News

Robert van Leer Takes the Helm as New Era Begins at The Wallis

In a big win for Beverly Hills and for the arts, Robert van Leer has been appointed the new Executive Director and CEO of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

‘Critical Conversations’ Event Sparks Antisemitism Debate

Whereas Jewish people in America were once outsiders, they’ve become insiders, and whereas antisemitism in the U.S. continues to be a problem, it is nowhere near the level it was in the 1930s when antisemitic figures like Father Charles Coughlin had large followings.

Graduations and Celebrations Mark End of School Year in Beverly Hills

The last week of the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) 2022-2023 school year brought no shortage of heartwarming moments.

City Processes Likely Defeat of Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills Project

The likely defeat of the proposed Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills hotel project in last week’s special election was a moment of great celebration for some residents and of profound disappointment for others.

City’s Director of Community Development Accepts Position in California’s Central Coast Region

Director of Community Development Timothea Tway is leaving her position with the city of Beverly Hills effective June 19. Tway has accepted the same position in the city of San Luis Obispo.

Exclusive: Official Statement from the Yes on B & C Campaign After Second Ballot Update

With a total of 7,028 votes counted (representing 31.71% of registered voters), “No” votes have increased their lead on both Measures B and C.

Rec and Parks Commission Provides Pickleball Pilot Update

The latest Recreation and Parks Commission meeting included an update on the Beverly Hills pickleball pilot program, with city staff saying the dedication of several local tennis courts into pickleball courts has led to high usage and consistent revenue.

Gold Sworn in as New President of California Contract Cities Association

Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold was sworn in as the 2023-2024 president of the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA). He was installed during the annual gathering of the CCCA in Indian Wells on May 20.

Beverly Hills 50th Anniversary Art Show Draws Thousands

Votes Still Being Counted in Cheval Blanc Special Election

BREAKING NEWS Update as of May 26, 2023. Latest results show the “No” on Measures B and C vote increasing its margins.

Otazu Named Director of Rent Stabilization

Nestor Otazu, a 25-year employee of Beverly Hills, has been selected as the city’s next Deputy Director of Rent Stabilization, effective May 22.

Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance Returns to Rodeo Drive

The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance returns to Rodeo Drive on Father’s Day June 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The free car show presents an opportunity for fathers, families and car enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy an up-close look at some of the world’s most admired vehicles.

Council Debates Purchase of $550,000 Sculpture

A proposal to spend more than half a million dollars to acquire and install an abstract sculpture by renowned artist Judy Chicago spurred an interesting debate amongst the Beverly Hills City Council over the value of art. 

Council Considers Fractional Ownership Prohibition Ordinance

At its May 16 regular meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council approved additional consulting services funds for the police department’s technology-based public safety initiative and addressed concern over fractional ownership of residential and commercial properties, among other topics.

Courier Earns L.A. Press Club Nods

The Beverly Hills Courier is a finalist for four Southern California Journalism Awards. The awards, given annually by the Los Angeles Press Club, honor journalistic excellence in print, radio, podcast, TV and online formats. Entries for this year’s awards were published during the calendar year 2022. 

BHPD Holds Free Catalytic Converter “Etching” Event

In response to the ongoing thefts of catalytic converters, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) held an “Etch and Catch” community event, during which Beverly Hills residents marked their catalytic converters with their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

How to Vote in the May 23 Special Municipal Election

The election will decide two ballot measures, “B” and “C” pertaining to the Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills hotel (“the project”). “Measure B” seeks to adopt the City Council ordinance enacting zone changes and corresponding map amendments to permit the project.

Motion to Block Benedict Canyon Hotel Fails in L.A. City Council

A bid to block the development of a Bulgari Resort in Benedict Canyon failed in a 7-7 vote during a recent Los Angeles City Council meeting, allowing the project to continue working its way through city approvals. 

Mayor Dr. Julian Gold Addresses Inaugural ‘Office Hours’

The inaugural “Office Hours with Doctor Gold,” a monthly virtual event providing Beverly Hills residents with the opportunity to engage Mayor Dr. Julian Gold on city issues, drew approximately 30 participants.

The Cheval Blanc Development Agreement Delivers Countless Benefits for Beverly Hills | Guest Editorial

As a matter of longstanding policy, our City Council considers new development proposals on their own merits, without any consideration as to the terms of a related Development Agreement. This is because no project should be approved solely on the basis of the financial benefits it may bring.

Courier Wins Five More Awards

The California News Publishers Association (CNPA) has recognized the Beverly Hills Courier with one first-place, two second-place and two third-place 2022 California Journalism Awards (CJA).

Inaugural MADE in Beverly Hills Festival a Smashing Success

From May 4 to 7 the first-ever MADE in Beverly Hills festival took over the city and brought its stunning estates and historic buildings to life like never before.

Beverly Hills Marks Arbor Day

The city of Beverly Hills has been named Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 39th consecutive year.

Study Session Discusses Concours d’Elegance, Next Night and Murals

In this week’s study session, members of the Beverly Hills City Council discussed plans for the upcoming Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance Father’s Day event and the return of Next Night street festival.

Council Approves Fiscal Year Budgets for Marketing, Chamber and Tourism Activities

The Beverly Hills City Council approved the 2023-2024 fiscal year budgets for the Rodeo Drive Committee, the Conference and Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce during its May 2 meeting, allocating nearly $5.5 million to their programs and initiatives.

Debate Continues Over Spring Place Rooftop

A recent Beverly Hills Planning Commission meeting highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding exclusive private club and coworking space Spring Place.

BHPD Makes Arrests Following Armed Robbery

On April 26 at approximately 5:23 p.m., Beverly Hills Police officers responded to the area of Wilshire Boulevard and Bedford Drive due to a report of an armed robbery.

Rep. Adam Schiff on the 2024 California Senate Race

The election to replace California Senator Dianne Feinstein is a year and a half away yet, but the race is already in full swing. Feinstein, 89, announced earlier this year that she will not stand for reelection to a seventh term in office.

MADE in Beverly Hills Festival Showcases City’s Architectural Delights

People travel from all over the world to attend Palm Springs Modernism Week and now, for the first time ever, a satellite version of the premiere architecture festival is being held in Beverly Hills.

City Hall Illuminated for Israel Independence Day

The Beverly Hills City Hall was illuminated this week in honor of Israel’s 75th Independence Day.

SCE Phone Scam Targets Beverly Hills Residents

The Courier has learned of a phone scam with individuals pretending to be from Southern California Edison (SCE) targeting residents of Beverly Hills.

Events Planned in Beverly Hills for Jewish American Heritage Month

The city of Beverly Hills and its Community Services Department will recognize Jewish American Heritage Month this May with celebratory events throughout the city all month long.

Beverly Hills Is On Its Way to Lifelong Water Efficiency

I want to congratulate our community, all of YOU for your water conservation efforts! Beverly Hills has averaged saving 30% of our water when comparing month to month from April 2022 through March 2023 to those same months in 2013. 

County Begins Mailing Vote-by-Mail Ballots for the May 23 Referendum

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) began mailing Vote by Mail ballots to all registered voters in the City of Beverly Hills for the May 23 Special Municipal Election. 

Beverly Hills School Board Addresses Student Behavior Crisis

Beverly Hills United School District (BHUSD) Board of Education members are concerned about bullying and considering discipline strategies for students demonstrating behavioral problems.

Chamber Presents Work Plan and Funding Requests for Next Fiscal Year

The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce is requesting more than $450,000 in funding for programs associated with its work plan for the upcoming fiscal year, 2023-2024, along with the waiving of fees for a variety of permit-requiring activities.

Plans in the Works for ‘Rodeo Drive Celebrates’

Rodeo Drive is considered by many to be the jewel of Beverly Hills and plans are currently in the works for two special promotional weeks that will allow it to shine even brighter.

Documentary Celebrates 100 Years of Beverly Hills Independence

When given the choice between being annexed into Los Angeles and remaining their own city, the people picked independence.

Mayor and Fire Chief Promote Nurse Practitioner Program

Last week, Mayor Dr. Gold traveled to Sacramento to attend the League of California Cities annual City Leaders Summit to speak about the Beverly Hills Nurse Practitioner Program (NPP) and the plans to expand its services.

Coldwater Canyon Road Project Causing Traffic Delays for Commuters

Yom HaShoah Marked with Poignant Ceremony

At a candle-lighting ceremony for Yom HaShoah, six candles were lit for the six million murdered Jews during the Holocaust; one candle was lit for the non-Jews who perished; and one was ignited for those whom Roz Rothstein, CEO of StandWithUs, described as “victims of Palestinian terrorism.”

Anish Melwani on the Vision for Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills

As Chairman and CEO of LVMH for North America, Anish Melwani oversees the businesses of the world’s foremost luxury conglomerate, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (“LVMH”). The Paris-based group’s more than 75 Maisons dominate luxury sectors ranging from fashion to wines and spirits to jewelry. 

Appellate Ruling Expected Soon in Robertson Trees Case

The legal battle over the future of approximately 40 Ficus trees on Robertson Boulevard remains stayed, while the Court of Appeals rules on the city of Beverly Hills’ request to replace the Superior Court judge presiding in the case. 

Beverly Hills City Council Ends COVID-19 Emergency Declaration

At its April 18 regular meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council adopted a resolution to terminate a proclamation of a local emergency in response to COVID-19, effective April 19.

Commission Approves Wording for Latest Golden Shield Plaques

The Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commission on April 12 approved the final wording for plaques associated with the latest Golden Shield nominees.

New BHPD PIO Discusses Job Challenges, Rewards and Off-Duty Life

Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Lieutenant Reginald Evans describes himself as a private person. Yet since February, he’s served as the primary communication source between the police department and the public.

County Begins Process to Give City Control Over Robinson Gardens

The exotic and lush Virginia Robinson Gardens are a huge part of Beverly Hills’ historic and cultural heritage, but for decades their operations have been controlled by the County of Los Angeles. Now, change is in the works.

The Beverly Hills Courier Endorses a “Yes” Vote on Measures B and C

After thorough consideration, the Beverly Hills Courier Advisory Board has unanimously decided to endorse both measures. We urge residents to vote “yes” on Measures “B” and “C” on their referendum ballots.

New Graduates of Team Beverly Hills

The newest graduates of Team Beverly Hills recently posed for a photo in City Hall.

Positive Reception to Mayor Gold’s Installation

The reception for the installation of new Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold, M.D. began before the evening’s City Council agenda was completed—and that turned out to be a good thing as the wind picked up as the night went on.

Just in Case BH Kickoff Draws Residents, Volunteers, First Responders

An estimated 100 people gathered at La Cienega Park on March 26 for the installation of Just In Case BH’s first emergency supply box.

A Viewpoint on Measures B and C | Guest Editorial

I served as City Manager during the years the Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills hotel project moved through the city review and approval process. This included a 5-0 approval of the project by the Planning Commission, and a 4-1 approval by the City Council.

Scoping Meeting Held for 9600 Wilshire

As Beverly Hills preps a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed 9600 Wilshire Boulevard Specific Plan—a major development project with the potential to dramatically transform a significant section of Wilshire Boulevard—members of the public participated in a preliminary meeting in which they commented on environmental issues.

Bosse Praised for Her Service

Councilmember Lili Bosse walked out of the April 4 City Council Reorganization/ Installation ceremony with too many plaques, awards and framed letters of commendation for one former mayor to carry.

Julian Gold Sworn In For Third Term As Mayor of Beverly Hills

Julian Gold, M.D. was sworn into his third term as mayor, riding a wave of great excitement as he marveled at the prosperous state of the city and outlined plans to prepare it for the challenges that lay ahead.

Committee Takes Up Parklet Design Standards

Dining areas in parking spots, also known as parklets, have become a fixture in Beverly Hills since the pandemic, but in order to make them a permanent program the city must finalize design and fee standards.

BHUSD Board Considers Varied Agenda

Agenda items at the March 28 Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) ranged from shade structures to computer science programs to teacher salaries and classroom instructional time.

Foundation Provides Financial Support for BHPD Family

In its most recent cycle, the BHPF awarded more than $56,000 in scholarships to BHPD employees and their children. In one family alone, three young people received scholarships.

More Than 300 Attend Final Business with Bosse

The high energy in the penthouse at Mastro’s Steakhouse was palpable on March 29, as both sunlight and more than 300 guests streamed in the multi-room suite, marking a bright farewell to Business with Bosse.

Stephanie Harris Named Director of Community Services for the City of Beverly Hills

City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey has announced the appointment of Stephanie Harris to the position of Director of Community Services for the City of Beverly Hills, effective immediately.

Music in the Mansion Festival Set for April 20-23

The City of Beverly Hills Community Services has announced the return of Music in the Mansion to historic Greystone Mansion and Gardens as a four-day classical music festival from April 20-23.

Environmental Groups March Against Climate Change

The climate-activist group Third Act led a rally of seniors and other environmental organizations on March 21 in Beverly Hills “to pressure the major banks to stop financing the expansion of the fossil fuel industry.” Nearly 100 participants took part in the national day of action.

Public Invited to Mobility Study Demo on March 25

As part of community engagement for the Clifton-Le Doux Corridor Mobility Study, the city of Beverly Hills Public Works Department is inviting the public to attend a demonstration of temporary traffic calming devices.

Ficus Trees, Soccer Teams and Housing Element on City Council Agenda

The Beverly Hills City Council held its sixth meeting of the year on March 21, with highlights ranging from heartwarming to heated.

Jewish Federation Leadership Concerned About Israel

Social turmoil roiling Israel because of controversial judicial reform is causing angst among Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles leadership.

Bosse Honored by Beth Jacob Congregation

Mayor Lili Bosse felt the spirit of her parents beside her last Sunday when she received the Distinguished Leadership Award from her childhood synagogue of Beth Jacob.

Council Liaisons Recommend Revised Budget for Chamber

A City Council Liaison/Chamber of Commerce meeting recommended amending an agreement between the city and the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce that will reduce funding for the Chamber by $213,505 for the current fiscal year. The revised new total is not to exceed the amount of $327,025 for fiscal year 2022-2023.

Four New Golden Shield Nominees Selected

The nominees are the Beverly Hills Nurseries, the Beverly Hills Speedway, the Warner-Beverly Theater and the Rachmaninoff Residence.

Just In Case BH to Hold Kickoff Event March 26

On an upcoming Sunday afternoon, families, concerned residents of all ages and emergency service providers will gather together outdoors for a fun-filled, informational event designed to prepare everyone in the community for how best to respond to an urgent situation.

Planning Commission Votes Against Fractional Ownership

The Beverly Hills Planning Commission unanimously passed a motion supporting a draft ordinance that would establish permanent prohibitions on fractional ownership of residential and commercial properties in the city.

Festival Beverly Hills a ‘Smashing Success,’ More Arts Events in Pipeline

Arts and Culture Commissioners took a moment to bask in the success of Festival Beverly Hills in their meeting this week, but then quickly turned their attention to the many other exciting arts events on the horizon.

Standing Room Only for Final Live with Lili

Persistent drizzle from this season’s 11th atmospheric river did not stop a crowd from gathering for the mayor’s 10th and final Live with Lili. It was a packed house in the Beverly Hills City Hall Municipal Gallery March 14.

60-Second Shout Out for The Grill

Mayor Lili Bosse and the Beverly Hills City Council recognized The Grill on the Alley with a 60-Second Shout Out at the March 7 City Council Meeting.

Bosse and Hunt-Coffey Address Hillel Students

Mayor Lili Bosse and City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey took part in a panel discussion to 7th and 8th graders at Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy on March 9.

Bosse and Hunt-Coffey Honored by WIZO

The Gold Award is the organization’s highest honor.

Beverly Hills Tests Transit Pilot Program

The wind carried a surprisingly frosty chill on the morning of March 2, as a small, white bus parked across from the Beverly Hills Public Library. On the back of the bus, a blue “Transit Circulator” sticker was visible, as was a small makeshift sign that read “Hop on the City’s Transit Circulator Test Run.”

City Council Addresses Parking Program, Trees and Israel Celebration

The Beverly Hills City Council’s March 7 formal meeting addressed a variety of topics, including the city’s Preferential Parking Program, the ongoing tree removal on Robertson Boulevard and a request for the use of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts for Israel’s 75th Independence Day celebration.

Mayor Lili Bosse Honored as Woman of the Year

Mayor Lili Bosse was honored with the Woman of the Year “Shamsi Hekmat Award” by the Iranian Jewish Woman’s Organization (IJWO).

