In a press release, representatives for the city praised Stainbrook’s work. 

“During the Chief’s tenure, the department became a national model for use of advanced police technologies and has successfully reduced crime in several key categories,” said City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey. “We recognize Chief Stainbrook for his three decades of dedicated public service.”

In the same city press release, Stainbrook expressed his gratitude for his time with the BHPD. 

“The opportunity to lead the Beverly Hills Police Department has been the highlight of my professional career,” he said. “I am grateful to the men and women of the department and members of the community as we all worked together to ensure Beverly Hills remains one of the safest cities in the nation.”

The Beverly Hills Police Officers’ Association (BHPOA), whose membership includes captains, sergeants, officers and lieutenants, has had a tense relationship with Stainbrook in recent years, however BHPOA President Christian Bond expressed his gratitude for Stainbrook’s term. 

“The Beverly Hills Police Officers’ Association acknowledges the departure of Chief Mark Stainbrook from the Beverly Hills Police Department,” said Bond. “We thank Chief Stainbrook for his service to the department and the community during his tenure. The Association remains committed to supporting the men and women of the department and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with city leadership and the department’s future administration.”

In June 2025, the BHPOA issued a vote of no confidence in Stainbrook. 

Members of the association alleged that Stainbrook overlooked candidates from within the department for promotions, relied too heavily on private contractors for security details, retained individuals who didn’t meet training standards and distorted staffing levels when reporting to City Council. 

Following the vote of no confidence, the BHPOA sent a cease-and-desist letter to Stainbrook, alleging that Stainbrook engaged in retaliation against Bond. The letter asserted that Stainbrook took deliberate actions to “intimidate, discredit, and retaliate against President Bond,” including engaging in defamation, spreading false rumors, and reaching out to Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Dr. Alex Cherniss, who is Bond’s wife’s employer, to spread damaging misinformation. 

Asked for comment, Cherniss said only that he is grateful for Stainbrook’s work. 

“I appreciate the chief’s commitment to our schools and the amazing partnership we have here in the city between his department and our district,” he told the Courier.  

Stainbrook joined the BHPD in November 2021 following an approximately three-year stint as chief at the Port of San Diego. A 30-year law enforcement veteran, Stainbrook additionally served as a lieutenant with the Los Angeles Police Department and a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. 

While with the BHPD, he oversaw the implementation of the Real Time Watch Center (RTWC), a system comprised of 3,500 cameras, 120 automated license plate readers and multiple drones that serve to record any incidents in the city that require the attention of law enforcement.

During his tenure, Stainbrook often spoke publicly about his commitment to wellness and physical fitness, including on several podcasts and publications. 

In a 2024 interview with “The Police Chief Podcast,” Stainbrook described his leadership style. 

“If I’m a good chief, the only reason I’m a good chief is because I got great people out there doing great things,” he said. “So, my whole job is to let them be great, give them the opportunity to be great, and try to enjoy their success and get them to be successful. So, it’s just kind of the basic, simple question that I ask every day for me and my staff: What are we doing to help our troops?” 

Stainbrook was honored by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce in 2024 for his contributions to the Beverly Hills community, and the BHPD Drone Team received the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County’s 2024 Centurion Award for Excellence in Innovation in recognition of the department’s use of drone technology to improve public safety and update police practices.

In 2025, he was awarded the Joe Malloy Award by the California Police Chiefs Association.

Hunt-Coffey is expected to name an Interim Police Chief in the coming weeks.   

The post Chief Stainbrook to Leave BHPD Next Month appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The D Line expanded to stations also at Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue, and Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, bringing a subway line to the most densely populated corridor west of the Mississippi River. A future station in Beverly Hills is planned to open on Beverly Drive in 2027 before the line expands west to Century City and Westwood.

Beverly Hills Mayor Craig Corman and Councilmember Sharona Nazarian kicked off festivities by disembarking on the first train that arrived at the Fairfax/Wilshire station. An opening ceremony for the three stations took place at the Petersen Automotive Museum with speeches from California Sen. Adam Schiff, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Corman.

“The opening of Section 1 of Metro’s D Line extension, which includes the new Wilshire/La Cienega station in our city marks an exciting new era, and Beverly Hills is proud to be part of this transformational investment in the future of Los Angeles,” Corman said during his speech. “The D Line will bring new energy, drive economic growth and provide a seamless connection between downtown and the Westside, including Beverly Hills. The Wilshire/La Cienega station in particular will make it easier than ever to visit our old-time restaurant row, our historic local theaters, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a host of other destinations in the area.”

