Conservative influencer Brandon Straka held a rally in front of City Hall on May 21 as part of his #WalkAway campaign that calls on Democrats and unaffiliated liberals to defect to the Republican Party.
The awards will be handed out at the SoCal Journalism Awards gala on June 25.
The Council approved the work plans and corresponding funding requests from three partner agencies tasked with ensuring the economic success of the city: the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Rodeo Drive Committee (RDC), and the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce (Chamber).
Wolfe will take over for outgoing Planning Commission Vice Chair Tom Hudnut, who leaves the commission on June 30 after serving a two-year term.
After careful examination and an in-depth discussion, the Beverly Hills Courier’s Advisory Board voted unanimously to “not endorse” any candidates for City Council this election year.
“Recruitment is going to be very competitive in LA County, clearly, and we have to provide every incentive possible to have the best of the best,” Bosse said.
If Beverly Hills wishes to mark Pride Month with more robust celebrations, then it would be better served to plan for 2023.
At the meeting, liaisons also reviewed a proposal to co-host the CicLAvia open streets event in August with the cities of West Hollywood and Los Angeles, temporarily closing streets to vehicle traffic for a 7.5-mile route.
Markowitz, the Just In Case BH Preparedness Community Coordinator, said that her campaign would discontinue the use of the logo.
In a contentious hearing on May 12, the Planning Commission issued a stern rebuke of the private club and co-working space Spring Place and crafted stringent limits on its 6,000 sq.-ft. rooftop space.
Total of Four Awards as of Press Time
California election law requires the candidates to disclose contributions and expenditures exceeding the sum of $100. The Courier has reviewed the most recent campaign financial disclosures for each candidate as of press time.
For reasons still under investigation, a male suspect stabbed the woman with what appeared to be a screwdriver before fleeing on foot.
City employees, including members of the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) were honored with Vocational Service Awards on May 9 by the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills. Funds for the awards have been provided over the past decade from the Philanthropic Fund of Dorothy and Sidney Factor.
About 45 people attended a campaign event for City Council Candidate Vera Markowitz at the home of Jacques and Natalie Wizman on May 10.
Pending City Council approval, the Arts and Culture and Human Relations Commissions would bring festive pride activities in early June to help kick off Pride Month in Beverly Hills.
The Council’s action comes after a draft opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court was leaked and indicated the Court may overturn the 1973 decision of Roe v. Wade thereby ending the constitutional right to an abortion.
Workers with the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, which represents about 2,000 employees at Cedars-Sinai, voted overwhelmingly to authorize the strike on April 9.
If the measure passes, it would bar Councilmember John Mirisch, Mayor Lili Bosse, and Vice Mayor Julian Gold from seeking reelection (though Mirisch would be allowed to serve out his fourth term if reelected to the Council this June).
On May 11, Rotary Interact and Teen Beverly Hills Education Foundation (BHEF) held a student run City Council candidate forum at the Cherney Hall Auditorium at Beverly Hills High School (BHHS).
Stainbrook said that raising the base salary by 14% over three years would achieve parity with the fire department and “make the city and the department more competitive in the recruitment marketplace.”
During the forum, Beverly Hills resident TJ Wilk agreed with Reiss. “I live on Reeves and she’s right,” Wilk added. “There’s a smoking issue, and it would be amazing if there was a way we could eliminate that somehow.”
Formed in 1996, Team Beverly Hills provides residents with a hands-on look at the operations of local government.
City staff presented findings from a survey in which the majority of 148 respondents indicated interest in seeing the space occupied by a new café, market, health food store, or a police substation.
The letter was provided exclusively to the Courier in the hopes of “spreading the message for civility and positive human relations.”
Multiple suspects armed with weapons entered the victim’s home and forced the residents to hand over their property.
On May 4, realtor Michael Libow hosted a gathering at his residence, the famous “Witch’s House,” for Councilmember Robert Wunderlich.
While governments like the United States and Germany have poured billions of dollars’ worth of weapons into the conflict, an ad hoc network of individual households outside the fold of state departments and NGOs have opened their doors to those in need.
While the forum saw crime and public safety again take top billing among issues, the candidates touched on new topics and responded to the recent leaked draft of the Supreme Court decision that would end the constitutional right to abortion.
Eleven candidates are vying for three open City Council seats and three candidates for the position of City Treasurer.
The Beverly Hills City Council discussed the establishment of a housing assistance program at its April 26 meeting, but opted to continue the matter to a later meeting to iron out key details.
Priorities for 2022-2023 were then presented by leaders of each city department—community development, community services, finance, information technology, policy and management, public safety, public works and city clerk—and discussed at length by the councilmembers.
Ahmed speculated that the crowded field and tense political atmosphere may be contributing to the high number of signs disappearing.
Tanenbaum also followed up with Friedman on a question asked by the Courier that touched on the conduct of former Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli.
Challengers were asked to justify their candidacies—the life experiences that makes them fit for office and the specific policies or decisions of the previous City Council that they disagreed with.
Located on city-owned property at Coldwater Canyon Drive and Cabrillo Drive, the Cabrillo Reservoir has been a contentious plot of land for the Public Works Commission since it was abandoned in 1986 due to groundwater infiltration.
The flyers appeared similar to those from the previous two incidents, declaring that “Every Single Aspect of the Ukraine-Russia War is Jewish.”
In a continuation of an alarming trend in Los Angeles, four men visiting from Northern California were followed to an Airbnb on Coldwater Canyon Drive and robbed at gunpoint.
All candidates were given the chance to opine on the issues they feel most pressing to the city, as well as provide concrete solutions to addressing them.
Aariel Maynor, the 30-year-old who pleaded guilty to killing Beverly Hills philanthropist Jaqueline Avant, has been sentenced to 190 years to life for Avant’s murder and the attempted murder of her security guard on Dec. 1.
“Dr. Nazarian and her family have been active members in many areas of our community and we would be honored to work along side her in serving the community of Beverly Hills,” the BHFA said in a statement announcing the endorsement.
The discussion turned to the final two topics: Mayor Lili Bosse’s request for an update on the creation of a public health department for the City of Beverly Hills and the recording and providing of hybrid broadcast-online capabilities for Council liaison and ad hoc meetings, as in-person meetings have resumed.
In a marathon seven-hour meeting on April 12, the Beverly Hills City Council took up multiple hot-button topics, including the city’s eviction and rent increase moratoria and the historic status of a mansion on North Roxbury Drive.
Beverly Hills City Council candidates Commissioner Sharona Nazarian and Councilmember Robert Wunderlich have received the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP).
The Concours d’Elegance returns this year on June 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in a new format that includes elements from the Tour and Concours, with select cars positioned on Rodeo Drive for the public to view in addition to a VIP/sponsor driving tour.
The Beverly Hills City Council approved nearly half a million dollars to establish the Real Time Watch Center, a new hub to coordinate the city’s many surveillance tools.
On April 6, Mayor Lili Bosse joined other leaders across the country in the 11th Annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, asking residents to reduce their water consumption.
It was standing room only for the April 5 ceremony installing Lili Bosse as the new mayor of Beverly Hills and Julian Gold, M.D. as vice mayor.
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.
“Every other week, I hope you’ll meet me at one of our local businesses to celebrate all they bring to our city,” she said. “It will be an opportunity to see the city’s newest restaurants, talk with old friends, meet new ones, all the while tasting incredible food,” she said.
“We are the lucky ones,” Gold said. “There are many, far too many, who have not been so lucky. Let’s never forget them and keep those lost to COVID, and recently the despicable evil that’s happening in Ukraine, in our thoughts and in our prayers.”
The training took place at Arnaz mini-park and gave neighbors the chance to put out a small fire, and learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
Campaign kickoff events are a long-time Beverly Hills tradition, and this year, they were back in full force.
“We have great pension benefits for both of them and non-compensation benefits,” Fisher noted. He would make suggestions for how to extend the force and expand active volunteer groups that expand the departments reach.
“At this time, we do not believe these suspects are responsible for any other similar incidents in Beverly Hills,” Trejo said.
While challengers spoke about the need to improve public safety, incumbents tried to contextualize crime trends and offer strident defenses of the city’s response.
“I’m so glad that we are in a different place today because this is not only a rite of passage, but an area that we can celebrate the success of our students, our staff, and also our school district,” Bregy said. “This is an amazing event.”
“These are folks who started the process many many months ago. It takes a lot of time. And it really depends on each individual, their background, on the information that needs to be vetted,” he said. “We’re also very very picky as to who we hire for the City of Beverly Hills.”
Frustration among trustees has also grown since TCDS came on board in 2017, with members complaining about a lack of transparency on the part of Blake and TCDS.
Police immediately added a camera trailer, extra security patrols, and an “extra special watch from officers” to South Beverly hours after the incident.
The Beverly Hills City Council is aiming for May 31 as the date to lift a ban on housing evictions and rent increases enacted in the city during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After hearing updates regarding mitigation efforts between Nusr-Et restaurant at 184-88 N. Canon Drive and the owners of the neighboring Fred Hayman building at its March 15 Study Session, the Beverly Hills City Council conditionally approved the extension of their OpenBH permit that allows for use of its temporary outdoor dining tent through Dec. 31, 2022.
In its second in-person study session since going virtual at the beginning of the pandemic, Beverly Hills City Council considered reports on a proposed affordable housing program in the city, a new bicycle lane on Doheny Drive and a proposed city shuttle service.
Just In Case BH, the city’s neighborhood-based emergency preparedness program that connects residents, businesses and city agencies in the event of city-wide disasters, has released a manual for how to deal with a wide range of emergency situations.
The Beverly Hills Planning Commission reviewed the city’s standards for accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, at its March 10 meeting.
According to Sterling, the city was ready to begin preliminary talks to renew the lease with Rite Aid on Bedford.
“We have a public hearing, so the public has the ability to see transparently what the city has accomplished and how they’re meeting their goals that are outlined in the general plan and housing element,” said City Planner Timothea Tway.
Time’s Women of the Year were honored at a gala in Beverly Hills on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Two Los Angeles men were sentenced to federal prison terms Monday for attacking diners at Cafe Istanbul while shouting anti-Turkish slurs, hurling chairs at the victims and threatening to kill them.
“No meeting agenda, speeches, or specific topics. Just a chance to get to know your local police department over a good cup of coffee,” the department said in a social media post.
The time for electoral speculation comes to a close on March 11 at 5 p.m., when the deadline to file to appear on the 2022 ballot for Beverly Hills City Council or City Treasurer ends.
“Just by the fact that we’re having this conversation tonight, and all of a sudden, all this information is being thrown at us, it’s just further showing us that we have a problem on our hands,” he said.
The City of Beverly Hills Community Services Department will host the 2022 Summer Camp Showcase at the Farmers’ Market, 9300 Civic Center Drive, on Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On any given day, especially around rush hour, as many as 10 cars saddle up to the limit lines at the six-way intersection at Lomitas Avenue and Canon Drive.
For the second time since the start of the pandemic nearly two years ago, the Beverly Hills City Council will return to in-person meetings in City Hall beginning on March 15.
A third defendant was sentenced to five years in federal prison on Feb. 28 in connection with a 2021 robbery and shooting incident at Il Pastaio restaurant on Canon Drive.
The Courier has learned that Beverly Hills Planning Commission Vice Chairman Thomas C. Hudnut will step down at the end of his term on June 30 and will not seek reappointment.
The Beverly Hills Planning Commission scrutinized the potential traffic impacts of the proposed Cheval Blanc hotel project at a Feb. 24 special meeting.
The resolution also makes Zelensky an honorary citizen of Beverly Hills.
Maynor made occasional social media posts from prison. In January 2017, he wrote on Facebook, “This my last year. I can’t wait to do big things.” A year later, in March, he marked his release with another post. “Just got out of prison Saturday,” he wrote.
Longtime Beverly Hills resident and Founding President of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Paul Selwyn, passed away on Feb. 16 at age 88.
Attention all candidates. The Courier would like to keep readers informed about campaign events in our ongoing “Campaign Corner” feature.
Jon Bosse describes his mother Selma Katz Bosse as a “very selfless person who never wanted attention.”
The new 911 communications manager at Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) has been elected President of Los Angeles County Women Leaders in Law Enforcement (WLLE).
Local philanthropist Judy Briskin has made a $1.5 million donation to the Maple Counseling Center to fund the Briskin|Wilder Welcome Center, a program at the center’s new location on La Cienega Boulevard.
“Due to all the big fires that have happened in California over the last couple of years, insurance companies are starting to pull out of California,” Barton told the Courier. “They’re not getting insurance because they can’t get it. The other part is it’s so expensive that they can’t afford it.”