LA Marathon Returns to Beverly Hills March 19

The 38th Annual Los Angeles Marathon “Stadium to the Stars,” presented by ASICS, will once again be returning to Beverly Hills on March 19. Athletes from all 50 states and more than 67 countries will race through the streets of Beverly Hills for miles 16 through 18 before ending at the Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

City Conducts Transit Circulator Test Run

Metro Updates D Line Progress

At its quarterly in-person community meeting for the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project on March 1, Metro representatives shared the latest construction updates for sections one and two in Beverly Hills, including the Wilshire/La Cienega station, opening

City Settles Former Employee’s Age Discrimination

A 70-year-old former Beverly Hills senior recreation supervisor who once assisted with management of the city-owned Greystone Mansion & Gardens has settled her lawsuit alleging the city denied her promotions because of her age and that she was ultimately forced to resign in 2019 due to the incessant hostility from a supervisor.

New Complex at West LA VA to House Senior Military Veterans

Elected officials, nonprofit leaders, military veterans and advocates as well as members of the media gathered at the VA on Feb. 28 for the grand opening of the building.

Mirisch Elected to County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency Board

The mission of LACAHSA (pronounced, somewhat fittingly, as “La Casa”) is to provide for enhanced funding for new affordable housing production and for affordable housing preservation, as well as for safeguarding tenant rights in Los Angeles County.

Planning Commission Discusses ADU Draft Ordinance

A future ADU-focused draft ordinance could, among other things, allow for an increase in the allowable height for ADUs—which are commonly known as “second units,” “granny flats,” or “mother-in-law units”—in Beverly Hills.

Organic Recycling Mandate in Effect in Beverly Hills

It’s time for Beverly Hills residents to pay attention to their pizza boxes, leftover lunches and perishing produce. These items no longer belong in the trash can but must be placed in green bins under the city’s organic recycling rules.

Cheesecake Factory Recognized With a 60-Second Shout Out

Mayor Lili Bosse and the Beverly Hills City Council recognized The Cheesecake Factory with a 60-Second Shout Out at the Feb. 21 City Council meeting.

Council Recognizes Bulgaria Liberation Day

At its Feb. 21 regular meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council recognized Bulgaria’s National Liberation Day which falls on March 3 as well as the 80th anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews from Nazi Death Camps during World War II. 

Council Considers Housing Element

Efforts to Halt Tree Removal Fail

For weeks, Beverly Hills residents and business owners have campaigned to save the Ficus trees along Robertson Boulevard, which are being cut down as part of the city’s Robertson Sidewalk and Tree Replacement Project.

Police Arrest Three for Whole Foods Theft

The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) arrested three suspects earlier this week in connection with a theft at the Whole Foods in Beverly Hills. The suspects were booked for, among other charges, resistance or delaying of an investigation.

Shooting Suspect Charged with Federal Hate Crimes

Federal hate crimes charges have been filed against Jaime Tran, a former Riverside resident who allegedly targeted and shot two Jewish men in Pico-Robertson, a predominately Jewish neighborhood in West Los Angeles, on Feb. 15 and 16.

Hundreds Attend Town Hall Denouncing Antisemitism

Alarmed by recent anti-Jewish attacks in Pico-Robertson, approximately 400 people attended a town hall focused on denouncing antisemitism and violence.

May 23 Special Election Set for Cheval Blanc

The City Council voted 4-1 to schedule the election, during which residents will decide if they want to repeal the ordinances approving the project and its development agreement.

City Leaders Meet with Glendale Officials

Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse, City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey, and Police Chief Mark Stainbrook traveled to Glendale on Feb. 10 to meet with Glendale city representatives and leaders from the local and national Armenian community to discuss the recent anti-Armenian flyers that were distributed in the city of Beverly Hills.

Local Officials Attend Massive Rally Downtown

On Feb. 11, thousands of people attended a rally in front of Los Angeles City Hall in support of the Iranian people and the ongoing fight for civil rights and freedom under Iran’s Islamic Republic.

Planning Commission Debates Fractional Ownership Ban

With the city’s ban on fractional property ownership set to expire this summer, the Planning Commission has been tasked with preparing a permanent ordinance for the City Council’s approval.

Critical Conversations Series Focuses on Women’s Rights

The second installment of Critical Conversations—the speaker series presented by the Beverly Hills Human Relations Commission and Community Services—featured a dynamic panel of thought leaders and activists addressing “The State of Women’s Rights in Modern Times.”

Community Members Protest Ficus Tree Removal

A group of residents and business owners are pleading with the city of Beverly Hills to stop the ongoing removal of 87 Ficus trees on Robertson Boulevard, but time to save the trees is running out.

Two Jewish Community Members Shot After Prayer Services

In apparently unrelated incidents, two Jewish community members were shot after leaving prayer services on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, Feb. 15 and 16, respectively.

Varied Topics Discussed at Vibrant Live with Lili This Week

Bosse said thousands of residents tuned in via Zoom at this month’s Live with Lili, while about 15 people showed up to the event in person. Community spirit and love for the city were palpable at the Valentine’s Day-themed town hall.

Mayor Bosse to be Honored by Beth Jacob Congregation on March 19

When Beth Jacob Congregation’s Senior Rabbi Kalman Topp reached out and told Lili Bosse of his intention to honor her at an upcoming event, the Beverly Hills mayor was caught off-guard; unlike members of Beth Jacob, Bosse does not identify with the Orthodox strain of Judaism.

Mayor Bosse Welcomes Mayor Ohana

Ohana is the first woman to hold that position in the history of Yeroham.

Beverly Hills Fire Department Investigating House Fires

The Beverly Hills Fire Department is investigating the causes of two heavy fires that engulfed a pair of Beverly Hills residences on the morning of Feb. 3.

Two New Beverly Hills Cultural Events Set for This Spring

This spring, two new arts and culture events will debut in Beverly Hills: the inaugural Festival Beverly Hills on March 12, and “MADE in Beverly Hills,” a four-day festival beginning May 4 that celebrates the city’s architecture and culture.

Council Mulls Changes to Rent Control Protections

At its Feb. 7 regular meeting, the Council considered changing a provision in its Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) regarding evictions for building demolition or condo conversions in an effort to protect tenants. Ultimately, it decided not to do so due to confusion over the impacts of such a change.

County Logs 1,625 New COVID-19 Cases

Los Angeles County health officials reported 1,625 new COVID-19 infections, while the number of people hospitalized with the virus ticked up slightly in its latest data.

Speaker Series on State of Women’s Rights Takes Place Feb. 9

Sponsored by the city’s Human Relations Commission in partnership with the Community Services Department, this speaker series invites leaders to discuss their roles in cultivating a community of greater kindness, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Beverly Hills Takes Action to Improve Homeless Response

Mayor Bosse Selected as Woman of the Year

Mayor Lili Bosse is not afraid to speak up, be it at a rally on the streets or from her seat presiding over the Beverly Hills City Council. She will soon be recognized by the Iranian Jewish Women’s Organization as an outspoken voice against antisemitism and misogyny.

Anti-Armenian Flyers Discovered in Beverly Hills

Flyers addressing the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan were recently discovered in Beverly Hills, causing outrage among the local Armenian community.

Stricter Smoking Ban Debated for Beverly Hills

While smoking in Beverly Hills is illegal in most public settings, stricter modifications to the current smoking regulations are being reviewed.

Mayor Bosse Hosts Youth Mental Wellness Event

Hosted alongside Beverly Hills’s Teen Advisory Committee in partnership with Bosse’s Mental Wellness Series, the event celebrated mental health awareness and invited patrons to partake in several kinds of activities and programs — all of which were geared toward allowing people a comfortable, safe space to express themselves and their emotions.

Public Encouraged to Attend Feb. 9 Meeting

The public is encouraged to attend a community meeting regarding the negotiation process between the city of Beverly Hills and its six non-sworn employee bargaining groups.

Adam Friedman Granted Diversion in Criminal Case

Adam Friedman, the son of Beverly Hills City Councilmember Lester Friedman, was granted a six-month diversion program that could result in the dismissal of a case in which he is charged with creating a fake social media account impersonating City Councilmember Sharona Nazarian, while she was a candidate.

Proclamation for Beny Alagem and Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Hotels

During its Jan. 24 meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council honored Beny Alagem and the management of the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills for extending special hotel rates to residents who had been impacted by recent power outages.

Three Killed, Four Wounded at ‘Short-Term Rental’ Near Beverly Hills

Three people were killed and four others were wounded on Jan. 28 during a shooting at a gathering in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles, authorities said.

After-School Recreation and Parks Program Relaunched

After a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a host of new after-school enrichment opportunities and early education programs are picking up again in Beverly Hills.

Mayor Teams Up with Mr. Brainwash for Business with Bosse Event

Hundreds lined up outside the former Museum of Television and Radio on Jan. 26 for a complimentary tour of the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum and pop-up exhibit, “Enter Through The Museum” with the artist himself as part of the latest installment of Business with Bosse.

Mayor’s ‘Youth’ Mental Wellness Event Takes Place This Sunday

Presented by the Teen Advisory Committee in partnership with Mayor Lili Bosse’s Mental Wellness Series, the co-founders of the new and popular Madhappy Podcast will hold a special conversation about mental health on Jan. 29 from 12-3 p.m.

Beverly Hills City Council Addresses Cheval Blanc Petitions, Parking Permits and Power Outages

The agenda included concerns about the new permit by plate system introduced by the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD); petitions to reconsider the Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills hotel project and persistent power outages.

BHPD Makes Several Arrests This Week

Officers took suspects into custody for two separate robberies that occurred on Jan. 21 as well as an auto theft on Jan. 23. BHPD also arrested two suspects on a stolen vehicle charge on Jan. 24.

Stephanie Harris Named Interim Community Services Director

City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey has announced that Stephanie Harris has been named Interim Community Services Director for the City of Beverly Hills, effective immediately. 

City Won’t Extend Height Limits for Walls, Fences and Hedges

The Beverly Hills Planning Commission shot down a potential extension of allowable wall, fence and hedge heights for private residences after determining there were more public safety risks than benefits to such a change.

Deadline Nears for Community Assistance Grant Funding

Community Assistance Grant Funding allows Beverly Hills to extend its social safety net to vulnerable individuals whose needs aren’t met by the city’s existing services and the Jan. 24 deadline to apply for this year’s fund is approaching. 

BHUSD Board Holds First Meeting of 2023

The board’s diverse agenda included updates from Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy regarding new kosher meal options available for students in the district, an increasing demand for electric vehicle chargers on campus, and the nationwide search for a new Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) principal. 

All Ages Invited to Mayor’s Youth Mental Wellness Event

The next installment of Mayor Lili Bosse’s Mental Wellness Series is billed as a “youth” event. But actually, it is designed for every age and the age we live in now. 

Golden Globe 80th Anniversary Proclamation

Mayor Lili Bosse presented a special proclamation to the President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Helen Hoehne, at the Beverly Hilton this week in recognition of the Golden Globe Award’s 80th Anniversary year in Beverly Hills.

Storm Causes Damage in Beverly Hills and Southland

BHUSD Board Recall Abandoned

After three members of the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education were served with a notice of intention to circulate a recall petition on Dec. 13, the effort is now deemed abandoned for failure to pursue. Board President Noah Margo, Vice President Amanda Stern, and Mary Wells each received a notice from proponents of the recall, who are reportedly advocates for former high school wrestling coach, Ryan Faintich.

City Weighs Transit Pilot Program

Despite objections raised by several city leaders, members of the Beverly Hills Traffic and Parking Commission have decided to move forward with its plans to launch a transit pilot program this summer, which will include a new circular bus route near the bustling business district and an on-demand microtransit system for people traveling between more widely spaced and sparsely populated areas of the city.

Modernism Festival Set for May in Beverly Hills

Every year around 100,000 visitors flock to the desert to attend Modernism Week in Palm Springs and now plans are in the works to bring a satellite version of the beloved art festival to Beverly Hills.

Mayor Bosse Hosts First ‘Live with Lili’ of 2023

On Jan. 9, Mayor Lili Bosse held the first Live with Lili of the new year, taking questions and hearing comments from community members, as well as sharing updates from the previous meeting.

Court Docket

A trial-readiness conference is scheduled in Los Angeles Superior Court on Jan. 9 in a lawsuit brought against Metro and the city of Beverly Hills by Temple of the Arts, the owners of the Saban Theatre and a nearby office building in Beverly Hills.

Purple Line Plans Move Forward in 2023

Plans for and progress on the Metro Purple (D Line) Extension in Beverly Hills were on the agenda at a construction updates community webinar held by Metro on Wed., Jan. 4, and open to the public via Zoom. After a holiday hiatus, Metro has resumed Purple Line work in the city.

City Manager Hunt-Coffey Announces Key Promotions

Several key city employees are beginning the new year in new positions. Beverly Hills City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey announced a number of promotions this week, beginning with the appointment of Keith Sterling as Deputy City Manager.

Council Takes Action on Street Racing

At its Jan. 3 Study Session, the Beverly Hills City Council agreed to explore the creation of an ordinance that establishes a legal procedure for forfeiting “nuisance” vehicles and allows for the prosecution of street race audiences.

French Bulldog Stolen at Gunpoint in Beverly Hills

Storm Pummels Beverly Hills and Southland

A strong Pacific storm doused Southern California this week, flooding roadways across the Southland and some freeways.The main front of the “bomb cyclone” moved into the area on the night of Jan. 4.

BHPD Launches New ‘Hawkeye’ Drone

The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) has a brand-new team member with super speed and insanely good vision — its high-flying drone named “Hawkeye.”

Beverly Hills City Council Holds First Meeting of 2023

The Beverly Hills City Council reconvened for its first meeting of the year on Jan. 3, hearing updates from various department heads, and details from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) representatives on a project to replace two aging water valves on Sunset Boulevard this January and February.

Billboard Campaign Targets Antisemitism with Kindness

Ten billboards positioned throughout Los Angeles are designed to spread love, hope and kindness. They are visible to drivers and pedestrians at destinations ranging from the San Fernando Valley to Culver City, Venice and the intersection of Olympic and Robertson Boulevards in West Los Angeles. 

Noteworthy New Laws Taking Effect in 2023

At midnight on Jan. 1, Champagne corks will pop, friends will embrace and hundreds of new California laws will take effect. Many will provide minor tweaks to existing legislation. However, a dozen or so address big ticket topics like housing development, reproductive rights and gun control as well as smaller, yet still relevant concerns, like jaywalking and the sale of furs. 

Beverly Hills 2022 in Review

This year was marked by mayoral initiatives like “Business with Bosse,” and “Live with Lili;” the creation of the Real Time Watch Center with a new police chief at the helm; arts and culture events, and new members of the City Council and school board. 

Nowruz Banners will Celebrate Persian New Year in Beverly Hills

For the past four years the non-profit Farhang Foundation has partnered with the city to mount Nowruz banners in recognition of Beverly Hills’ significant Iranian population. This year, those banners will also express a message of solidarity with women fighting for their rights in Iran.

Former Employee’s Case Against City Allowed to Proceed

A judge has finalized his ruling allowing a 70-year-old former Beverly Hills senior recreation supervisor who once assisted with management of the city-owned Greystone Mansion & Gardens to proceed with all the claims in her lawsuit alleging she was denied promotions because of her age.

Clark Dikeman Receives Recreation and Parks Commission Award

The City of Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission recognized aquatics instructor and adult educator, Clark Dikeman with the Recreation and Parks Commission Award at its Dec. 20 meeting.

Health and Safety Commission Looks to Year Ahead

The agenda included reports from Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) and Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) representatives. Topics in the BHUSD presentation ranged from mental health programs to the Safety and Security Committee’s review of local schools’ preparedness plans.

Beverly Hills Women’s Club Sets New Course

The iconic Beverly Hills Women’s Club is charting a new path, while staying true to its legendary origins. Founded in 1916, BHWC’s stated mission has been to sponsor educational, cultural, philanthropic, and social activities that enrich the community at large and bring women together in camaraderie.

Union Meets Signature Deadline on Cheval Blanc Petition

UNITE HERE Local 11 has presented the city with petitions bearing the requisite number of signatures needed to bring a referendum on the project. As set forth in the Courier’s Dec. 9 issue, the union actually circulated two petitions. One seeks to reverse the City Council’s approval of Cheval Blanc. The other seeks to set aside the development agreement signed by the city. 