In an interview with the Courier, Corman added that the first ride had a few bumps along the way, including Metro staffers needing to manually close the door and the escalator at the Wilshire/Fairfax station stopping and starting while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass descended. However, it was mostly a “smooth” and efficient ride, he said.

Horvath celebrated the expansion of the D Line, recalling the line’s 65-year history that traced back to the “backbone route” proposed in the 1960s and eventually built to the Wilshire/Western station in 1996.

“Today, we complete a chapter of 65 years of planning, of dreaming and of persevering, and we turn the page to the next chapter, one that belongs not to planners or politicians but to the people of Los Angeles,” she said. “We can’t wait 65 years for the next big change, and with your support, more investments will come.”

Vice Mayor Mary Wells and Councilmember Lester Friedman also attended the opening. Rabbi Joel Nickerson of Wilshire Boulevard Temple led a blessing of the train line, the workers who constructed it and future riders at the beginning of the ceremony.

Wells said she hopes to bolster the southeast area of the city near the Wilshire/La Cienega station as vice mayor and once she begins her mayoral term in 2027.

“It’s historic. We’re very fortunate to be a part of this history today. It’s been a long time coming,” she said. “Now, it’s really about working with the developers to come in and to put that investment into the city, which I think is going to happen. It’s inevitable. Now that the streets are opening and people will be able to walk around, I think the vision will start to come to fruition, and we’ll see, ideally, La Cienega and Wilshire revitalized and thriving, and really a gift for our neighborhoods.”

Friedman added that he hopes property owners in the area start renting out locations to prospective businesses now that the station is open.

“In order to motivate people to do things in that area, I think the building owners there really have to wait to see what everything is going to be. Renting locations out to prospective businesses without knowing exactly what’s going to happen is something that I certainly understand. I think we now really need to ramp it up to make sure that the types of businesses that we want in that area are going to be there,” he said. “It’s a business-city partnership that I think really has to get started.”

The Wilshire/La Cienega station will feature a temporary Public Safety Center located on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard, immediately east of the actual Metro station at street level. The Public Safety Center will be staffed with Community Service Officers (CSOs) during the hours of train operations, Executive Officer Lt. Kevin Orth told the Courier in an interview.

The permanent Public Safety Center is scheduled to open in the fall directly north of the stairs leading to the underground station and will be the only Public Safety Center located on a Metro property out of all Metro stations in L.A. County.

Orth added that BHPD will add assigned officers to the area near the Metro station, but did not specify how many officers will cover the area. The city is also contracting with the Los Angeles Police Department to have two officers and a supervisor who will be stationed underground at the platform level, he said.

In addition to the Public Safety Center, Beverly Hills implemented numerous security measures in and around the station, including security cameras and full-height metal doors instead of turnstiles to deter fare-evading riders.

At the opening of the Wilshire/La Cienega station, hundreds of people lined up and eagerly waited to board the first Metro train to leave the station at 12:30 p.m. Tents were set up around the station offering merchandise and program sign-ups from Metro, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, the Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks division and local restaurants serving food.

The first train rolled into Beverly Hills at 12:42 p.m. as crowds of riders applauded and cheered a historic moment for the region. Riders with their pets, groceries and bicycles onboarded and took off on the first ride from Wilshire/La Cienega to Union Station.

Annika Dudley, a resident in the Pico-Robertson area who works in casting, said she plans to regularly use the Metro to visit her parents in Koreatown after she gave her car to her father and stopped driving.

“I’m just super excited that there’s public transit that I can use and that my community can use,” she said. “I love the arts, so I spend a lot of time at the Music Center in downtown, and I’m super excited to have the connection to the D Line to go to Union Station. I have family in Pasadena, so I’ll be able to use the [A Line from Downtown], so I’m excited to be able to use it to explore my home.”

John J., a violinist and Beverly Hills resident who did not provide his last name, said he plans to use the Metro to attend services at the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Koreatown and then eat at BCD Tofu House across the street.

“It might have the potential to revitalize the Miracle Mile area, and make the city more connected and more livable,” he said. “That’s something that friends and I have lamented for a while, that a lot of times it doesn’t feel as livable as it deserves to be. So, this has potential to be a huge addition to our quality of life.”

Michelle Byer, a Beverly Hills resident, said she is excited about using the Metro to go downtown to Philippe The Original and not have to look for parking.

Shamey Kramer, a retired administrator in the entertainment industry, said the D Line will save him crucial minutes in his commute to exercise sessions in West Hollywood.

