Lifestyle

City Council Discusses New Mental Health Services

The proposed budget for the MET will fund two licensed mental health professionals and fund one of two specially trained police officers, working on two teams of two.

BA.2 Variant of COVID Now Believed to be Dominant Strain in LA County


Cedars-Sinai Gifted $10M to Create Memory and Aging Program

Cedars-Sinai announced a $10 million gift to establish the Bernard and Maxine Platzer Lynn Family Memory and Healthy Aging Program in the Department of Neurology on March 25.

Plans to Make OpenBH Permanent Underway

The OpenBH Conversion Code and Fee Structure Subcommittee reviewed a preliminary draft of potential changes to permanent open-air dining code regulations at its April 6 meeting.

BA.2 Subvariant of COVID Increases Grip in LA County

The BA.2 subvariant of COVID-19 is continuing to strengthen its presence in Los Angeles County, now accounting for nearly one-third of all virus cases that are screened for variants, the public health director said on March 31.

Oscar Night: Two Steps Forward and One Step Back

Will Smith slapping Chris Rock was shocking. I am glad that everyone is thinking and talking about it as there is much to learn about how we manage our hurt and anger.

Indoor Masking Optional for Fully Vaccinated

As COVID-19 case numbers continue to drop from the omicron surge, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) officials announced the end of mandatory indoor masking for vaccinated individuals in certain places.

Boost Your Brain with a Museum Visit

A new study conducted by Art Fund in the UK showed that 1-2 hours of leisure activity daily significantly reduced stress and added to one’s sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Public Health to End Outdoor Mask Mandate

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) announced the end of outdoor masking for large events, youth sports, and schools beginning on Feb. 16.

Parents Voice Frustrations Over COVID-19 Restrictions at BHUSD Meeting

The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education reexamined the district’s COVID-19 mitigation strategy at its Feb. 8 meeting.

CHLA Launches Valentine’s Day Drive

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) has kicked off its annual Valentine’s Day card drive on CHLA.org.

City Reaches Settlement with Firefighters’ Union

The City of Beverly Hills and the Beverly Hills Firefighters Association (BHFA) have reached a resolution in the city’s vaccination and safety measures for firefighters.

Where to Get Tested for COVID-19 in Beverly Hills

Polymerase chain reaction is a laboratory procedure that amplifies genetic signals in a sample to determine whether someone has COVID-19. The tests are better at catching asymptomatic cases or confirming positive results from an antigen test. 

CAGF Grant Deadline Approaches

Applications for grants are reviewed by the city’s Human Services Division, the Charitable Solicitations Commission and the Human Relations Commission. The application then goes to Beverly Hills City Council where final funding allocations are voted into action. 

High-Capacity COVID-19 Test Center Opens in Beverly Hills

A drive-thru testing site for COVID-19 has opened in a parking lot on N. Santa Monica Boulevard, across from the Beverly Hilton.

BHUSD Resumes Classes Amid Omicron Surge

“I thought it would be a mess [with] cars waiting in line. It’s really fast. I’m really surprised,” said one parent named Sarah who declined to give her last name.

New Year’s Resolutions

Albert Einstein said, “In the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.” Instead of focusing on what I want to change next year, I decided to reflect on what I accomplished last year as a way to lift my own mood and spark hope for the future.

Firefighters Sue City Over Vaccine Mandate

Two Beverly Hills firefighters have filed a lawsuit against the city and Los Angeles County over the county’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers.

BH Chamber of Commerce Applauds 100% Vaccinated Businesses

“I think [COVID] is probably the most devastating thing that could’ve happened to the local economy, if not the world, that we’ve all seen in many of our lifetimes, and hopefully it’s the last thing in our lifetimes,” said Johnson.

Health and Safety Reviews Pre-Holiday COVID Conditions

“I want to commend you for the many things that you do normally, including routine maintenance, cleaning and repair of our facilities,” said Chairperson Cathy Baker.

Exercise Makes You Smarter During the Holidays and Always

If you do one thing during the holidays, it should be this: get up and move!

Community Rallies Around Children With Rare Disease

Los Angeles Passes Sweeping Proof of Vaccine Requirement

“We’ve spent too much time placing restrictions on people who did their part by getting vaccinated and wearing their masks. We need to both limit the transmission of the virus as well as make it inconvenient for those who are unvaccinated to access indoor venues and put lives at jeopardy. The stakes are too high,” Council President Nury Martinez said at a previous meeting.