City Hall ‘Unwraps the Magic’ Through New Year’s Day

The city partnered with Utopia Worldwide, Inc., an event production and design company based in Burbank, to create the festive holiday projection show.

A Message of Gratitude | Guest Editorial

For a few more days, I am your City Manager, George Chavez. Almost four decades ago, when I first entered public service as a building inspector, I could never imagine that I would be retiring as City Manager. It is not a position I aimed for, but it turned out to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

Beverly Hills Comes Together for Hanukkah Celebrations

On the second night of Hanukkah, the community joined members of the Beverly Hills City Council for the annual menorah lighting celebration at Beverly Gardens Park. About 100 guests of all ages gathered around a giant menorah near the Lily Pond to celebrate the festival of lights with song and heard from city leaders about the significance of the holiday and remembering the past while looking towards the future.

Councilmembers Talk Fiscal Reports and Renters’ Protections

The first agenda item was the briefest, involving the reappointment of four Commissioners. Kathy Melamed (Charitable Solicitations Commissioner), Terri Smooke (Design Review Commissioner), Helena Rosenthal (Health and Safety Commissioner) and Noelle Freeman (Human Relations Commissioner) each submitted letters of interest to be reappointed.

BHPD Promotes New Leaders

“These are very exciting times for BHPD as we continue to look to the future,” said Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook. “I am thankful for the unparalleled support from our City Council and the Beverly Hills community. I have no doubt, these employees will move the Department forward toward our mission, while fostering healthy internal and community relationships.” 

BHUSD Board Members Served with Recall Notice

Three members of the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education were served with a notice of intention to circulate a recall petition at the Dec. 13 meeting.

Lori Hyland Becomes Sole Owner of Hilton & Hyland

Hilton & Hyland has announced that Lori Hyland is now the 100% shareholder and owner of Hilton & Hyland. The Hilton & Hyland company name will remain unchanged.

City Manager George Chavez Honored at Farewell Party

The elegantly decorated event, which was hosted by the city and free to the public, was attended by Mayor Lili Bosse, who also served as MC, as well as former Beverly Hills mayors; city councilmembers, officials, and staff; members of the Beverly Hills Police Department; residents; and Chavez’s friends and family, who filled the Municipal Gallery to capacity. 

‘Don’t Let Outsiders Decide What’s Best for Our Beloved Home’ | Guest Editorial

As many of you know, a signature-gathering operation is underway in Beverly Hills that is meant to overturn one of the most important City Council votes in recent history that I believe ensures the heart and soul of our future: the approval of the world-class Cheval Blanc hotel at the northern end of Rodeo Drive. 

David Yelton Receives Fred C. Cunningham Award

Named after the city’s longtime former Executive Director of Public Affairs, Fred C. Cunningham, the honor recognizes an employee who has a true vocation for serving the community and who has demonstrated expertise and commitment tempered with grace and humility. Mr. Yelton is the fourth honoree to receive the award, following Fred C. Cunningham, City Manager George Chavez and Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton. 

Study Session Handles a Quartet of Agenda Items

The Dec. 6 City Council Study Session invited discussion on four topics, from administrative details to a key pandemic-related program. City Clerk Huma Ahmed provided an update on three upcoming vacancies within the Design Review Commission (DRC).

From Beverly Hills to Ukraine: One Doctor’s Story

“He told me he was applying to colleges and concerned about how he looked. I also had another woman pointing to spots on her face. She felt they were making her ugly. Feeling good about yourself makes you feel better. People don’t want to look unsightly, no matter what circumstances they are in. It is something in the psyche,” said Luftman.

Public Invited to Reception for George Chavez

On Dec. 13, the city of Beverly Hills is hosting a reception in honor of retiring City Manager George Chavez, who leaves after 34 years of dedicated service to the community.

Human Rights, Antisemitism at the Forefront of City Council Meeting  

The Beverly Hills City Council addressed topics ranging from licensing to commission appointments at its Dec. 6 formal meeting. But two items not on the agenda provided the evening’s most stirring moments.

Union Seeks to Put Cheval Blanc Approval on the Ballot

The union that represents hotel workers is canvassing Beverly Hills, hoping to place on the ballot a referendum that would shoot down the City Council’s approval in November of a luxury hotel to be developed by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. The signature drive has already resulted in a dispute with the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD). 

BHPD Honored for Il Pastaio Robbery Investigation

The Awards were announced on Nov. 16 and honored BHPD Detective Chris Coulter, Sgt. Eric Hyon, former Sgt. Kevin Burger, and FBI Special Agents Michael Fukuda and Chris McElroy.

Albert ‘AL’ Lightfoot Remembered as Stand-Up Detective and Police Officer

The retired detective and reserve police officer, who dedicated more than 49 years to public service in Beverly Hills, passed away on Sun., Nov. 27.

Bosse Signs Historic Declaration at Antisemitism Summit

The event is co-hosted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement and the Center for Jewish Impact in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America.

Overwhelming Response to Holidays at Greystone Event

The annual fest, which opened up to reservations in early November, received an overwhelming response, selling out in less than a week, according to organizers.

State Rejects Beverly Hills’ Housing Plan

Beverly Hills lacks an adequate plan to do its part in addressing California’s affordable housing crisis. 

Bosse Hosts Final LIVE WITH LILI of 2022

Dozens of community members came out to the City Hall Municipal Gallery on Nov. 22 for the final installment of LIVE WITH LILI with Mayor Lili Bosse of 2022.

Holocaust Museum LA Honors Survivor on 100th Birthday

Holocaust Museum LA marked the 100th birthday of survivor and longtime museum volunteer Joe Alexander on Nov. 20 with a special celebration featuring tributes from government officials and family members, live music and a talk by Alexander sharing his inspiring story of survival.

Firestorm Over Fired Coach at BHHS

Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) fired wrestling coach Ryan Faintich last week because of an incident on Nov. 2 between Faintich and a BHHS student.

Bosse Speaks at Freedom Rally for Iran in Hollywood

On Nov. 18, Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse attended a Freedom Rally for Iran in Hollywood and was one of the keynote speakers.

Builder’s Remedy May Shake Up Beverly Hills 

On Oct. 20 real estate developer Leo Pustilnikov filed with the city of Beverly Hills plans to build a 16-story, 200-unit apartment tower on the 100 block of Linden Drive.

Mayor Bosse Invited to Antisemitism Summit in Athens

Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse will attend the Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in Athens, Greece from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1. Chaired by Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis, in partnership with the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), the event is co-hosted by the Center for Jewish Impact and the Jewish Federations of North America. 

Beverly Hills Officially Lights Up the Holidays

The city of Beverly Hills officially ushered in the start of the 2022 holiday season on Nov. 17 with the annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration, a highly anticipated event that drew in a crowd of 6,000 people, according to city officials.

Third Suspect Charged in Camden Drive Robbery

Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Haberlack with two counts of felony robbery and one count of conspiracy on Nov. 16, according to Los Angeles County Superior Court records. Haberlack pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

City Honors Rally Organizers

At the request of Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse, the City Council presented a proclamation at its Nov. 15 meeting commending Nooshin and Camyar Meshkaty for organizing the Nov. 5 “Solidarity with the Heroic People of Iran” rally in Beverly Hills.

City Council Approves Homeless Pilot Program

The Beverly Hills City Council approved at its Nov. 15 meeting a $665,000 six-month pilot program to help homeless people. Approximately $421,000 of the money will go toward a no-bid contract to Nastec International, the Calabasas-based private security firm that has contracted with Beverly Hills since 2020. 

Study Session Considers Golden Globes, Preferential Parking Program

The Nov. 15 City Council Study Session was a look into the near future, discussing an event and a program launch both scheduled to occur in 2023. Mayor Lili Bosse and the rest of approved street closures related to the upcoming Golden Globe Awards and the Preferential Parking Program.

Parking Town Hall Previews License Plate Recognition Tech

The city’s Preferential Parking Permit (PPP) program was reintroduced to the public at City Hall on Nov. 3. About 30 people were physically or virtually present at the Town Hall meeting to hear from police sergeants and provide feedback about changes relating to the program, which establishes permits to park in residential areas during non-overnight hours.

Women’s Guild to Host Cedars-Sinai Disco Ball!

Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai will host a Disco Ball! on Nov. 30 in The Garden at the Beverly Hilton. Actress, author and philanthropist Jamie Lee Curtis will receive The Hollywood Icon Award, Nadine Schiff-Rosen and Fred Rosen will receive The Humanitarian Award and Jason Alexander will host. 

New Allegations in BHHS Construction Imbroglio

A lawsuit filed last month in Los Angeles County Superior Court levies specific charges of mismanagement and fraud in a Beverly Hills High renovation plan facing increasing scrutiny. 

Shots Fired During High-Risk Traffic Stop in Beverly Hills

The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) sent an alert to residents at approximately 5 p.m. on Nov. 9.

Marcus and Manouchehri Lead in BHUSD Board of Education Election

At press time, Marcus leads with 32.52% of the vote, and Manouchehri, about 338 votes behind Marcus, with 29.35%.

Key Local Races Still Undecided

The Supervisorial race specifically impacts Beverly Hills, which is part of the expansive 3rd District. The Board of Supervisors oversees the county’s massive budget and touches nearly everything the county operates, from jails to homeless services to parks. 

Filming Shuts Down Traffic in Beverly Hills

The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) monitored the closure, which stretched along Wilshire from North Maple Drive from 7 A.M. to 10 P.M. Saturday and Sunday. 

Jewish Federation Hosts Mayoral Forum

On Oct. 26, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles hosted a Los Angeles Mayoral Forum moderated by Spectrum News Anchor Alex Cohen (left) featuring Representative Karen Bass and Rick Caruso.

New Motor Garage for BHPD

A ribbon cutting took place on Nov. 2 for the new Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Motor Garage, designed and funded by Bruce Meyer.

Visionary Women Spotlights Crisis in Iran

Visionary Women, the non-profit community focused on engaging conversations and funding high impact initiatives for women and girls, hosted a special report on Nov. 2 covering the crisis in Iran and the women at the forefront.

SCE Plans Additional Outages in Beverly Hills

Southern California Edison (SCE) announced upcoming planned maintenance outages at the Nov. 1 City Council Study Session and offered an explanation for the outage on Oct. 24 that left more than 1,000 homes without power for several hours.

Planning Commission Approves 29-Unit Apartment Building on Maple Drive

The Beverly Hills Planning Commission has greenlit a six-story, 29-unit apartment building at 149-159 South Maple Drive with six units set aside for affordable housing.

Stainbrook Gives Positive Report on Real Time Watch Center

At the Nov. 1 City Council Study Session, Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Chief Mark Stainbrook reported a 34% decrease in crime since the launch of the Real Time Watch Center (RTWC) in June.

Path Cleared for $1 Billion Cheval Blanc Ultra-Luxury Hotel

The city of Beverly Hills has signed off on Cheval Blanc, the ultra-luxury hotel plus retail and private club to be developed by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

Recreation and Parks Welcomes New Team Members

A couple of fresh faces were in attendance as the Recreation and Parks Commission met to hear about a range of programs, events and agreements on Oct. 25. 

USC Shoah Foundation Announces New Leadership

USC Shoah Foundation — the Institute for Visual History and Education has appointed Dr. Robert J. Williams as the new Andrew J. and Erna Finci Viterbi Executive Director. The institute also announced that Joel Citron has been named Chair of the Board of Councilors.

Author Brianna Wiest to Speak at Mayor’s Mental Wellness Series

On Nov. 4, bestselling author Brianna Wiest will join Mayor Lili Bosse for the fourth installment of her Mental Wellness Series.

Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Leadership PAC Endorses Marcus and Manouchehri for the BHUSD Board

The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a BHUSD Candidate Forum on Oct. 17. All five candidates participated in the Forum. 

Maple Counseling Center Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Named in 1972 after its original Maple Drive location, the nonprofit Maple Counseling Center celebrated its 50th anniversary with a “Tea and Tequila” afternoon high tea on the Garden Terrace at The Maybourne Beverly Hills on Oct. 23.

Fentanyl, Vaccines and Fires on Health and Safety Agenda

There have been 49 total COVID-19 deaths in Beverly Hills, according to a report presented by Meena Janmohamed, emergency manager for the city, with deaths and cases in sharp decline throughout 2022. 

Fatal Accident in Beverly Hills

A motorcyclist was killed in a fatal traffic accident at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard on the morning of Oct. 26, shutting traffic down for several hours while authorities completed an investigation.

Beverly Hills Welcomes NEXT NIGHT Back With High Turnout

On Oct. 22, over 5,000 community members gathered to celebrate at the fifth annual NEXT NIGHT. Families, City Council members, school board members and more met at a closed South Beverly Drive to enjoy a night filled with good food, great music and wholesome family fun. 

BHPD Arrest Suspect in Connection with August Shooting

The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) has arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting on Aug. 15 on North Canon Drive. The announcement came as the Courier was going to press on Oct. 27.

Community Rattled by Another Antisemitic Flyer Incident

The Beverly Hills Jewish community is reeling after dozens of antisemitic flyers were distributed in Westside neighborhoods last weekend. Beverly Hills, Westwood, and Beverly Grove residents woke up on Oct. 23 to see pieces of paper, weighed down by plastic bags with dry rice, touting COVID-19 conspiracy theories and hateful antisemitic rhetoric.

Bob Hertzberg Makes His Case in the L.A. County Supervisor Race

On Nov. 8, voters will choose a new Los Angeles County Supervisor for the powerful 3rd District seat currently held by Sheila Kuehl, who is retiring. Contending for the seat are two high-profile runoff candidates, West Hollywood City Councilmember Lindsey Horvath and State Sen. Bob Hertzberg. Both have granted interviews to the Courier about the most pressing issues in this high-stakes race. Part One of this series featured Horvath and ran in our Oct. 21 issue. This week Part Two spotlights State Sen. Bob Hertzberg, the former California State Assembly Speaker and Senate Majority Leader.  

Planning Commission Debates Lexington Road Project

A mansion that prolific real estate investor David Taban has planned for Lexington Road continues to vex the Beverly Hills Planning Commission.

Community Considers Uses for Gale Yard

The Beverly Hills Community Development Department held a public forum and community discussion on Oct. 17 to further weigh options for the long-term use of the Gale Yard site, which is currently being used as a staging area for the construction of the Wilshire/La Cienega Purple Line Metro station.

Key to the City Presentation by Council

At its Oct. 18 regular meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council presented former Mayor Charles “Chuck” Aronberg, MD the Key to the City as well as a proclamation.

Beverly Hills Fall Art Show Makes a Triumphant Return

Four blocks of Santa Monica Boulevard were once again enveloped with paintings, sculptures and other creations during the fall iteration of the 49th biannual Beverly Hills Art Show. Tens of thousands of visitors flocked to Beverly Gardens Park Oct.15-16, wandering through the formation of tents and making conversation with the artists.

Electric Vehicles, Fentanyl Danger on Council Agenda

At a regular City Council meeting Oct. 18, city planners proposed that for each new residential unit built in Beverly Hills with an assigned parking space, the spot must be ready to have an electric vehicle charger installed.

BHUSD Board Candidates Share Views at Debates

At the Chamber’s Oct. 17 forum, Farrah Dodes, Janessa LaVoice, Judy Manouchehri, Rachelle Marcus, and Michal Amir Salkan answered questions about their platform, strengthening the relationship between students and the local business community, drug abuse and budgeting district funds.

David Foster and Katharine McPhee Will Headline Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration

The city is preparing for thousands to attend and help kick off the holiday season. 

Council Considers Equalize Her Now! Street Fair

Council Grills Southern California Edison Over Outages

Beverly Hills City Council members spent 90 minutes at their Oct. 11 Regular City Council Meeting excoriating Southern California Edison, the utility that provides electricity for most of the city’s homes and businesses.

City Council Denounces Iranian Government and Issues Resolution

On Oct. 11, the Beverly Hills City Council unanimously approved a resolution that condemns the government of Iran for the wrongful death of Mahsa Amini. The resolution also calls upon the United States government and the United Nations to increase sanctions against Iran. 

Wells Named to County Trustees Association Executive Board

Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education President Mary Wells has been appointed to the Executive Board of the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association (LACSTA), where she will serve a one-year term as Secretary-Treasurer.