“To come from where I live at Hollywood/Western, it’s going to save me so much time—taking the B Line to downtown, 7th/Metro, transfer to this line, get off at this stop, and then I could even walk up if I wanted to, but the 105 bus will take me there, and it’ll probably save me another 10, 15 minutes,” he said. “Since I have early morning swim workouts, those extra 10, 15 minutes of sleep matter.”

Roland Madrazo, an assistant resident engineer working on the Beverly Drive Metro station, said he hoped to see the finished product of a new Metro station and learn what engineering techniques were most effective.

“[I’m] trying to see if there’s things that we have to take a look at, or forecast any problems in the future,” he said. “I am also a big fan of major transit, and just being here is going to be very historic. And I want to be one of the few persons to ride the first train from the La Cienega station to Union Station.”

Rides across the Metro bus, rail, Bike Share and Micro system will be free all weekend through May 11 at 3 a.m. in celebration of the D Line opening.

The post Historic Metro Station Opens in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Over the course of two hours, participants provided their campaign platforms and answered questions about issues pertaining to city governance. 

Candidates’ pitches to voters varied greatly, ranging from a reliance on existing experience in city politics to an emphasis on being a newcomer to a singular focus on considering a city charter.

According to event organizers, approximately 50 people were in attendance, not including those who were watching the livestream from home. 

The following are snippets, edited for length, from each candidate’s opening remarks. 

Roger Tannenbaum: Safety is my first priority. With rising incidents of violence across the country and in the world, our police presence needs to be felt here in Beverly Hills. We need to hire more boots on the ground. 

I’m extremely concerned about our small businesses. They give Beverly Hills its charm. Another thing I like to talk about is Hollywood. I think that we feel forefront to bring Hollywood back to the city. Lastly, I fully support the Joint Powers agreement between the city and the schools.

Rebecca Pynoos: I’m the third generation of my family to live in the city. I am running right now because I’ve been paying attention and we cannot afford the same old, same old anymore. I truly feel I’m the new voice with deep roots that our city needs right now. 

Beverly Hills is being led reactively instead of proactively. Nowhere is this clearer than in housing. After three failed attempts to pass a certified housing element in the city, we allowed it to lapse, opening the window to 16 Builders’ Remedy projects. That’s a failure of people on Planning Commission who don’t have a planning background, and our council. 

Equally troubling is a lack of representation for entire parts of our city. When John Mirisch terms out, there will be nobody representing the entire south area, where two-thirds of our residents live. I live in that area.  

Jonathan Mariande: I’m running on one central practical idea, which is a charter study commission. The commission would examine openly whether or not our 1914 governance structure is adequate for a 2026 city, and it would deliver a public work product that residents can judge that would include a clear map where accountability lives, where it fails, recommendations on permitting, procurement and process reform, a serious look at fiscal discipline and litigation exposure, a framework for transparency that protects both public access and legitimate security, and only if warranted, a charter language that voters themselves would approve or reject. 

It’s a maintenance project on the operating system of local government, something to do out in the open with residents participating at the center.

Andy Licht: For 14 years, I’ve had the honor of serving on Beverly Hills commissions. For me, your public safety always comes first, period. That means ensuring our police and fire departments have the staffing, technology and support they need. It also means addressing quality of life issues like speeding, reckless driving and neighborhood disruptions before the problems. 

I will create an Expediter position in the city to ease approval for building projects. We will grow our economy by supporting local businesses and smart investments, not by increasing taxes or fees on you the residents. Protecting our community and quality of life means supporting our schools and families, helping seniors age in place, ensuring fair treatment for renters and addressing homelessness for both with both compassion and accountability.

Ariel Rofeim: I am a product of Beverly Hills. I was raised here from sixth grade. I’m Cambridge-educated, and from there, I was a White House intern, where I got to serve for President Barack Obama. And after that, I went to law school in New York, where I lived right by a train station.

I am concerned with the Metro station, but I do believe that we can address the station in a way that is a net positive for our city, and a part of that is compassionate enforcement. To me, compassion enforcement means not only compassion for those that are in unprivileged situations, whether they are unhoused or mentally ill, but compassion for our city too, for our residents. 

Lester Friedman: I moved to Beverly Hills in 1986 because I wanted to have my children go through public schools. I became mayor on March 31, 2020, and that’s about the time that everything started closing down during COVID. We also had civil unrest. 

