residential neighborhood. I think it’s inconsistent with the nature of the neighborhood. It appears from renderings that I’ve seen they’re trying to make it feel much more residential in scale. But the reality is that you’re in a residential neighborhood and the street system wasn’t designed for it. 

That’s my position. It’s up to others to decide, but it’s not something that I would support. I do think what LVMH is doing on Rodeo Drive is great, though.

Why is Karen Bass the wrong person for the job of Mayor of Los Angeles? 

She has no experience. She’s been a legislator. She’s never operated a business. Even in Congress in the past 11 years, she’s only sponsored and passed one bill and that’s to change the name of a post office. 

I don’t think that’s the leadership that we need with a city that’s very complex. An $11 billion budget, 80,000 employees, 50 departments and you’ve never operated anything. 

She’s going to be overwhelmed and lost. If you haven’t made change in 20 years, why would anybody expect you to make change now. I think she’s like most politicians; she’s looking for a job. 

She’s not qualified for this job and she’s under a cloud of corruption because of her taking a scholarship at USC. You can’t lead when you’re under a cloud of corruption.We’ve had that with Eric Garcetti for the last couple of years and we just continue to dig a bigger hole.   

The post Rick Caruso on Why He Should Lead Los Angeles appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“We should have close to 700 people, which is the largest audience I’ve seen. It is certainly the largest Chamber event we’ve had this calendar year. We’re very excited to see everyone coming out for this,” Todd Johnson, President and CEO of the Chamber, told the Courier. 

The evening traditionally brings together government, business, and law enforcement leaders, as well as residents primed to hear about city initiatives. Networking is a key component of the event, as evidenced by the fact that the program begins with a mixer from 4:30-6 p.m. 

Launched in 2002, “An Evening with the Mayor” is also shaped by the times. In 2020, the gathering was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following year, Mayor Robert Wunderlich spoke in terms of a city bouncing back. 

Next week, that vibrant business environment will no doubt take center stage. 

“This Council is very business friendly and has been for the last several years. That is something that cities around us cannot necessarily say. We have great projects in the works, including Cheval Blanc, One Beverly Hills and the Hudson Bay project,” noted Johnson. 

Bosse describes it in terms of “a wonderful story to tell about our city.” Speaking to the Courier this week, she points to the city’s recent qualification as a finalist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation “Most Business-Friendly City Award.” 

“There are so many other things, as well to talk about,” she added. 

“My Business with Bosse and 60-Second Shoutouts are all about giving a boost to the local businesses. We know that during the hardest times our community came together to support restaurants and retail here. Look at the OpenBH program with all the people dining on the streets now. We are known as a city where businesses feel at home, and I think we are a model for other cities in that regard,” Bosse said. 

Johnson couldn’t agree more. 

“We’re definitely going to see continued growth in the city. We’re looking forward to the holiday events, which will be strong. We’re going to participate in Small Businesses Saturday after Thanksgiving. We may emphasize Brighton Way because there are many small businesses there.”

Noting that the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its centennial in 2023, Johnson said the path is clear for many more engaging events.

Bosse, however, is clearly the reason for the overwhelming interest in “An Evening with the Mayor” next week. 

“Lili is full of energy and has an optimistic attitude. She is very pro-business and people are attracted to that, without question,” said Johnson. 

The post Record Audience Expected for An Evening with the Mayor Sept. 28 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The Beverly Hills outpost will be Boulud’s first foray into the West Coast. In this exclusive preview, Boulud spoke with Wine + Dine about his vision for the new Beverly Hills project, the culinary bond between the coasts and his long-standing friendship with Wolfgang Puck.

Everyone in Beverly Hills is excited that you are coming here. Why did you decide to make this move now?

This all started because of my 20-year friendship with Michael Shvo the developer. He proposed to me that he was going to develop the first Mandarin Oriental Residence in Beverly Hills. I felt it was going to be a good opportunity to be associated with this brand because I know the Mandarin brand, having worked together with them in the past. 

I’ve been coming to L.A. for decades. I have family members living there as well and lots of friends there. The customer relation between L.A. and New York is one of the biggest bridges between the two cities. We have a lot of regular customers from L.A. that come and see us all the time in New York. And vice versa, a lot of our regular customers in New York ask me, ‘Where should I go in L.A?’ L.A. is doing very well on its own and we are very happy to partake in the constant evolution in excellence in L.A.

What is the timeline for the new restaurant and what is your vision for it? 

It will be in 2023, although we do not have an opening date yet. It will be on the ground floors of the Residences, not very big but still a good location with a window over the avenue. There is going to be a little garden with tables outside as well. I think we want the restaurant to feel casual and to feel sophisticated but very relaxed at the same time. I think it will be a destination but at the same time something that the locals in that part of L.A. will consider one of their favorites. A place where you can easily drop in and enjoy. We have an L.A. designer, Marc Ange, who has a great affinity for details in architecture. There is a bit of the inside-outside feeling, because in L.A. there is always that connection with outdoors. And there is great parking with a valet on Wilshire, which is very practical. People drive in L.A.

You have a huge presence in New York and have restaurants all over the world. What are some of the factors that set L.A. apart from those other locations?

In New York City, restaurants have a tendency to be a little more dressy and businesslike, while in L.A. many of the restaurants are quite approachable. People may be in leisure clothes, but they are doing business. In New York City we have always been very seasonally driven by the market. We have four seasons, with a fall and winter that are much more prominent than in L.A. There, you have a farmers market all year long. In New York, we have been living on Californian produce and goods for a long time, even cheese. We fly over lots of product that is from the coast or from the land, also the wines from northern California and central and even now from the south. No doubt that abundance and excellence in produce will not be the worry for us. 

You have a long friendship with Wolfgang Puck, our ‘Man of the Year.’ What can you share with us about it? 

We’ve known each other for almost 40 years. Wolf, for a long time before he opened his restaurant downtown at the Four Seasons, would come to New York regularly for business. He would do ‘Good Morning America’ every month and would stay at the Regency on Park Avenue. He would walk to DANIEL every night for dinner. He would call me and say he’s in town. And we have just opened a restaurant called Le Gratin, two blocks away from Wolfgang at Cut so it is perfect. Now I can go see him downtown and he will also come to my restaurant. And Spago has always been my home in L.A. and will always be. There is camaraderie and no competition because at the end, the customer makes the decision about where he wants to go and eat. Our friendship matters most before business. 