“After forming a safe tactical plan, BHPD officers convoyed into the center of the incident causing all vehicles and spectators to flee immediately. Officers stopped several vehicles which led to the arrest of multiple suspects,” the department said in the Nixle release.
“We thought, let’s don’t bring our wares — let’s make a big statement,” said McLeod. “This is one of the last great monumental sculptures in the Chris Burden estate.”
“In comparison to 2020, it’s a lot of people who pulled [nomination] papers,” Ahmed told the Courier.
Attention all candidates. Now that election season is in full swing, the Courier would like to keep readers informed about campaign events in a new feature entitled “Campaign Corner.”
The Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) has received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program.
After declaring a local drought earlier in February, the Beverly Hills City Council approved a move to support the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation at its Feb. 15 Regular Meeting.
The Beverly Hills City Council returned to the question of what to do about COVID-19 renter protections, including an eviction moratorium and rent increase freeze, at a Feb. 15 Study Session.
The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) announced three arrests in connection with 2021 robberies in the Business Triangle and other cities in Southern California.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva joined the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills on Feb. 14 by invitation to address law enforcement and crime in the county.
The Beverly Hills Planning Commission publicly reviewed the proposed Cheval Blanc luxury hotel project during a Feb. 10 Special Meeting.
“There is no justification for such a serious crime, especially when someone could have lost their life,” said Walter during McGhee’s sentencing hearing. “It requires a sentence that will promote respect for the law.”
“Thirty years ago, Jeff and I started on this journey. Throughout, a great partnership and a deep friendship were forged, and Hilton & Hyland emerged as a force in the industry.
The Beverly Hills City Council approved a contract amendment with the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau (BHCVB) on Feb. 8 to enable the organization to create a $350,000 television campaign promoting Beverly Hills as a travel destination.
California State Senator Ben Allen (D-Beverly Hills) and two of his colleagues have proposed a bill designed to support the state’s flagging local journalism industry.
Shiva Bagheri, founder of the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally, has confirmed to the Courier that she plans to run for City Council in the June 2022 race.
The Beverly Hills City Council declared a local drought during its Regular Meeting on Feb. 8, following a discussion of the water shortage at an afternoon Study Session.
At its Feb. 8 Regular Meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council voted for the largest extension of private armed security since the city began contracting with security firms in 2020.
The Beverly Hills City Council took up the topic of the city’s extensive CCTV (closed-circuit television) camera system during its Feb. 8 Regular Session.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will soon complete the first step of one of its most ambitious projects to date.
The newlywed couple moved to California and settled in Beverly Hills. They originally lived in Trousdale and became parents to their first two children.
“The voters of LA County agreed and voted overwhelmingly to embrace reform,” she said, characterizing the recall as an effort to “undermine the will of the voters.”
The Recreation and Parks Commission held its first meeting of the year on Jan. 25, in which commissioners heard updates from new Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Police Chief Mark Stainbrook on a recent armed robbery that took place just outside of Roxbury Park.
Two more residents have tossed their hats into the 2022 City Council race, Darian Bojeaux and Deborah Blum.
“I’m really perplexed as to why there’s even a need for this,” said former Mayor Stephen Webb, who also previously served on the Planning Commission. “I’m also perplexed at the ambiguity of some of the language that’s here and it’s troubling to me.”
Privacy groups have warned for over a decade that drones could further erode privacy in an age of near-constant surveillance.
“Besides trying to get my investment back, I’m also facing the fact that I cannot change the model of my businessto overcome the loss of revenue from not selling tobacco products,” said Pouldar.
Sacramento dealt a blow to Beverly Hills on Jan. 14 when it declined to certify the city’s housing element, according to a letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
The Beverly Hills Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that took place near Roxbury Park on the afternoon of Jan. 18. Police are actively searching for suspects.
With the recent COVID-19 surge brought on by the omicron variant, the Beverly Hills City Council considered possible next steps to end a citywide halt on rent increases and evictions at its Jan. 18 Study Session.
A letter submitted by a group of more than 30 prominent residents in favor of the $1,000 top donor threshold argued that PACs “undermine the policies that the City’s contribution and expenditure limits are designed to promote.”
Just In Case BH is a neighborhood-based emergency preparedness program proposed by Vice Mayor Lili Bosse in 2020.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day, recognized by the United Nations, commemorates the tragedy of the Holocaust and signifies the day that Auschwitz was liberated.
With a sweets case full of custom date-based confections and a wall covered in silk flowers, Cafe Sheera is decidedly not a donut shop.
The Beverly Hills City Council received a one-year update on the mixed-use ordinance in its Jan. 4 Regular Meeting.
“Transparency is an important part of the update, but we want to make sure that any updates are not overly onerous on the legislative advocate community,” Beverly Hills Public Information Coordinator Lauren Santillana told the Courier in an email statement.
The Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commission kicked off 2022 by finalizing its three newest selections for the Golden Shield Award during its first regular meeting of the year on Jan. 12.
Perhaps no city commission has a larger impact on the material shape and feel of Beverly Hills than the Planning Commission, which in 2021 tackled some of the most consequential developments in the city including the Housing Element and the One Beverly Hills project.
It was a trio of roles in 1967 that firmly established him as a legend: Mark Thackeray in “To Sir With Love,” Detective Virgil Tibbs in “In the Heat of the Night” and as John Prentice, a man engaged to a white woman, in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”
A set of new streetscape design standards for Wilshire and La Cienega Boulevards received consensus support from the Beverly Hills City Council during its Jan. 4 Study Session.
After multiple incidents last month where flyers containing antisemitic tropes and COVID-19 conspiracies were distributed throughout the city, the Beverly Hills City Council explored possible legal and civil remedies at its Jan. 4 Regular Meeting.
Crustacean, the high-end seafood restaurant on North Bedford Drive, experienced a burglary in the early morning of Jan. 2, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department.
Betty White holds the world’s record for her television career that spanned eight decades.
The Beverly Hills City Council unanimously passed a resolution backing the latest attempt to recall Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.
On Jan. 5, Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy announced mandatory testing requirements for the return to in-classroom instruction on Jan. 10.
“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.
Councilmember Lester Friedman called the bill “misguided” and a “one-size-fits-all” approach during the December council meeting.
“I was caught up, I was scared, I was excited,” Bisignano told the Courier. “A guy said to say that over the megaphone. I don’t even remember saying it.”
The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) has announced that starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, there will be a city-wide exemption for parking violations relating to time limits, street sweeping, permit parking, overnight parking, no stopping peak hour zones, and meter restrictions for the New Year’s Holiday. Routine enforcement will resume on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 at 8 a.m.
Christine Messineo, Director of Frieze Los Angeles and Frieze New York, said in a statement that she looks forward to showcasing “the creative community” of the city.
He acknowledged that the department was “going through a challenging time.” But he insists that “there isn’t division in the fire department.”
As a part of a settlement with a major opioid manufacturer and three distributors, Beverly Hills will receive more than $1 million to fund education and programs to combat the opioid epidemic, the city estimates.
Beverly Hills philanthropist and theatre producer Vera Guerin has made the single largest donation in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s 100-year history, according to the nonprofit hospital.
“As a City that is made up of a diverse population and being one of the only Jewish-majority cities outside of Israel, the City condemns this unwarranted hate speech that has been unsuccessfully used to disparage a community that has, and always will, stand strong together and fight hatred of any kind.”
The Beverly Hills City Council liaisons heard a number of updates from members of the Small Business Assistance Task Force Committee at its Dec. 13 meeting.
On Dec. 14, the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education held an Organizational Meeting during which Mary Wells was installed as the president of the board and Noah Margo as vice president for 2022-2023.
Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Chief Mark Stainbrook has made multiple recent community appearances in an effort to introduce himself to the city and address anxiety about an uptick in crime.
The winter “season of giving” is the season of taking for many lawbreakers.
“I’m sorry to disagree with you,” said Bronte to Gohlich, “but I know that living expenses for a two or three bedroom or even a four bedroom apartment [are] not even close to $1,000.”
“This is effectively the removal of single-family zoning in the state,” said Director of Community Development Ryan Gohlich.
“I don’t really feel like a big hero. I just did what I had to do. That’s all,” said Wolff, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
“I understand that there is a desire to give more people access to the beauty and the history of Virginia Robinson Gardens and a house which is a treasure,” said Councilmember John Mirisch. “But parties, events, commercial uses — that’s really going overboard.”
While the city already has a thorough network of CCTV cameras, Stainbrook told the Council that the department was working with the Public Works Department “to increase and ensure proper camera coverage for the city.”
For 2021-22, 22 organizations received grant funding for services helping seniors, homelessness, physical and mental health, culture and more.
To demonstrate the siren for residents who are interested in hearing the new OWS firsthand, the city has planned in-person meetings on Dec. 13 at Roxbury Park at 4 p.m. and Dec. 15 at Greystone Mansion at 10 a.m.
“We recognized that there could be a need for our neighborhood council to be represented by two councilmembers,” Bel Air-Beverly Crest Council President Travis Longcore told the Courier.
Beverly Hills marked the third night of Hanukkah with a ceremonial menorah lighting on the front steps of City Hall. The event marked the second time the city held a menorah lighting—an annual tradition established only in 2019 and interrupted last year by the pandemic.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office told the Courier it has filed charges of second degree robbery and brandishing an imitation firearm against an LA resident in connection with the Nov. 22 robbery.
“Jacquie was the kindest, most beautiful, humble and generous soul, who loved and appreciated The Wallis. Both she and her remarkable husband, Clarence, have been passionately involved with The Wallis since its earliest days, well before our campus opened to the public,” said Fine.
“We had such an outstanding cooperative task force going after people selling drugs and using that money to fund terrorism,” Bodner told the Courier. “He’s very worldly, understands different cultures, understands diversity, and he was able to really open a lot of doors for us and help us see things that we would not have seen.”
“It’s going to be a transition the next month, so it’ll be exciting to see someone step up,” said Freeman.
Mirisch suggested that the ordinance incorporate enhanced reporting requirements for contributions to PACs. Even if entities that do business with the city were banned from contributing to campaigns, they could still donate to PACs. Mirisch hoped that requiring PACs to label donations from city contractors would disincentivize entities from simply funneling contributions into a PAC.
“Are you ready to add even more glow to our evening?” Mayor Robert Wunderlich called out to the throngs of people before he and the City Council ceremonially “turned on” the lights along the street.
Trejo said that BHPD detectives are investigating the incidents. They have not yet identified suspects and have not made connections to other incidents, he said.
The BHPD has made arrests in connection with three armed robberies this week.
The Beverly Hills City Council confronted the dire water situation facing California and the city at a Nov. 16 meeting.
City Transportation Planner Martha Eros said that available data showed no change since the switch to a middle school.
The Beverly Hills City Council has unanimously approved a request to honor Vahagn Setian, the 17-year-old Beverly Hills High School student killed in a drunk driving accident in 2006.
For the first time in the event’s history, the city joined forces with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills to present the cast of the “Love Actually LIVE.”
At its Nov. 16 regular meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council considered instituting weekend nighttime closures of Rodeo Drive in response to public safety concerns involving “car clubs.”
“I walk my dog in the neighborhood every day, sometimes twice, and I have become very aware that oncoming, often speeding, cars may or may not stop at the intersections with stop signs,” said Beverly Hills resident Audrey Hutchings in a letter that was read during the Nov. 4 commission meeting.
In a year that saw soaring real estate prices across the nation, Beverly Hills’ iconic 90210 is the most expensive zip code in Los Angeles County and the sixth most expensive in the country, according to new data released by real estate data firm Property Shark.
“What’s your commitment to a spending limit worth if you can expressly or impliedly encourage or somehow acquiesce to these contributions?” he told the Courier.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors and residents back to our holiday celebration that we missed last year due to the pandemic,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Robert Wunderlich in a statement.
At its Nov. 2 Special Meeting, the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education interviewed seven applicants who are in the running to fill the board vacancy left by the resignation of Tristen Walker- Shuman.
“We met with two other restaurants that are really close to signing deals,” Johnson told the Courier.
The City Council previously expressed displeasure with waiving the fees for a for-profit event that uses “Los Angeles” in its branding.
“The City Council could also consider adopting objective standards that do not physically preclude development of two 800 square foot units on lots in the city,” Gohlich said.
“There’s a unique opportunity now for hotels in Beverly Hills to be benefited largely as a result of that decision,” Sunkin told the Rodeo Drive Committee/Special Events City Council Liaison at an October 2020 meeting. “Runners historically like to stay at the finish line.”
“I think we are going to have dueling reports as to whether and to what extent traffic can pass through the newly configured alley,” said Commissioner Gary Ross at the meeting. “It’s early in the process and we can all study that.”