NEXT NIGHT Street Festival Returns to Beverly Hills

After a two-year COVID-related hiatus, the NEXT NIGHT Street Festival is returning to South Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills on Oct. 22, from 4 to 9 p.m. The free evening will feature live music, food, art, games, and attractions, as well as a beer and wine garden.

Michelle Stradford Receives ‘Teacher of the Year’ Award

Beverly Hills teacher Michelle Stradford was honored as a 2022-23 recipient of a Los Angeles County Board of Education “Teacher of the Year” award at a ceremony on Sept. 23. The awards are intended to honor educators for exemplary dedication and positive accomplishments.

Commission Takes Up Matters of School and Public Safety

The Beverly Hills Health and Safety Commission held its regular meeting on Sept. 25, during which commissioners discussed school safety, a new way to measure health and safety, and a presentation from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

BH Fire Department Launches Girls’ Empowerment Camp

The Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) has announced that its first-ever Girls’ Empowerment Camp will take place on Nov. 5 and 6.

Shake Shack Opens in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills burger lovers, you’re in for a treat. A new Shake Shack location opens on South Santa Monica Boulevard Oct. 7, complete with all the cheese fries and milkshakes you could ever ask for. 

NAMI Earns New Certification

The most significant difference between NAMI and the other officers is that she is a 1-year-old Labrador-mix, but her job is just as important.

Council to Consider Official Resolution Condemning Iran

The words “Justice for Mahsa Amini” have illuminated the Beverly Hills City Hall since Sept. 29, in honor of the 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman who died in police custody in Tehran on Sep. 16 after being detained by the “morality police” for violating the government’s hijab rules.

25th Class of Team Beverly Hills Announced

The new Team BH members will have the opportunity to explore several aspects of local government through presentations, field trips and interactive demonstrations. 

‘Beverly Hills Cop 4’ Filming Closes N. Crescent Drive

A helicopter dramatically soared over City Hall as part of the production, circling the building, threading between the rustling palm trees and surrounding structures.

Not Today Cancer Hosts the Second Annual Run of the Stars

On Sept. 25, runners and walkers of all ages gathered at Roxbury Park to participate in the second annual Beverly Hills Run of the Stars Marathon. The 5k was sponsored by Not Today Cancer, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer research. 

Bosse Delivers State of City Address to Record Crowd

Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse took to the podium in front of a sold-out audience ton Sept. 28 to deliver this year’s State of the City Address at “An Evening with the Mayor” sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. 

Rick Caruso on Why He Should Lead Los Angeles

The race for Mayor of Los Angeles is in its final stages, with ballots for the Nov. 8 election expected in the mail in early October. Developer Rick Caruso and Rep. Karen Bass are maintaining a packed schedule of campaign events as each vies to become the first new mayor of the City of Angeles in nearly a decade. In two exclusive interviews, the Courier spoke with both Caruso and Bass about key issues resonating for all Southland residents. Part One of this series will spotlight Caruso. Part Two will appear in the Oct. 7 issue of the Courier and feature Karen Bass. 

The Wallis Appoints Two New Board Members

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has announced the appointment of writer/producer Pamela Beck and business leader/philanthropist Sandra Barros Lowy to its Board of Directors. 

New Construction Team in Place at BHUSD

“I am thrilled to have this new leadership team in place as part of our newly restructured construction program,” Board President Mary Wells told the Courier.

The Beverly Hills Library Launches Reel Conversations

The Beverly Hills Public Library is kicking off a documentary film series called Reel Conversations on Oct. 2 in the library auditorium at 1 p.m.  The three documentary films in the series provide an opportunity to meet with filmmakers and ask questions.  

Proclamation on Anniversary of Munich Massacre

The Beverly Hills City Council issued a proclamation recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Munich Olympic games massacre which targeted Israeli athletes.

Commission Selects Embrace Civility Award Recipient

At its Sept. 15 meeting, the Human Relations Commission selected the recipient of its Embrace Civility Award. The commission also heard updates on a variety of programs throughout the city, including Mental Health Awareness, Homelessness, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.

Public Input Sought on Traffic Calming Guidelines

The City of Beverly Hills has released a Draft Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program (NTCP) “How to” guide for public review. The proposed program is aimed at reducing speeding and cut-through vehicle traffic on residential streets.

Beverly Hills’ Finest Attend Gala

Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook (left) and Fire Chief Greg Barton attended the United Hatzalah Gala at the Beverly Hilton on Sept. 19. The organization’s 6,200 EMS volunteers in Israel are dedicated to saving lives, regardless of race, religion or national origin.

Arts and Culture Commission Discusses Fate of Mural

The Arts and Culture Commission met at its regular meeting on Sept. 13 to discuss future events, review the extension of the closure on North Canon Drive and meet new members of the team. The first presentation to the commission was from Public Works Department Project Manager Christine Chung, who gave an update on the North Canon Drive closure.

Azoff Gala Raises $2.6 Million for The Wallis

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts hosted hundreds of people on Sep. 21 to honor entertainment industry and civic icons with The Wallis Delivers: An Evening with Shelli and Irving Azoff.

Record Audience Expected for An Evening with the Mayor Sept. 28

Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse will deliver the annual State of the City Address at “An Evening with the Mayor” Sept. 28 at the historic Greystone Mansion. Presented by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, the sold-out event is expected to attract a record-setting number of attendees.

Three Suspects Arrested in Connection to South Beverly Smash and Grab

Three suspects were arrested on Sept. 21 in connection with a commercial burglary that took place on March 22. The robbery targeted Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills on South Beverly Drive.

Beverly Hills City Council Conditionally Approves Cheval Blanc Project

The Beverly Hills City Council voted 4-1 at its Sept. 20 regular meeting to conditionally approve the Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills hotel project. Councilmember John Mirisch cast the dissenting vote. 

60 Second Shoutout

The Beverly Hills City Council recognized Pompadour during the 60 Second Shout Out at its Sept. 12 meeting.

Murals and Water Discussed at Study Session

Beverly Hills owns and operates its own water supply, servicing the entire city and a portion of West Hollywood.

Omar Sharif Jr. Takes On New Role at Holocaust Museum LA

As the grandson of Holocaust survivors and Hollywood actors, Omar Sharif, Jr. believes his new role as the Chief Advancement Officer at the Holocaust Museum LA is a way to uphold his family legacy and pay tribute to his heritage.

Beverly Hills Mulls Metaverse Expansion

At its Sep. 12 adjourned Study Session, the Beverly Hills City Council unanimously agreed to explore the possibility of expanding into the metaverse.

City Council Clears Path for More Medical Facilities

Bosse’s advocacy for a health division came at the end of a four-hour Beverly Hills City Council meeting Sept. 12.

Planning Approves Dior French Restaurant on Rodeo Dr.

The City of Beverly Hills greenlighted a three-story Christian Dior building on North Rodeo Drive with a new wrinkle for the famous fashion brand — a rooftop restaurant intent on courting celebrities. 

Power Outages Plague Beverly Hills

City officials and residents are increasingly frustrated with continued power outages in Beverly Hills. On Sept. 9 at 11:26 p.m., the Trousdale Estates area experienced an outage, leaving 213 residents in the area without power for nearly 29 hours during a heatwave.

Great Outdoors Event to Take Place at Greystone Mansion

On Sept.17, the city is encouraging community members to spend a day at Greystone Mansion to celebrate its anniversary as a dedicated public park and the month the Doheny family moved in. The city has planned an entire day filled with activities that highlight the park’s natural beauty and relaxing landscape, called “The Great Outdoors at Greystone: A celebration of nature in the heart of Beverly Hills.” 

Beverly Hills Police to Host Reimagined Gala This Year

This year, instead of gathering at the Black & White Gala for a traditional sit-down dinner, the Beverly Hills Police Officers Benevolent Fund will hold a Reimagined Gala.

Local Democratic Club Endorses Two BHUSD Board Candidates

The West Hollywood Beverly Hills Democratic Club has announced that it is endorsing Rachelle Marcus and Farrah Dodes for the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education. The endorsement comes with exactly two months to go before the Nov. 8 election.

Public Works Commission Proposes New Water Rates

At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Beverly Hills Public Works Commission supported the proposed change in the commercial wastewater customer classes to include a third class; a $32 million water Capital Improvement Project (CIP) at the Cabrillo Reservoir; the fixed charge revenue ratio for water, pass-through charges, and to begin the Proposition 218 public notice process.

Beverly Hills to Commemorate 9/11 with Ceremony

In honor of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, the City of Beverly Hills will hold its annual ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial Garden. The event will feature a wreath laying, ringing of the bell, playing of taps, and a performance by the Beverly Hills High School Madrigal Singers.

BHUSD Board Takes Up Diverse Issues at Meeting

With recent weeks marked by scorching temperatures and heat waves, concerns about children playing on hot asphalt in unshaded school playgrounds was one of many issues taken up at the Sept. 6 Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education meeting.

Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton Discusses Emergency Preparedness

In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, the City of Beverly Hills is holding an informational meeting for the “JUST IN CASE BH” program.

Golden Shield Nominees Announced

The Landmark Nominations Advisory Subcommittee of the Cultural Heritage Commission met at a special meeting Aug. 7 to decide upon eight nominees for Golden Shield Cultural Recognition.

Beverly Hills Selected as Finalist for “Most Business-Friendly City” in Los Angeles County

Beverly Hills has qualified as a finalist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) “Most Business-Friendly City Award.” The winner will be announced at LAEDC’s 27th Annual Eddy Awards on Nov. 9.

New Electric Vehicle Company Set to Open in Beverly Hills

The Planning Commission voted 5-0 on Aug. 25 to let Faraday Future occupy the ground floor of 464 North Beverly Drive to show and sell luxury electric vehicles. Faraday, a Delaware incorporated company that is physically headquartered in Gardena, already has signed a ground floor lease with building landlord Danny Soroudi. 

BHUSD School Board Candidates Host Kickoffs

Three candidates for the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education, Rachelle Marcus, Judy Manouchehri and Michal Amir-Salkin, held campaign kickoffs on Aug. 28. Also running for the two open seats are Farrah Dodes, who held her kickoff on Aug. 21, and Janessa LaVoice. 

Cooling Centers Open Through Labor Day in Beverly Hills

As high temperatures blanket Southern California for the next several days, Beverly Hills Cooling Centers will be open through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5, to provide relief from the extreme heat.  The following locations will provide a cool, air-conditioned environment:

Mayor Bosse Cites Progress on Several Projects at Live with Lili

By The Aug. 25 Live with Lili event featured a special debut appearance by the Beverly Hills Police Department’s (BHPD) newest member, support K9 NAMI. Escorted in by BHPD Chief Mark Stainbrook, NAMI is the city’s designated mental health dog. His name is an acronym for National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI resides at the police department and is available for drop in visits from the community. 

Suspects in April Beverly Hills Robbery Sentenced

Four suspects arrested in connection with an armed robbery this spring have been sentenced for their crimes. 

Phase One of City Hall Retrofit Nearly Complete

Nearly a year has passed since the launch of the City Hall retrofit project and phase one is now on the brink of completion. The Courier met with City Hall staff to get an update on the ongoing improvements to the building’s construction and security. 

Police Tech, Outages and Holiday Plans on Study Session Agenda

At the Aug. 23 City Council Study Session, Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook gave an overview of the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) technology and privacy policies. The Council then heard from Southern California Edison about recurring power outages and finished the meeting with an update on holiday programming. 

Poirier Named Deputy Fire Chief

At the Los Angeles Fire Department, Poirier oversaw a service area of more than 100 fire stations served by 1000 firefighters and paramedics on duty each day.

Beverly Hills Council Meeting Focuses on Safety

When Dan Cooley approached the podium at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, asking the Beverly Hills City Council to greenlight shooting a “Beverly Hills Cop 4” helicopter landing, he knew his audience.

Residents Asked to Suspend Water Use Outdoors for Two Weeks

Residents and businesses in areas of greater Los Angeles County, including Beverly Hills, are being asked to suspend outdoor water use for two weeks as repairs to a major pipeline will stretch already thin resources.

Back to School at BHUSD

Aug. 15 marked back to school week in the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD).

Former Employee Sues Glazer Foundation

A former executive assistant for the Diane & Guilford Glazer Foundation is suing her ex-employer, alleging she was wrongfully fired in 2021 for taking medical leave to deal with depression associated with a month-long bout with the coronavirus. Veronica Mendez’s Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit also names Guilford Glazer Properties Inc. as a defendant.

Community Meets at City Hill to Dance the Stress Away

On Aug. 18, city employees, council members and residents gathered in front of Beverly Hills City Hall to let loose at Mayor Lili Bosse’s Music and Dance! event, the second installation in her Mental Wellness Series.

BHPD Conducts Safety Drill at Hawthorne Elementary School

“I can’t thank you enough for this because it’s a good test of God forbid, if it happens, a test of our capabilities, fire department, and also civilians,” BHPD’s Lieutenant Robert Maycott told participants. 

Planning Commission Approves Cartier Delay, Spars with Mansion Developer

If a tree falls in Beverly Hills, it not only makes a sound. It potentially dooms a hillside mansion six years in the making.

Chief Stainbrook Reassures Beverly Hills at Rotary Address

Stainbrook hit hard on his main message. “The Beverly Hills Police Department will never stop investigating or going after these criminals until we get an arrest…It doesn’t matter where they are in the world, the BHPD will travel to make arrests for the crimes committed in Beverly Hills.”

Multiple Shots Fired on North Canon Drive

Beverly Hills Police Department responded to a shooting on the 100 block of North Canon Drive near Wilshire Boulevard, at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Tuesday. 

Community Development Department Asks Residents for Feedback on ADUs

At a community meeting on Aug. 10, the Beverly Hills Community Development Department’s Planning Division asked residents for input on the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance update. Planners are still deciding whether the city should only allow what is required by the state or give residents the opportunity to go above and beyond those building limitations.

Next Night Returns Oct. 22

The Next Beverly Hills Committee held a Special Meeting on Aug. 9 with City Council liaisons Vice Mayor Julian Gold and Lester Friedman to select a proposal for the fifth Next Night, scheduled to take place on Oct. 22.

NAMI Joins BHPD

The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) has announced its newest member, Support K9 NAMI, who joined the team in July 2022. Thanks to a generous donation from Beverly Hills Police Foundation Board Member and mental illness advocate, Janis Black Warner, BHPD was able to adopt and train NAMI.

Arts and Culture Commission Discusses Artist Guidelines and Ad Hoc Committees

On July 9, the Arts and Culture Commission held its regular meeting to review the potential artist selection guidelines for future events. The Commission also finalized the ad hoc committees and roles for the upcoming year. 

Let’s Dance: Mayor’s Mental Wellness Event is Aug. 18

Mayor Lili Bosse is hosting a dance party on Aug. 18, and the entire city is invited. The exuberantly titled “Music & Dance!” event is the second installation of the Mayor’s signature Mental Wellness Series.

Luxury Hotelier to Run Friars Club Site

An international hotelier will manage a planned luxury residence on the intersection of Santa Monica and Charleville boulevards, the onetime site of the famous Friar’s Club. Hong Kong-based Rosewood Hotels is set to operate a 17-unit condo building at 9908 S. Santa Monica Blvd.

BHUSD Considers Safety Practices for New School Year

With less than one week before the start of the new school year, the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education heard about safety and security practices, discussed a new district community pledge, and appointed Gabriel Halimi as board liaison to the Beverly Hills Education Foundation at its Aug. 9 meeting.

Council Discusses RHNA Reform and Parking Upgrades in Beverly Hills

The Beverly Hills City Council discussed its initial contributions to the Regional Housing Needs Assessment reform process at the Aug. 2 Study Session.

Co-Principals Take the Helm at BHHS

For the first time in its nearly 100-year history, Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) will have two interim co-principals this upcoming school year: Assistant Principal of Instruction Kim Decatrel and Assistant Principal of Student Services Drew Stewart. With former BHHS Principal Mark Mead being promoted to Director of School Safety in June, the district began searching for candidates to replace him, but ultimately did not move forward with any applicants.

City Makes Plans for Holiday Celebration

At a City Council Liaison Joint Special Meeting of the Rodeo Drive Committee/Special Events/ Holiday Program Committee on Aug. 1, plans were discussed for the city’s winter holiday decorations.

Planning Commission Mulls Over Walls, Basements and Medical Facilities

The Beverly Hills Planning Commission voted unanimously on July 28 to advance an ordinance to the City Council raising the maximum allowable heights for walls, fences and hedges in much of the city. It was one of a quartet of items passed without opposition by the five-person panel – but not without ample discussion.