It was during that period of time that I was spending every weekend, for many, many weekends at our Emergency Operations Center. We really had to accumulate everybody into one place, and the outcome of that was what is now the Real Time Watch Center. During my second term as mayor, which was in ’24, we had the fires in the Palisades and the Altadena area. With our fire chief, I would go through the hillside area and make sure everybody was okay. We were looking for areas for potential hot spots. I bring the experience and leadership of having those experiences. 

Sharona Nazarian: When I joined City Council, we were facing serious challenges. We took action on public safety. The Real Time Watch Center was launched. One of the final mayoral initiatives that I launched was Drone in a Box. 

Metro is scheduled to open on May 8, I’m proud to share that Beverly Hills is ready. This is also an opportunity to reimagine the area with vibrant, resident-focused businesses such as a grocery store. 

We spend about 50% of our operating budget on police and fire because our residents deserve to get world-class protection. This is and will continue to be my top priority. We also want to continue working closely with our school board and support our kiddos, because they are at the heart of our city. 

Russell Stewart: I’m a governing board member of the Beverly Hills Unified School District. I was someone who came in with very little experience in school districts or in governance, but what I had was common sense. In my first few weeks, I sat down and said, “Show me the books. Show me the numbers.” And they didn’t make any sense, which is why we changed out our superintendent, three out of the four principals and many cabinet staff members. The path that we’re now on is unbelievable, and I want to come to City Hall and do the same thing. 

Clayton Saunders: I am Clayton Saunders, please call me Moshe. My main concern is safety. I talked to many people who say they don’t feel safe here. The lady across the street, she doesn’t come out barely during the daytime to get her mail, and never goes out at night whatsoever. She says it’s because she does not feel safe here in Beverly Hills.

We need to fill these retail shops, and we need to do some type of tax incentives. My team and I have a plan that we have already talked to many different owners, and it’s called “Live Here, Shop Here” for reduced rates for the locals who live here and show their IDs. 

As far as security goes, I have a program where we’re going to get metal detectors in every religious temple, every school. It is not a question of if something’s going to happen, it’s when something’s going to happen. 

Barry Axelrod: I’m a resident and business owner here in Beverly Hills. I think Metro is a really major problem. Metro is a company who came here, they started talking to the residents, they started talking to business owners. They promised all types of things and they never come through. I want to create a committee, something that is part and parcel to Metro, and Metro is going to have to answer to us. 

The City Council has to be more business oriented. I created a company during COVID, became probably one of the most successful retail stores on South Beverly Drive. We have had very serious issues getting everything done that we needed. Trouble getting permits. A lot of the businesses in Beverly Hills are having serious problems. They’re being fined because there are various types of rules, regulations that are not conducive to good business. 

Andrew Kole: I think City Council needs new blood. I think they need new ideas. 

I see there being two open seats. Lester, because he’s been there eight years and because I am a big believer that term limits should be eight years, I don’t think you need to be 12 years on a city council. I take him off my board. Russell, who I like a lot, I take off my board because he’s a member of the school board. In my opinion, if you run for a board, you need to finish your term. So that leaves me with, who do you vote for? Obviously, I’d love your vote. I do not expect to be the landslide of anything here. There are four people that I’ve spent a lot of time with, and that is Roger, Rebecca, Jon and Ariel. I think there’s an opportunity for the city to really pay attention to what these four people say and pick two. A new skill set is what I’m really talking about, different perspectives. And I hesitate to say, since I’m old as dirt, younger people and different ages.  

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The D Line will connect riders from Beverly Hills to downtown Los Angeles in about 22 minutes, with stations also opening at Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue, and Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue on May 8. A future station in Beverly Hills is planned to open on Beverly Drive before the line expands west to Century City and Westwood.

The Wilshire/La Cienega station will feature a temporary Public Safety Center located on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard, immediately east of the actual Metro station at street level. The Public Safety Center will be staffed with Beverly Hills Community Service Officers (CSOs) during the hours of train operations.

CSOs are unarmed, unsworn full-time staff members of BHPD, who assist police officers in non-hazardous duties such as assisting the public, conducting traffic investigations, issuing parking citations and making crime reports. CSOs wear gray uniforms with BHPD patches on the shoulder.

“CSOs will be there for wayfinding. If people come off the Metro and they’re not sure where to go, they have questions, a CSO will be there to assist them with that,” Executive Officer Lt. Kevin Orth told the Courier. “If they have lost property reports or potentially even certain crimes, the CSO will be the first contact with the police department to provide them with service and take a report. If it rises to a higher level that they need a more serious report, then a police officer will come and take that report, but they will be the first contact the public can have with the police department if they need some sort of assistance, directions, lost property, minor incidents, things like that. The CSOs will have police radios as well, so they’ll be able to immediately communicate with our dispatch center to request police officers if needed.”