Protesters Oppose Vaccine Mandates at Walk to School Day

“They think it’s going to be a fun and safe photo opportunity with parents and kids. Let’s show up here and show them it’s not,” he said. “Let’s make them afraid, because it’s no longer that we need to be on the defense—we need to be on the offense.”

Beverly Hills Fire Department Addresses Vaccine Mandate

“The Beverly Hills Fire Department will make operational adjustments as needed to ensure the greatest level of protection for the community with vaccinated paramedics assigned to engine companies wearing full personal protective equipment when responding on medical calls,” Barton said.

California Has the Lowest COVID-19 Rate in the Country

California is requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test at indoor gatherings with more than 1,000 attendees.

Cedars-Sinai Urgent Care Moving to New Location

“If you’re experiencing a true medical emergency, such as bleeding that won’t stop; chest pains or stroke; seizures without pre-existing condition; serious burns or sudden loss or change of vision–then you should go to the emergency department immediately,” said Tarradath.

Ferrer Addresses Changing COVID Restrictions

Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer acknowledged on Aug. 31 that fluctuating rules and guidelines surrounding the coronavirus have confused just as much as clarified how to stay safe during the pandemic.

Mulholland Station Fire Captain Under Investigation

In the video, Granucci claims that there are “hundreds” of other LAFD employees who have retained an attorney—“and he is a shark.”

BHUSD Mulls Additional COVID Policies

Currently, BHUSD does not mandate regular testing or vaccinations, but testing is in place for students who become symptomatic in class.

Beverly Hills Reveals City Employee Vaccination Rates

In the City of Beverly Hills, slightly over eight in 10 residents over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of the vaccine. A whopping 99% of residents 65 and over have received at least one dose.

BHUSD Addresses COVID Concerns

“Larger school districts like LAUSD will claim that that is occurring, that they’re requiring and mandating COVID-19 testing,” Bregy said at the meeting.

Continuing Surge Prompts Vaccination Requirements

“We are eager to see the written plan from the state,” BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy said in a statement to the Courier.

Lessons To Carry into a Post-Pandemic Sex Life

The COVID pandemic brought into clear relief the potential of our own mortality and for many families, the loss of beloved parents, siblings, and friends. For many people, the experience of sudden or early loss can heighten the meaning they carry forward in the rest of their lives.

Beverly Hills Reacts to Vaccine Requirements

“We require the workers, but not the customers,” Vartan Kemanjian, the manager of Euro Caffe on Canon Drive, told the Courier.

Challenges as Life Resumes

Interacting with family or friends that you haven’t seen in over a year can be tricky. Many relationships were strained or cut off during quarantine. 

Pushback to Masks As Surge Continues

“Because of the more infectious Delta variant and the intermingling of unmasked individuals where vaccination status is unknown, unfortunately, we are seeing a surge in cases in L.A. County that looks somewhat similar to last summer,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said.

Amid Surge, County Updates Indoor Mask Rules

Of all the patients coming into the Cedars-Sinai emergency department, Dr. Torbati says “well over 95%” are unvaccinated. Most of them are also younger than in previous upticks. 

100th Birthday Celebration

Beverly Hills resident Arnie Mills celebrated his 100th birthday at a June 28 party at Nua Restaurant. Mills was the personal manager of legendary performers Vikki Carr, OC Smith and Bobby Vee. During the festivities, Arnie “stood for three hours, greeted more than 50 people and still wanted to go out afterwards,” his son Adam Mills told the Courier. 

Time to Change Your Brain

City Revises Urgency Ordinance as Variant Cases Rise

“I think that food service will be more careful in the future,” said Councilmember Lester Friedman. “I already see that there are more barriers that are placed so that there is no contact with food items that are being purchased.”

Masks Still Required for Youth Programs in Beverly Hills

How to Recover from the Pandemic

Find ways to make healthier choices easy choices.

Public Health Prepares to Open L.A. County

“We know there are people across our community who have suffered tremendous loss. For those of you mourning the passing of a loved one, we wish you healing and peace,” said Ferrer. 

County Public Health Stresses Importance of Vaccines

Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer took the opportunity hammer home the importance of vaccinations.

FOGO (Fear of Going Out)

Talk with your closest friends and see how they are choosing to resume activities. You are not alone in experiencing FOGO. 

Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Coming to Roxbury Park

“We are excited to have partnered with L.A. County Public Health and Fulgent Genetics to provide 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines to members in our community who have not been able to get the vaccine yet, and to others who have been trying to obtain an appointment,” Patty Acuna, Interim Assistant Director of Community Services told the Courier.