The post Courier Connoisseur Michelin Star Chef Daniel Boulud appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Gohlich will be tasked with assisting in the day-to-day management of city operations, providing oversight of select departments and working closely with the City Council.

Gohlich began his career with the City of Beverly Hills in 2007 as an Assistant Planner and has served in a variety of roles during his tenure, including Senior Planner and Assistant Director of Community Development/City Planner. He earned his Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University.

Hunt-Coffey sees Gohlich, with his extensive experience in city planning, as the right person for the job. 

“Ryan is the right guy at the right time,” Hunt-Coffey told the Courier. “There is going to be a lot of development moving forward, obviously with the Metro and the La Cienega station, the Rodeo Station and North Portal. There is also private development and our own projects, such as the police substation.” 

For his part, Gohlich expressed gratitude to the city for the “amazing opportunity.”  “Representing Beverly Hills is an honor, and I look forward to continuing to serve this outstanding community in the years ahead,” he said in a statement.

Stepping into Gohlich’s shoes is Current City Planner Timothea Tway. She becomes the Director of Community Development, where she will oversee the divisions of Planning, Development Services, Community Preservation, Rent Stabilization and Special Events and Filming.

Tway has served the city for a decade, moving from Assistant Planner to Associate Planner, Senior Planner, and Principal Planner. 

Tway earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Management and Planning from the University of Southern California and Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She is a member of the American Planning Association and received certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

“Timothea has a really solid understanding of our organization. She’s worked her way up to City Planner and has led many of our strategic planning efforts. She has that vision and ability to see where the city is going. She has also had exposure with things like affordable housing and the density bonus,” noted Hunt-Coffey. 

“I am deeply grateful to Nancy and Ryan for the trust they have placed in me,” said Tway in a statement. “I am so proud to be the next leader of the talented and dedicated employees of the Community Development Department.” 

The post Gohlich and Tway Promoted appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Bosse spoke with the Courier about the inspiration for “Music & Dance!” and why it is so important for here and now.

“The last couple of years have taken a toll on all of us, and I’m definitely focusing on mental wellness. I find that music affects the soul. It touches us in ways that words cannot, and dancing does that as well. 

I know for me, if I put on some music in my car or when I’m getting ready for the day, it sets the tone for how I’m feeling. It lifts my mood, and I wanted to do that for the community,” said Bosse.

“Music & Dance!” will do exactly that, with the community coming together to let the music move them. You needn’t be a “Dancing Queen” to “Shake Your Booty” at the event, which will take place from 5 – 7:30 p.m. outdoors on the Crescent side of City Hall. Acclaimed DJ Keybo, who recently provided a lively soundtrack for National Night Out, will spin tunes. 

“He did my reelection campaign kickoff and the last ‘Walk with the Mayor.’ He really has such a great vibe about him, and he’s so approachable and fun,” said Bosse.

Other than meeting in front of City Hall, the only recommendation is to wear sneakers, leave the inhibitions at home and, in the words of Lady Gaga, “Just Dance.” 

“Hearing a song can remind us of something from our childhood. It happened to me this week, when I heard Olivia Newton John had passed away. I was thinking about ‘Grease,’ and how that was a soundtrack from my youth,” said Bosse. 

The Mental Wellness Series kicked off on July 15 on a profoundly powerful note, with international best-selling author and Holocaust survivor, Dr. Edith Eger, and her daughter, licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Marianne Engle. On Sept. 23, Bosse will welcome the renowned physician, author and alternative medicine icon, Dr. Deepak Chopra. 

“A lot of these incredible mental wellness leaders, such as Edith or Deepak, are not necessarily using music in what they do. I feel that music and dance are essential for mental wellness, and that is why I wanted to add that to the program,” said Bosse. 

In essence, having fun is beneficial to one’s mental health, and Bosse plans to lead the way. She also promises that many familiar faces from city government will be there as well. (A video posted on the city’s Facebook page provides a sneak peek at some of the moves city staffers will be showcasing.)

“What is wonderful is we are able to be together again, and we’ve been apart for so long. It will be a magical time, and I’m hoping to see all age groups there. I think other cities should consider doing this, too. We might as well be the first. We always lead because we’re a community of connections. It is going to be a nourishing event for hearts, souls and minds,” said Bosse. 

And, to paraphrase the Lee Ann Womack hit, “When you get a chance to sit it out or dance,” Bosse hopes you dance. 

Mayor’s Mental Health Series: “Music and Dance!”

Aug. 18, 5:30 – 7 p.m. 

Outdoors on the Crescent side of the Beverly Hills City Hall

More information at beverlyhills.org/mentalwellness  

The post Let’s Dance: Mayor’s Mental Wellness Event is Aug. 18 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

BHUSD officials expressed considerable disappointment with the verdict. Legal fees expended in litigation with MTA in recent years have exceeded $20 million.

“We are very disappointed with the results. Unfortunately, the results represent years of decision-making by the prior board majorities along with former attorneys and construction/bond manager. Thankfully, this chapter of our history is over, and I look forward to moving on with more transparency and better fiscal and legal management with our new team in place,” said BHUSD Board of Trustees President Mary Wells.

Dr. Michael Bregy, Superintendent of the BHUSD also issued a statement about the verdict to the school community.

“Today we received the verdict regarding the final chapter of our MTA journey. We are disappointed in the decision as we were optimistic that the jury would have seen the merits of our case and awarded a more favorable result. However, with this conclusion, there is now no pending litigation with MTA, and we are moving forward.

“The good news is we will begin the new school year with a fresh start in so many areas. The BHUSD community deserves our full attention to be focused on teaching and learning. This summer our leadership team and the Board of Education restructured our foundation for excellence. We are well positioned to welcome you back and hit the ground running. I am excited to continue working with you as we reimagine education together.”

The post BHUSD Awarded $1,046,610 from MTA appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Unveiled in December at Vuitton’s historic residence in Asnières-sur-Seine, France, the exhibit traveled to Singapore in April. It arrived at 468 North Rodeo Drive last week, opening to the public on July 29. “200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibit” will remain in residence there until Sept. 6. Its provocative nature and sheer scope will no doubt inspire repeat visits.

The exhibit’s raison d’être is simple: a celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Louis Vuitton. The Parisian luggage maker was born to humble circumstances in France 200 years ago. Today, the Maison bearing his name anchors a global empire and is synonymous with audacity and innovation. Who better then to populate the birthday party than a guest list of the world’s top visionaries? Two hundred of them were invited to conjure up their own version of the iconic Vuitton trunk created in the 1850s. 