BHUSD Awarded $1,046,610 from MTA

A jury awarded the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) the sum of $1,046,610 on July 29 in an eminent domain case with the Los Angeles Country Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Beverly Hills Lowers Flag to Half-Staff to Honor Vin Scully

“Southern California has lost a family member,” said Mayor Lili Bosse. “The memories he created for fans and families will endure forever.  He is and always will be the Dodgers.”

“200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibit” Opens on Rodeo Drive

There are treasures in every corner of the new Louis Vuitton exhibit on Rodeo Drive. Some vie for attention. Others lie discreetly out of sightlines, confident of being sought out. Though grand in title, the show is intimate in its appeal. Indeed, “200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibit,” calls to each visitor differently.

Charge Against Friedman’s Son Reduced to Misdemeanor

The younger Friedman now faces two misdemeanor counts stemming from his alleged creation of a fake Instagram account in the name of Councilmember Sharona Nazarian in April. 

Homelessness the Major Topic at City Council Meeting

Homelessness in Beverly Hills “seems to be increasing,” but it is “difficult to know with certainty.” So read a report that Nancy Hunt-Coffey, assistant city manager, delivered to the Beverly Hills City Council, a five-page study that triggered two hours of heated discussion and community outcry.

City Expands Park Rangers Hours to Address Homelessness

For more than two weeks now, Beverly Hills Park Rangers have engaged in a pilot outreach program geared at patrolling the city’s parks and making contact with unhoused individu- als at night. The expanded duties complement the existing city apparatus of outreach and support those experiencing homelessness or at risk of falling into homelessness.

LaVoice Announces School Board Candidacy

Beverly Hills resident Janessa LaVoice has announced her candidacy for the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education in the upcoming November 2022 election, looking to fill one of two open seats.

Dodes Announces School Board Candidacy

Beverly Hills resident Farrah Dodes, who is the President of the Beverly Hills Education Foundation, has announced her candidacy for the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education in the upcoming November 2022 election. She will be vying for one of two open seats.

Beverly Hills Seeks Default Judgment Against YouTube Creator, Promoter

The City of Beverly Hills is seeking nearly $25,000 in a default judgment against a YouTube video creator, a promoter and a company to compensate the munici- pality for police and administrative costs associated with a spring 2021 parade that caused the temporary closing of Rodeo Drive. According to a lawsuit filed in Santa Monica Superior Court, Austin McBroom used social media to lure his followers to Beverly Hills for a May 29, 2021, parade prior to his match the next month with fellow YouTuber and TikTok video crea- tor Bryce Hall in Miami, an event billed as “The Battle of the Platforms—YouTubers vs. TikTokers.”

Metro D Line Construction Continues as Section One Gets Closer to Completion

Health and Safety Commission Hears Updates From Local Agencies

The Beverly Hills Health and Safety Commission held its monthly regular meeting on July 25, during which it heard reports from local agencies and updates on current programs. 

BOLD Summer Begets Excitement on Rodeo Drive

The initiative, which is designed to showcase the vibrant shopping, dining and excitement of summer in Beverly Hills, is a collaboration among the city, the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, Rodeo Drive Committee and the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

New Co-Principals Announced at BHUSD Board Meeting

District Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy also welcomed the new Assistant Principal at Hawthorne Elementary School Dr. Christine Kim and shared the appointment of Drew Stewart and Kim Decatrel to serve as Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) interim Co-Principals for next year.

City Council Votes Against Mask Enforcement

However, Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer announced on July 28 that an indoor universal mask mandate would not be imposed, citing a continued downward trend in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Amir-Salkin Announces BHUSD Board Candidacy

Born and raised in Beverly Hills, Amir-Salkin is a graduate of Hawthorne Elementary School and a parent to twins. Amir-Salkin retired her practice in obstetrics and gynecology and now teaches at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

Human Relations Commissioner Rhoda J. Sharp Has Passed Away

Sharp was a 30-year resident who worked tirelessly for Beverly Hills High School, where she created the Regional Occupation Program.

BHUSD Transitions to New Bond Manager and Inspector

“It’s a total success,” School Board President Mary Wells told the Courier about the transition.

Climate Action Advisory Committee Hosts Movie Night and Discussion

Panelists were asked about best energy and sustainability practices, how city is taking steps to meet its climate goals, and simple everyday actions for Beverly Hills residents to lower their carbon footprint. 

City Council Opposes LA County Charter Amendment

Specifically, on July 26, the Supervisors will consider calling a special election on Nov. 8 to vote on an amendment to the county charter that would allow an elected sheriff to be removed by a four-fifths vote.

Beverly Hills City Council Tackles Diverse Agenda

Much of the first meeting concerned itself with administrative duties, such as approving future meeting dates for the rest of the year.

Courier Exclusive: DA Denies Political Motivation Behind Prosecution of Friedman’s Son

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Public Integrity Division filed the charges, one felony count of identity theft and one misdemeanor count of internet/electronic impersonation, on July 13. 

Nominations Open for Embrace Civility Award

Nominations are open for the 12th annual Embrace Civility Award, which recognizes community members who contribute to civility and exemplify positive human relations in all aspects of community life. 

BHUSD Board Gets First Update on Grandparent Permits

The district has received a total of 116 applications for elementary, middle and high school, the majority of which were for elementary school enrollment.

Terri Kaplan to Join Planning Commission

Beginning on July 28, the Beverly Hills Planning Commission will have a new face among its five members when Terri Kaplan, a longtime resident and retired real estate asset manager for the federal government, fills the vacancy left by the expiration of former Commissioner Andy Licht’s term.

Councilmember Friedman’s Son Charged in Criminal Case

Adam Friedman, 37, was charged July 13 with one felony count of identity theft and one misdemeanor count of internet/electronic impersonation, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Mayor’s Mental Wellness Series Launches with Dr. Edith Eger

The free event is open to the public and will be held in the courtyard on the Crescent Drive Side of Beverly Hills City Hall from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. 

New Beverly Hills City Council Installed

An excited audience of a few hundred gathered on the steps of City Hall for an outdoor ceremony bedecked with flowers.

Marcus Announces BHUSD Board Reelection Bid

The longtime resident of Beverly Hills served as an educator for over 50 years in all five BHUSD schools. 

City Council Wins for Friedman, Nazarian, Mirisch Certified

The city will hold a public installation ceremony for the new council members and reelected City Treasurer Howard Fischer on Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. at Beverly Hills City Hall.

Planning Commission Tables Hillel and Reviews 24-Hour Gas Station

Property Owners Task Force Reviews Business Trends

With the Wilshire/Rodeo station slated to open in 2025, the committee debated whether the station would benefit from a public restroom and what impact that would have.

Saks Expansion Project for Beverly Hills Unveiled

The plans, which include six parcels across two blocks totaling 3.4 acres, would add commercial spaces, luxury apartments, and retail and dining destinations in addition to Saks Beverly Hills.

Nancy Hunt-Coffey Appointed Beverly Hills City Manager as of Jan. 1, 2023

Hunt-Coffey was appointed by a 4-1 vote of the City Council on June 21 and will take the reigns over from George Chavez, who is retiring. 

OpenBH Community Stakeholders Meet to Discuss Parklets

The meeting is part of the first in a four-phase plan outlined in the OpenBH Design and Operating Standards Subcommittee’s work plan and focuses on facilitating conversation between business owners, residents, and representatives from Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects (LOHA), the firm contracted by the city to help design guidelines.

Cheval Blanc Approved by Planning Commission

The luxury hotel from the French conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) is proposed for the corner of Rodeo Drive and South Santa Monica Boulevard.

Beverly Hills City Manager George Chavez to Retire

City Manager George Chavez has announced that he will retire this December after a 35-year career serving the City of Beverly Hills. 

Friedman, Nazarian, Mirisch Retain City Council Lead

“Feeling optimistic, but it ain’t over,” Mirisch told the Courier about the continued lead.

Beverly Hills Enacts New Water Conservation Measures

The city will now limit outdoor watering to two days a week and prohibit the use of drinkable water for outdoor irrigation between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Councilmember Friedman’s Home Searched In Fake Instagram Account Investigation

Fisher Reelected as Beverly Hills City Treasurer

Challengers Jake Manaster and Gabrielle Pantera-Rowe trail behind with 27% and 9% of the vote, respectively.

Moments from Election Night in Beverly Hills

Planning Commission Chair Andy Licht shrugs at his Election Day party when asked for a prediction of the results.

Term Limits Set For Landslide Victory in Beverly Hills

The ballot measure, known as Measure TL, will limit elected officials to three terms or 12 years in office.

Friedman and Nazarian On Track to Win Beverly Hills City Council Seats With Tight Race for Third

A Closer Look at City Council Campaign Finances

Council Will Review 1001 N. Roxbury Despite Challenge

The 10,000-square-foot property was built in 1942 for Mildred Naylor by Beverly Hills master architect Carleton Burgess in the Regency Revival style.

Beverly Hills Celebrates Its First (and only) Female Motorcycle Cop

With 25 pounds of tactical gear effortlessly strapped to her body, you’d think she was born to do the job. But she hadn’t always thought about pursuing a career in law enforcement.

Cheval Blanc Nears Approval by Planning Commission

Prominent Rodeo Drive real estate developer and business owner Dar Mahboubi spoke approvingly of the proposed luxury development.

Beverly Hills Pride Night Set for June 2

BHUSD Board Considers End of Year Agenda

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.

Courier Earns Additional Honors

The awards will be handed out at the SoCal Journalism Awards gala on June 25. 

Council Approves Agency Funding Requests

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).

Jeff Wolfe Appointed to Planning Commission

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.

The Courier Will Not Endorse In City Council Race

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.

Council Approves 14% Salary Raise for Police

“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.

Community Voices

If Beverly Hills wishes to mark Pride Month with more robust celebrations, then it would be better served to plan for 2023.

Council Liaisons Consider Summer Installations

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.

City Issues Cease and Desist to Markowitz Over Logo

Markowitz, the Just In Case BH Preparedness Community Coordinator, said that her campaign would discontinue the use of the logo.

Music in the Mansion Entertains Sold-Out Crowd

Planning Commission Rebukes Spring Place

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.

Courier Wins Two First Place California Journalism Awards

Total of Four Awards as of Press Time

Candidate Donations and Expenditures Examined

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. 

Suspect Arrested in Attack on South Beverly Drive

For reasons still under investigation, a male suspect stabbed the woman with what appeared to be a screwdriver before fleeing on foot.

Rotary Club of Beverly Hills Honors City Employees

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.

Candidate Corner

About 45 people attended a campaign event for City Council Candidate Vera Markowitz at the home of Jacques and Natalie Wizman on May 10.

Pride Month Events Proposed for Beverly Hills

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.

City Council Approves Resolution to Support a Woman’s Right to Choose

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.

Thousands Strike at Cedars-Sinai Over Wages and Protections

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.

Term Limits Measure May Not Hold Up to Scrutiny

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).

Candidates Meet for Student and Neighborhood Forums

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).

City Council Voices Support for Police Raise

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.”

Bosse Hosts Inaugural “Live with Lili”

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.”

Recruitment Period Opens for Team Beverly Hills

Formed in 1996, Team Beverly Hills provides residents with a hands-on look at the operations of local government.

Future of Gale Yard Discussed at Public Forum

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.

Human Relations Commission Condemns Inappropriate Behavior at Forum

The letter was provided exclusively to the Courier in the hopes of “spreading the message for civility and positive human relations.”

Two Arrested For Residential Robbery on Camden

Multiple suspects armed with weapons entered the victim’s home and forced the residents to hand over their property.

Candidate Corner

On May 4, realtor Michael Libow hosted a gathering at his residence, the famous “Witch’s House,” for Councilmember Robert Wunderlich.

A Mother and Daughter’s Journey From Ukraine to Beverly Hills

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.

Candidates Meet for Southwest Neighborhood Association Forum

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.

Three Candidate Forums Set for May

Eleven candidates are vying for three open City Council seats and three candidates for the position of City Treasurer.

City Council Tackles Housing Assistance, City Prosecutor, and Metro Security

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.

City Council Sets Fiscal Priorities for Next Year

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.

Candidates Complain of Missing Signs

Ahmed speculated that the crowded field and tense political atmosphere may be contributing to the high number of signs disappearing.

Beverly Hills Candidate Forum Stirs Controversy

Tanenbaum also followed up with Friedman on a question asked by the Courier that touched on the conduct of former Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli.

Part Two: City Council Candidates Answer the Courier’s Questions

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.

Public Works Commission Studies Cabrillo Reservoir

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.

Antisemitic Flyers Found on First Night of Passover

The flyers appeared similar to those from the previous two incidents, declaring that “Every Single Aspect of the Ukraine-Russia War is Jewish.”

LAPD Investigating Coldwater Canyon Follow-Home Robbery

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.

Candidates To Take Part in Several Public Forums

Eleven candidates are vying for three open City Council seats and three candidates for the position of City Treasurer. 

City Council Candidates Answer the Courier’s Questions

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.

Jaqueline Avant’s Murderer Sentenced to 190 Years

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.

Police and Firefighter Unions Make City Council Endorsements

“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.

City Council Takes Up Broad Range of Topics at Study Session

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.

Marathon Council Meeting Tackles Renter Protections and 1001 Roxbury

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.

Nazarian and Wunderlich Receive Key Endorsement

Beverly Hills City Council candidates Commissioner Sharona Nazarian and Councilmember Robert Wunderlich have received the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP).

Plans Revealed for 2022 Concours d’Elegance in Beverly Hills

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. 

Beverly Hills City Council Approves Real Time Watch Center

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.

Beverly Hills Joins 11th Annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation

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.

A City Celebrates

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.

Plans to Make OpenBH Permanent Underway

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

Bosse Launches New Initiatives for City

“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.

Lili Bosse Installed as Beverly Hills Mayor

“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.”

JustinCase BH Holds Fire Extinguisher Drill

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. 

City Council Sunday Campaign Kickoffs

Campaign kickoff events are a long-time Beverly Hills tradition, and this year, they were back in full force.

Beverly Hills City Treasurer Forum

“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. 

Police Make Major Arrests

“At this time, we do not believe these suspects are responsible for any other similar incidents in Beverly Hills,” Trejo said.

Chamber of Commerce Hosts First Candidate Forum

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.

BHUSD Takes Up Wellness Initiatives

“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.”

BHPD’s Recruitment Campaign Shows Early Results

“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.”

BHUSD Board Takes Step to “Course Correct” Bond Program

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 Investigating Brazen Robbery at South Beverly Jewelry Store

Police immediately added a camera trailer, extra security patrols, and an “extra special watch from officers” to South Beverly hours after the incident.

Pandemic Renter Protections to End Soon

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.

Nusr-Et Tent Permit Issues Move Toward Resolution

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.

City Council Considers Affordable Housing and Street Mobility

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 Unveils Disaster Manual

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.

Planning Commission Considers Overhaul to ADU Rules

The Beverly Hills Planning Commission reviewed the city’s standards for accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, at its March 10 meeting.

Bedford Rite Aid Closing Monday

According to Sterling, the city was ready to begin preliminary talks to renew the lease with Rite Aid on Bedford. 

City Council Resumes In-Person Meetings

“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.

Women of the Year in Beverly Hills

Time’s Women of the Year were honored at a gala in Beverly Hills on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day.

Cafe Istanbul Assailants Sentenced for Hate Crimes

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.

Coffee With a Cop Scheduled for March 12

“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.

Deadline for City Candidates Arrives

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.

With Looming Bond Shortfall, Board Hears from CCAC for First Time

“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.

Beverly Hills to Host Summer Camp Showcase March 13

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.

“Vehicle Takeover” Renews Scrutiny of Infamous Intersection

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.

City Council to Resume In-Person Meetings

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.

Il Pastaio Getaway Driver Gets 5 Years

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.

Beverly Hills Courier Exclusive: Hudnut Will Step Down from Planning Commission in June from Planning Commission

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.

Cheval Blanc Asks for Time Extension After Planning Commission Feedback

The Beverly Hills Planning Commission scrutinized the potential traffic impacts of the proposed Cheval Blanc hotel project at a Feb. 24 special meeting.

Beverly Hills City Council Passes Resolution in Support of Ukraine

The resolution also makes Zelensky an honorary citizen of Beverly Hills. 