The City of Beverly Hills is suing a YouTube video creator and a promoter for at least $200,000 to compensate the city for police and administrative costs associated with a spring parade that caused the temporary closing of Rodeo Drive.
With traditional in-person Halloween activities resuming this year, the Beverly Hills Police Department encourages everyone on the road to be extra careful as more chil- dren are out walking the neighborhood and collecting candy.
In May, the PWC unanimously agreed to recommend the ordinance to the Council, and the Council unanimously agreed to move forward on the proposed ordinance at its Sept. 21 meeting. The ordinance goes into effect on Nov. 27.
Vice Mayor Lili Bosse said that the number “horrified” her. “Even though I do feel that things are better [and] we’re moving in the right direction, I think it would be a tremendous hardship to expect for any tenant to pay two times the CPI at one time,” she said.
“This is about making America live up to its creed that we don’t allow you to treat Black and brown people differently than you treat white people,” said civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump at an Oct. 27 press conference announcing the new claims.
Beverly Hills has an expansive network of CCTV cameras spread throughout the city. Rivetti said the department frequently relies on the cameras in solving crimes in the city. The department plans to put grant funding towards the purchase of another CCTV trailer.
According to Goldkorn, things are starting to feel “more normal” since the team can go compete at other schools and take the bus there wearing masks.
From life-sized horse skeletons to homicidal ghouls behind the wheel of a car, it is the spookiest time of year as Halloween decorations descend on Beverly Hills neighborhoods.
The records also contain the number of total arrests for unemployment insurance fraud or Employment Development Department (EDD) fraud.
Mayor Robert Wunderlich, Vice Mayor Lili Bosse and Councilmember Julian Gold, M.D., echoed Friedman’s sentiments.
Zoeller suffered a major stroke on July 9, sustaining a brain bleed. He was placed into a coma and never regained consciousness. He died on Aug. 4. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and his children, Ashley and Kyle.
“Preliminary information appears at this point that the male victim was the target of a robbery.”
“We appreciate when members of our community step up to really sign up for this kind of backroom tireless work that has to get done and keep everything in compliance,” Board Member Noah Margo said. “And for anybody that even put their name in for that, I appreciate it.”
At its Oct. 12 Study Session, the Beverly Hills City Council approved new holiday season street pole banner designs and voted 4-1 against calling up the Architectural Commission’s decision to approve a request for a front yard fence and gates at 332-336 North Oakhurst Drive.
The Beverly Hills City Council approved the adoption of a new Housing Element, reaching a milestone in a grueling exercise that determines the city’s housing and development policies for the next eight years.
Beverly Hills Mayor Bob Wunderlich laid out his mostly optimistic vision for the future of Beverly Hills during his State of the City Address on Oct. 7.
“The behavior of the protesters who harassed kids and their parents on Walk to School Day was simply horrific and it can’t be allowed to happen again,” said Mayor Robert Wunderlich, who joined Walk to School Day and was confronted by the same group of protesters.
“I am thrilled to welcome Mark to Beverly Hills,” City Manager George Chavez said in a statement. “His international credentials, experience in high-profile agencies and collaborative approach will bring new energy and valuable insight to our community and the department.”
According to data compiled by OTS, traffic fatalities in California decreased 5% from 2018 to 2019, from 3,798 to 3,606. Over the same time period, the state saw alcohol-impaired driving fatalities go down by 4.5%.
“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.”
“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.
“I hosted the BH rally because now is a crucial time to speak up for reproductive freedom,” Rabin told the Courier. “We shouldn’t have to fight for Women’s Rights 50 years after Roe v. Wade! I don’t want young women to experience what it is like to live during an era when women don’t have the option of a safe and legal abortion but are forced to give birth.”
Beverly Hills Mayor Robert Wunderlich addressed an audience of about 350 people during the Mayor’s State of the City Address on Oct. 7. The speech was part of “An Evening with the Mayor,” hosted by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce at Greystone Mansion.
While the city has been in the thick of the Housing Element process for nearly a year now, the Planning Commission’s hearing marked only the second time the commission had reviewed the draft. Including the staff report, supplemental material and appendices, the total paperwork before the Planning Commission totaled more than 700 pages.
As of press time, the city’s Director of Human Relations and a member of the City Attorney’s Office were in the process of interviewing those seeking exemptions.
The street pole banners that are currently in place throughout the Business Triangle display the “Welcome to” banner campaign with images of the lily pond or a couple in a convertible driving down Rodeo Drive, among others.
The watch still has yet to be recovered, according to Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Acting Captain Max Subin. Belhassen has offered a $50,000 reward for its return.
“I’m thrilled to see ‘First Thursdays’ come to life next week on Thursday, October 7th,” said Chair of the Next Beverly Hills Committee, Noelle Freeman.
The building came into existence in 1938 when Jules Stein, ophthalmologist and renowned talent agent, commissioned Beverly Hills Master Architect Paul Revere Williams to construct a space for his growing firm, Music Corporation of America (MCA).
“Mason just wanted to participate in a normal ritual for all kids: school,” said Heather Woodring, Mason’s last teacher at Horace Mann. His former classmates stood alongside her.
The incident took place amid a 15-day episode of armed conflict between Israel and Hamas, the militant Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip. Los Angeles saw multiple rallies both in opposition and support of Israel’s actions, both of which were overwhelmingly peaceful.
The hour-long symposium carried four core themes of the night — freedom, opportunity, responsibility and compassion — with Bush delving into each principle as a pillar for his decisions as a leader, through both moments of crisis and the halcyon days.
“Certainly, we need to continue this program in its current form until three months after permanent design standards are in place,” Johnson said. “And something that certainly everyone knows, that sitting outside and enjoying the weather that we have is wonderful, there are some loud cars that go up and down the street.”
Walker-Shuman told the Courier that she plans to “continue taking care of my parents and family, finishing graduate school and advocating for education.”
“That’s what the goal is here,” Pfalzgraf said. “Let’s improve the canopy. Let’s improve the temperature in the city and the wildlife habitat. That’s the bottom line.”
“I think if we are going to pick a place to have a pilot project that is as safe as can be, I think this is the correct one,” said Councilmember Lester Friedman.
At the City Council meeting, Councilmember Julian Gold, M.D. argued that, given the Council’s role in negotiating the development agreement, it made sense to assign the Council to review it.
The fact that the D.A. found that no actual “crime” has been committed does not signal an end to the investigation of this matter, however. During the lengthy public commenting period at the Sept. 14 meeting, parents called on Walker-Shuman to resign or respond to the allegations.
The Council directed staff to explore contingency plans, including options for live streaming the event with enhanced virtual components, masking, and options to ensure the show goes on.
“I really respect people’s rights to decide not to vaccinate or not to vaccinate their children. The caveat, of course, to all of those arguments is the fact that you’re sending your kid to a public school,” Board Member Noah Margo said. “It’s not about you anymore. That’s the problem. It’s about everybody.”
“Many of these conspiracies are promoted within far-right extremist circles, but wider belief about Jewish complicity in the 9/11 attacks can be found in more mainstream spaces,” the report says.
Since that March meeting, residents of six street blocks in Beverly Hills have opted to have signs installed cautioning drivers to slow down to 15 mph as the streets have been opened for local residents to walk, cycle or even play a game of locals-only stickball. The latest Slow Street sign was installed on South Maple Drive the last week of August.
“To install bike lanes on San Vicente wouldn’t require any significant trade-offs with vehicle lanes or parking,” said Beverly Hills Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer at a Traffic and Parking Commission’s September meeting. “So, bike lanes can be installed as part of ongoing street maintenance.”
Under the program, street closure fees and meter revenue are also waived, with costs related to traffic circle equipment and staff time being absorbed by the city.
The Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden is open daily to the public, honoring the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon.
Walker-Shuman characterized Marcus’s call for an investigation as an overstep of her authority, saying that “she violated board policy by issuing a statement in her official capacity that was not agreed upon by the whole board.”
Planning Commission Chair Andy Licht and Commissioner Tom Hudnut agreed with Demeter on the importance of the climate plan. Hudnut said the 2045 deadline for carbon neutrality sounded “fairly relaxed” to him and asked if there was flexibility to possibly accelerate the time frame.
“It’s important to celebrate El Nido’s work throughout the pandemic and strengthen the road ahead for our families,” Chair of the Garden Gala and El Nido Board Member, Meredith Messer Fried, said. “El Nido has continued and expanded their vital services during this critical time. I believe this event will provide much needed funding for L.A.’s critical safety net and provide a healing and celebratory experience for guests and supporters who are finally able to come together.”
“For Beverly Hills, that shield shape is very powerful,” Josh Morgerman, co-founder of Symblaze, said. “People all over the LA Metro area and beyond, they know that shield as a Beverly Hills thing.”
With renovations underway at the swim gym and decades of exposure to chlorine, talk of potentially covering, restoring, or moving the celebrated mural has raised concerns in the community. With that, the Cultural Heritage Commission has come on to help find a viable solution for the piece.
Now in its 48th year, the Beverly Hills Art Show was reinvented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show took on a hybrid format in an effort to stay connected to the community and continue to offer the much-anticipated annual event that community members have come to expect and enjoy.
“I’m a hands-on learner, so this program completely called to me – it wasn’t just like, sit in on our meetings every Tuesday at 9 a.m.,” said Fred Dapp, a realtor and former member of the Next Beverly Hills Committee who attended in 2019.
“Given the known risks of modern wildfires and climate change, embracing the role of fire and a return to intentional transgenerational management is of critical importance,” the paper concludes.
“I think our goal is we want a wonderful holiday lighting evening,” Bosse said. “But the goal is to have a vibrant holiday experience from that day through the holidays.”
“I was contacted by the Department of Justice after they saw the allegations that were being made. And so, we’re going to encourage the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division to look into this matter,” Crump said.
Basquiat sold his first painting to Debbie Harry for $200 in 1981, but his paintings have sold for as much as $110 million in recent years.
“The project EIR closely examined our digital canvas and the analysis from credentialed experts confirms neighbors in the hills of Los Angeles will not experience any light trespass or glare,” Jake Stevens, the project’s spokesperson, told the Courier. Stevens additionally stressed that the signage would have sensors monitoring it 24/7 to ensure that it stayed within the proscribed limits.
With so much shuffling around, city residents may wonder who these commissioners are, what they do, and how to join their ranks.
“The City of Beverly Hills supports keeping the Hastain Trail as open space for the benefit of the public and environment,” the resolution reads.
“There’s a strong desire to do things socially together, and I think arts and culture are going to play a huge role in the economic recovery of Beverly Hills,” Rogers said.
Rubins also recommended requiring the appointment of at least one collector, gallerist, or graphics professional to the Commission.
“I actually think this will help our restaurants, it will help our businesses, because people will feel secure there, because people will know that it’s safer for them to be there than elsewhere, and it will also be safer for their employees as well,” he said.
“This is an important election,” Mayor Robert Wunderlich said. “Multiple ways that we can vote. So, everybody, please vote.”
“Permitting rooftop dining more widely creates flexibility for properties to create experiences that will attract businesses and visitors to Beverly Hills, and create an interesting environment to shop, eat, visit and work,” Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Johnson wrote in a June 21 letter read on Aug. 17.
“I plan to revitalize our small business community by addressing the challenges it now faces as a result of COVID, which permeate through pockets within our city and are reflected in the numerous empty storefronts throughout Beverly Hills.
“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.
Mui Ito said she had a “full-circle moment” after adorning her piano with a garden of succulent plants, which to her represent color, vitality, and resilience in a difficult time. She named the piano “Lola,” after the rosebud-shaped succulent variety that is her favorite.
The Municipal Employees Association of Beverly Hills Part-Time Unit has an MOU which expires on Oct. 8, 2021. The Aug. 17 meeting is the formal opportunity for the public to voice questions, concerns, and feedback to the City Council early in the negotiation process and prior to officially beginning the meet-and-confer process for a successor Memorandum of Understanding with the employee association.
Bregy underscored that the numbers are changing each day. “Just today alone, four or five new families came in to register,” he said. Last week, 41 new students registered.
Little comes to Beverly Vista with a decade of experience. He previously worked at Animo Westside Middle School, a charter school in the Green Dot Public Schools network, where he taught as a history teacher and spent five years as an Assistant Principal.
This popular, free outdoor entertainment series takes place every Thursday from now through Sept. 9, with two 45-minute musical sets at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
The report took stock of the impact of its Rent Stabilization Ordinance, which passed in 2017. Morales said the data showed that “the rent stabilization has helped keep rents down for those households who have longer tenure.”