The result is as striking as one would expect. 

“200 Trunks 200 Visionaries: The Exhibit” is a carnival funhouse for grown-ups, complete with dark passages, flashing images, a room filled with balloons and a bit of sensory overload. It’s a voyage back and forth in time as seen through the lens of mainstream icons and disrupters from the arts, sciences and activism. Pop culture co-exists with street culture, skateboard culture and hip-hop in the show, befitting a brand that constantly reinvents itself.

Armed with a work space of roughly 50 x 50 x 100 centimeters (the size of the Vuitton trunk), participants produced finished products that include the whimsical (a Lego-created birthday cake trunk at the entrance); the futuristic (Willo Perron’s aluminum robot trunk); the elegantly simple (Nigo’s beautifully wrapped trunk “package”); the contemplative (Gloria Steinheim’s ode to a life spent traveling for causes); the shocking (Ben Ditto’s glowing cholera bacteria eating itself from the inside out) and the refreshingly silly (the history of the world as told by The Simpsons).

Special rooms showcase the above-mentioned (resin) balloon-festooned trunk from L.A.’s own Robert Moy of the Brooklyn Balloon Company. Another room is dedicated to Frank Gehry’s birthday “tea party in a trunk,” featuring Alice in Wonderland-inspired participants that look eerily like voodoo dolls. 

The majority of the trunks are displayed on two main levels of the exhibit. On the ground floor, visitors enter past a giant robot sculpture composed of (what else?) trunks and then pass through a darkened room dedicated to a “magic box” trunk paneled in digital screens. 

The first major display area is a warehouse-like space housing dozens of trunks stacked artistically atop each other. The notion that each work is the brainchild of a prominent creator with its own unique backstory can be overwhelming to the first-time visitor. While QR codes can be scanned to reveal information about the works, not all of the codes are easy to access. A better idea is to study the extensive exhibit website ahead of time (https://louis200.com). There, a list of the 200 participants, with an explanation of their artistic process and inspiration (many with videos), awaits. The advance homework will pay off, making encounters with the real-life works of art more meaningful.

Moving  on  past  the  warehouse room and the aforementioned Brooklyn Balloon Company room, visitors will climb up a stairway adorned with the same distinctive light grey and orange stripe that appears in the windows of the building. The pattern is meant to evoke an early motif of the Vuitton trunks. It leads to the “Dreamscape” level, housing some of the most imaginative and complex pieces, including British magician Dynamo’s trick of embedding a trunk in a huge glass bottle. A traveling trunk affixed to a mini hot air balloon is the entry from multimedia artist KidSuper, while the South Korean group BTS chose to personalize their trunk with panels of messages. 

Dog lovers will be drawn to “Monster’s Playhouse,” an elaborate dog house in a trunk by Derek Blasberg, while devotees of Southern California car culture will appreciate the “Lowrider Trunk” by Be Good Studios. 

After wandering through the Dreamscape level, one last room holds a jukebox built in a trunk, the brainchild of British DJ and producer, Benji B. The jukebox really works and can play 200 specially-selected tracks. It’s a fitting coda to an exhibit that “has always been about creativity,” said Faye McLeod, Louis Vuitton’s Visual Image Director. 

Of course, the exhibit is also about connecting the past and the present. To that end, one of the most poignant entries is on display unobtrusively on the first floor. It is from the Asnières Maison de Famille, the Louis Vuitton ancestral home and workshop. It is a trunk embellished with an image of the Vuitton family home that invokes an Impressionist painting. It seems hard to imagine, but in the 1860s when Vuitton ran a successful luggage shop in Paris, the group of young artists who founded the Impressionist movement were beginning to shake up the art establishment. Eventually, they created a new way to see the world. 

Vuitton, in his own way, did exactly the same thing. 

“200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibit” runs through Sept. 6.

468 North Rodeo Drive,

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours:

Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sun. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

https://www.louis-200-exhibition-los-angeles-fastpass.com 

The post “200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibit” Opens on Rodeo Drive appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Friedman’s lawyer argued that the Instagram account amounted to nothing more than political satire. Nonetheless, after hearing testimony from law enforcement and Nazarian herself, Escobedo found that the account had been created with the intent to harm Nazarian’s campaign. She ruled that probable cause existed to hold Adam Friedman over for trial on the misdemeanors. The probable cause standard is significantly lower than that needed for an actual conviction, however. 

A statement from the Public Integrity Division of the LA District Attorney’s Office to the Courier noted: 

“We are pleased that a judge found probable cause to allow us to move forward with the criminal prosecution of Mr. Friedman. This political corruption case spotlights the ongoing need to protect the integrity of the election process at every level of government. We believed this conduct represented a serious breach of the state’s identity theft laws but respect the judge’s decision to reduce that criminal charge to a misdemeanor.”

The next date in the case is Aug. 23 for a pretrial hearing. 

The post Charge Against Friedman’s Son Reduced to Misdemeanor appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Programming throughout the city includes pop-ups, social media activations, music, exhibits and more. If this week is any indication, BOLD Summer 2022 is already a record-setter.

On July 25, some 350 people lined up to take part in the Rodeo Drive BOLD Summer Red Carpet Experience. The social media installations on the 200, 300 and 400 blocks of Rodeo Drive and at Two Rodeo Drive offer five different photo experiences. Visitors can pose on a red carpet and even star on a magazine cover.

But the biggest draw by far is the opportunity to pose four-legged companions in their very own red-carpet shots. 

“I can’t believe how many people and the beautiful dogs showed up on the first day. The 300-block installation is manned with a staff that helps people take photos with their phones. It was such a feel-good experience and a great way for us to begin,” Rodeo Drive Committee President Kathy Gohari told the Courier. 

The social media installations will be up from 12-7 p.m. daily through Aug. 21. 

Rodeo Drive is synonymous with high-end luxury, and notable BOLD Summer events befit its status on the world stage. The Dior Men Winter 2022 Pop-Up is taking place at 362 North Rodeo Drive. And Louis Vuitton’s “200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibition” opened at 468 North Rodeo Drive on July 28. 

The exhibit celebrates the bicentenary of the brand’s founder, paying tribute to him through the eyes of 200 modern-day visionaries from a realm of disciplines. Those providing their own unique take on the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk include BTS, Gaetano Pesce, Gloria Steinem, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Lego, Nigo, and Peter Marino. Reservations are required to attend the exhibition, which is in place through Sept. 6. For more information, visit the exhibition website, louis200.com.