Maynor Pleads Guilty to Avant Murder

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.

Paul Selwyn, Pillar of City’s Cultural Scene, Passes Away

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.

Campaign Corner

Attention all candidates. The Courier would like to keep readers informed about campaign events in our ongoing “Campaign Corner” feature.

Remembering Selma Katz Bosse

Jon Bosse describes his mother Selma Katz Bosse as a “very selfless person who never wanted attention.”

BHPD Employee Becomes President of Women’s Leadership Group

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).

Beverly Hills Philanthropist Judy Briskin Makes $1.5 Million Donation to Maple Counseling Center

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.

New Wildfire Home Standards Try to Fix Insurance Troubles

“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.”

BHPD Makes Arrests in Largest “Vehicle Takeover” Ever

“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. 

Frieze Draws 35,000 to Beverly Hills

“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.” 

City Council Race Attracts 13 Potential Candidates

“In comparison to 2020, it’s a lot of people who pulled [nomination] papers,” Ahmed told the Courier.

Courier Launches “Campaign Corner” Feature

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.”

Beverly Hills Fire Department Earns Prestigious Accreditation

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.

Council Supports Water Conservation Challenge

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.

City Council Reviews Renter Protections and Rosy Economic Outlook

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.

BHPD Arrests Suspects in Triangle Robberies

The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) announced three arrests in connection with 2021 robberies in the Business Triangle and other cities in Southern California.

Villanueva Addresses Rotary Club

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.

Beverly Hills Planning Commission Considers Impacts of Cheval Blanc Hotel Project

The Beverly Hills Planning Commission publicly reviewed the proposed Cheval Blanc luxury hotel project during a Feb. 10 Special Meeting.

Il Pastaio Robbers Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison

“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.” 

Jeff Hyland Passes Away At 75

“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.

City Council Funds Tourism TV Campaign

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.

Beverly Hills State Sen. Proposes Journalism Fund

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 Launches City Council Bid

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.

Drought, Trees, and Public Banks Discussed at Study Session

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.

Private Security Contracts in Beverly Hills Extended to Summer 2023

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.

City Council Considers CCTV Expansion

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.

Beverly Hills to Counter Crime Stigma with TV Campaign

Metro Nears Next Step for Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will soon complete the first step of one of its most ambitious projects to date.

Courier Exclusive: Markowitz Will Seek Beverly Hills City Council Seat

The newlywed couple moved to California and settled in Beverly Hills. They originally lived in Trousdale and became parents to their first two children.

Petition to Recall Gascón Approved

“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.” 

Recreation and Parks Hears from BHPD Chief Stainbrook

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.

Bojeaux and Blum Announce Council Bids

Two more residents have tossed their hats into the 2022 City Council race, Darian Bojeaux and Deborah Blum.

Sunshine Task Force Tables Revocation Ordinance

“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.”

Inside the Beverly Hills Police Department’s Pilot Drone Program

Privacy groups have warned for over a decade that drones could further erode privacy in an age of near-constant surveillance.

Tobacco Ban Impacts Local Convenience Store

“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.

Beverly Hills Housing Element Not Certified

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).

BHPD Investigating Armed Robbery Near Roxbury Park

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.

City Council Grapples with End Dates for COVID Renter Protections

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.

BREAKING: Police and Religious Groups Unite Against Hate Crime

City Council Bolsters Election Transparency

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.”

Council Examines Overlap Between Just In Case BH and Neighborhood Watch

Just In Case BH is a neighborhood-based emergency preparedness program proposed by Vice Mayor Lili Bosse in 2020.

Virtual Commemoration at Holocaust Museum LA

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, recognized by the United Nations, commemorates the tragedy of the Holocaust and signifies the day that Auschwitz was liberated. 

BREAKING: Watch Stolen at Gunpoint Near Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills

Cafe Sheera Hosts Coffee with a Cop

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.

One Year In, No New Mixed-Use Projects

The Beverly Hills City Council received a one-year update on the mixed-use ordinance in its Jan. 4 Regular Meeting.

Changes Ahead for Lobbyists in Beverly Hills

“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.

Starting the New Year with Historical Awards

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.

Full Docket for Planning Commission in 2022

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.

City Council to Posthumously Honor Sidney Poitier on Jan. 18

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.”

City Creates Design Standards for Subway Corridor

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.

Beverly Hills and the World Mourn Sidney Poitier

The world knew him as an icon, but Beverly Hills knew him as a beloved friend and neighbor. Sidney Poitier died on Thursday at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy that transcended his achievements.

City Council Responds to Antisemitic Flyers

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.

Suspects Burgle $128,000 from Crustacean

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.

Farewell to Hometown Hero Betty White

Betty White holds the world’s record for her television career that spanned eight decades.

Beverly Hills City Council Unanimously Supports Gascón Recall

The Beverly Hills City Council unanimously passed a resolution backing the latest attempt to recall Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

BHUSD Announces Mandatory COVID-19 Testing Prior to Jan. 10 Return to School

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.

City to Run Pop-Up Vaccine Clinic For Employees

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

New State Laws: What They Mean for Beverly Hills

Councilmember Lester Friedman called the bill “misguided” and a “one-size-fits-all” approach during the December council meeting. 

Terms of Bisignano Plea Deal Unsealed

“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.”

BHPD To Relax Enforcement Over New Year’s Holiday

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.

Beverly Hills Looks Forward to 2022

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.

Deputy Fire Chief Joe Matsch Hangs Up His Helmet

He acknowledged that the department was “going through a challenging time.” But he insists that “there isn’t division in the fire department.” 

Beverly Hills to Receive $1 Million in Opioid Settlement

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.

Guerin Gives $100 Million to Cedars-Sinai

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.

Antisemitic Flyers Found Again

“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.”

Boy Scout Cultivates Next Generation of Green Thumbs

Task Force Discusses Future of OpenBH

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.

Mary Wells Installed as BHUSD Board President

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.

BHPD Chief Mark Stainbrook Speaks to the Community

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.

BHPD Provides Holiday Safety Tips

The winter “season of giving” is the season of taking for many lawbreakers.

Rent Stabilization Commission Recommends Updating Relocation Fees

“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.”

Council Passes Urgency Ordinance in Response to SB9

“This is effectively the removal of single-family zoning in the state,” said Director of Community Development Ryan Gohlich.

Beverly Hills City Council Acknowledges Two Tragedies

“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.

Virginia Robinson Gardens Proposal Stirs Controversy

“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.”

City Council Hears Concerns from Residents about Safety in Beverly Hills

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.”

Courier on Spectrum News 1

Applications Open for Community Assistance Grants

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

Beverly Hills to Test Outdoor Warning Siren

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.

LA City Council Map On Hold for BH Neighbors

“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.

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

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.

Smash-and-Grabs, Stickups and Hate Flyers: BHPD Responds

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. 

Suspect in Avant Murder Arrested

“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.

Mark Stainbrook Sworn in as Beverly Hills Chief of Police

“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.”

Jacqueline Avant, Philanthropist and Long-Time Resident, Shot and Killed

Next BH Proposes Citywide Valet

“It’s going to be a transition the next month, so it’ll be exciting to see someone step up,” said Freeman. 

Sunshine Task Force Discusses Two Potential Ordinances

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.

Holiday Lights Dazzle Large Crowd on Rodeo Drive

“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.

Attempted Burglaries in Triangle Part of Recent Trend

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.

BHPD Makes Arrests After Three Robberies

The BHPD has made arrests in connection with three armed robberies this week.

Council Grapples with State Water Crisis

The Beverly Hills City Council confronted the dire water situation facing California and the city at a Nov. 16 meeting.

Council Denies Petition for South Crescent Drive Parking Restrictions

City Transportation Planner Martha Eros said that available data showed no change since the switch to a middle school.

Council Approves Request to Honor Setian

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.

Lighting Celebration Kicks off Holiday Season in Beverly Hills

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.”

Beverly Hills City Council Nixes Rodeo Drive Closure

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.”

Beverly Hills Residents Split Over City Bike Lane Goals

“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.

90210 is the Sixth Most Expensive Zip Code in US

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.

Open Letter Calls for Limit to PACs

“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.

After a Dark Year, Beverly Hills Welcomes Back Holiday Lights

“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.

BHUSD Interviews Candidates for Board Vacancy

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.

Beverly Hills Chamber Touts Success of NY Trip

“We met with two other restaurants that are really close to signing deals,” Johnson told the Courier.

Frieze Agrees to Compromise on Name For 2022 Fair

The City Council previously expressed displeasure with waiving the fees for a for-profit event that uses “Los Angeles” in its branding.

City Council Wrestles with SB9

“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.

Beverly Hills Readies for L.A. Marathon

“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.”

A Step Forward for Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills

“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.”

Beverly Hills Suing YouTube Video Creator

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.

BHPD Provides Safety Tips for Halloween

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.

Beverly Hills City Council Adopts Disposable Foodware Ordinance

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. 

City Council Weighs Ending Eviction Moratorium

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.

BHPD Racial Profiling Suit Adds Plaintiffs

“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.

Chief Rivetti Updates Council on Security Measures

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.

BHHS Athletes End Season on a High Note

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. 

Spooky Decorations Appear in Beverly Hills

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.

BHPD Releases Rodeo Drive Task Force Arrest Data

The records also contain the number of total arrests for unemployment insurance fraud or Employment Development Department (EDD) fraud.

Beverly Hills Passes Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

Mayor Robert Wunderlich, Vice Mayor Lili Bosse and Councilmember Julian Gold, M.D., echoed Friedman’s sentiments.

Beverly Hills Honors Life of Detective Zoeller

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. 

Attempted Robbery on Canon Drive Leaves One Injured

“Preliminary information appears at this point that the male victim was the target of a robbery.”

New Members Chosen for Citizen Bond Oversight Committee

“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.”

Council Gives Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down to Matters at Study Session

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.

Beverly Hills City Council Approves Housing Element

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.

Wunderlich Delivers State of the City Address

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.

Council Passes Ordinance Restricting School Protests

“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.

Courier Exclusive: Q&A with Mark Stainbrook, New BHPD Chief

“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.”

BHPD Awarded Traffic Safety Grant from State

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%.

Protesters Oppose Vaccine Mandates at Walk to School Day

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

Beverly Hills Fire Department Addresses Vaccine Mandate

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

Hundreds Attend Women’s March in Beverly Hills

“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.”

Mayor Delivers Beverly Hills State of the City Speech

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.

Planning Commission Recommends Approval of Housing Element

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.

A Fourth of BHFD Firefighters Seek Vaccine Exemptions

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. 

Holiday Banners Unveiled for Beverly Hills

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.

Il Pastaio Watch Thieves Plead Guilty

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.

“First Thursdays” Launches in Beverly Hills Oct. 7

“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.

Former MCA Headquarters Granted Historic Status

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).

Memorial Held for Mason Duncan-Book

“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.

Sushi Fumi Suspects Charged With Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes

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. 

Former President George W. Bush Speaks in Beverly Hills

 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.

Council Considers Future of OpenBH

“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 Resigns From BHUSD School Board

Walker-Shuman told the Courier that she plans to “continue taking care of my parents and family, finishing graduate school and advocating for education.”

Change Proposed for Beverly Hills Trees in Face of Climate Change

“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.”

Council Discusses Programs to Reenergize Beverly Hills

“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.

Council Changes Planning Commission Role In Project Review

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. 

BHUSD Board Opens Investigation into Walker-Shuman

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. 

City Council Considers Holiday Festivities in Beverly Hills

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. 

BHUSD Adopts Universal Testing But No Vaccine Mandate

“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.”

New Report Spotlights Anti-Semitism in 9/11 Conspiracies

“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.

Slow Streets Program Continues to Roll Out in Beverly Hills

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.

New Bike Lane Proposed for San Vicente

“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.”

Council to Consider Future of Open BH Program

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.

Beverly Hills Commemorates 20th Anniversary of 9/11

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.

School Board President Calls For Investigation Into Vice President

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.”  

Beverly Hills Kicks Off Climate Plan With New Committee

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.

El Nido Celebrates Garden Gala Sept. 11

“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.”

Shop Local Program Rebranded

“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.”

Fate of Swim Gym Mural Discussed at Meeting

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.

Beverly Hills Art Show Returns Oct. 16-17

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.  

Team Beverly Hills Inspires Generations of Civic Leaders

“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.

BHFD Fighting Dixie Fire

“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.

Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Set for Nov. 18

“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.”

BHPD Task Force Accused of Widespread Racial Profiling

“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. 

Commissions Recommend Jean-Michel Basquiat Outdoor Gym

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. 

Electronic Billboard Proposal Worries Residents Near Sunset Strip

“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. 

Beverly Hills Commissioners Serve as City’s ‘Eyes and Ears’

With so much shuffling around, city residents may wonder who these commissioners are, what they do, and how to join their ranks. 

City Council Weighs in on Future of Hastain Trail

“The City of Beverly Hills supports keeping the Hastain Trail as open space for the benefit of the public and environment,” the resolution reads.

Community Services Director Tries to Bring Beverly Hills Back Together

“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.

Council Welcomes Commissioner Gary Ross; Departing Commissioners Voice Concerns

Rubins also recommended requiring the appointment of at least one collector, gallerist, or graphics professional to the Commission.

City Council Defers to County for Vaccine Policy

“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.

Council Hears Updates On the California Gubernatorial Recall Election

“This is an important election,” Mayor Robert Wunderlich said. “Multiple ways that we can vote. So, everybody, please vote.”

Council Greenlights Restaurant Rooftop Dining in Business Triangle

“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. 

Courier Exclusive: Nazarian Announces City Council Run

“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.

BHUSD Addresses COVID Concerns

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

LA Artist Brings “Succulent Garden” Piano to City Hall

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. 

Beverly Hills Seeks Public Input on Upcoming Labor Negotiations

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.

Enrollment Update from BHUSD

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. 

School Board Approves New Beverly Vista Assistant Principal

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. 

Concerts on Canon Continue on Aug. 19

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.

Rent Stabilization Commission Returns as Vacancy Rate at 11%

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.”

White Knight at Spago

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

Jake Manaster Announces Run for City Treasurer

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.

Tourists Taking Risky Canon Drive Photos in Beverly Hills

These actions constitute two possible violations of the California Vehicle Code, according to Beverly Hills Police Department Acting Captain Max Subin.

Continuing Surge Prompts Vaccination Requirements

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

New Restorations Complete as Greystone Slowly Reopens

Council Reviews Outdated Policy and Operations Manual

“I don’t think we need to start from scratch, but we do need to separate the process,” said Councilmember Julian Gold.

Remembering Luanne Wells

“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.

Council Honors Commissioners, Beverly Hilton

“We are a small but mighty commission…our charge is to help protect the citizens from fraudulent charities,” Kraushaar said.

Council Members Support CicLAvia Open Streets Event

“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.

Concerts on Canon Return

“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.”

Gun Safety in Beverly Hills

The state also places a series of strict limits on which type of firearms can be purchased, and who is licensed to sell them. 

DUI Checkpoint Aug. 6

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.

Proposed Ridgeline Ordinance Worries Local Residents

“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.

Beverly Hills City Hall Tower Retrofit Underway

“No two historic building projects are the same,” said Clark’s Senior Vice President Marc Kersey in an email statement.

Just in Case BH Community Walk Set for July 31

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.

Council Votes to Approve Courier’s Legal Advertising Bid

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). 

Wunderlich Launches Wellness Wednesdays in Beverly Hills

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.

Community Tries Out Protected Roxbury Drive Bike Lane

“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.”

Freedom Rally Founder Gets Community Service for Unpermitted Gatherings

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. 

Council Reviews Wildfire Assessment, Demands Action

“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

Just in Case BH is a neighborhood-based emergency preparedness program proposed by Vice Mayor Lili Bosse.

Cuba Solidarity Protests in Beverly Hills

“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.

City Council Delays Urgency Ordinance Repeal and Enacts Fractional Ownership Moratorium

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. 

Council Weighs Options for Beverly Hills Holiday Décor

“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.

Andy Licht Declares City Council Candidacy

“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.

Courier Exclusive: Mayor Wunderlich Will Run for Reelection

Wunderlich laid out for the Courier some of his future plans on the important topic of government transparency.

Beverly Hills Awards CAGF Grants To Social Service Nonprofits

“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.

Newsom Recall Effort in Beverly Hills

“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.