CHLA Opens New Center

To provide the most effective care, specialists throughout the hospital can collaborate with the Neurological Institute’s experts in nearly 20 subspecialties. 

Anti-Maskers Target Elementary School in Beverly Hills

“COVID is a lie, I know you hate that mask,” one protester, Asefeh Shirafkan, told a student. “You don’t need to wear a mask.”

Bouncing Back in Spring in Beverly Hills

We are innately wired to adapt to adversity. Humans are naturally resilient. 

Beverly Hills Salon Owners Welcome Orange Tier

“Things are pretty good right now,” Joyce Partise, owner of Joyce Marie of Beverly Hills facial spa, told the Courier.

Anti-Maskers Protest Sephora in Beverly Hills

Even as the economy continues to open up, a group of protesters stood outside Sephora on Beverly Dr. to voice opposition to public health safety measures such as masking requirements. 

Beverly Hills Goes Orange on Monday

Starting April 15, any resident of Los Angeles County who is 16 or older will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Of the five million residents who fall in this age group, Public Health estimates that one million have already been vaccinated with at least one dose. 

Vaccine FOMO

Remind yourself that “this too shall pass.”  Summer will come and access will become easier and easier with each passing week. Everyone will have access to the vaccines and gradually life will resume for all of us. The 1918 pandemic passed in two years without a vaccine and ushered in the roaring 20’s.  Better times are ahead! Do your best to stay positive and safe.  

Cedars-Sinai Cautions Against Letting Guard Down After Vaccines

“That’s a big deal,” Ben-Aderet said. “It’s really allowing people to have meaningful connections that they’ve put off for so long.”

Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Annual Gala Raises $1.6 Million

The mission of the Board of Governors is to support Cedars‑Sinai’s foremost clinical programs, biomedical research, and community outreach by providing financial resources, educational experiences and volunteer opportunities.

Beverly Hills Sunshine Task Force Examines Lobbying Rules

“Sometimes members of the community are incredibly passionate about a particular subject matter, and they want to make sure that it’s covered both in the study and also the formal session, and then they’ll call in after they’ve already sent in the email,” Huma Ahmed said.

Sports to Resume in Beverly Hills Unified School District

Outdoor, high-contact sports such as basketball, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, rowing, soccer and water polo may resume all activities, including practices, training and competitions.

BH Health and Safety Commission Tackles Policing and Vaccines

“I can’t remember the last time that we saw that in the county, so that is very encouraging,” Janmohammed said.

Shortages and Local Frustrations Over Vaccine Distribution

“I’m explaining to people that it makes sense that they would have it at the Forum or Dodger’s Stadium and places like that, where they can get a lot of people lined up and do 3 or 4,000 a day,” he told the Courier. 

Beverly Hills Chamber Hosts Blood Drive with Cedars-Sinai

All donors will receive complimentary testing for COVID-19 antibodies, plus a health screening that includes a blood pressure assessment, iron/hematocrit reading, temperature and pulse.

Cedars-Sinai Launches COVID-19 Recovery Program

“Los Angeles is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. right now and we expect to see many more recovered patients with persistent symptoms, which could have a huge impact on the local workforce,” said Cedars-Sinai Medical Group infectious disease specialist Rachel Zabner, MD, co-director of the COVID-19 Recovery Program.

Milestone Reached in COVID-19 Casualties

“To continue to drive down transmission, we all must commit to taking the actions that work to slow COVID-19 spread. When more sectors re-open the risk of COVID-19 transmission increases, because people are interacting more with non-household members.

WeHo Council Considers Hazard Pay for Grocery Store Workers

“Grocery store employees, I believe, are some of the unsung heroes of this epidemic and they must be compensated for their work,” said Councilmember John D’Amico.

Amid Halting Rollout, Beverly Hills Provides Vaccine Info

“The other thing we’re really hearing today [Jan. 20], in particular, is the frustration with the county’s website, being able to find an appointment, calling their information line, not talking to a live person.

Security Measures and Vaccines Discussed for Beverly Hills Students

“We’ve extended invitations to people in the state to provide those vaccinations for our staff and perhaps our community,” Bregy said.