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.
Manaster said he is considering reinstating the Budget Review Committee, a defunct commission of Council-appointed residents with business background who review the city’s budget.
These actions constitute two possible violations of the California Vehicle Code, according to Beverly Hills Police Department Acting Captain Max Subin.
“We are eager to see the written plan from the state,” BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy said in a statement to the Courier.
“I don’t think we need to start from scratch, but we do need to separate the process,” said Councilmember Julian Gold.
“Luanne Wells was among the longest-serving and most-dedicated members of The Wallis Board of Directors,” Rachel Fine, The Wallis’ Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, said.
“We are a small but mighty commission…our charge is to help protect the citizens from fraudulent charities,” Kraushaar said.
“This is an opportunity for us as a community to show how getting on a bicycle and using other modes of transportation is encouraged,” Councilmember Lester Friedman said, while suggesting sponsorships at the western Beverly Boulevard terminus.
“We have been so eager to perform for a live audience for two years now,” he told the Courier. “Without an audience, there’s no feedback, there’s no energy.”
The state also places a series of strict limits on which type of firearms can be purchased, and who is licensed to sell them.
The Beverly Hills Police Department supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.
“To facilitate the protection of these natural ecological, topographic, and aesthetic resources, the City has developed a method to identify ridgelines that may merit additional protection by evaluating their height, slope, topographic features, and potential for wildlife connectivity,” the proposed ordinance reads.
“No two historic building projects are the same,” said Clark’s Senior Vice President Marc Kersey in an email statement.
Zone 7 encompasses north of Wilshire, south of Santa Monica Boulevard and West of Doheny Drive. Anyone who lives or works in Zone 7 is invited to the Community Walk.
The Council selected the Courier over the two competitors due to the Courier’s superior circulation both in and around Beverly Hills, as well as estimated rates of readership and return (the number of customers who actually read the paper or return it).
The second “Wellness Wednesday” is planned for August 18, 2021 at 8 a.m. with a Pickleball Clinic at La Cienega Tennis Center located at 325 La Cienega Boulevard.
“I don’t always feel safe, and that’s part of the problem: that’s one of the reasons we need these protected bike lanes wherever we can,” Councilmember John Mirisch told the Courier after coming off a two-mile bike loop led by Mayor Robert Wunderlich. “Motor vehicular traffic is sometimes very fast.”
Bagheri faced three misdemeanor charges for holding assemblies without a valid permit on Nov. 28, 2020, Jan. 6 and Jan. 9, 2021. Each charge carried fines up to $3,500 or six months in jail.
“The report has many elements of an action plan, but I don’t think it really is a fully-fledged action plan,” Mayor Robert Wunderlich said at the end of the meeting.
Just in Case BH is a neighborhood-based emergency preparedness program proposed by Vice Mayor Lili Bosse.
“People are being killed, people are being prosecuted and ending up in jail for just speaking up,” Yisel Pupo, who is from Cuba but now lives in Los Angeles, told the Courier.
Unless the Council agrees to every part of the fractional ownership plan, it will not go forward. The developer has not yet submitted a fractional ownership plan, Wunderlich told the Courier.
“The Elf Tree looks very holiday decor and traditional, with a twist, which is what I think we’re trying to achieve this year with our holidays,” Bosse said.
“I think we need to plan very carefully for the coming of the subway, that’s going to be very important to the city,” Licht added.
Wunderlich laid out for the Courier some of his future plans on the important topic of government transparency.
“These grants are very important in providing vital services to our community’s most vulnerable members, including, but not limited to, our seniors, low-income residents, those experiencing food insecurity, and unhoused individuals,” Evans told the Courier.
“The rallies were a celebration of America, freedom and Donald Trump, who, as president, embodied classical American values and worked to root out the corruption that has plagued our government for far too long,” a Beverly Hills resident told the Courier.
On July 14, a dedication ceremony celebrated a new art pop-up featuring artist James Goldcrown at 455 N. Canon Drive.
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.
“A lot of the community members who live north of Sunset are getting notices that their insurance isn’t going to get renewed,” Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) Chief Gregory Barton said at the July 13 public meeting.
“Notably, the receipt—and apparently the ‘inventory’ from which it was allegedly precisely copied—describes neither the type nor the amount of coins seized,” the complaint says.
“The Planning Commission may wish to consider whether or not the regulations could help the restaurant sector recover from the negative impacts of the pandemic, while also providing additional spaces for guests to dine in a COVID-safe environment,” Senior Planner Cindy Gordon said during a June 23 presentation.
“During my first term, and certainly, as Mayor, the health and safety as well as the financial viability, of our community were of primary importance. While they remain so, I hope that with continued recovery, we can also devote our time and energy to other goals which are important to the future of the city.
“Due to continuing climate change impacts, these fuels are typically drier and more susceptible to ignition for a longer period of time throughout the year than in the past,” the report says.
On Sunday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the city of Beverly Hills is inviting cyclists to ride over to Roxbury Drive to test out a protected bike lane proposed to run southbound on Roxbury Drive, next to Roxbury Park.
“We also are having material delivered to us, as well as equipment,” Ximenez added. “We’re having ongoing concrete pours and those will be mostly daily from Wilshire Boulevard for the foreseeable future.”
“We’re featuring summer colors and a collage-based background that highlights the various icons that make Beverly Hills what it is,” Julie Wagner, President and CEO of the CVB, said of the summer campaign.
Buried under Loma Vista Drive, where all Toro’s construction has taken place so far, is a maze of electric, cable, and phone lines around which crews need to tiptoe.
Happy Birthday Ringo and all the best and brightest wishes! Thanks to you, our world is a better place!
As far back as 2005, with San Diego’s devastating 2003 Cedar Fire still fresh in the state’s memory, the city took extra precautions against wildfires.
Indeed, the Commission’s July 1 vote will not result in any immediate or concrete changes, and the full cost of the project, and who exactly will foot the bill (Metro will cover at least some of it), is far from determined.
Sharon R. Nazarian presided over the last Rotary Club of Beverly Hills meeting of her tenure as president on June 28. More than 140 people attended the in-person event, including (from left): Event organizers Jim Jahant, President-Elect Charles L Black III, Judie Fenton, Nazarian, JR Dzubak and immediate Past President Michael Lushing.
The Disaster Communications System (DCS) operates as an auxiliary communications system for the city “in situations where normal telephone, cellular, two-way radio, satellite or other communication links fail,” DCS volunteer Pamela Meadow said.
“They’re also more likely to have staff with specialized knowledge for conducting audits that require a high level of subject matter expertise, and in some cases, the cost per audit may be lower for external firms because the auditors are more experienced with the audit that has been outsourced to them,” she said.
“I think the way that these elves are going to be, in that they’re going to be glitter and the size, to me, makes it a little bit more out of the box,” Bosse said. “I’m always somebody that likes tradition. But I like tradition with a twist.”
Greystone Theatre is one of a number of initiatives the city is taking to enhance culture and community in an uncertain time.
“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.”
That is a 1928 Ahrens-Fox fire engine. That was built for the city of Beverly Hills back in 1928, so we’ve had that fire engine since it was brand new and in service for the city.
“For too many, 2020 wasn’t just about a deadly virus, it was about an epidemic of hate,” said Bonta, himself the state’s first Filipino-American attorney general.
Jason Pomeranc, founder and owner of SIXTY Hotels, attributed the problems in the past to an “operational control issue.”
“In looking at the accomplishments of the current team, I feel fortunate to work with individuals who not only value education but place student outcomes at the center of their decisions,” Johnson said in a statement released by the District.
“I really love these ideas and I love the closing of the street,” celebrated clothing designer, Johana Hernandez, said.
“This is a special treat to see the cars, hear the cars, and see the cars in motion,” Tour d’Elegance organizer Bruce Meyer told the Courier.
“EDD was clearly under-prepared for the type and magnitude of criminal attacks and the sheer quantity of claims,” said EDD Director Rita Saenz in a statement.
Bregy added,“By offering Live@BHUSD as well as the ILC, we were able to meet the needs and cover just about everybody,” Bregy added.
At the first “in person” Rotary Club of Beverly Hills meeting of 2021 this past Monday, June 23, at The Beverly Hills Hotel, Jeanie Buss, controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers
Gohari previously served as president of the RDC in 2017-2018 and most recently served as vice president.
This historic drive begins at 10 a.m on June 20. The parade route travels up San Vicente Boulevard and turns left (west) on Burton Way.
Despite the similarities to other recent robberies of luxury watches, Subin said there was no connection.
Khai McGhee, 18, appeared in federal court on June 11 and pleaded not guilty to three felonies related to the March armed robbery at Il Pastaio.
“I am very grateful to the Beverly Hills City Council and the City Manager for my promotion,” said Sterling.
The City of Beverly Hills will make its debut as a new member of “Make Music Day,” by hosting a number of activities:
“I don’t think we need to rely on the BHPD or Ambassadors to help us with a rogue vagrant when we can prevent the issue by simply keeping our doors locked for the safety of our staff and clients,” Riceberg told the Courier.
“When you drive in Beverly Hills and you look at the park, and there’s tents in the park, we have to look at that issue very seriously,” the former Olympian said in an interview with Fox LA.
“We’re trying to get everyone together so we can all work together in case there’s something that may need help,” she said.
“This has been a very long journey and the outcome is very exciting,” Alagem told the Courier.
“I really want to commend the people that worked on those and organized them,” Board President Rachelle Marcus said of the ceremonies.
The Beverly Hills Fire Department performed extinguisher training for the employees and residents at the Sunrise Senior Living Facility on May 20.
Hertz is a renowned thought leader, academic, and broadcaster.
Each graduate has been given four allocated seats.
The BHUSD letter seeks clarification from the Department of Education that “all facets of this Framework ultimately remain in local control to allow students to accelerate in their learning when multiple measures of data are used to ensure they are conceptually and developmentally ready.”
The Council then tackled whether the project was consistent with the city’s General Plan, which “provides guidance as to the elements which should be considered in the approval process in the city,” Councilmember Lester Friedman said. In order to proceed, the Council must find that the project adheres to the “goals and policies of the General Plan.”
The Council voted unanimously to allow destruction of a mural by well-known late muralist Terry Schoonhoven at 9242 Beverly Blvd.
“It would be odd and simply unfair to permit these uses across the street and not at Gardenhouse,” wrote Johnson.
“We’re a brand with purpose,” Gores told the Courier. “The purpose is to really give people confidence, make people feel good, and to live a more full life.”
One of the major aspects of the program is the division of the city into geographic zones, with each zone designed to be able to support itself during times of emergency or disaster.
“And we all owe a debt of gratitude to BHPD, who has worked tirelessly this year to keep us all safe and protected.”
After several years of development and community outreach, the Beverly Hills City Council has adopted the Complete Streets Plan which balances the needs of all the city’s road users such as bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and motorists.
“So, we will be looking to select a new consulting firm and we’ll have a committee of various stakeholders,” Chism said. “We’ll have board members, community members, staff, parents, students all involved in that in that decision so we can continue to move forward.”
The Sing for Hope Pianos will be displayed throughout parks and public spaces in Beverly Hills.
“What we didn’t know at the time was that our match was going to make or break the whole thing,” Maya Goldkorn, a junior at BHHS, told the Courier.
“There is a special bond that binds Israel and Los Angeles,” Newman told the crowd. “Hate-filled Hamas attack Jews indiscriminately in Israel, and hate-filled rioters attack Jews indiscriminately in Los Angeles. Two sides of the same coin. Anti-Zionism is antisemitism.”
A luxury hotel and condominium development that would reshape the City’s western Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica gateways.
Police made their first arrest in the evening of May 21 “at a residence outside the City of Los Angeles,” according to a statement, taking Pabon into custody with help from Los Angeles and Inland Empire teams from the United States Marshal Service taskforce.
“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.
In April, Berkett allegedly messaged the group that he would like the killing “to look like an accident, but robbery gone wrong may work better.
“There has been a lot of Jewish hate in the past few weeks,” rally-goer Jose Danon, 40, told the Courier. “I’m Israeli, so I think it’s important that I’m here to support my country.”
“This past year, regardless of the challenges that businesses had, we had one of our largest engagements. Not just local, but also worldwide,” she said, highlighting large growth on Instagram and Pinterest.
City officials are clearly pleased that legendary events are returning, albeit in a slightly different format.
An Oasis Theater Company, NewStages, is holding four online events in a series called “Secret Lives: stories, music and original writings by LGBTQ+ seniors.”
The three new recommended CAGF recipients include the Collins and Katz Family YMCA, OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center and Safe Parking LA.