Orth also said that BHPD will add assigned police officers to the area of the city including the Metro station, but did not specify how many officers will cover the area.

“We generally don’t get into specifics about deployment numbers just because we don’t want suspects or potential suspects to know exactly how many officers we have out and about,” he said.

The permanent Public Safety Center is scheduled to open in the fall directly north of the stairs leading to the underground station and will be the only Public Safety Center located on a Metro property.

The city is also contracting with the Los Angeles Police Department to have two officers and a supervisor who will be stationed underground at the platform level. BHPD Captain Renato Moreno said the city is also increasing the presence of its Covered 6 private security officers near the Metro station.

Moreno said the increased police and security presence is in response to southeast residents and homeowners expressing the desire for a more visible police presence, especially near La Cienega Park, once the station opens.

“We have got our Covered 6 security officers that are going to increase their presence down there, as is the police department,” Moreno said. “What everybody, especially at that Southeast Homeowners’ Association meeting shared with me was … they want to see a visible presence by police officers. So that’s why, we’ve got that Public Safety Center and everything else together. I think we will be successful in maintaining the public safety we have always had here in Beverly Hills.”

In addition to the Public Safety Center, Beverly Hills has implemented numerous security measures in and around the station, including security cameras and full-height metal doors instead of turnstiles to deter fare-evading riders.

“We’ve been preparing for this since 2016 when Metro broke ground at Wilshire and La Cienega,” Moreno said. “We are hoping that ridership has an enjoyable experience when they come into Beverly Hills, but we’re also here to make sure that public safety is maintained.”  

The post Community Service Officers Will Staff Temporary Metro Public Safety Center appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

During the 2.5-hour forum, participants answered questions about safety and parking surrounding the new Metro stations, drawing new business into the city, the prospect of districting within Beverly Hills and more. 

The candidates seemed eager to espouse their views, enthusiastically raising their hands and insisting that moderators make time for them. Things became a bit tense at times, with candidates challenging the aggressive use of music to signal the end of their speaking time and a few candidates directly challenging one another, but the mood overall was genial and lively.

Grossman additionally asked the candidates what their top two priorities would be if elected. Here are their answers (edited for length and clarity): 

Andy Licht: I’m dismayed to hear how frustrated the Southwest and Southeast is with the housing element and the subway coming, and I would address those. I think we need to figure out a way to balance how the Builders’ Remedy projects are going to be built in the city. They shouldn’t all be in the Southeast. We should try to find a way to activate and bring more energy to the Southeast. I have some ideas. The Gale Yard, for example. I want to bring some great diners for example, like Max and Helen’s, and give them a very good deal. 

Jonathan Mariadne: A resident-led charter study commission would be my first. The second, I would like to get permitting down to five days from five to eight weeks. San Jose, a much bigger city than ours, was able to take it down to six days from eight weeks. So, I think it’s highly possible to streamline the departments, make that a little bit more transparent, get with the modern age. 

Ariel Rofeim: First and foremost is public safety. We need to increase our officer retention. We have an issue with retention and bringing on more police officers as a whole. We are down significantly, and I don’t think that we are prepared for the issues that will come along with the Metro station opening, and with our Builders’ Remedy projects happening. 

Andrew Kole: Moving the Farmers’ Market to South Beverly Drive. Easiest thing to do. And I would set up a commission, we’ll call it, to look at ways to generate more income for the city. Since everyone’s talking about a deficit, how do you solve a deficit? I’m good at finding money. So naming rights is one idea that I have. Naming rights for South Beverly Drive, all that money would go to revamp that whole area. There’s a lot of ways.

Roger Tanenbaum: My first priority would be to get a committee of people that I know and also other members of our community to come together from each area of our city to give me information. 

And my second, there’s a lot of things I want to do. One thing that I have heard over and over again would be against e-bikes for kids these days. I would like to get the forefront of that. Anything that goes over, say, 10 miles per hour to me is no longer a bicycle, and it needs to be addressed. 

Sharona Nazarian: We need to plan for the future of our city and be proactive. We need to continue to plan for the Metro with public safety in mind, homeless outreach, and we need to preserve our quality of life. 

Everything that we’ve done, we need to improve on … we want to expand our camera systems. We want to expand our Real Time Watch Center. If we have things that are working, we’re going to continue to strengthen them. 