Beverly Center Hosts Three-Day Blood Drive with Cedars-Sinai

The blood drive is taking place Friday-Sunday, Jan. 8-10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donors should use the La Cienega Boulevard entrance for access and self-parking. After parking, follow the signs to Cal Mare which is located on level 1 at the 3rd Street entrance. For more information, visit beverlycenter.com or follow @beverlycenter in social media.

Hope and Resilience in 2021

Emotional Balance: Anxiety and depression were easy to fall into in 2020. But as we emerge, the pendulum will swing the other way. We must actively focus on positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and optimism.

COVID-19 Surges at Year’s End

The following sectors remain closed under the Order: indoor and outdoor dining, personal care services, cardrooms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, museums, zoos, aquariums, movie theaters, amusement parks, live audience sports and family entertainment centers. Retail remains limited to 20 percent capacity.

Virtual Concerts at Cedars-Sinai Heal the Spirit

“It’s extremely soothing,” Lawson said. “It creates peace within, which I think is always going to be a good thing for somebody who is going through treatment.

Medical Task Force Supports COVID-19 Vaccination

“If someone doesn’t want to take the vaccine, I think they should understand that by having been vaccinated, they may be preventing the spread to many, many other people,” Hopp said.

Cedars-Sinai President and CEO Receives Humanitarian Award From Yad Vashem

The award was presented to Priselac by Vera Guerin, former chair of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Directors.

John Mirisch Joins Action on Smoking and Health Board of Trustees

“His extensive experience in public health policymaking will make him an ideal advocate for ASH and its partners as we work towards zero deaths from tobacco,” the statement read.

Amid a Staggering Wave, Vaccine Brings a Ray of Hope

“I am incredibly excited to be among the first group of healthcare workers to be offered the vaccine,” Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair and medical director of the Ruth and Harry Roman Emergency Department at Cedars-Sinai, said in a statement.

Playgrounds Reopen in Beverly Hills

“We understand the need for adults and children to be outdoors and recreate, and we are happy to reopen our playgrounds, however, we ask that you recreate responsibly for the safety of you as well as your neighbors. To ensure the safety of its park and playground visitors, the City of Beverly Hills will have staff on hand to monitor compliance.”

COVID-19 Update in Beverly Hills

Peace, Love and Holiday Wishes

This holiday season will present us with a unique opportunity to find cheer in new places.

Beverly Hills Increases COVID Rent Aid

“These are desperate times, we’ve heard pleas from people, I think we can easily add another $550,000 to it,” said Mirisch, who was supported by Councilmember Lili Bosse.

Beverly Hills Considers L.A. Marathon In COVID Era

“With us no longer being in Santa Monica, [there is an] opportunity to do joint marketing with your Conference and Visitors Bureau and the hotels in Beverly Hills to fill those up for the marathon,” he said.

County Public Health Cautions Not to Let Guard Down

“We have been living the realities of this pandemic for eight months, and these times have been full of loss and difficulties.

Visionary Women to Host “Women on the Frontier of Science: Cloning, COVID & Cancer Reimagined”

“We are incredibly lucky to have Megan and Johenese speak to Visionary Women about their pivotal roles in helping to educate and heal the world through transformative scientific advancement,” said Shelley Reid, President of Visionary Women.

COVID’s Unexpected Cosmetic Surgery Bump

“We can’t go out, we can’t go to parties, we don’t go to restaurants, we don’t dress up, we’re home in our pajamas and our robes,” said Koplin.

L.A. County Rolls Out New Health Measures

“The County’s partnership with SafePass is a valuable tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout our region,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Commission Recommends a Ban on Trick-or-Treating in Beverly Hills

Much of Beverly Hills has forgotten about the virus, but the virus hasn’t forgotten about us.”

No Labor Day COVID-19 Spike

“To everyone who is mourning people who have passed away from COVID-19, we keep you in our thoughts and in our hearts,” said Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer in a statement.

Beverly Hills Youth Earns Congressional Award Gold Medal

“For voluntary service, I did a few things. I tutored through one of Beverly Hills’ After-School Programs.

50 Years of Healthcare Helped by Beverly Hills

“It was poor,” Fern Seizer, a Beverly Hills resident and former Executive Director of the Clinic, told the Courier. “It was really medically underserved because there were very few doctors, and those who were there didn’t take Medi-Cal, which is Medicaid in California.”

L.A. County Remains at Tier 1 Risk Level

As the United States passes the tragic milestone of 200,000 lives lost to COVID-19, Los Angeles County officials warn that the County may be on the brink of another spike unless residents continue observing health precautions.