Visions of the Future in Beverly Hills

On July 14, a dedication ceremony celebrated a new art pop-up featuring artist James Goldcrown at 455 N. Canon Drive.

Amid Surge, County Updates Indoor Mask Rules

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

Fate of Trousdale Trees Outlined in New Report

“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.

Feds Accused of Misplacing Valuables in US Private Vaults Case 

“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.

Planning Commission Recommends Rooftop Dining In Business Triangle

“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.

Exclusive: Councilmember Lester Friedman Announces Reelection Bid

“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.

Beverly Hills Releases Sweeping Wildfire Assessment

“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.

Community Invited To Try Out Roxbury Drive Protected Bike Lane

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. 

Metro Construction Updates for Beverly Hills

“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.”

Beverly Hills CVB Unveils New Campaign Artwork

“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.

Trousdale Construction Could End This Month

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.

Ringo Starr’s Birthday Wish for “Peace & Love” Around the World

Happy Birthday Ringo and all the best and brightest wishes! Thanks to you, our world is a better place!

Chief Barton Wants to Talk About Fire Risks

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.

Connect Beverly Hills Streetscape Plan Moves Forward

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. 

With Gratitude

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.

Community Members Play Key Role in Public Safety

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.

Council Votes to Outsource City Auditor

“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.

First Glance at Rodeo Drive Holiday Décor

“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.”

Summer Activities Off to a New Start in Beverly Hills

Greystone Theatre is one of a number of initiatives the city is taking to enhance culture and community in an uncertain time.

City Revises Urgency Ordinance as Variant Cases Rise

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

Service Spotlight: The Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association

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.

Alleged Anti-Asian Incidents at BHUSD Elicit Response

“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.

SIXTY Hotel Gets Permits for Late-Night Rooftop Lounge

Jason Pomeranc, founder and owner of SIXTY Hotels, attributed the problems in the past to an “operational control issue.”

Torray Johnson Appointed New Assistant Principal

“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.

Next Beverly Hills Considers Thursday Nightlife Program

“I really love these ideas and I love the closing of the street,” celebrated clothing designer, Johana Hernandez, said.

Beverly Hills Tour d’Elegance Brings Smiles Along the Route

Beverly Hills Celebrates Father’s Day with Tour d’Elegance Car Show

“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.

Beverly Hills Police Arrest Two Suspects for EDD Fraud

“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.

BHUSD is Ready to Rebound

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.

Jeanie Buss Honored at Rotary Club of Beverly Hills

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

Kathy Gohari Elected President of the Rodeo Drive Committee

Gohari previously served as president of the RDC in 2017-2018 and most recently served as vice president.

Masks Still Required for Youth Programs in Beverly Hills

Tour d’Elegance is Coming to Beverly Hills on Father’s Day

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.

Beverly Hills Hit With Two Violent Crimes June 15

Despite the similarities to other recent robberies of luxury watches, Subin said there was no connection.

Il Pastaio Suspect Pleads Not Guilty


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.

Keith Sterling Promoted to Chief Communications Officer

“I am very grateful to the Beverly Hills City Council and the City Manager for my promotion,” said Sterling.

June 21 is “Make Music Day” in Beverly Hills

The City of Beverly Hills will make its debut as a new member of “Make Music Day,” by hosting a number of activities:

Small Businesses in Beverly Hills Express Security Concerns

“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.

Courier Fact-Checks Caitlyn Jenner About Homelessness in Beverly Hills

“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.

Just In Case BH Makes Its Case

“We’re trying to get everyone together so we can all work together in case there’s something that may need help,” she said.

One Beverly Hills is Approved by City Council

 “This has been a very long journey and the outcome is very exciting,” Alagem told the Courier.

In-Person Graduation Ceremonies Return to Beverly Hills

“I really want to commend the people that worked on those and organized them,” Board President Rachelle Marcus said of the ceremonies.

Extinguisher Training

The Beverly Hills Fire Department performed extinguisher training for the employees and residents at the Sunrise Senior Living Facility on May 20.

Visionary Women

Hertz is a renowned thought leader, academic, and broadcaster.

Class of ’21 Has Cause to Celebrate in Beverly Hills

Each graduate has been given four allocated seats.

Ribbon Cutting

City Council and School Board Resist New Math Framework

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.”

City Council Gives Go-Ahead To One Beverly Hills

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.” 

City Council Extends Private Security Contracts to June 2022

The Council voted unanimously to allow destruction of a mural by well-known late muralist Terry Schoonhoven at 9242 Beverly Blvd.

Mixed Win for Gardenhouse Project

“It would be odd and simply unfair to permit these uses across the street and not at Gardenhouse,” wrote Johnson.

Beverly Hills Teens Create a Drink to Give You Confidence

“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.”

Beverly Hills Community Members to Walk for JUST IN CASE BH June 5-6

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.

Flowers for a Good Cause in Beverly Hills

“And we all owe a debt of gratitude to BHPD, who has worked tirelessly this year to keep us all safe and protected.”

Complete Streets Plan for Beverly Hills Gets Green Light

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.

School Board Reconsiders Hiring Outside Consulting Firm

“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.”

Open Call for Artists to Design “Sing for Hope” Pianos

The Sing for Hope Pianos will be displayed throughout parks and public spaces in Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills HS Girl’s Tennis Team Wins CIF-SS Division 4 Title

“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.

Rally in Beverly Gardens Park Sends Clear Message of Support for Israel

“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.”

One Beverly Hills Project Moves Forward in City Council

A luxury hotel and condominium development that would reshape the City’s western Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica gateways.

Suspects in May 18 Anti- semitic Attack Released On Bail

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.

Legion of Honor Awarded to WWII Vets in Beverly Hills Ceremony

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

Beverly Hills Man Charged With Murder-For-Hire

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.

Rally in Beverly Gardens Park sends clear message of support for Israel

“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.”

Council Looks Ahead to Future of Tourism in Beverly Hills

“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. 

Rotary Club in Action

New Details Announced for Beverly Hills Tour d’Elegance

City officials are clearly pleased that legendary events are returning, albeit in a slightly different format. 

West Hollywood Announces Lineup for LBGTQ Arts Festival

An Oasis Theater Company, NewStages, is holding four online events in a series called “Secret Lives: stories, music and original writings by LGBTQ+ seniors.”

Human Relations Commission Discusses Grant Funding

The three new recommended CAGF recipients include the Collins and Katz Family YMCA, OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center and Safe Parking LA. 

Suspect Arrested After Assault

The suspect is identified as Lawrence Lawson, 29 years old of Los Angeles, California. Lawson’s bail has been set at $1,000,000.

Beverly Hills City Council Responds to Alleged Anti-Semitic Attacks

“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.”

Council Hears Mixed Use Update, Approves Economic Sustainability Plan

“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. 

Courier Wins Three Prestigious Journalism Awards

Beverly Hills Students Named National Merit Scholars

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. 

BHUSD Board of Education Meeting Hears Varied Agenda

Objection to the hiring of CWI was the topic of an impassioned plea during the meeting.

“Prolific” Masked Burglar Pleads Not Guilty

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.

Il Pastaio Robbery Suspects Appear in Court

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.

City Council Gives Green Light on Proposed Operating Budget

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.

Beverly Hills Native Wants to be State’s Next Top Cop

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. 

Beverly Hills Community Farm Establishes Roots

“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.

Three Arrested in “Brazen” Il Pastaio Robbery

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.

Beverly Hills Police Arrest “Prolific” Masked Burglar

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.

Planning Commission Punts on One Beverly Hills

“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.”

Public Art and Publishers on Study Session Agenda

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.

Beverly Hills Loses Anne Douglas at 102

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.

Beverly Hills Tour D’Elegance Set for June 20

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. 

Beverly Hills Approves Rosy Capital Improvement Budget

“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.

OpenBH Extended to End of 2021

“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.”

Nazarian Shares Highlights of Year as Rotary Club President

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.

Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Coming to Roxbury Park

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

Producer Chuck Fries Dies at 92

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. 

Fight Over Eldercare Home Ends with Developer Win

“We all feel very similar that elder care is extremely important,” Nikki Vescovi told the Courier.

Planning Commission Delivers Mixed Win for One Beverly Hills

“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. 

It’s Spring Art Show Time in Beverly Hills

“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.

Bicyclist Hit by Vehicle on Sunset

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.

City of Beverly Hills Launches #ReThinkBHTap Campaign

“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.

Arrest Made in Robbery of Beverly Hills HS Students

“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. 

Beverly Hills Relaxes Mask Ordinance

“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.

Two Indicted for Beverly Hills Hate Crimes

Chalikyan and Stepanyan are charged with one count of conspiracy and five hate crimes.

City Council Discusses Big Priorities for New Fiscal Year

“We tried it. People love it. It is coming back to the City Council agenda very soon,” Mayor Robert Wunderlich promised. 

Residents Walk for Just in Case BH

Markowitz said that the group knocked on every door and spoke to every business in Zone 9 and found everyone receptive to the program.

CHLA Opens New Center

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

Beverly Hills Troop 110 Holding Food Drive

Upward Bound House provides families in crisis with short-term emergency shelter on the Westside and in South Los Angeles.

Outdoor Warning Siren Approved for Beverly Hills

“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.

Anti-Maskers Target Elementary School in Beverly Hills

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

Planning Commission Holds Second Special Meeting on One Beverly Hills Project

“We delivered with the Waldorf Astoria everything we promised and more. The financial return exceeded the city’s estimates,” Alagem told the Commission.

Beverly Hills City Hall to Reopen May 3

Staff sought advice from the Council on the level of screening for visitors to City Hall and the enforcement of face covering requirements.

Bomb Threat Near BHPD Headquarters

“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).”

City Council Adopts Complete Streets Plan

“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.

BHUSD Schools Return to Full Time

“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 Expands Dining into Beverly Canon Gardens

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

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.

JUST IN CASE BH Walk Set for April 17

The city recently launched JUST IN CASE BH, the neighborhood-based emergency preparedness and action program.

Holocaust Survivor Honored on 97th Birthday

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

Beverly Hills Salon Owners Welcome Orange Tier

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

City Settles Spagnoli Assault Allegations by Journalist

“The city recognized that they had a case with Spagnoli again that they just needed to put to rest,” said attorney Michael Carrillo,

Visionary Women to Spotlight Vice Mayor Bosse on April 23

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. 

Commission Selects Six New Golden Shield Honorees

“We need to honor that family that’s there,” said Commissioner Reiss.

Pianos to Sing for Hope in Beverly Hills this Summer

“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.”

BHUSD Board Touts Successes, Reflects on Missteps

“The practice did not match the policy and we were just putting the house in order,” Margo told the Courier. 

First Public Hearing Held for One Beverly Hills Specific Plan

One Beverly Hills will offer two hours free public parking and promises to never close the park for private events at the hotel.  

How Beverly Hills Worshipped in a Pandemic

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

Metro D Line Update

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. 

Beverly Hills Launches Slow Streets Program

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.

Principal Kevin Allen Bids Farewell to BHUSD

Under his leadership, El Rodeo achieved California Distinguished Schools Status prior to the reconfiguration. 

Anti-Maskers Protest Sephora in Beverly Hills

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

Charges in Standoff on Wilshire and Doheny

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. 

New Mayor Robert Wunderlich’s Vision for Beverly Hills

He spent the next 10 years as a scientist and chemical engineer before finding the work “increasingly specialized.”

Legal Fight Erupts After Search of Safe Deposit Box Company

“The government’s position is flatly wrong,” Gluck said. 

Installation Ceremony Light on Pomp, Heavy on Pragmatism

“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. 

Charges Filed Against BH Minor in Fatal Lamborghini Crash

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.

Deadline to Apply for Architectural Commission Extended to April 30

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. 

Applications Open for Beverly Hills National Auditions

Auditions are open to professional musicians from age 16. Each candidate must be able to present a one-hour recital program without intermission.

Installation Underway for Alexandra Nechita Bronze

One of five towering figure sculptures produced by Nechita, “Love Anatomy” depicts a stylized female figure in the artist’s signature neo-modernist manner. 

Beverly Hills Goes Orange on Monday

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

Beverly Hills to Welcome New Mayor

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.” 

Driver in Grossman Death will Change Plea to Guilty

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.

Courier Exclusive: Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman Looks Back on a Singular Year

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.

New Business is Booming in Beverly Hills

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.

Councilmember Bosse Taking Part in Vital Voices Fellowship

“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.

Rotary Panel Looks at Future of Luxury Hotels

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.

Court Strikes Down Beverly Hills Ordinance

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.

Next Beverly Hills Committee Considers City Policies

“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.

Federal Investigation Takes Over Beverly Hills Strip Mall

The FBI is leading the investigation, executing a federal search warrant at the business on March 22. Beyond that, the feds aren’t talking.

Courier Exclusive: Gascón Responds to Council’s No Confidence Vote

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.

Board of Education Considers New Protocols

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.

Beverly Hills Estates of Mind

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.

Three BHHS Students Named National Merit Finalists

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.

Beverly Hills Launches Pet-Friendly “As You Wish” Campaign

“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.

Connect Beverly Hills Streetscape Plans Revealed

“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.

New Budget Forecast and New Commissioners Introduced

“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. 

Red-Tier Ready: Indoor Dining Holds Promise in Beverly Hills

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.

Council Votes No Confidence in DA

“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. 

City Council Reviews 911 System

“The CCTV (closed-circuit televisions used for surveillance) captured part of the shooting,” Albanese said.

Councilmember Lili Bosse Recalls Her Holocaust Survivor Mother in March 23 Webinar

“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. 

BHPD Cautions Against Overindulging on St. Paddy’s Day

“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.”

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures To Debut Virtual Programming

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.

Beverly Hills Teen Booked in Fatal Car Crash

“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.

Returning to Classrooms After One Year Away

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.

BHUSD Board Looks Ahead to Middle and High School Opening

“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.

Planning Commission Examines Housing Solutions

“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.

Beverly Hills Mayor’s Last Cabinet Meeting

“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.”

BHPD Seeks Help in Il Pastaio Shooting & Robbery

“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.”

Gina Bisignano Returns to Beverly Hills—For Now

“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. 

Lawsuit Filed against BeverlyHills and BHPD Over Response to Protests

 “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.

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

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

Planning Commission Renews Permits for 9111 Wilshire

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.

Epic Visionary Women Summit For International Women’s Day

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.

Metro Announces Lane Reductions

“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.

Three Beverly Hills Locations Recognized with Golden Shield

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.

Beverly Hills Elementary Schools Will Reopen Next Week

“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. 

Shooting at Il Pastaio

“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.

City Council Considers Rent Subsidy

“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. 

Neighborhoods Frustrated as Metro Moves Closer to Sepulveda Transit

Traditionally, Metro does not bring on private sector partners until later in the process.

THEBlvd Privé Launches at the Beverly Wilshire

“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.

Human Relations Commission Discusses 2021 Work Plan

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. 

Parents and Teachers Speak Out  

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.

School District Mourns Three Deaths

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

Beverly Hills Sunshine Task Force Examines Lobbying Rules

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

Tentative Agreement Reached in Union Legal Action Against BHUSD

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. 

BH Health and Safety Commission Tackles Policing and Vaccines

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

Beverly Hills Holds Tenant’s Forum

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?

Beloved Mailman Retires

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.

Schlessinger Elected Chairman of Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles Board

“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.

BHEA Votes To Seek Injunction Over Beverly Hills Elementary School Return Dates

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.

Council Approves Open Air Dining Permit Waivers

“I’m supporting this 1000 percent,” Councilmember Lili Bosse said. “When we have thriving restaurants, it helps the retail, it helps the offices.

The Wallis Announces Two First Time Endowments

“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.

Ryan Gohlich Named New Beverly Hills Director of Community Development

“I am so pleased to congratulate Ryan on his new role,” said City Manager George Chavez. 

Hawthorne School Welcomes Holocaust Survivor

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.”

City Council Addresses COVID-19 Fallout

“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.”

Term limits spark hot debate in Beverly Hills

“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. 

BHUSD Working to Safely Reopen Elementary Schools

The Beverly Hills Unified School District   (BHUSD) has thus far made great strides in preparing for a return to classrooms.

Beverly Hills Road closures planned for Golden Globes

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.

Maple Counseling Center Announces New Director

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

The Golden Triangle Goes Pink

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. 

Shortages and Local Frustrations Over Vaccine Distribution

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

Valentine’s Day Launches Kindness Week in Beverly Hills

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

Dining for Valentines and Presidents

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. 