“We are grateful to LVMH for always supporting Rodeo Drive and the community with the most amazing opportunities at such a high level,” said Gohari. 

From high fashion to high concept, this weekend will bring a quirky addition to the BOLD Summer lineup. “The Golden Girls Kitchen Pop-Up Restaurant,” opens on National “Golden Girls Day,” on July 30. Located at 369 N. Bedford Drive, the dining experience for fans of the television series is inspired by memorable moments from the show. Guests will be immersed in the world of the “Golden Girls,” with a full menu of casual fare plus merchandise available for purchase. 

Additionally, the Concerts on Canon series continues on Thursdays at Beverly Canon Gardens. And the City of Beverly Hills Art Tour is taking place on Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. For full details about dates, time and reservation requirements for all of the events of BOLD Summer in Beverly Hills, visit beverlyhills.org/boldsummerbh. 

The post BOLD Summer Begets Excitement on Rodeo Drive appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I am devastated that our community lost one of our most beloved treasures, Rhoda Sharp. She was not only a dear friend to me, but anyone lucky enough to be near her felt her kindness, her love and her love of Beverly Hills. She is one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever known and has forever changed me and anyone who knew her,” Mayor Lili Bosse told the Courier.

The Beverly Hills City flag was lowered to half-staff in a tribute to Sharp.

The family welcomes members of the community to join them at the graveside service, which will take place July 24 at 3 p.m. at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles.

The post Human Relations Commissioner Rhoda J. Sharp Has Passed Away appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Public Integrity Division filed the charges, one felony count of identity theft and one misdemeanor count of internet/electronic impersonation, on July 13. 

Since then, published reports –as well as community speculation –have posited that the prosecution is “payback” for the strong opposition voiced by Friedman and the entire City Council to the policies of District Attorney George Gascón. Earlier this year, the Council unanimously passed a resolution backing the latest attempt to recall Gascón, and Gascón is at the center of the charges faced by Adam Friedman. The Instagram account he allegedly created portrayed Nazarian as a Gascón supporter. 

The topic of the Gascón recall was a high-profile one during the recent election. Lester Friedman was reelected to a second term, garnering the highest number of votes. Nazarian came in second, six votes short of Friedman, and earned a spot on the Council for the first time.

Regardless of the weight, if any, that voters accorded the fake Instagram account, the District Attorney’s office says antipathy by city officials toward Gascón was in no way a factor in the decision to bring the case against the younger Friedman. 

“Our office strongly denies that the charges filed in this case were politically motivated,” said the statement.

It continues, “The mission of the Public Integrity Division is to ensure that public and appointed officials and their subordinates fulfill their legally mandated duties. To this end, the District Attorney’s Office will use all resources at its disposal to detect, investigate and prosecute criminal misconduct at all levels of public service. Through its efforts, the Public Integrity Division’s ultimate goal will be to increase the public’s level of confidence in its elected and appointed officials.”

The attorney representing Adam Friedman has not responded to the Courier’s request for comment as of press time. A preliminary hearing is set for July 28.

The post Courier Exclusive: DA Denies Political Motivation Behind Prosecution of Friedman’s Son appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Bloch’s award was bestowed in the category of “Personality Profile-Newspapers under 50,000 in circulation.” Others nominated were Brett Callwood and Lina Lecaro from the LA Weekly, Tabby Refael from the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles and Gabriel San Roman from the Times OC.

The Courier’s Samuel Braslow came in second place in the category of “News Feature-Newspapers under 50,000 in circulation” for “Beverly Hills Salon Owner Recounts Her Actions in D.C. Riot,” which appeared in the Jan. 14, 2021 issue of the Courier.   

Additional  winners  of  note  included  Beverly  Hills  Courier  Advisory  Board Member Giselle Fernández from Spectrum News 1, who took home seven awards, including Best Anchor and Best Morning News Show. And the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was honored for his column in The Hollywood Reporter. 

The awards are given out by the esteemed Los Angeles Press Club and honor journalistic excellence in print, radio, podcast, TV and online formats.
To be eligible, entries must have been published or broadcast during the calendar year 2021. A list of finalists was published this spring, with the winners announced on June 25 at a gala ceremony in the grand ballroom of the Sheraton Universal Hotel.    

The oldest and largest organization of its kind in Southern California, the Los Angeles Press Club is a dedicated advocate of First Amendment rights and for the protection and support of journalists. Launched more than a century ago, its members now number close to 1,000. In addition to the prominent awards, the non-profit organization is known for its educational programs for journalists, as well as its legislative advocacy. It was a strong supporter of SB 98, the recently enacted legislation that protects the right of media covering protests and other public demonstrations. 

First Amendment rights and other liberties were very much top of mind during the evening. Honorees included First Amendment attorney Susan E. Seager, who received The Guardian Award for her First Amendment contributions. She lamented the overturning of Roe v. Wade and warned that the Supreme Court could very well set its sights on the rights of a free press next.   The Daniel Pearl Award for courage and integrity in journalism went to Los Angeles Times correspondent/photographer Marcus Yam, who has braved war zones around the world. The President’s Award for impact on media was given to Fox 11 news anchor and foster child advocate Christine Devine, while the Bill Rosendahl Public Service Award for contributions to civic life went to Laugh Factory founder/owner Jamie Masada. Rounding out the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award, which went to Bill Whitaker of “60 Minutes.”

The post Courier’s Lisa Bloch Wins L.A. Press Club Award appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Hunt-Coffey has served as Assistant City Manager since 2019 and in the words of Chavez is “ready” for the new role. In the statement announcing her appointment, Chavez noted, “When I selected her as my Assistant City Manager in 2019, I was confident this day would come. She has been a tremendous partner, colleague and friend.” 

Hunt-Coffey was first hired by the city in the position of Assistant Director of Community Services in 2008. She moved up to the Director’s role in 2016, with responsibility for the city’s Recreation and Parks, Library, Human Services and Administrative Support divisions. 

Prior to her employment in Beverly Hills, Hunt-Coffey held several positions in the City of Glendale, including Director of the Glendale Library. She also helped develop and lead the Information Technology Department’s eGovernment program.

Hunt-Coffey holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Spanish Literature from Occidental College and a Master’s Degree in Information Studies from UCLA.

In her role as Beverly Hills City Manager, Hunt-Coffey will oversee nine departments, working closely with city staff and the City Council. 