Exercise, Wellness and Pampering has Taken to the Rooftops

You can also arrange a class with Natural Pilates of Brentwood who has set up their outdoor studio in the parking lot with tents. “It’s a beautiful and welcoming atmosphere that their clients and our guests have really enjoyed,” Clark told the Courier. “They are also hosting a yoga retreat in October.”

Beverly Hills City Council Supports Prop. 20

Citing unintended consequences and increasing crime statistics, Prop. 20 advocates say it is time to amend those laws.

Preparedness Takes Center Stage in Beverly Hills

The City already has a head start in the preparedness arena. In July, it launched “Just in Case, BH” to keep the community informed and well connected in the event of a  natural disaster or other local emergency.

Counseling During COVID-19 in Beverly Hills

“They’re very familiar with the remote platforms,” Callah said. “Their classes are being taught over Zoom, and they know that this is the reality, but I think it’s also a very, very far cry from what they had expected to be doing when they envisioned themselves starting out their clinical work, seeing their first clients.”

Cedars-Sinai Hosting Beverly Hills Blood Drive

Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health. Individuals taking common daily medications (cholesterol, blood pressure, birth control, antidepressants, thyroid, even diabetics taking insulin) may donate blood.

COVID-19 May Curtail Halloween in Beverly Hills

To date, Public Health has identified 249,859 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County, and a total of 6,090 deaths.

CORE Offers COVID-19 Testing

CORE is offering private testing to production units first due to the highly contained and close-knit nature of the communities. The organization has been commissioned by the AFI Film School to provide testing services for their student film productions.

County Making Inroads on COVID-19

“A very important part of our recovery is getting our children back to schools. Yesterday, the state released new guidance about newly permitted activities at all schools across the state to help students at high risk and high need. 

City Shines a Light on Overdose Awareness

Financial resources won’t insulate a family, either. At one point, Shamash was spending $11,000 per month for her son’s treatment.

Fewer Businesses Cited for COVID-19 Health Violations

To date, Public Health has conducted investigations at close to 30,000 workplaces. Recent statistics are encouraging, in terms of business compliance with the Health Officer Order.

Beverly Hills Avoids Setback in Cannabis Delivery Case

“The tentative decision doesn’t appear to affect the City of Beverly Hills since we do indeed have regulations in place,” he told the Courier.

Nearly 550 Cases of COVID-19 in Beverly Hills

As of Aug. 6, Public Health has identified 197,912 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County, and a total of 4,825 deaths.

Taking Care of Your Back During the COVID-19 Crisis

Quick fixes include setting up a high bar area or stack of books at home so you can stand while working on your laptop. “You just have to think outside the box when you’re at home since it’s not healthy to sit all day,” said Perry.

Medical Advisory Task Force Answers Tough COVID-19 Questions

Before Mayor Lester Friedman read the first of four questions prepared by the Council, he introduced Task Force member Dr. Jonathan Fielding, one of the leading public health experts in the world. Fielding served for 16 years as the Director of Public Health and Health Officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and distinguished professor of Health Policy and Management and of Pediatrics in the Schools of Public Health and Medicine at UCLA.

COVID-19 Deaths Rise Again

“Our cases are rising, the rate of infection is increasing and the number of hospitalizations are up,” Ferrer said. “These numbers are reminiscent of what we saw months ago at what we thought was going to be the height of the pandemic here in L.A. County.”

City Council Votes on Measures to Ensure Safe Restaurant Reopenings

A Crisis of Anger

COVID-19 and Our Community: John Ozimek, D.O.

Stay Active In the Comfort of Your Beverly Hills Home

COVID-19 and Our Community: Anthony Cardillo, M.D.

COVID-19 and Our Community: Anthony Cardillo, M.D.

Giving Back to Urgent Care Doctors During COVID-19

COVID-19 and Our Community: ER Nurse Marisa Goldberg

Tips for Coping During the COVID-19 Crisis

Cedars-Sinai Joins Trial of COVID-19 Drug

Courier Exclusive: Cedars-Sinai’s Rekha Murthy, M.D. on the COVID-19 Crisis

Our Brains on Coronavirus

Happy Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, and Palentine’s Day

New Year’s Resolutions and Our “Lazy” Brain

Reflections for a New Decade and Beyond

Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

COURIER COLUMNIST Eva Ritvo, MD on Sleep

Beit T’Shuvah Offers Life, Hope and Healing

Music Mends Minds Repairs Hearts, Families and More Tuesdays at Roxbury Park