The suspect is identified as Lawrence Lawson, 29 years old of Los Angeles, California. Lawson’s bail has been set at $1,000,000.
“The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is painful to witness,” said the Beverly Hills City Council. “After a peaceful period in recent years, lives are once again being lost in senseless violence emerging from a place of hate.”
“The approach to this Economic Sustainability Plan Update is not to overcorrect from the COVID-19 pandemic, but rather focus on economic strategies and actions that increase the City’s resiliency to market downturns and geopolitical risks and uncertainties,” the plan states.
This year’s National Merit Scholarship Program began in October 2019 when over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools took the PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial screen of program entrants.
Objection to the hiring of CWI was the topic of an impassioned plea during the meeting.
According to county records, Prowell is currently out on bond and will appear next in court on May 25 for a preliminary setting/resetting hearing. He was arraigned in court on May 4, where he pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Soon, McGhee, Powell, and a third suspect descended on Belhassen, who described the experience to the Courier in the immediate aftermath of the incident. “I just saw them walking down, then running towards me with a gun,” he said.
The reorganization has led to one “upgrade,” as Chavez put it, with Public Information Manager Keith Sterling becoming the Chief Communications Officer. The promotion comes with a $25,000 a year pay raise.
Voters will not cast ballots for attorney general until November 8, 2022. The Courier spoke with Hochman about his childhood in Beverly Hills, his career, and his hopes for California.
“As an educational farm, our goal is to really teach people about the benefits of eating food locally, growing food locally, growing in an environmentally sustainable way,” Levy told the Courier.
According to FBI Special Agent Matthew Moon, who leads the Bureau’s L.A. field office and participated in the press conference, the suspects are members of the Rollin’ 30s street gang.
On May 2, BHPD officers performed a traffic stop of a car driven by Prowell. In the course of the stop, police say they found the face mask in question and “other items located in the car connected him to residential burglaries” in Beverly Hills, according to a department statement. Officers also allege that the license plates of the vehicle were stolen.
“The Planning Commission is unable to recommend whether or not the development agreement is consistent with the general plan, because the commissioners hold the differing views regarding consistency with the general plan and were unable to reach a consensus.”
Klinko is a prolific fashion and celebrity photographer who has shot a panoply of modern luminaries and stars, including David Bowie, Billie Eilish, Kanye West, Britney Spears, and Beyoncé.
Over the years, Anne Douglas received countless recognitions of appreciation. One of the most meaningful was the Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service of a Private Citizen, which she received at the Kennedy Center in Washington in 2003.
The procession is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. and last one hour. Following the rally, the Tour d’Elegance will conclude with a brief presentation in front of City Hall honoring the top cars and drivers.
“I just want to make sure…that in funding these capital projects, we’re not going to short our general services and that we’re going to be able to provide services at the level that the community has come to expect,” Councilmember Julian Gold said.
“It has facilitated outdoor operations for many businesses throughout town,” Laura Biery, Marketing and Economic Sustainability Manager for the city, said of the OpenBH program. “It’s included expansions onto sidewalks, parking lots, and some of the favorites, on-street parklets.”
One of my goals was to have as many members engaged and involved in our club as possible so we launched several new groups and committees.
“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.
Fries pioneered the television movie genre at Metromedia Productions in the ‘70s (with over 30 movies for TV and nine television series) and then mastered with his own independent production and distribution company, Fries Entertainment.
“We all feel very similar that elder care is extremely important,” Nikki Vescovi told the Courier.
“So, let’s be clear, if you’re a bicyclist and you want to proceed through the tunnel, you have the ability to take your bike on the sidewalk and walk it through Merv Griffin way,” Nelson said, warning that bicyclists would be unsafe traveling through the tunnel.
“We are excited to showcase a few amazing Art Show artists in Master Class workshops,” said Brooke Putich, Art Show Coordinator and Arts & Culture Recreation Supervisor for the City of Beverly Hills.
On April 29 at 8:40 a.m., the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) reported a bicyclist was injured after being hit by a vehicle at Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive.
“Our Public Works Department puts in an enormous amount of effort to ensure we continue to deliver clean tap water so that our community as well as the environment remains healthy for the future,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Bob Wunderlich.
“Anytime anything like that happens, it’s a concern for us as a community and for our students and for their safety,” BHUSD Board of Education President, Rachelle Marcus, told the Courier.
“People are getting mixed messages and I think the sooner we can give a message to our community, the better,” Vice Mayor Lili Bosse said.
Chalikyan and Stepanyan are charged with one count of conspiracy and five hate crimes.
“We tried it. People love it. It is coming back to the City Council agenda very soon,” Mayor Robert Wunderlich promised.
Markowitz said that the group knocked on every door and spoke to every business in Zone 9 and found everyone receptive to the program.
To provide the most effective care, specialists throughout the hospital can collaborate with the Neurological Institute’s experts in nearly 20 subspecialties.
Upward Bound House provides families in crisis with short-term emergency shelter on the Westside and in South Los Angeles.
“Last night at our City Council meeting, we agreed to move forward with designs for a new outdoor siren-warning system for the City,” Mayor Robert Wunderlich, who also served on the project’s Ad-Hoc Committee, told the Courier.
“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.”
“We delivered with the Waldorf Astoria everything we promised and more. The financial return exceeded the city’s estimates,” Alagem told the Commission.
Staff sought advice from the Council on the level of screening for visitors to City Hall and the enforcement of face covering requirements.
“We received a call into our dispatch center around 8 p.m.,” said BHPD spokesperson Acting Captain Max Subin. “We used our K9 units to sweep the area to locate any suspicious device(s).”
“Adoption of the plan would be a commitment to the vision for transportation and further study, but any project that would significantly change the street would still need to go through a robust outreach process and come back to the City Council for approval,” explained Holzer.
“I am thrilled that the District and the Union were able to reach an MOU to return to full five days of instruction,” Board of Education President Rachelle Marcus, told the Courier.
The Maybourne will expand into Beverly Canon Gardens by temporarily removing some of the hedges and shrubs adjacent to the southern pedestrian walkway to allow for more outdoor dining.
In honor of Israel’s 73rd Independence Day, members of the City Council were joined by Consul General Dr. Hillel Newman as City Hall was illuminated in blue light.
The city recently launched JUST IN CASE BH, the neighborhood-based emergency preparedness and action program.
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
“Things are pretty good right now,” Joyce Partise, owner of Joyce Marie of Beverly Hills facial spa, told the Courier.
“The city recognized that they had a case with Spagnoli again that they just needed to put to rest,” said attorney Michael Carrillo,
The only child of Holocaust survivors, Bosse grew up on South Maple Drive and attended Beverly Vista, Beverly Hills High School and the University of Southern California.
“We need to honor that family that’s there,” said Commissioner Reiss.
“We definitely want the business district in this,” Vice Chair, Deborah Frank, said at the meeting. “We’re forming a committee and we’re going to specifically target underwriters for this entire event. That’s our goal. To support it with fundraising as we did for the Visions in Light: Windows on the Wallis.”
“The practice did not match the policy and we were just putting the house in order,” Margo told the Courier.
One Beverly Hills will offer two hours free public parking and promises to never close the park for private events at the hotel.
“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.”
The Metro D Line will have two stops in Beverly Hills: Wilshire/La Cienega, expected to be complete in 2024, and a Wilshire/Rodeo station in 2025.
A designated Slow Street will be equipped with signage to discourage speeding and cut-through traffic, allowing residents the chance to use more of the street space for outdoor activities like walking and cycling.
Under his leadership, El Rodeo achieved California Distinguished Schools Status prior to the reconfiguration.
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.
Despite the efforts, Allen did not leave the car. He only gave onlookers and officers an occasional glimpse of his face from behind a deflated side airbag that doubled as a curtain.
He spent the next 10 years as a scientist and chemical engineer before finding the work “increasingly specialized.”
“The government’s position is flatly wrong,” Gluck said.
“In the slightly modified lyrics of philosopher and rock star David Byrne, ‘And you may find yourself in a beautiful house with a beautiful life, and you may find yourself as mayor of a beautiful city, and you may ask yourself, well, how did I get here?’ The answer is, it takes community,” Wunderlich said in his inaugural address.
Advocates for Munoz alleged that the teen driver was not being charged because of the influence of his father, Beverly Hills resident and businessman James Khuri.
The initial term of office for the Architectural Commission is two years. At the discretion of the City Council, the Commissioners may be reappointed to a second term of four years. The appointees will be required to file an initial and an annual “Statement of Economic Interests” financial disclosure.
Auditions are open to professional musicians from age 16. Each candidate must be able to present a one-hour recital program without intermission.
One of five towering figure sculptures produced by Nechita, “Love Anatomy” depicts a stylized female figure in the artist’s signature neo-modernist manner.
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.
While nothing of that caliber is expected this year, Beverly Hills Spokesperson Keith Sterling still assured the Courier that the event would have “energy and personality.”
While the official court docket has yet to reflect the change in disposition, Shapiro said that “the terms are still being ironed out.” He expects the change to be formalized around May or June.
Mayor Friedman came to the City Council in 2017, having previously served on the Traffic and Parking Commission from 2011 to 2017. A lawyer by trade, he will remain on the City Council for another year before coming up for reelection. He has not announced whether he intends to run for a second term.
Each year, the Chamber, in partnership with the city, travels to New York City in the fall and San Francisco in the spring to scout new businesses to bring into Beverly Hills.
“What excited me is to be surrounded with people from different cultures and countries and hear what they’re doing and how they’ve survived this past year. I can hopefully bring back some new ideas,” said Bosse.
According to Luxury Hotel Advisors Co-Founder Carlos Lopes, industry analysts are predicting a return to peak pre-COVID-19 occupancy by 2023. Beverly Hills, however, has a slightly rosier forecast owing to its reputation and high-end offerings, Lopes said, estimating recovery by mid-2022.
Following a June 12 protest on a residential street by the activist group Black Future Project, known at the time as Occupy BLM, the city passed Urgency Ordinance No. 20-0-2813.
“We have opportunities to find what’s new, and what’s different, and what’s exciting and what’s unique,” Gold said at the March 18 meeting.
The FBI is leading the investigation, executing a federal search warrant at the business on March 22. Beyond that, the feds aren’t talking.
But let’s continue in this imaginary world. Let’s say that in this imaginary world, you have the thief that walks in with his calculator, starts taking things and adding them up.
During the Superintendent’s report portion of the meeting, Dr. Michael Bregy shared that updated health protocols include maintaining three feet of physical distance between student desks, and six feet of distance between staff and student desks.
The inspiration even extends to the logo for The Beverly Hills Estates, which features a cheery script reminiscent of the Beverly Hills Hotel’s emerald-green signage.
The BHUSD statement added, “It is always exciting to recognize our students’ accomplishments over the years, but throughout a pandemic it is quite outstanding to honor their work especially throughout these times.
“Over the last year, we have all realized more than ever how important our pets are to us,” Julie Wagner, CEO of BHCVB, said in a March 17 release.
“The community wanted design standard that made the streetscape feel a little more modern, a little more refreshed but still represent that classic and historic Beverly Hills vibe,” Holzer said at the meeting.
“Assuming many of the one-time measures we employed in this year’s budget to reduce expenditures are reversed going into next year, we’re forecasting an approximate deficit of $4.6 million for next year and just under a million dollars for the following year,” said Muir.
The Beverly Hilton recently completed a $35 million property-wide hotel renovation. The venerable main dining venue, Circa 55, is still under renovation. It will reopen in the next few months, said Murphy.
“The notion that a 17-year-old can hold up a mother and her 14-year-old daughter in one of our parking lots and be charged with pickpocketing, or the equivalent thereof, should offend every resident of this county. That’s effectively what the L.A. District Attorney has done,” Gold said.
“The CCTV (closed-circuit televisions used for surveillance) captured part of the shooting,” Albanese said.
“One of the things we focus on is the positive impact survivors have had on their own children and families. We discussed this internally and want to focus more on this. Our goal is to share the intergenerational impact of survivors and highlight second generations success stories,” Kean said.
“If drinking is part of your plans, plan on designating a sober driver and find a safe way home,” Beverly Hills Police Chief Dominick Rivetti said. “Don’t make poor choices and allow yourself to mix alcohol or drugs with driving.”
Movies will come home to the new museum. And they will do so in an immersive, dynamic format befitting a medium that has captured the world’s imagination since the latter part of the 19th century.
“Monique’s death is a giant loss for her family, our community and for all of us as Angelenos,” a representative for the D.A.’s office told the Courier.
As someone who spends her life training teachers, leading workshops for teens, and supporting parents, I know the pain and frustration that so many of you feel. And as we all sit here and reflect on the one-year anniversary of school closures, we’re all longing to find anything positive from the past year – what is that silver lining, if any.
