Lifestyle

The Spas of Beverly Hills

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. 

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.

Mother’s Day Role Model: Nancy Hunt-Coffey

The multi-tasking mom and Beverly Hills Assistant City Manager talks juggling work and family, her latest projects, and how her own mother inspired her.

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.

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.

From the Pandemic to Ukraine: It’s OK Not to Feel OK

Tragically, our sympathetic nervous systems, responsible for our “fight or flight” responses, are once again in overdrive.

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.

Milestones and Memories

The Courier is introducing a new feature called “Milestones and Memories,” and it is inspired by you!

Celebrate Kindness Week Feb. 14-19, 2022

In recognition of National Kindness Week, which runs from Feb. 13-19, the City of Beverly Hills’ Human Relations Commission has announced a host of inspirational virtual and in-person outdoor activities all week long.

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.

City to Run Pop-Up Vaccine Clinic For Employees

“As we approach the new year, with the staggering reality that over 27,000 LA County residents have lost their lives to COVID-19, we extend our thoughts and prayers to those who have lost their loved ones,” Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer said in a statement.

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.

Applications Open for Community Assistance Grants

For 2021-22, 22 organizations received grant funding for services helping seniors, homelessness, physical and mental health, culture and more.

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!

LA Marathon Comes to Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills joined hands with other cities on Nov. 7 to create the 26.2-mile track for the Los Angeles Marathon.

Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill Coming Oct. 21

Beverly Hills will participate in the annual “Great Shakeout” earthquake drill, taking place nationally on Oct. 21 at 10:21 a.m.

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.

White Knight at Spago

Wearing a knight’s helmet and a tuxedo, David Samuels rode horseback down Canon Drive to surprise his wife, Patti, by recreating his proposal to her 32 years ago at Griffith Park.

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.

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. 

Legion of Honor Awarded to WWII Vets in Beverly Hills Ceremony

“These young men were remarkably brave as the rough waves of the sea hit, and so did the waves of anxiety and uncertainty as to what awaited them on the shore,” said Duhaut-Bedos.

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.”

Holocaust Survivor Honored on 97th Birthday

On April 14, the Beverly Hills Fire Department arranged a caravan of fire vehicles to drive by the home of Renee Firestone in honor of her 97th birthday

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.

How Beverly Hills Worshipped in a Pandemic

“Welcome to everybody here,” Rabbi Aaron began the service, smiling. “And welcome to all of you who are on your couch, making breakfast, going on a hike.”

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.

School District Mourns Three Deaths

Rita Creagh, beloved El Rodeo School teacher, passed away on Jan. 16 from COVID-19. Creagh worked as a special education and 3rd grade teacher at the school for 32 years. 

Visionary Women presents: International Women’s Day Virtual Summit 2021

“We are honored to commemorate these iconic leaders, scholars, strategic thinkers and influential voices who have successfully served their own communities in their own unique way. Now more than ever, the wisdom and counsel offered on these crucial topics are most valuable to women and girls everywhere,” Visionary Women President Nina Kotick told the Courier.

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.

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.

Voting Closes Feb. 15 for Doggy Daze Photo Contest

The photo contest is but one component of the inaugural “Beverly Hills Doggy Daze 90210” presented by the Beverly Hills Community Services Department.

Maple Counseling Center Announces New Director

“It’s all interrelated in my mind. It might be confusing to people looking at my resume, but it comes back to the same place, which is giving people a voice and helping them stand in their power,” Bleil says.

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. 

Valentine’s Day Launches Kindness Week in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills resident, Mojan Ghahramani began volunteering with the Task Force shortly after it was formed. Three times a week, Ghahramani helps a 92-year-old senior nearby with her grocery shopping, mail, takes out the trash, picking up medication, errands and anything else she might need.

Visionary Women Hosts Suze Orman in Virtual Salon

During the one-hour virtual webinar, Orman described the new year as “The Great Reset.” She provided a roadmap for ensuring a manageable financial cushion.

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.

Just in Case BH Looking for Volunteers

“Just in Case BH brings residents, businesses and all city services together by seamlessly assisting each other before, during, and after emergencies through disaster preparedness, organizational leadership, and communication,” said Fire Chief Greg Barton. “This is truly bringing everybody together in Beverly Hills as one unified voice to work through the problems, to be disaster prepared, and to have good communication amongst all those groups.”

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.

Good Deeds Ring in New Year

Community goodwill also took center stage the first weekend of 2021.

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.

Rabbi Steve Leder on His New Bestseller—A Courier Conversation

“If we have one miracle to make our own, one strength to choose—let it be the strength to turn curses into blessings, to learn joy from sadness and life from death.”

Celebrate “Thanks-Goodness”

We can become that nation you know.  We can each lead a generous life of giving to those who have less and to make real inspired visions to better our city, our people, our nation, and our planet.

Peace, Love and Holiday Wishes

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

Home For the Holidays

“I find that people are really decorating their homes tremendously this year.

Limited Stay at Home Order Takes Effect

To date, the agency has identified 353,232 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County, and a total of 7,363 deaths. In Beverly Hills, there have been 870 cases of COVID-19 and 12 deaths.

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-19 Makes Halloween Too Scary for Beverly Hills

“We want to keep heading down the path of recovery from COVID-19, we don’t want to take steps back,” Friedman told the Courier.

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.

Spirit of Hope Lunch Will Take Place Virtually

Funds raised at this year’s luncheon will support Tower Cancer Research Foundation’s work in the areas of both cancer research and patient support.

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.

Beverly Hills Fire Department Promotes Fire Prevention Week

The purpose of the campaign is to educate community members about important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when it comes to home fire prevention.

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.”

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 Center Paints the City

“Beverly Center is proud to partner with PTCP and this group of talented local artists to provide a public space to showcase their meaningful work as a way to create positive change in our community,” said Jackie Plaza, Marketing and Sponsorship Director of Beverly Center.

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.

Beverly Hills Salons Want Full Reopening

“This is the saftest place to be other than your own home,” Cristophe told the Courier. “Doing hair outside, I feel it’s really not appropriate because first of all, you’re in working 105 degrees temperature right now.

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.

Face Masks are Creating Dermatology Concerns

Is it Safe to Visit Your Dentist? Safety Measures in Beverly Hills Examined

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

Stay Active In the Comfort of Your Beverly Hills Home

Giving Back to Urgent Care Doctors During COVID-19

Monarch Athletic Club Opens Training Facility

Wellness Tips and Trends from Organic Spa Magazine Guru Rona Berg

Face Gym: The New Workout for Your Skin

Mirror, Mirror on The Home Gym Wall

Make-up Maven “Valerie” Reopens in Beverly Hills

Wellness Spas are the New Face of Beauty in Beverly Hills

RED CARPET BEAUTY: Beauty: Top Treatments for On and Off the Red Carpet