“Nancy is a superstar and will be a phenomenal City Manager for our community,” said Mayor Lili Bosse. “She works harder than anyone I know and has earned the trust and respect of this Council, our community and city employees. I cannot think of a better role model to serve as the city’s first female City Manager and Beverly Hills is so lucky to have her.”

In a May 6, 2022 front-page profile in the Courier, Hunt-Coffey described the challenges of keeping the city operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also spoke about one of her proudest achievements, the restoration of Beverly Gardens Park. 

“It was an honor to be involved in the process of restoring that park to its former grandeur, and the project received a Preservation Award from the Los Angeles Conservancy in 2020,” said Hunt-Coffey. “Each block has its own unique design and plant palette and color palette – you have the Cactus Garden, the Palm Garden, the Rose Garden – so it was maybe more complex than it seems.”

Hunt-Coffey has also proven herself as a master of multi-tasking. She and her husband, Jonathan, are parents to Julia 17, a Harvard-Westlake graduate who will enter UCLA in the fall. Their son, Sean, 15, attends Beverly Hills High School. In the Courier profile, Hunt-Coffey cited her late mother, a Spanish teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 33 years, as her inspiration. 

“She was a role model and a trailblazer, a working mom balancing it all,” Hunt-Coffey said. “Being a schoolteacher is a stressful job, and she was a very strong person. She taught me about the value of public service, that there’s more to life than just making money. Beyond teaching, she worked with low-income immigrants, new to the country, helping them figure out green cards and acclimate to the United States. She had gang members in her classes. Trying to help those families and kids grow was fulfilling and that was inspirational to me.” 

On the promotion to the City Manager’s job, Hunt-Coffey added, “It’s difficult to put into words what an incredible moment this is for me and my family. I have worked in public service for over 30 years and the employees of this city inspire me each and every day with their dedication and commitment to providing world-class service. I am thankful to the Mayor and City Council for the trust they have placed in me, and it will be the honor of my lifetime to serve as City Manager.” 

The post Nancy Hunt-Coffey Appointed Beverly Hills City Manager as of Jan. 1, 2023 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

His advice on how we should write that story is both practical and profound.

As Senior Rabbi of the oldest, largest and most prestigious synagogue in Southern California, Leder is a beloved local spiritual figure with a national profile. Like his four other books (two of them best sellers), For You When I Am Gone draws upon more than three decades of experience as a rabbi. This book was inspired by the thousand or so eulogies Leder has written after meeting with family members of the deceased. Over the years, he has become an expert in piecing together the key points of a life’s legacy.

“If you ask the right questions, everyone’s life is hilarious, sad, adventurous, foolish, and wise; everyone’s life is interesting,” Leder writes. “Everyone’s life is a textbook about your own life. Hearing other people’s stories has enriched my life, informed my life, and ennobled my life.”

Nonetheless, the central thesis of For You When I Am Gone is that it is better for us to tell our own story. To do so, Leder recommends a device known as an ethical will.

Unlike an actual last will and testament, an ethical will holds no legal significance. It won’t transfer any real or personal assets. Yet, what it does convey is many times more valuable; namely, the lessons of a life lived well or even not so well. In creating a document that contains the stories, regrets, challenges and successes that have shaped our life, we can pass on lessons learned to the next generation.

As Leder writes in the book’s introduction, “It is a way of saying not only that we, the storyteller matter, but even more so the beloved listener. To share our story with someone is to say, you matter to me. And if we do not tell our story, who will?”

The concept of ethical wills dates back to the ancients and has long been part of the Jewish tradition. Leder himself has conducted workshops on writing ethical wills for some time. He wrote about the practice in his last book, The Beauty of What Remains: How Our Greatest Fear Becomes Our Greatest Gift. This book goes a step further, serving as a how-to manual for gathering material to include in the document.

For You When I Am Gone is divided into 12 chapters, each representing a key question to contemplate when preparing an ethical will. The questions include topics most would just as soon not dwell upon, such as “What Do You Regret?” “What Was Your Biggest Failure?” “Have You Ever Cut Someone Out of Your Life?” and “What Got You Through Your Greatest Challenge?”

Other questions conjure up the best things – and best moments – in life: “When Was a Time You Led with Your Heart?” “What Makes You Happy?” “What Is a Good Person?” and “What Is Love?”

Still others call for reflection on what we will leave behind, such as “How Do You Want to Be Remembered?” “What Is Good Advice?” “What Will Your Epitaph Say?” and “What Will Your Final Blessing Be?”

Leder notes that while details of each answer will be personal to the writer, there are universal elements of the human experience, such as love, forgiveness and the strength of family ties that inevitably shine through.

That is what makes this work so powerful, even at the modest length of 216 pages.

The strength of For You When I Am Gone comes in the weighty examples Leder uses to illustrate each chapter. He asked a disparate group of friends to answer the questions posed in the book, which he reprints anonymously. Members of the group come from different ethnicities, religions, professions, sexual orientations and levels of fame and fortune. One suspects Leder may have chosen the respondents for their richly textured lives. But that really doesn’t matter. What does matter is that all shared themselves so selflessly. Each chapter is filled with voices that are raw, humorous, contemplative and deeply thoughtful.

Vignettes begin with lines such as “I wish I had gotten better therapy earlier,” “I came out as a gay man in my mid-thirties,” “My greatest challenge in life has been my battle with alcoholism and addiction” and “I fail every day – often publicly and in big ways.”

It is at times unsettling to peer into lives that we do not know. But it is obviously a testament to the esteem in which Leder is held that the participants lay themselves so bare. Leder himself ventures into details about his own life – including the complicated relationship with his late father – that many would be uncomfortable sharing.

But that is precisely the reason why the book succeeds.

It is both humbling and thought-provoking to read the examples provided by Leder and the others. Reading them demystifies the concept of writing an ethical will. In fact, it is impossible for the reader not to contemplate one’s own responses to those 12 essential questions, compiling the material for an ethical will of our own.

In the introduction to For You When I Am Gone, Leder said he believed he was imposing on his busy set of friends when he asked them to participate in the book. By the end of the exercise, every one of them expressed their gratitude to him instead.

So will readers.

For You When I Am Gone: Twelve Essential Questions to Tell a Life Story is published by Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

The post Life, Love and Legacy: Steve Leder’s ‘For You When I Am Gone’ appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Those words, from Hermann Hesse’s masterpiece, “Siddhartha,” are a century old, but especially meaningful today. Two years of life interrupted by a pandemic has created countless opportunities for self-reflection and even reinvention. Self-care tended to slip by the wayside, though, as public health rules closed and then reopened favorite facilities. 