Clayton Moshe Saunders: First two would be security. That’s the first one. The second one is security. I want these residents to feel safe, and I know that they’re not safe. 

Lester Friedman: Maintaining the public safety and financial safety that our city has established over the years is really job number one for any City Council. My second priority is something that I think that we as a council have fallen back on and that is the subway stations. 

We may have missed the boat on some of the infrastructure in that area, and I think that’s something that now is really the time to do. We need to bring businesses in. We really have to put our foot to the pedal and get that going.

Barry Axelrod: I believe a collaboration between the city and the residents, with a task force that would create the ability for the city and the residents to understand what each other’s needs are and how to solve a lot of the issues we’re dealing with … I believe, another division or another section of City Council run by one of the City Council members that deal strictly with the people who are in the trenches, like myself, working with a business and seeing the difficulties the businesses have, would do very well in in keeping the city better organized.

Russell Stuart: Public safety is number one. I would like to reevaluate the security budgets of Covered Six, Nastec and the ambassadors who are security guards. 

Number two, because we’re having budget problems, I want to look at other revenue-generating tools. One of the things that I mentioned last week are branding and licensing. At the Beverly Hills Unified School District, we are looking into branding and licensing throughout the world. We are the biggest brand on Earth. We should be maximizing that and looking at how we can bring in greater dollars from our brand.

Rebecca Pynoos: For me, number one is getting control of Builders’ Remedy … I have connections to other planners. The former deputy director of the L.A. City Planning was at my kickoff, and she said if we needed help with getting this turned around for the future, she would help me do that. 

Number two for me is, is Metro … we need real activation and other safety measures in addition to policing. Metro is going to be part of our permanent infrastructure, and we need to treat it that way with business activation, real improvements for residents and riders both.  

The post Candidates Discuss Top Priorities at Southwest Homeowners Forum appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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Enisha Clark, human services administrator, presented the security plan for the opening of the new Metro station. The Wilshire and La Cienega Station’s grand opening is on May 8 from 12-3 p.m. 

“The thing that I hear over and over again from Metro is that Metro has not come into a city as prepared as Beverly Hills,” she said. 

Clark explained that the Wilshire and La Cienega stop is a temporary end-of-the-line station, meaning riders will exit Metro at the end of the night. This will last for roughly a year until other surrounding Metro stations are built. Clark presented resources for surrounding businesses, the 24/7 outreach, the after-hours Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and an after-hours security team that will respond to calls from residents and business owners.

The city will have a larger presence at Metro for at least the first 90 days, if not longer. Clark discussed meeting with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Homeless Outreach Preventive Engagement to establish points of contact with them. She discussed the plans for overnight security to monitor the area and track the patterns of riders exiting the station at night. Clark will gather the data and report back to the Health and Human Relations Committee at their first meeting in June.

Below ground, in the Metro station itself, there will be LAPD officers, and above-ground, BHPD officers. The LAPD will assist for around three to four years until Metro police are operational. The Wilshire and La Cienega Metro stop will be the only stop with a public safety center on the property. 

Commissioner Erica Felsenthal suggested a Health and Human Relations Commission group ride. 

“I think there’s a lot of fear in the community, and it might be great to go together,” she said. “I like the idea, so that we can be the voices in the community and tell people what it’s really like.”

Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Programs Manager Josette Descalzo presented updates from the Burton Way Median Green Streets Project. The purpose of this project is to keep up to date with the California regulations and present the ideal landscape for treating runoff and water efficient landscaping. It has run for 18 months and saves five million gallons of water annually. 

Utilities General Manager Robert Welch further explained the water treatment process. 

“The intent is to allow us to utilize urban runoff to treat that landscape and allow portable water to be used elsewhere,” he said. 

Beverly Hills Unified School District Board Member Dr. Amanda Stern highlighted some recent school district events: The Horace Mann Walk and Bike to School, the El Rodeo Fun Run, which raised $45,000, and the donation of the Manaster Family Music Room at Beverly Hills High School. She also highlighted the reopening of the Beverly Hills High School Grand Lawn on May 2. 

Fire Battalion Chief Mark Hein informed the commission of the evacuation drill on May 2 from 1-4 p.m. The drill will evacuate 433 homes on the Northside of Sunset. Hein shared the success of the palm tree and Metro rescue trainings and the upcoming Fire Service Day on May 9 from 1-4p.m. at the Beverly Hills Fire Station. 