BHPD Officers’ Tactics Under Review

“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.

“Love Anatomy” on BH Commission Agenda

“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.”

Scoping Hearing Held for Beverly Hills Creative Offices Project

“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. 

City Council Charts Legislative Course for 2021

“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.

Canon Drive Restaurants Try To Expand

“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.

Visionary Women Hosts Suze Orman in Virtual Salon

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

Louis Vuitton Men’s Temporary Residency Arrives in Beverly Hills

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.

City Council Authorizes Additional $1 Million for Private Security in Beverly Hills

“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.

Salon Owner Indicted on Seven Counts for Capitol Riot

“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.

Beverly Hills High School Earns Computer Science Diversity Award

“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.

Beverly Hills Chamber Hosts Blood Drive with Cedars-Sinai

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

Cedars-Sinai Launches COVID-19 Recovery Program

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

City Council Rules on Two Different Parcels

“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.”

Beverly Hills Prepares for Louis Vuitton Men’s Temporary Residency

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.

Outdoor Dining Resumes in Beverly Hills

“We are, of course, ecstatic,” Barbara Lazaroff, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of SPAGO Beverly Hills told the Courier.

Beverly Hills Parents Encourage District to Reopen Schools

“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.”

Council Agrees to Put Term Limits on Ballot This November

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 Looking for Volunteers

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

Metro Announces Extended Work Hours at Ogden Yard

As part of the Federal government’s Coronavirus Guidance for America, transportation infrastructure is considered an “Essential Critical Infrastructure.”

Blood Donations Urgently Needed

“What ends up happening is that we have to piece together blood deliveries from different sources,” Romero said.

Current Events Stoke Anti-Semitism Fears on Holocaust Remembrance Day

“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.”

Human Relations Commission Reviews Hate Crimes Report

“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.”

Beverly Hills Salon Owner Ordered Back Into Federal Custody

“Later that evening, prosecutors in D.C. obtained a stay and a detention order from a judge in D.C.”

Amid Halting Rollout, Beverly Hills Provides Vaccine Info

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

Stinking Rose Project Runs Afoul of Planning Commission

“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.

Local Businesses Join Effort to Recall Governor Newsom

“It’s not about political consultants and political action committees,” Economy said. “It’s just about people organizing who are passionately against a candidate.”

Beverly Hills PD on Full Alert for Inauguration Next Week

“As Inauguration Day approaches and with the potential of increased protest activity across the country, the city is working to ensure your safety.

Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton Recognized by City Council

“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.”

Audit Recommends Changes to BHVCB Practices

“The way the auditors wrote the report was sometimes out of context,” Wagner told the Courier.

Courier Exclusive: Louis Vuitton Men’s Temporary Residency Heading to Beverly Hills

“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.

Fire Destroys Beverly Hills Home

“It took a little while,” Barton added. “It was a large home.

Beverly Hills Salon Owner Recounts Her Actions in D.C. Riot

“I was caught up, I was scared, I was excited,” Bisignano told the Courier.

City Council Begins New Year in Unprecedented Times

“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.

Beverly Hills High Graduate Featured in Art Exhibit

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.

Good Deeds Ring in New Year

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

Assemblymember Richard Bloom to Run for Supervisor

“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.

Viral Courier Story Shows Importance of Local Reporting

“This thread is so embarrassing to the human race,” tweeted director Judd Appatow, sharing the thread of videos compiled by the Courier.

Delis in Beverly Hills Take a Hit

“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.”

High-Profile Projects Before Beverly Hills Planning Commission This Year

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.”

New Concepts Discussed for Spago and Louis Vuitton in Beverly Hills

“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.

Nate ‘n Al’s Temporarily Closes Due to COVID

“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.

BHPD Suspects Rodeo Robberies are Connected

“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.

Justin Bieber NYE Concert Shoot in Beverly Hills

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.

Metro to Reclose Constellation Boulevard Through April

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.

With No End In Sight, Restaurants Flout COVID Restrictions

“We are considering taking reservations for New Year’s Eve Dinner. Inside,” the note read. “Please keep this discreet, but tell your friends.”

COVID-19 Surges at Year’s End

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

New Legislation Affecting Beverly Hills in 2021

“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.”

Housing Takes Center Stage in Beverly Hills in 2021

“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.”

Beverly Hills 2020 in Review

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.

La Scala Responds

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.

Rotary Club of BH Gives to Those in Need

“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.

Jewish Community Foundation of L.A. Awards $3 Million

WeHo Enacts COVID-19 Grocery Store Ordinance

“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.

Council Won’t Challenge Enhanced Density Bonus for Beverly Hills

“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.

Virtual Concerts at Cedars-Sinai Heal the Spirit

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

Council Extends Beverly Hills Hotel Tax Deferral

“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.”

Medical Task Force Supports COVID-19 Vaccination

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

BHUSD Holds Special Board Meeting

Elementary students will transition back to physical school five days per week for instruction in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

The Beverly Hills Police Department is On the Neighbors by Ring App

The BHPD can view what local residents have posted publicly to Neighbors and can now chime in with relevant updates or safety alerts.

John Mirisch Joins Action on Smoking and Health Board of Trustees

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

New Platform for Luxury Real Estate in Beverly Hills

“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.

Amid a Staggering Wave, Vaccine Brings a Ray of Hope

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

Beverly Hills Settles Another Spagnoli Suit

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.

Beverly Hills Residents Face Solid Waste Rate Hikes

“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.

Beverly Hills Council Considers Own Health Department

“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.”

Legal Blow to Mixed Use Referendum in Beverly Hills

“It’s really not a safe thing to do. You can’t go door to door,” Darian Bojeaux told the Courier.

Council Considers Expanding Affordable Housing Project

“We recognize the need for affordable housing,” said Councilmember John Mirisch. “Here, we have an extremely unique opportunity.”

Council Addresses Mask Ordinance Enforcement

“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.

Beverly Hills Public Library eLearning Classes Available

“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.

Holiday Lights Shining Brightly in Beverly Hills and Beyond

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:

Beverly Hills Community Grants Available

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.

New Work Hours Set for Metro

“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.

Beverly Hills Demands Action Against County Dining Ban

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.

Newsom Issues New Regional Stay-At-Home Order

“If we don’t act now, our hospital system will be overwhelmed,” Newsom said.

Beverly Hills Challenging RHNA Number

“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.

Bregy Gives BHUSD Update

“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.”

Zoom Meeting for “Just in Case BH”

“Just in Case BH” is a recently launched, neighborhood-based emergency preparedness and action program.

Nessah Vandal Sentenced

“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.

Beverly Hills City Council to Review Closure of In-Person Restaurant Dining

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.

Celebrate “Thanks-Goodness”

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

Health and Safety Commission Honors COVID Response

“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.

BHHS Alum Nominated to Head DHS

“We have no time to lose when it comes to our national security and foreign policy,” Biden said in a statement.

Beverly Hills Hit Hard by New Dining Restrictions

“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.”

Council Bans Unpermitted Assemblies at Beverly Gardens Park

“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.

Community Meeting Set for Draft Complete Streets Plan

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.

Council Expands Medical Use, Continues Scooter Ban

“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.

Limited Stay at Home Order Takes Effect

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

Visions in Light: Windows on The Wallis Open Now

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.”

FEATURE INTERVIEW – RINGO STARR – A Rare Conversation

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.

City Council Approves Settlement with Metro

“I support the settlement agreement,” said Vice Mayor Robert Wunderlich. “I do think it provides benefits for both the City and Metro.”

Feedback Sought on Temporary Intersection Enhancements

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.

BHUSD Considers Waiver Process

“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.

City Approves Final EIR for Metro North Portal

“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.

Beverly Hills Increases COVID Rent Aid

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

Beverly Hills Adopts Mixed Use Ordinance

“It’s a form of corporate welfare and it’s a developer giveaway—there’s just no other way to put it,” he said.

BHPD Makes Arrest in Alleged Hate Crime

How Beverly Hills Voted

Two out of the 15 precincts in the City supported President Trump’s reelection.

Visions in Light: Windows on The Wallis Opens Nov. 19

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.

Finance Committee Considers Changes to Bid Process

“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.

Halloween Haunts in Beverly Hills

“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.

State Proposition Results Mixed

“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.

Janet Salter
 — December 10, 1922 – October 31, 2020

Early on, she became part of the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild, which honored comedians, actors and singers and raised funds for struggling playwrights.

Rent Stabilization Commission Examines Relocation Fees

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.”

Freedom Rally Tests City’s New Security

“The hiring of Santa Paula PD, the hiring of the security guards, wasn’t on a whim,” he said. “It was months of planning.”

Restaurant in Beverly Hills Victimized by Alleged Hate Crime

Still, he added, “Even after it all happened, we don’t hate anybody.”

Election Results for BHUSD School Board and Measure RP

Trailing slightly behind Stern, Tryfman came in at 16.82 percent of the vote, with 4,343 ballots cast in her favor.

Memorial Held for BHHS Student

Given the ongoing pandemic, the Jewish Club implemented strict social distancing measures and mandatory face coverings at the memorial.

Metro K-Rail Closures Continue

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

Sports Gatherings Blamed for Spike in COVID-19 Cases

“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.

Beverly Hills Considers L.A. Marathon In COVID Era

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

BHPD Awarded Grant

“These are trying times, and now more than ever, it is important that we are at the forefront of traffic safety.

Fire Damages JEM Community Center in Beverly Hills

According to Barton, the fire was extinguished in 20 minutes.

BHPD Chief Addresses Mask Enforcement at Rallies

“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.

Beverly Hills City Council Passes Ordinance on Assemblies

“My instinct is, and I’ve talked to an awful lot of people about this, and they’re nervous,” Councilmember Dr. Julian Gold said.

Mixed Use Sparks Debate

“It’s the same findings and same discretionary review process that any commercial building or multifamily building is subjected to,” Gohlich said.

Solid Waste Rate Hike in Store for Beverly Hills in 2021

“The state requires 50 percent diversion,” she explained. “We’ve had 60 percent diversion for a number of years, sometimes higher.”

County Public Health Cautions Not to Let Guard Down

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

Jackie Lacey Sued This Week by BLM-LA Co-founder

“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.”

Beverly Hills Courier Endorses Donna Tryfman and Mary Wells for School Board

Beverly Hills Chamber Hosts Virtual “Back to Business”

“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.

Beverly Hills Police Department Prepares for Election Day

The City will start implementing the security measures on Oct. 31.

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

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

Beverly Hills Announces New Inter-Commission Collaborative

Arts & Culture Commissioner Deborah Frank pointed out the groundbreaking nature of the new collaboration.

BHUSD Unveils “Ready Together” Plan

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.

BHUSD Candidates Make Their Case

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.

Packed Agenda for Beverly Hills City Council on Oct. 13

“Thomas embodies exactly what this award is about,” said Human Relations Commission Chair Ori Blumenfeld.

City Council Agrees to $4.8M for Additional Security and Police

“As you know, the challenges facing the City and this department over the last year have greatly increased,” said Chief Rivetti, justifying the overhires

COVID-19 Makes Halloween Too Scary for Beverly Hills

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

Beverly Hills Mixed Use Ordinance Considered by City Council

“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.

Beverly Hills Considers Appeal to Housing Allotment

“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.

Halloween Events and Safety: Drive-Thru or Drive-In

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.

Clean Power Alliance Doubles COVID-19 Customer Relief Commitment

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.

Courier on SpectrumNews1

New Mural Brightens Up Beverly Hills

Hoogveld created the mural this week in approximately five days.

Voting Begins in Beverly Hills

“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.

#ExperienceBH: Beverly Hills Institution Wally’s with Erika and Christian

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.

Beverly Hills Small Businesses Are Resilient

“We are trying to survive but we only have room for seven tables outside,” owner Saeyoung (aka Sara) told the Courier. 

UCLA’s Andrea Ghez Wins Nobel Prize in Physics

“Twenty-five years is a long time,” Ghez said of her career.

Beverly Hills to Host Virtual Design Charrettes for Connect Beverly Hills

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.

Beverly Hills Bar Association Hosts D.A. Debate

Gascon said that qualified immunity was primarily a federal issue, “however, I believe that state law can definitely provide relief.”

Beverly Hills Art Show Goes Virtual

“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.

Weekend Sees A Trio of Protests in Beverly Hills

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

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

Public Comment Invited on Lots 12 and 13

The City has contracted with Lindmark Engineering to peer review the draft plan and submit comments to the DTSC on its behalf.

Petersen Automotive Museum Gala Raises Record Funds

“Our 26th Annual Gala Celebration was our most successful gala to date,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges.

Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Announces Golden Palm Honorees

This year’s winner is Courier Publisher John Bendheim. “John Bendheim is a staple in the community of Beverly Hills, both personally and professionally.

No Labor Day COVID-19 Spike

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

Beverly Hills Youth Earns Congressional Award Gold Medal

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

Beverly Hills Bar Association Hosts D.A. Candidate Debate Oct. 6

“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.

Beverly Hills Fire Department Promotes Fire Prevention Week

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

Fashion-Themed Holiday Décor Proposed for Rodeo Drive

“If you are a fan of fashion and appreciate glamour, this allows you to dream and be anywhere you want to be,” she said.

Beverly Hills Chamber Supports North Beverly Metro Portal

“The three choices for the North portal, none of them solve any of those problems,” he said.

50 Years of Healthcare Helped by Beverly Hills

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

Beverly Hills Mixed Use on Agenda at Upcoming Hearings

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.

Beverly Hills Courier Fall Fashion Style Magazine

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.

EDD Fraud Arrests Continue in Beverly Hills

The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) continues to make arrests connected to California Employment Development Department (EDD) fraud.

Fashion Forward

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. 

L.A. County Remains at Tier 1 Risk Level

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

Hundreds Gather for Rosh Hashanah Observance at Beverly Hills Park

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.

Park Rangers Adjust to New Role in Pandemic

As COVID-19 has reshaped our relationship with public spaces, it has also added challenges for those tasked with maintaining those spaces.

Nate ‘n Al’s Continues Operations on North Beverly Drive

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.

Holocaust Education Crucial as Extremism Rises

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.

BHPD Confiscates Nearly $3 Million in EDD Fraud Arrests

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the EDD has paid out more than $81.8 billion in unemployment benefits since March.

Exercise, Wellness and Pampering has Taken to the Rooftops

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

Beverly Center Paints the City

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

Beverly Hills Residents Voice Support for Protestors

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.”

Beverly Hills City Council Supports Prop. 20

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

Preparedness Takes Center Stage in Beverly Hills

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

Counseling During COVID-19 in Beverly Hills

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

Rent Assistance Program Approved

“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.”

Beverly Hills Police Seize $500,000 in Fraudulent Debit Cards

Police Chief Dominick Rivetti described additional details to the Courier about the methods used by the scammers.

On the Roof in Beverly Hills and Beyond

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. 

Beverly Hills Lags in Census Response

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.

Rent Stabilization Commission Referees Landlords-Tenants

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.

Cedars-Sinai Hosting Beverly Hills Blood Drive

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

COVID-19 May Curtail Halloween in Beverly Hills

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

CORE Offers COVID-19 Testing

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

Voting Procedures Announced for Beverly Hills

“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.

Labor Day – New in Beverly Hills and Beyond

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.

Cafe@BHUSD Will Feed All Beverly Hills Children

“We are delighted to be able to offer at no charge an abundance of fresh, healthy produce for all Beverly Hills children!

Councilmember Mirisch Calls for Social Justice

“Clippers coach and basketball legend Doc Rivers said, ‘We’ve got to do better, but we’ve got to demand better,’” Mirisch said.

Beverly Hills City Auditor Delivers Real Estate Report

“The report found that generally rent is escalated and assessed as required,” the audit stated.

Beverly Hills Eateries Participate in dineL.A. Restaurant Week

“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.

Beverly Hills PD Gives Advice for Pedestrian Safety Month

“Cell phone use by pedestrians does not appear to be disproportionately contributing to fatal pedestrian crashes,” the report stated.

New Name for L.A. Museum of the Holocaust

“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.

Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Cancelled

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.

Another Deadly Shooting in 90210 Postal Code

“We saw that our furniture outside our bedroom was broken and overturned,” the neighbor wrote in the police report.

Rally Turns Violent as Extremist Groups Take Part

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.

Beverly Hills Salons Want Full Reopening

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