While the spa industry suffered at the peak of the pandemic, business is expected to rebound in 2022, according to projections from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). “Hotel spas represent the fastest-growing segment of the business right now,” Beth McGroarty, Vice President of Research for the GWI, told the Courier. 

With so many world-class spas in the Beverly Hills area, this summer is the perfect time to “retreat, seek stillness and sanctuary.” The Courier reached out to 10 local spas, all but two located within hotels. Though specialties vary from ancient Asian healing rituals to high-tech biohacking, they all reflect the desire to weave wellness into the spa experience. And to some extent, all have refocused offerings to accommodate the values shift of the pandemic.

“Everything is moving outdoors, whether it is yoga on the rooftops or indoor-outdoor spa spaces,” observed McGroarty. 

Indeed, many of the city’s top spas adapted early on by offering massages outdoors, with masks. Some designated certain hotel room balconies for spa services. And HEPA filtration systems are now the norm in treatment rooms. 

Another trend is to bring nature indoors, either by décor or with actual foliage. Spas have also met the challenge of the last few years by pivoting to touchless technology, including light therapy, cryotherapy and chromatherapy. 

Of course, pent-up demand exists for traditional treatments, such as massages and facials. 

“People have been touch-starved for two years, through no fault of their own,” said McGroarty. At The Maybourne Beverly Hills, Spa Director Holly Edgin sums up a common sentiment perfectly.

“We have seen an influx of clients who are simply happy to feel human connection again both in the form of physical touch with massages or facials, and the need for emotional connection,” said Edgin.

With that in mind, here is what you should know to enjoy a perfect spa-cation close to home this summer.

Hotel Bel-Air Spa

Marble rain showers, velvet chaise lounges and cashmere throws are but a few amenities awaiting clients at the Hotel Bel-Air Spa. “We continue to hear guests voice how excited they are to return for their first spa treatment since pre-pandemic,” Spa Director Nichole Hester told the Courier.

The jewel of the premises is The Enclave, a 570-square-foot private suite replete with a shower, tub, shaded patio and a soothing waterfall. “Perfect for couples or groups, The Enclave is ideal for those who wish to luxuriate in privacy and treat themselves to the ultimate in pampering,” said Hester. Treatments, including the signature Vitality of the Stars Facial, feature Valmont’s Luminosity collection, formulated with Swiss glacial water and essential plant extracts. New technology includes Theragun percussive therapy, offered as a massage enhancement to support stress reduction, sleep improvement, relieve sore muscles and increase mobility.

The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa

An icon in our midst, the Beverly Hills Hotel is celebrating its 110th anniversary. The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa is designed as an “oasis within an oasis,” inspired by the flora and fauna of the Southland. At nearly 2,000 square feet, the facility features six treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites, a relaxation room and steam rooms for men and women. 

If there is one post-pandemic trend that Spa Director Kristy Whitford is noticing, it’s that clients are looking for a deeper sense of connection.

“Guests are looking for a haven to feel connected to the human touch and conversation in becoming well again. They are asking about how to bring more healing elements into their lives, through product recommendations or mindful experiences such as meditation and wellness practices,” said Whitford.  

 New brand partners at the Beverly Hills Hotel Spa include LEEF Organics, Skin Authority, PHIA Labs, KNESKO, Salt by Hendrix, and more. A new 110th anniversary manicure package pays homage to the hotel’s iconic design, with details such as pink and white stripes and banana leaf prints.  

“Our hotel is very special in the sense that our local guests came frequently prior to the pandemic, so the reunion of guest and their therapist was really special. It was like seeing family again,” said Whitford.  

The Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Having earned the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award for the sixth year in a row, The Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel is definitely doing something right. Nonetheless, change is underway, said Director of Spa Danny Silva. 

“This is a transformational year for us at The Spa at Beverly Wilshire as we are making a very intentional shift into the wellness market,” Silva told the Courier. In addition to new product lines, the spa has introduced biohacking technology such as the LightStim LED Bed and Theragun, “to further assist guests with their wellness journey,” said Silva. Some of those new biohacking and wellness-inspired treatments at the 8,500-square-foot facility include Therabody Cryotherapy Sports Massage and a LightStim LED Bed. The former combines a deep tissue full body massage with the power of super-chilled air and Theragun Percussive Therapy. The latter helps with arthritic pain, relaxes muscles and increases local blood circulation. 

A new signature Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel Facial as well as new body treatments feature the luxury German skincare line AUTEUR. And the Seed to Skin line from Italy is the centerpiece in the spa’s new Holistic Detox Body Treatment. The service includes a mineral-rich, raw sea salt and a blend of spirulina, shea butter and essential oils designed to stimulate circulation, detoxify and to slough away dead skin cells. 

“Wellness has become more important than ever,” said Silva. “We are seeing business increase month over month with return and new clientele.”

Fairmont Spa Century Plaza Hotel

Ever since the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel reopened last fall after a $2.5 billion renovation, the Spa has shone brilliantly as one of its stars. The 14,000-square-foot facility features nine treatment rooms, heated marble seating, a Himalayan salt room, aromatherapy steam rooms, a hammam, and experiential rain showers. Spa guests also enjoy access to the hotel’s fitness center.

“Not only are our guests eager to return to the spa for relaxation and to jump back into their skincare regimens, but we are finding guests are also choosing treatments that focus on reducing stress, improving sleep, and rejuvenating the mind and the body,” Director of Spa Justi Kerekes told the Courier. “Wellness has become a ritual, and we’ve noticed guests making wellness a regular priority, whether that be a weekly biohacking session combined with a detox sweat in our sauna or monthly massages focused on mobility and recovery.”

In addition to a biohacking program, the spa has incorporated technology throughout its massage menu. “We offer guests the option of high-tech and no-tech with certain massage treatments,” said Kerekes.

Even no-tech offerings are delivered in modern form. The spa’s Signature Sunset Treatment incorporates customized aromatherapy, vibrational sound healing and silken color therapy in a medium to deep tissue massage.

Kerekes points to one more aspect that sets the spa apart: “Our size offers the perfect setting to accommodate larger group spa parties for any occasion from bridal parties to birthday celebrations and more.”

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

“People are so excited to be back in the spa, and we are making changes this year,” said Gilma Linares, Assistant Spa Manager of the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. 