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Rofeim grew up south of Wilshire Boulevard and attended Beverly Vista Middle School. He became a BHPD cadet after high school, going on to represent the department as a platoon leader. He later graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, studied at the University of Cambridge as a Pembroke-King’s Scholar and interned at the White House under President Barack Obama, working on both foreign and domestic policy. 

Rofeim now practices law in Beverly Hills, where he advocates for clients with catastrophic injuries. Despite no previous experience in city government, Rofeim said he hopes to usher a younger generation into City Hall. 

“Despite not being on a commission, I’ve dedicated my career path and who I am as a person to serving my community, and I advocate on behalf of the community every single day during the worst moments of their lives,” he said. “This isn’t a position for one. This is a position to create an Avengers-style governmental body that can advocate on behalf of the community as a whole.” 

As a former police cadet, Rofeim said he is uniquely equipped to bolster public safety in the wake of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) D Line station opening at Wilshire and La Cienega boulevards. He said that it is important to increase police visibility and maintain a compassionate approach while continuing to enforce the city’s strict ordinances against camping. 

“My experience comes from seeing things behind the badge with the police department,” he said. “But more importantly, I’m a practicing attorney, and I don’t work for corporate law. I deal with regular people. I’m a civil, plaintiff -side attorney, and I’m an advocate for the law. And the law is what we’re going to have to rely on, not only to shape, but to impose and enforce in a way that gets us real results and shows that a train stop at Beverly Hills will not become a train stop at Western and Wilshire.” 

Rofeim emphasized that he wants to build on the legacy of city leaders like former mayors Lili Bosse and Sharona Nazarian. 

Rofeim said he hopes to work within the confines of state law to limit future litigation involving Builder’s Remedy projects in the city. Beverly Hills has seen proposals for 16 different Builder’s Remedy projects, tall developments that bypass local zoning measures and will reshape the city’s landscape. 

“I pledge to fight for every square inch possible that allows us to preserve our iconic feel of Beverly Hills,” he said. “We are a unique community, unlike anybody else, and if we don’t fight to defend it for what we are, we will lose it and become something we are not. So, Builder’s Remedy is a reminder that we need a real advocate, a real fighter in city hall.” 

With a father who had a small business in Beverly Hills for more than 20 years that closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rofeim said he has a plan to increase foot traffic in Beverly Hills. 

“I will bring quality foot traffic back to Beverly Hills, and that begins with supporting our local businesses,” he said. “We don’t have any banners up throughout the Golden Triangle that say, ‘Shop local. Support our local business.’ … I want to create festivals. I want to create more events, like the Father’s Day event that we have every year, and create a Persian festival in the city, and have it be the world’s largest Persian festival in Beverly Hills, and we can celebrate many other cultures as well. We should have a Chinese New Year festival, Hispanic Heritage Month. And really create these one-day, one-off events for people beyond our city to come into our city, and enjoy the community, and go to our restaurants, and walk up and down Rodeo Drive.” 

As a designated mentor in the BHUSD and the incoming mock trial coach at Beverly Hills High School, Rofeim said he wants to strengthen the connection between City Hall and students in the school district. 

“My position isn’t to change the school system, per se, but what I do want to do is enforce and strengthen the partnership between City Council and the high school,” he said. “We need to collaborate, because the high school really represents not only the future of our city. I want to make sure that I have direct communication with parents by hosting forums, inviting parents only of our local schools to hear directly from them on how we can improve our policy or introduce new policy into the city.” 

Rofeim said he hopes to produce results in City Hall if elected. 

“We’re not just saying that we’re getting involved. We’re actually producing results,” he said. “I am someone who is a doer, and now is the time. We see what’s happening in New York with the mayor of New York, we see things happening all around the country where a new generation of leaders are emerging. And I look at Beverly Hills and I say, ‘Why not here?’” 

Beverly Hills municipal elections will be held on June 2.

The post Ariel Rofeim on His City Council Candidacy appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The seat is currently held by Sen. Ben Allen, who will term out this year. 

Evans co-founded the Doheny Sunset Plaza Neighborhood Association in 2017 and currently serves as the Vice President of the Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council. She is endorsed by Equality California, the California Democratic Legislative Women’s Caucus, the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, Democrats for Israel—Los Angeles, State Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Chavez Zbur, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman and more. 

The Courier spoke with Evans in an exclusive interview about issues facing Beverly Hills and SD 24.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

What is your connection to Beverly Hills? 

I live right near the three-city border. I am frequently in and around Beverly Hills. I walk my dog often in Beverly Hills, I walk myself in Beverly Hills, I eat at restaurants in Beverly Hills, I do my grocery shopping in Beverly Hills. So, yes, I’m connected to Beverly Hills.