“As I have indicated through some correspondence, we have allocations that are being provided to us for a vaccine for our employees through L.A. County,” Bregy said at the meeting.
“I think that if we can at least meet or exceed the state standards, we will be demonstrating good faith to HCD in our efforts to accommodate to the overriding purpose of the Rena allocation,” said Commissioner Thomas Hudnut.
“We haven’t produced any of our own city water since 2016,” Alpert said. “And so, these are major projects to get the city back in the water business so that we have water in case of an emergency.”
“They will be on foot and drive around in cars, providing high visibility,” he told the Courier. “The private armed security will be present through this weekend in this fashion. The security companies will be reevaluated as to the numbers of private armed security to provide safety and visibility to the Beverly Hills community.”
“Why does the government believe that there is no set of circumstances that would assure the safety of her community if we were to impose continued GPS monitoring?” he asked.
“The Beverly Hills Police Department officers were actively targeting the medics in this protest, and they wanted them stopped so that they couldn’t help or reach the injured protesters,” said lawyer Sara Azari.
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.
The application also requested approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for modified vehicle loading spaces and use of an off-site parking garage. Oakshire also sought approval of a Historic Incentive Permit (HIP) to allow use of a hotel that directly abuts a residential zone.
Visionary Women Co-Founder and Beverly Hills Councilperson Lili Bosse told the Courier, “Today’s summit was the quickest two hours I have ever experienced.
“It would include two phases within this phase one, phase 1A and phase 1B, which would require a full closure of North Gale for approximately four months out of those 20 months,” Rob Welch, project manager for the city, said during the meeting.
The first three recipients of Golden Shield recognition plaques include the site of the Dona Maria Rita Valdez de Villa Homestead, located at Sunset Boulevard and Alpine Drive; the original location of Lawry’s Restaurant on North La Cienega Boulevard; and the original Giorgio Beverly Hills Boutique, the first luxury boutique on Rodeo Drive.
“We are thrilled to be moving forward as a team together with our teachers, staff, students, and parents to reopen our schools,” Beverly Hills Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy told the Courier.
“I saw the guys wrestling. I thought it was just a drunken fight between friends or something. So I stood up, because I’m 6’ 4” and a giant, and I was walking over there to settle it down and then I hear one shot ring out,” he told the Courier.
“When I see that our denial rate was 77 percent and our approval rate was 23 percent, that really is devastating in terms of percentages,” said Councilmember Lili Bosse.
Traditionally, Metro does not bring on private sector partners until later in the process.
“THEBlvd Privé is part of the City’s OpenBH program that allows businesses to temporarily expand their services to adjacent outdoor areas such as sidewalks and parklets,” he said.
Last year the HRC added the homeless initiative to its charge. Since then, the Commission has implemented the homeless initiative into its monthly agenda. While the official homeless count this year was not conducted due to COVID-19, last year’s count was 16. According to James Latta, the city’s Human Services Administrator, two homeless people died in Beverly Hills over the last six months.
We can all agree our teacher’s safety is important, but as a physician myself, my life and the lives of all health workers are just as important. The lives of grocery store workers, police officers, firemen and all the other essential workers are as important. Yet we all have been working the past year for you and your families while our BHUSD teacher’s union is playing politics with our children’s education. The rest of the country and nation is getting back to school.
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.
“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.
UPDATE March 1: The Beverly Hills Unified School District (District) and the Beverly Hills Education Association (Association) have tentatively reached an agreement after mediation over the weekend. Pending the approval of District and Association leadership, elementary grades TK-2 will return on March 8 and grades 3-5 on March 9. Additional details will be posted as they are available.
“I can’t remember the last time that we saw that in the county, so that is very encouraging,” Janmohammed said.
One listener posed a hypothetical question about what would happen if they lost their job, but then received more money in unemployment benefits than they made at their former job. Would they qualify for eviction protections?
After serving the community for 37 with the USPS, neighbors thanked him and wished Thoressdale best of luck for the next chapter of his life.
“With The Foundation’s rich history and track record of support for Jewish causes locally, in Israel and around the world, as well as across the general community, its mission has never been more important than during these challenging times where need is greater than ever.
On Saturday, Feb. 20, the Beverly Hills Education Association (BHEA) voted to seek injunctive relief in connection with return to in-person learning dates announced by the BHUSD.
“I’m supporting this 1000 percent,” Councilmember Lili Bosse said. “When we have thriving restaurants, it helps the retail, it helps the offices.
“Philanthropic investments of this magnitude speak to the dedication of our Wallis Family members and the priority they give The Wallis as a cornerstone institution of our community and a bright hope for our future,” said Wallis Executive Director and CEO Rachel Fine in a statement.
“I am so pleased to congratulate Ryan on his new role,” said City Manager George Chavez.
When a student asked why he shares his painful story, he replied, “I try to keep the memory alive so the next generation knows what happened during the Holocaust and World War II.”
“When HBO moved from Santa Monica, they didn’t move to Beverly Hills,” Bergman said. He added that he expects major shifts in how Americans work in the wake of the pandemic, saying, “We’re going to see dramatic long term employment destruction.”
“I would urge the city council not to invite litigation, not to invite unnecessary expenditures and to enact an ordinance that is facially valid as opposed to one which is not facially valid,” Janice Barquist said.
The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) has thus far made great strides in preparing for a return to classrooms.
All residential streets will remain open; however, various streets will be posted with no-parking signs. For more information on the complete list of closures, please visit beverlyhills.org/goldenglobes.
“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.
The project is funded by a grant from the Southern California Association of Governments and is part of a larger Pedestrian and Bicycle Awareness Campaign.
“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 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.
Despite the current restrictions, there have been crowds on Canon Drive and customers waiting online at many of the popular standbys. It’s clear that people want to be out experiencing a change of scenery and mingling a little with the community. Here are some options, from casual outings to date night dressy.
“I wanted to do a public request for the body cam of a particular officer, I have the dates and times,” he tells Fair in the video.
“I’m also super proud to be part of the Burton Way Median project. I think it parallels so much of the messaging of this piece. We kind of assign this idea of love to people and to humans, but really, that’s exactly a fraction of it. And that’s what the sculpture represents. Love for your space, love for your city and love for your community. It’s greater and bigger than just love shared between two people.”
“I don’t see anything in your list of evaluation criteria that talks about how this is going to destroy the farmers market, a farmers market that many of us use every single week,” said Janice Barquist, echoing the concern of others in the meeting.
“Part of the problem is that, right now, there is a narrative created by Sacramento. [California Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)] is always invoking Beverly Hills: We’re the bad guys, we’re why there’s no housing,” said Councilmember John Mirisch.
“There is unanimity in terms of the request for the tents,” Mayor Lester Friedman said. “In terms of the waiver of the fees, I think there’s unanimity on that issue.
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.
When it became clear last year that fashion weeks would not go on as usual, global brands vied to outdo each other virtually. None incorporated as imaginative a means as Louis Vuitton Artistic Director Virgil Abloh.
“Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence,” the bulletin reads.
“The magistrate here in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon set bond for Bisignano, which we objected to on behalf of our colleagues in the District of Columbia,” United States Attorney’s Office Director of Media Relations Thom Mrozek previously told the Courier.
“During an unprecedented year, BHHS female students have demonstrated perseverance and dedication in their study of AP Computer Science,” said Dustin Seemann, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services.
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.
“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.
“I’m not going to argue the case and take your time on it, but I think, Council, you’re making a big mistake here,” said Attorney Benjamin Reznik, who represented the applicant. Reznik pushed back against the urgency ordinance, describing it as “illegal” because “there is no immediate threat to the public welfare.”
The Louis Vuitton Men’s Temporary Residency most recently took shape at Miami’s Design District. Described as nothing short of “magic” by the local press, the activation utilized customized shipping containers, oversized inflatables and interactive QR codes.
“We are, of course, ecstatic,” Barbara Lazaroff, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of SPAGO Beverly Hills told the Courier.
“I think if we continue to decrease, you might hit that number in like two to three weeks,” Ferrer said. “We dropped pretty significantly just in one week. I think we were at 75 cases per 100,000 like a week ago. And I think now we’re 45 — these are adjusted rates that the state uses.”
All five council members indicated support for placing the initiative on the ballot, though some had mixed feelings about the efficacy of term limits in the first place.
“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.”
As part of the Federal government’s Coronavirus Guidance for America, transportation infrastructure is considered an “Essential Critical Infrastructure.”
“What ends up happening is that we have to piece together blood deliveries from different sources,” Romero said.
“Just as Americans responded to the attack on 9/11 with a determination to defeat jihadist terrorism, we must now respond to the attack on 1/6 with a determination to defeat far-right extremism and domestic terrorism.”
“We documented 524 hate crimes in L.A. County in 2019, only one more than the previous year,” Wong said. “Hate crimes in L.A. County hit a low in 2013, and since they have been slowly rising and has increased 36 percent, which is cause for concern.”
“Later that evening, prosecutors in D.C. obtained a stay and a detention order from a judge in D.C.”
“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.
“When we bought our home in 2016, we were aware we were buying in a busy and developing neighborhood, but we expected the city of Beverly Hills to uphold existing building and code regulations,” one resident who lives by the site wrote to the commission.
“It’s not about political consultants and political action committees,” Economy said. “It’s just about people organizing who are passionately against a candidate.”
“As Inauguration Day approaches and with the potential of increased protest activity across the country, the city is working to ensure your safety.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive the Fred Cunningham Award,” said Barton. “If you do something you like to do, you’ll never work a day in your life. That is so true, I have a dream job as a firefighter and on top of that, I work for the dream community of Beverly Hills. Thank you all.”
“The way the auditors wrote the report was sometimes out of context,” Wagner told the Courier.
“This exciting pop-up will add to the visual allure of the street and draw new visitors,” said RDC President Nicola Cagliata, in a letter of support.
“It took a little while,” Barton added. “It was a large home.
“I was caught up, I was scared, I was excited,” Bisignano told the Courier.
“We’re at a time and place where, as you can imagine, the news report is not great news, but I don’t think it is necessarily unexpected news,” Director of Finance Jeff Muir primed the Council at the Study Session.
Abrahams’ painting chosen by the AP Art and Design Board is titled “Adam and Eve,” inspired by the creation narrative in the Book of Genesis.
Community goodwill also took center stage the first weekend of 2021.
“Supervisor Kuehl has been and will continue to be a champion of progress on the Board of Supervisors. Her impact has been profound and her legacy as a State Legislator and Supervisor will bring benefits long into the future,” Bloom said.
“This thread is so embarrassing to the human race,” tweeted director Judd Appatow, sharing the thread of videos compiled by the Courier.
“We had hoped that we could continue our takeout and delivery service so that we could provide the community with the food that has been a part of our lives for years. However, our number one priority is to keep our customers and our staff safe and secure during this time of uncertainty.”
As Gohlich notes, “[Robinsons-May] was truly a world class department store and contributed in a significant way to the city and its development at that time.”
“In order for this to move forward, we need to hear from the other blocks and also make sure with the traffic division that we can provide for this to work in way that we are not creating more impacts,” Bosse said.
“If a cluster is identified at a worksite, the Department of Public Health will initiate a cluster response which includes providing infection control guidance and recommendations, technical support and site-specific control measures,” Public Health guidelines state.
“Due to the on-scene investigation and immediate crime follow up, we believe the arrest [on Dec. 27] is connected to the Saint Laurent crime earlier in the week,” BHPD Spokesperson Lt. Max Subin told the Courier.
Singer Justin Bieber has been practicing for a New Year’s Eve performance in front of the Beverly Hilton Hotel. “T-Mobile Presents: NYE Live with Justin Bieber” will stream live this evening at 7:15 p.m. PST and re-air twice on New Year’s Day.
During the closures, no vehicle access will be permitted on Constellation Boulevard west of Avenue of the Stars up to Solar Way. Local access west of Solar Way will be maintained. Driveways into Westfield Mall and Constellation Place will remain accessible.
“We are considering taking reservations for New Year’s Eve Dinner. Inside,” the note read. “Please keep this discreet, but tell your friends.”
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.
“This week begins an important new chapter in our ongoing effort to promote and protect public health,” said Mayor Lester Friedman. “It was over 30 years ago that Beverly Hills became the first City in California to prohibit smoking inside restaurants.” “Since then, we have continued to implement policies that will ultimately save lives. Thank you to all who worked to bring us to this extraordinary day.”
“I think it will be [a big year], especially because you have the culmination of big policy projects, in terms of the housing element and mixed use,” Assistant Director of Community Development Ryan Gohlich told the Courier. “Mixed use is done from a zoning standpoint, but we still have to see what projects result from it.”