“We used to carry many, many brands, but now we are focusing on luxurious, medical-grade products, sustainability and wellness,” said Linares.

Reintroducing clients back to the spa is  “a bit like getting back to the gym,” said Linares. She also finds that clients’ work-related stress has returned with a vengeance. 

“We try to help everyone disconnect for a while. That’s why we incorporate nature into the spa. We have live plants on the wall in one of the rooms. It helps clients breathe better and respond better,” she said. 

Spa specialties include the MBR Gentleman’s Facial and MBR Liquid Surgery Facial, described as a “non-invasive facial rejuvenation.” A new Garden Zen Body Renewal Treatment is a plant-based treatment that begins with a Dead Sea salt body scrub. Additionally, because “people in L.A. are very big on detoxing,” Linares recommends the Marine Algae Body Detox Body Treatment that uses the Dead Sea scrub and a marine algae clay body mask. And The Toning and Firming Body Sculpt Body Treatment incorporates a Hypervolt massage gun, along with the vegan La Natura Botanicals line. 

La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

The Forbes 5-Star Award-winning La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is known for its indulgent, Swiss-inspired treatments that incorporate caviar as an ingredient. Now, wellness is the word that carries the most weight. 

“We’ve been on an emotional and physical rollercoaster for the last two years. We’re seeing wellness as a lifestyle choice that we are incorporating into all areas of the hotel,” said Spa Director Amanda Raich.

To that end, the hotel is now offering 8:30 a.m. rooftop wellness classes for guests as well as locals. “After the pandemic, everyone needs to be outdoors. The view in the morning is fantastic,”  Raich told the Courier. 

The 5,000-square-foot La Prairie Spa is located on the second floor of the hotel and features six treatment rooms (one for couples), as well as men’s and women’s relaxation lounges and steam rooms. 

One popular standard throughout the brand is the Custom Waldorf Astoria Massage, which uses aromatherapy and hot stones. Other signature treatments include the Rejuvenating Platinum Facial. 

“Masks came off and people saw that their skin had become dull. So, we are doing lots of brightening facials,” said Raich. 

New 6-in-one InSkin facial devices enhance the experience by offering everything from dermabrasion to light therapy to oxygen treatments. 

“We’d love for people to start their day with exercise, maybe get a new haircut, visit the the spa and leave ready to embrace the new normal,” said Raich.

The Spa at The Maybourne Beverly Hills 

The Maybourne Beverly Hills is the first North American property from London’s Maybourne Hotel Group. Over the past year, a “California meets Bali” revamp has added new flooring, fixtures, décor, colors, artwork, exclusive retail and vendor partnerships,” Spa Director Holly Edgin told the Courier. 

At 20,000 square feet, the spa features an impressive 17 treatment rooms and separate mens’ and womens’ saunas and steam rooms. But its defining feature is a stunning mineral pool adorned with mosaics. 

A newly-launched spa concept features a menu of bespoke services.

Edgin explained, “Services are named after an affirmation that the guest would like to feel and manifest. We have two signature treatments. One of them is our ‘I Am Beautiful’ Facial with a high concentration of oxygen. It also features microdermabrasion and LED Light treatment. And, our ‘I Am Comforted’ Body Treatment is an anti-stress treatment using a coffee scrub, followed by a soothing, therapeutic wrap that uses CBD Moor Mud. It is a great way to detoxify.”

The spa features the organic, plant and flower-based Ila brand, as well as  Evidens de Beaute. Both are useful for addressing common concerns of congestion and dehydration from masks, as well as overall stress relief.  

Guests of the Spa at The Maybourne Beverly Hills also have access to the new Fitness Center at the hotel. 

The Peninsula Spa Beverly Hills

“People want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They find serenity in our space,” said Melissa DeLeon of the roof garden facilities of The Peninsula Spa Beverly Hills. DeLeon is Director of Spa at the Forbes Travel 4-Star Award-winning facility. 

“We have seven treatment rooms, including a couple’s room.  We also have a coed serenity lounge where we offer our honey ginger tea that people love, and our Himalayan salt sauna,” she told the Courier.

Known for its wide array of treatments, a signature of the spa is The Best and Ultimate Liquid Surgery Rejuvenation, using the German line MBR. New for this year are three body treatments incorporating the French line Biologique Recherche. “It’s a custom body polish that uses acids and mechanical exfoliation with a body glove specific to that line. After that comes a cream or lotion with active ingredients to help rejuvenate,” said DeLeon.

Noting that some clients haven’t been back for two years,  DeLeon noted, “the touch of a therapist  is very important right now.”

Anything that detoxifies is also in demand. 

“Clients are asking for extra exfoliation after wearing a mask, being at home and not taking care of themselves in the same way. We’re glad to see them back,” said DeLeon.

Tomoko Japanese Spa

Named for its owner, Tomoko Kurono, Tomoko Spa has been called “L.A.’s best kept secret” and “a revelation” in reviews in Goop and Allure. The minimalist, 3,000-square-foot facility on South Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills welcomes clients with soft slippers and an offer of tea in the pre-treatment room. The treatment rooms themselves are self-contained, with showers, closets and bath amenities. Two couples’ rooms feature Hinoki Japanese Ofuro baths.

General Manager Kana Tran told the Courier that the spa has recently incorporated more traditional Japanese elements to further elevate the experience. “There are Japanese traditional obi in every treatment room and lounge, and our staff wears traditional kimono to welcome guests, making them feel like they are in Japan,” said Tran. 

“We’ve seen a lot of return clients whose last visit was in 2019, and we’ve been so happy to welcome them again,” she added.

In contrast to other spas in the city, men make up 50% of Tomoko’s clientele. Signature treatments include the Tomoko Massage for individuals and the Japanese Experience for couples. Both apply pure sake to the skin, massaged in to promote blood flow and pain relief.  The new Hinoki Couples Treatment is a massage for those who would like to enjoy the private Hinoki bath. 

As for what  makes the spa so special, Tran replied, “The private zen atmosphere and Japanese omotenashi hospitality. Tomoko’s mother sends us handmade paper cranes from Japan for us to use and give away to the clients as well. We put meaning into every small item of our spa.”

A Petitie Spa Experience: BAO Foot Spa

Can’t get away for an entire spa day? Don’t fret. You can still indulge yourself by visiting BAO Foot Spa. The boutique Chinese spa in Beverly Hills specializes in foot and body massage. Treatments utilize the ancient Chinese art of reflexology, which increases blood flow and rejuvenates the nerves of the body. Services at BAO Foot Spa range from 15 to 90 minutes. Body massage and reflexology treatments include a foot bath. 