In the early months of 2020, artists unveiled public murals, candidates sparred spiritedly, and busloads of tourists posed for photos beside the palm trees of Beverly Hills.
To begin with, we’d like to thank the many people who have been supportive of us for almost 65 years. You have believed in us and have continuously supported us through COVID-19 and now through this. Your messages of support have been received and appreciated more than you know.
“During these trying times, we were delighted to work in partnership with our community groups to bring a little bit of joy and excitement to the lives of innocent children who are less fortunate.
“The proposed ordinance is necessary in order to assist in protecting essential workers and customers from the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19,” reads a staff report compiled for the Dec. 21 Regular Meeting.
“It is possible that [the Department of Housing and Community Development] could view such an ordinance negatively, which could impact the City’s ability to achieve a certified housing element.
“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.
“We’re a partner with these hotels,” Councilmember Lili Bosse said. “They’ve been a tremendous asset to us with TOT funding in the years past, and this year, things are really challenging. We need to be a partner with them, as well.”
“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.
Elementary students will transition back to physical school five days per week for instruction in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
The BHPD can view what local residents have posted publicly to Neighbors and can now chime in with relevant updates or safety alerts.
“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.
“Top real estate industry professionals now have an opportunity to capitalize on the immense global reach of Forbes in the creation of an impactful luxury marketplace, which is owned and led by brokerages,” Bonnie Stone Sellers, who serves as Chair, said in a statement.
“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.
In the complaint, the officers allege that “racial animus was a motivation for Chief Spagnoli’s decision to ‘merge’ the Parking Enforcement Division within the Police Department.” The complaint also details a number of interactions with Spagnoli that the Black officers felt indicated a discomfort or “animus” toward Black people.
“Reserves are important for a healthy fund and we really do look at the enterprise funds as though they were their own business,” said Councilmember Julian Gold.
“I think that we have certainly shown that health is a priority in terms of leadership and the choices that we’ve made as a City,” Bosse said. “So, for me, I believe this is the absolute next step in taking our City to that place.”
“It’s really not a safe thing to do. You can’t go door to door,” Darian Bojeaux told the Courier.
“We recognize the need for affordable housing,” said Councilmember John Mirisch. “Here, we have an extremely unique opportunity.”
“Our ordinance is, if you don’t have a face covering, not if you’re not wearing it—you see the difference? If you have one in your pocket, you’re free to go,” the Ranger says.
“I never expected such mass participation during the pilot ranging from high schoolers all the way up to individuals in their 70s,” said Bradley Cook, chair of the Next Beverly Hills Coding Bootcamp.
Outside the City, numerous light displays can be enjoyed from the safety and comfort of your vehicle or in socially-distanced walking settings. Here are some highlights:
The last round of funding grants was awarded to 19 organizations that provide services to seniors, homeless, cover physical and mental health, culture and more.
“Effective November 20, there were COVID orders, as you’re very well aware of, that identified a curfew for restaurants and other non-essential retail establishments to be between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., with restaurants allowing for pickup and delivery after 10 p.m.,” said Engineering Manager Robert Welch, who presented the adjusted hours to the Council on Dec. 1.
Starting Dec. 3 at midnight, Los Angeles County will begin accepting applications for $30,000 grants to small restaurant owners struggling to make ends meet during a pandemic that has now shut down outdoor dining.
“If we don’t act now, our hospital system will be overwhelmed,” Newsom said.
“In analyzing information provided in September 2020 by Freddie Mac and the Embarcadero Institute, it is clear HCD’s determination of the overall housing shortage in California is flawed,” the letter, written by City Manager George Chavez, says.
“I wanted to share as of this morning, there are no oil derricks on the high school property,” Donald Blake, senior executive bond program manager said. “That is a milestone, and I cannot tell you how happy we are.”
“Just in Case BH” is a recently launched, neighborhood-based emergency preparedness and action program.
“The District Attorney’s Office has been aware of the extraordinary impact that this offense had on Nessah Synagogue and its congregation, and on the community at large, since its commission,” Head Deputy D.A. Steven Katz told the Courier.
The County modified its Health Order to allow only delivery, drive-thru services and takeout at restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries for a minimum of three weeks beginning at 10 p.m. Nov. 25.
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.
“Early on in the COVID crisis we recognized, as did this commission, that we were going to have a number of people that were going to be what we call food insecure and we wanted to try as a city to address that need the best way that we know how,” said Director of Community Services Jenny Rogers, speaking on behalf of the honored staff.
“We have no time to lose when it comes to our national security and foreign policy,” Biden said in a statement.
“I have never experienced the kind of pushback I am hearing,” Hahn said of the in-person dining ban. “The public doesn’t think that that recommendation is right, and they don’t think it’s going to work, and they are really losing faith and trust in the decisions that we’re making.”
“These gatherings definitely restrict the ability of others in the community to enjoy Beverly Gardens Park for other public uses, including recreation,” said City Attorney Laurence Weiner.
The Draft Complete Streets Plan is a mobility policy plan that includes a comprehensive analysis of pedestrian, bicycle, street networks, and emerging transportation modes and technologies.
“We are deeply saddened that the city staff did not reach out to us before bringing this item back before council without updated data figures,” Tim Harder, senior manager for government partnerships for Bird, said in a written comment.
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.
The City of Beverly Hills and Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts have teamed up with TZ Projects to launch “Visions in Light: Windows on The Wallis.”
I send peace and love to everyone having a hard time or feeling lonely. It is a tough time, but we all have to get through this together.
“I support the settlement agreement,” said Vice Mayor Robert Wunderlich. “I do think it provides benefits for both the City and Metro.”
The demonstration project aims to illustrate the potential for pedestrian amenities that could be expanded in other parts of the City. The project will remain in place for at least six months.
“However, and it’s not a popular thing to say. But it certainly would not be my recommendation to bring back these students in December, right before winter break,” said Bregy at the Nov. 10 meeting.
“I feel somewhat responsible for us being here, because it was three years ago that I stood on the corner of Reeves and Wilshire as the cars whizzed by and basically said, how are visitors going to get from this side of the street to that? There is no stoplight, there is no crosswalk, there is no parking, there is no off-street loading and no security or bathrooms,” Savenick said.
“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.
“It’s a form of corporate welfare and it’s a developer giveaway—there’s just no other way to put it,” he said.
Two out of the 15 precincts in the City supported President Trump’s reelection.
The show is part of the Embrace & Celebrate Culture initiative, a new Citywide inter-Commission collaboration to celebrate diversity and create a greater culture of inclusion, equity and belonging in the City of Beverly Hills.
“In a City where demands are high for new projects and services, this would assist departments in being able to enter into these contracts more quickly, but with the same level of compliance required on an annual basis for obtaining quotes/formal bids, respectively based on the annual purchasing thresholds,” it reads.
“We’re building a house on Alta Drive, but while it is under construction, we wanted to keep the festivities going,” Flagg told the Courier.
“Proposition 15 will raise taxes on commercial properties, undoing the protections of Proposition 13 and leading to higher costs for all businesses, including small businesses,” the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce (BHCC) stated in its endorsement. Prop. 15 is currently narrowly losing, with nearly 52 percent of voters casting “no” ballots.
Early on, she became part of the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild, which honored comedians, actors and singers and raised funds for struggling playwrights.
At the outset of the discussion, Commission Chair Lou Milkowski described the subject as “a real meat-on-the-bone type of legislation for us to look at.”
“The hiring of Santa Paula PD, the hiring of the security guards, wasn’t on a whim,” he said. “It was months of planning.”
Still, he added, “Even after it all happened, we don’t hate anybody.”
Trailing slightly behind Stern, Tryfman came in at 16.82 percent of the vote, with 4,343 ballots cast in her favor.
Given the ongoing pandemic, the Jewish Club implemented strict social distancing measures and mandatory face coverings at the memorial.
The Metro K-Rail work zone within the center lanes of the Wilshire Boulevard/San Vicente Boulevard intersection is expected to continue through the month of December
“At many of these gatherings, people were together without distancing or wearing face coverings, often inside, and unfortunately, at times they were transmitting COVID-19 to other people,” said a statement this week from Public Health.
“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.
“These are trying times, and now more than ever, it is important that we are at the forefront of traffic safety.
According to Barton, the fire was extinguished in 20 minutes.
“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t get many calls regarding mask wearing,” said Councilmember Lili Bosse at the Oct. 27 Study Session.
“My instinct is, and I’ve talked to an awful lot of people about this, and they’re nervous,” Councilmember Dr. Julian Gold said.
“It’s the same findings and same discretionary review process that any commercial building or multifamily building is subjected to,” Gohlich said.
“The state requires 50 percent diversion,” she explained. “We’ve had 60 percent diversion for a number of years, sometimes higher.”
“We have been living the realities of this pandemic for eight months, and these times have been full of loss and difficulties.
“If there was merit in this lawsuit or if it was being offered sincerely, it would have been filed at some point prior to today.”
“We have the One Beverly Hills project, which is a combination of the old Wanda Robinson May project and the Beverly Hilton project, which is now one combined piece of property that is going to be developed,” said Friedman.
The City will start implementing the security measures on Oct. 31.
“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.
Arts & Culture Commissioner Deborah Frank pointed out the groundbreaking nature of the new collaboration.
While BHUSD is not able to bring back the student body in its entirety yet, the 77-page “Ready Together” reopening plan provides a thorough blueprint for all on how to safely return to—and stay in—the physical classroom.
The Courier asked the seven candidates vying for one of three open seats to describe how each would address some of the biggest challenges the District faces.
“Thomas embodies exactly what this award is about,” said Human Relations Commission Chair Ori Blumenfeld.
“As you know, the challenges facing the City and this department over the last year have greatly increased,” said Chief Rivetti, justifying the overhires
“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.
“The number of housing units would be based on the site area of the project, and the height is based on the neighboring properties maximum height,” she said.
“For example, an ‘unrealistically high’ RHNA allocation based on market trends and lack of vacant land is not considered to be legitimate grounds for appeal,” the Staff Report reads.
To add more intrigue, the trail was specifically selected by producer, director and actress Amber Benson, known for her portrayal of Tara Maclay on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Under the CPA bill credit program, residential customers are entitled to a one-time $25 bill credit when they sign up for certain statewide programs.
Hoogveld created the mural this week in approximately five days.
“Once a voter enters the Vote Center, the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder staff manages the voting experience which would include the enforcement of social distancing and face covering requirements inside the Vote Center,” City Clerk Huma Ahmed told the Courier.
The Beverly Hills Courier is excited to share the first in a series of videos meant to show all that Beverly Hills has to offer.
“We are trying to survive but we only have room for seven tables outside,” owner Saeyoung (aka Sara) told the Courier.
“Twenty-five years is a long time,” Ghez said of her career.
During the upcoming Virtual Design Charrette, the project team will share ideas for the streetscape plan, design standards, and proposed Mobility Hub at Wilshire/North Gale.
Gascon said that qualified immunity was primarily a federal issue, “however, I believe that state law can definitely provide relief.”
“The beloved Beverly Hills Art Show is a community favorite that has drawn crowds of 40,000 over the two-day weekend, pre-COVID-19.
Much of Beverly Hills has forgotten about the virus, but the virus hasn’t forgotten about us.”
The City has contracted with Lindmark Engineering to peer review the draft plan and submit comments to the DTSC on its behalf.
“Our 26th Annual Gala Celebration was our most successful gala to date,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges.
This year’s winner is Courier Publisher John Bendheim. “John Bendheim is a staple in the community of Beverly Hills, both personally and professionally.
“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.
“For voluntary service, I did a few things. I tutored through one of Beverly Hills’ After-School Programs.
“We are honored to host this debate in the most-watched district attorney election in the nation,” said Adam Siegler, who will begin his term as BHBA’s President on Oct. 1.
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.
“If you are a fan of fashion and appreciate glamour, this allows you to dream and be anywhere you want to be,” she said.
“The three choices for the North portal, none of them solve any of those problems,” he said.
“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.”
The density “bonus” and other concessions that a developer receives depend on certain factors. Those factors include the percentage of affordable housing units in a project and the level of affordability of those units.
The Courier’s Fall Fashion Style Magazine features exclusive interviews and fashion previews, trends from the (virtual) N.Y. runways, insights from L.A.’s hottest stylists and more.
The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) continues to make arrests connected to California Employment Development Department (EDD) fraud.
Red Carpets, press junkets, award shows and production schedules have all changed. But, fashion abides. The Courier spoke to two of the town’s hottest stylists about trends, predictions and adapting to the new normal.