Recently added to the menu are CBD foot baths and oils, which are “especially popular for clients who work out a lot and want to enjoy a sports massage for their feet,” said owner Piran Zarifian.  

Located on South Beverly Drive, the spa offers a convenient respite from a stressful day.

“You don’t need to take off your clothes or shower, so we find that a lot of people pop in during their lunch hour,” said Zarifian. 

The post The Spas of Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Lisa Friedman Bloch is a finalist in the “Personality Profile” category for “Lionel Richie, the Beverly Hills Idol.“ 

The awards will be handed out at the SoCal Journalism Awards gala on June 25. 

Also, the Courier has received two additional California Journalism Awards (CJA) this past week from the California News Publishers Association (CNPA). The awards, to staff writer Samuel Braslow, are for third and fourth place in the category of “News Photo.”  

The third-place entry is “Protestors Confronting Schoolchildren,” and the fourth-place entry is “Protestors and the BHPD.” 

As reported last week, the Courier has already received four awards (including two in first place) from CNPA for pieces
published during the 2021 calendar year. This brings the total number of awards for the Courier in the 2021 competition to six.  In 2021, the Courier earned three CJA for work published in 2020. 

The CJA are bestowed yearly in recognition of excellence in reporting throughout the state. This year, CNPA received nearly 3,000 entries. 

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The California News Publishers Association (CNPA) has recognized the Beverly Hills Courier with two first place 2021 California Journalism Awards (CJA) and a total of four awards as of press time. All of the pieces were written by Courier Staff Writer Samuel Braslow and tackle topics ranging from city ordinances to policing, crime and human interest.

Given out yearly by the state’s preeminent advocate for the publishing industry, the CJA recognize excellence in reporting across California. This year, CNPA received nearly 3,000 entries in an array of categories. Eligible stories were published in the calendar year 2021.

Garnering first place in the category of “Breaking News” is “Shooting at Il Pastaio,” published in the Courier’s March 5, 2021 issue, which described the shocking armed robbery at a popular Beverly Hills eatery in broad daylight.

Another first place award was bestowed in the “Writing” category for “Community Rallies Around Children With Rare Disease” in the Courier’s Nov. 5, 2021 issue.

The Courier won a fourth-place award in the “Investigative Reporting” category for Braslow’s “BHPD Task Force Accused of Widespread Racial Profiling” in the Sept. 3, 2021 issue. The piece details the class-action lawsuit filed against the Beverly Hills Police Department last fall alleging discrimination against people of color.

Another piece by Braslow, “Court Strikes Down Beverly Hills Ordinance,” in the March 26, 2021 issue took the fifth-place award in the “Coverage of Local Government” category. The story describes the striking down by the Los Angeles Superior Court of an overbroad city emergency ordinance limiting assemblies in residential areas.

These latest awards for the Courier not only validate the crucial role local newspapers play in shedding light on the functions of city government, but also the power to move readers and effect change.

In “Community Rallies Around Children with Rare Disease,” Braslow recounts the story of a Beverly Hills family whose two children suffer from the debilitating disease, Lafora. Braslow recounted the efforts to raise money for an expensive experimental treatment that could offer a glimmer of hope to the children. Described by judges as a “compelling” work that “truly embodies strong writing,” the piece caught the attention of the drug manufacturer, who decided to facilitate the family’s enrollment in the clinical trials.

This is the second year in a row that the Courier has earned awards for Braslow’s work. In 2021, he earned fourth-place awards in the categories of “Breaking News,” “Protests and Racial Justice” and “Business News.”

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Flannery, Tina Sinatra, Tim Zinnemann, son of “High Noon” director Fred Zinnemann, Katie Edelman Johnson, Tim Mendelson, Co-Trustee of the Elizabeth Taylor Estate, Colonel Gerald York, grandson of the famous Sergeant York Gary Cooper portrayed in his first Oscar-winning role. Additional guests included art dealer Suzanne Zada, Broadway producer Mary Cosette, Don Granger, pro- ducer of the “Mission Impossible” films and Bernie Bubman.

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Now in its 49th year, the City of Beverly Hills will hold its bi-annual spring Beverly Hills Art Show on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.in Beverly Gardens Park, along three blocks of Santa Monica Boulevard, from Canon Drive to Rexford Drive. The Beverly Hills Art Show is a free event that brings 150 artists from all over Southern California, the Southwest and across the nation showcasing, artworks in eleven mediums which include ceramics, digital media, drawing and printmaking, glass, jewelry, mixed-media, painting, photography, sculpture and watercolor. All participating artists will exhibit and sell their work, giving attendees a special opportunity to acquire one-of-a-kind originals, limited editions, and newly released pieces.

Several artists who placed first in last year’s Art Show will return this May, as well as 37 new artists and a wide array of established and emerging artists showcasing artworks from the traditional to the very contemporary.

Returning is artist and California native, Christen Austin, First Place in Painting, October 2020.

Also returning is Joe Polthakorn Vilaiwan of Vilaiwan Fine Jewelry, who is a second-generation jeweler, where in his native Thailand, learned to develop an instinct for identifying quality stones and metals. At the young age of 14, Joe began designing avant-garde jewelry that today is featured in magazines, on runways and in film, andappeals to a list of celebrity clients. Another favorite of the Art Show is photographer Ira Meyer, whose work is collected worldwide and has been published in an array of magazines and newspapers such as National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer and the Los Angeles Times, as well as on the cover of books, greeting cards and calendars. Meyer’s work captures astonishing photographs from all over the world.

New to the show is sculptor, Danette Landry, known for her distinctive bronze totems.

In addition to exceptional art, guests can enjoy food and beverages for purchase from these popular Southern California food trucks: Cousins Maine Lobster, Pie ‘n Burger, The Deli Doctor, Paradise Truck and Thai Mex Cocina. Convenient, inexpensive parking is located directly across from the show grounds.

The Beverly Hills Art Show is produced by the City’s Community Services Department. Follow @CommunityLifeBH on social media to find out the latest about Community Services events, programs, classes and activities. The 2022 Art Show partners are the Los Angeles Art Association and the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitor’s Bureau.

For general information and more about all the artists and the map locations of each artist in the May 2022 Beverly Hills Art Show, visit www.beverlyhills.org/artshow or call 310-285-6830.

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