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.
The pandemic has curtailed indoor religious services, leaving so many wondering how to pray, hear the shofar and come together during the Jewish High Holy Days.
As COVID-19 has reshaped our relationship with public spaces, it has also added challenges for those tasked with maintaining those spaces.
A joint statement released on Sept. 23 by the City of Beverly Hills and “Nate ‘n Al’s Then and Now” announced that the iconic Beverly Hills delicatessen, Nate ‘n Al’s, will remain open at its current location at 414 North Beverly Drive.
Since sundown on Sept. 18, Jews around the world began observing their holiest days on the calendar in the strange, virtual format of the era of COVID-19.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the EDD has paid out more than $81.8 billion in unemployment benefits since March.
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 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.
For Liza Raffi, a Persian-Jewish graduate of Beverly Hills High School who addressed the Regular Meeting via video, the statements by police were “callous and disingenuous.”
Citing unintended consequences and increasing crime statistics, Prop. 20 advocates say it is time to amend those laws.
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.
“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.”
“It’s not so much the assets,” Councilmember Dr. Julian Gold clarified, “it’s the amount of income the assets generate on a monthly basis.”
Police Chief Dominick Rivetti described additional details to the Courier about the methods used by the scammers.
If smokey mezcal margaritas are on your mind, and you like the idea of cocktails that give back, Madre Oaxacan & Mezcaleria (with three locations in L.A., including West Hollywood), will be in residence at Terra every Thursday in September. The rooftop lounge at Eataly Westfield Century City, is serving three of Madre’s most popular cocktails to go along with the restaurant’s Italian fare from 5-9 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from each drink sold will be donated to Restaurants Care, which provides financial relief to restaurant workers all across California.
While census data collection was originally scheduled to end on Aug. 15, Congress granted the Census Bureau an extension until Oct. 31 given the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. But the census found itself the subject of controversy yet again when the Bureau announced it would cease operations at the end of September, citing the Dec. 31 deadline to send the final count to Congress.
In the Sept. 9 hearing, the commission adjudicated its second tenant-landlord dispute, a contentious case involving a tenant in a luxury penthouse apartment on Roxbury Drive. In that case, the tenant, a producer, claimed that her income had been substantially impacted by the shutdown of the film and TV industry.
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.
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 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.
“While we really can’t say for sure what our situation will be in November, we have no choice but to plan based on information we have today,” said City Clerk Huma Ahmed.
Michelin-star Chef Brendan Collins of Fia in Santa Monica has gone back to his British roots with Market Tavern at the Original Farmers Market.
“We are delighted to be able to offer at no charge an abundance of fresh, healthy produce for all Beverly Hills children!
“Clippers coach and basketball legend Doc Rivers said, ‘We’ve got to do better, but we’ve got to demand better,’” Mirisch said.
“The report found that generally rent is escalated and assessed as required,” the audit stated.
“We have always had a very good turnout for dineL.A. We really like it. We have a special menu for dineL.A. and a special menu on top of that one,” said Vericella.
“Cell phone use by pedestrians does not appear to be disproportionately contributing to fatal pedestrian crashes,” the report stated.
“Holocaust Museum Los Angeles is a subtle, simple and powerful way of pivoting from being Los Angeles-centric to Holocaust education for the city to additionally expand to the rest of the the world,” said Beth Kean, CEO, Holocaust Museum LA.
City officials told the Courier that since next year is the 20th anniversary of the attacks, the ceremony is expected to be larger in scale.
“We saw that our furniture outside our bedroom was broken and overturned,” the neighbor wrote in the police report.
Along with the “Trump 2020” flags, rally-goers also brought a Confederate flag and a “Three Percenter” flag. The Southern Poverty Law Center classifies Three Percenters as an “anti-government” group.
“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.
The original plans included two stations in Beverly Hills on Wilshire/La Cienega and Wilshire/Rodeo.
“L.A. Metro has a moral obligation to pursue a fareless system and help our region recover from both a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and the devastating effects of the lack of affordability in the region,” Metro CEO Phillip Washington said.
“They blocked both sides of the streets with cars, they were blocking some of my neighbor’s driveways,” she told the Courier.
“I’m so excited for you to meet your teachers and see what they have planned for you,” Bregy said.
“I have been harassed and pressured for weeks by my fellow students because they opposed one of my identities,” Ritch wrote in a letter announcing her resignation.
“This is the context in which we developed the CIP, recognizing this shortage of funds for the next year,” said Harrison.
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.
“We’ve been working on opening this location for about a year,” Holly Ohanessian, director of retail told the Courier.
Amenities such as landscaping, lighting, public art, sidewalk furniture, bus shelters and more are all part of the mix.
Beverly Hills High School student Alana Morgan was crowned Miss California Teen USA on Aug. 9.
The Courier spoke to the seven candidates vying for one of three open seats on the BHUSD Board of Education. Here is what they had to say.
“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.
“We then called in the Los Angeles Police Department to safely stop the vehicle and the chase ensued at that point,” Subin said.
“How is it clean for a manicurist to sit on a piece of cardboard on pavement giving someone a pedicure or cut hair in an alleyway?” Joyce Marie, owner of facial spa Joyce Marie of Beverly Hills told the Courier.
“I want the freedom to accept or reject vaccination for myself and my minor children,” said the handout. “The state or federal government cannot force me or my minor children to be vaccinated without my express permission.”
The motion takes aim at loopholes in the current regulations around short-term rentals that allow renters to turn the properties into ad hoc nightclubs. Short-term rental and home-sharing services through sites like Craigslist and Airbnb often find themselves linked to the parties.
Philanthropist Wendy Goldberg, told the Courier that Christy “had one of the brightest, clearest minds of anybody I’ve ever known.
“We’ve had interest from every continent except Antarctica,” he said. “We’ve had private equity companies, real estate investment funds, real estate investment management companies, high net worth individuals and corporations [with] funds to invest.”
“All around, it sounds like a high-risk experience for those who were there, and, frankly, for the loved ones they go home to,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly at a briefing Aug. 4.
In an Aug. 1 statement, BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy emphasized that the ultimate goal remains to return to the classroom safely.
In collaboration with Nocking Point Wines, Malin also launched Getaway Rosé on Aug. 1, an all-day wine for summer picnics, relaxing poolside, or simply dreaming of your next getaway.
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.
“This is not rent forgiveness, we encourage people to pay what they can,” clarified Councilman John Mirisch.
During this time, the troop will welcome new members for the 2020/21 school year.
Construction continues at the future Wilshire/Rodeo station, but design plans are not yet finalized.
“Is there a number that would be considered to be an appropriate number of cameras for a community of our size?” Councilperson Dr. Julian Gold asked Hunt-Coffey. “What are we headed for?”
Actress Melody Thomas Scott’s “Always Young and Restless” describes her more than four decades starring in the popular daytime drama, “The Young and the Restless.”
“I do want to touch on the unique obstacles that are going to be the hardest for the middle school to think through,” Think Tank member Frank Chechel noted.
“I think we were cited because we had our spacing correct with the tables, but one of our guests moved his chair a little bit to a certain side where instead of being six feet apart, it was five feet eight inches or whatnot,” he added.
“Some people don’t understand that when you do get close, a chin mask is not effective,” stated Health and Safety Commissioner Lee Hilborne at this week’s meeting.
As part of the interaction, individuals are informed what services are available when they’re ready for assistance, such as food, shelter, a shower, mental health services, physical health services and benefits.
In addition to “Concerts on Canon,” a new performance series is emanating from the recently restored 1928 historic Greystone Theatre at Greystone Mansion & Gardens.
At the Kids’ Yoga Retreat at Roxbury Park, Mary Montague led 15 students in small pod classes. Activities included yoga flows and poses, Pilates exercises, meditation and mindfulness tools, such as nature walks where they observed with their five senses.
Events and galas are virtual these days. Zoom calls have replaced the morning meeting. Home learning is the new norm. For these reasons — now more than ever — the Courier is proud to connect our readers to the community, to neighboring areas and to each other.
In another grim milestone, California surpassed New York this week as the state with the highest number of confirmed infections.
“All persons shall wear face coverings when they leave their homes or places of residence if that person has potential to come within six feet of another person not a member of their household,” wrote Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman in a reminder email sent out on Friday. Face coverings must also be worn by all employees at businesses and restaurants in the City.
“Due to greater than expected costs of prosecuting municipal code violations in Fiscal Year 2019/2020, primarily as a result of civil cases regarding party houses, AIRBNB-type rentals, unlicensed drug rehabilitation facilities, and lobbyist prosecutions, a change purchase order is required,” states the July 21 staff report, which was authored by City Attorney Larry Weiner.
One such worker had been a bellman for 23 years before being terminated and losing his health insurance.
“The program has received positive feedback from the business community and residents alike,” states the July 21 staff report, which was authored by Marketing and Economic Sustainability Manager Laura Biery and Special Events and Filming Coordinator Magdalena Davis.
Nomination forms are available at www.beverlyhills.org/embracecivilityaward. Hard copies of the downloaded form may also be submitted by mail. All nominations must be received by September 4, 2020.
“We are starting this week with our think tank,” Bregy told the Board. “We’re actually in our facilities looking to see what it’s like for our students to walk from a drop off area, into the main school area and into our classrooms.” He noted that even returning in a smaller environment under the hybrid model, many challenges lie ahead in monitoring how students physically move throughout the school.
“From a standpoint of meeting the requirements as they are spelled out in the Urgency Ordinance, they did comply,” said Alkire of the BHCO presentation.
“The City tightly regulates individual election contributions to eliminate the role of money in local politics. This proposal would serve that purpose,” Mark Elliot wrote in a letter to the City Council concerning the agenda item.
“We all know the really hard work gets done at the commissions,” Mayor Friedman told commission chairs at the July 13 meeting in anticipation of listening to the reports.
Friedman said the City was pleased to continue its strong partnership with BHUSD.
“It should be noted that the maximum sales tax rate increase in Beverly Hills could decline in future years below the 3/4 cents currently available due to other future county sales tax measures,” Owens warned the City Council.
“We are thrilled to welcome these six remarkable leaders to our board of trustees,” said Ron Meyer, board chair and vice chairman of NBCUniversal.
“People view it as one neighborhood,” described Los Angeles resident Cheri Lewis, who has lived two blocks from Roxbury Park since 2004.
Directed by Joel Zwick, Felder’s dramatic journey into the great German composer’s life will include a bounty of music by Ludwig van Beethoven, including excerpts from “Moonlight Sonata.”
Maximizing cost-savings opportunities is primary for the Council right now, particularly given that its new operating budget represents a decrease of $30.3 million from the previous fiscal year.
Beverly Hills Land Company has assembled a highly accomplished team to transform this site, helmed by the world-renowned architectural firm Gensler.
Goldberg later moved his lawsuit to federal court, after adding claims for violations of his Constitutional rights.
When asked by the Courier if she thought her friend was motivated by hate, Nabila Bee responded, “Not at all! He is the most loving, accepting person.” Another friend, Pittsburg-based photographer Alyssa Maurer, echoed Bee, saying, “He is openly gay and would never commit a crime that devalues the beliefs of others.”
“The reason we’re here today is that we are asking for the District to take the majority of the parents seriously,” a parent of two children in the BHUSD told the Courier. “Over 54 percent of parents want the schools to open with clear CDC guidelines. Of course, safety first which was all decided, planned and discussed.” The working mother said she is struggling to homeschool her kids, and they are suffering emotionally and academically as a result. “I don’t want to hear it’s too hard,” she added. “If it’s too hard, you have no business being in the board. You don’t get to represent us and tell us it’s too hard. It’s too hard for all of us.”
At the turn of the 20th century, the tract that is now the dynamic corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards was farmland. In the early 1920s, it housed a nursery that supplied the palm trees and other vegetation that eventually created the City landscape.
Planning Commission Rebukes Spring Place
City Council Voices Support for Police Raise
Beverly Hills Candidate Forum Stirs Controversy
City Council Candidates Answer the Courier’s Questions
Jaqueline Avant’s Murderer Sentenced to 190 Years
The Courier’s Lisa Bloch sat down with Jeanie Buss to talk about her life, her leadership, and her Lakers legacy.
Please sign into your account to access previouse-editions of The Beverly Hills Courier.
Please complete your details below to create anaccount with The Beverly Hills Courier.
By creating an account, you agree to our Terms of Use.We never share your data and you may unsubscribe at any time.
Please enter your email below tostart the password reset process.
Please edit your account details below and tap‘Update Account’ when complete.
No longer interested? Close Your Account.
Enter your account email below and tap‘Close Account’ to remove account.