What do you see as the biggest issues affecting Beverly Hills and SD24?

I think people want to feel safe in their homes. They want to be safe from fire. They want to be safe from crime. I plan to do a lot of work on fire safety, especially hardening our grid, because some of our very worst fires have come from electrical equipment that should have been upgraded. I plan to make sure that does get upgraded. And I think if we stop having those massive fires that are ignited by electrical equipment, we’ll see some relief in our insurance rates. 

Beverly Hills has faced a lot of Builder’s Remedy projects. What’s your opinion on local control over housing and how that could be addressed in Sacramento?

Local officials really know what infrastructure they have and what it is capable of, what the transportation is, where the jobs are. I’m a huge advocate for local City Councils knowing where they need to upzone, or where they can upzone, or where it’s beneficial to upzone. But I really don’t think that we should be doing cookie cutter zoning at the state level.

Can you say more about what local City Councils upzoning might look like in practice?

Yes. Cities are supposed to make their RHNA numbers, but it’s clear that zoning to make RHNA numbers doesn’t create the housing. What I really want to do is create the conditions that allow developers to build where zoning already allows it. We have a lot of space, especially in Southern California. This system of making municipalities upzone where they wouldn’t necessarily want to upzone is not as useful an exercise when the whole system isn’t resulting in the number of units we need. 

I’d rather start with the basics. What makes a builder want to build a project is profitability. What’s holding that up is delay, because delay means the developers have to pay interest on land that they can’t sell for years and years and years. That’s the problem we have to fix.

Do you have any ideas as to how we could speed things up?

The state could legislate that permitting needs to be done in lockstep, so the different agencies and departments are reviewing a project at the same time. Also paying attention to infrastructure and being proactive, making sure that the power companies are being proactive and providing the infrastructure that’s needed where we actually want to build. 

The new Metro station is opening soon at La Cienega and Wilshire, and there are some safety concerns among residents and businesses in the area. Do you think there’s a role for the state there?

To whatever extent the state can help Metro be a good steward of its public transportation system, the state should do that. Our public transit system is widely seen as unusable and crime ridden, and we have to deal with that perception. We have to make sure the Metro is keeping their system safe and good to use, and the state should be helping with that. We just spent quite a lot of money on that line, and it should be open and accessible to everybody, and people should want to take it. It should bring people to Beverly Hills that are going to help Beverly Hills thrive.

As a senator, what would you do to ensure that happens for the community?

It comes down to funding and conversations. I would want to be meeting with Metro about transit in the district and making sure that it’s living up to what it can be.

AB 715 was recently passed to address rising antisemitism, and there have been some efforts to dial it back. Where do you stand on that legislation and its backlash? 

First of all, I’m Jewish. Second of all, I have two young adult children who both experienced a lot of antisemitism on their college campuses. I think that AB 715 is a good bill. It was really important to pass, and I fully support it.  

The post State Sen. Candidate Evans Speaks on the Issues Facing Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Hatzolah is an entirely volunteer-run, nonprofit emergency medical service (EMS) that has served Jewish communities worldwide since its founding in 1965. The organization will now work hand in hand with the BHFD to respond to calls and provide emergency medical care for residents across the city.

“They would sometimes be first on scene to calls in Beverly Hills,” BHFD Chief Gregory Barton told the Courier. “Now that  it’s formalized, they can come to our training. We’re trying to get them to meld into the department, so it’s a seamless service that we’re going to provide to the city, and also allows us, if we get overwhelmed with calls, we can reach out to Hatzolah, and they will provide that EMS service until we’re able to free up our rescues to get people there, so we’re getting the help to the community as quickly as we can.” 

Although BHFD is rarely overwhelmed with calls, Hatzolah will provide extra assistance when needed, Barton said. 

Barton shared that Hatzolah was instrumental in assisting Holocaust survivors in the city years ago when they were resistant to work with people in uniform. He also talked about a time when Hatzolah helped BHFD in providing care to an elderly resident. 

“It was a private house, and there was a party going on at the house, and an elderly lady wasn’t doing well, and we got there at the same time,” he said. “What Hatzolah was able to do is they were able to assist us with some basic help, but the bigger part that they provided was they were able to talk to the family, and that allowed our paramedics to do the work they needed to do. So, it’s just that bridge. It’s a community effort coming together and working as a team to provide that highest level of care. They’re part of the community.” 

All Hatzolah emergency medical technicians (EMTs) received the same state certification and county endorsement that all Los Angeles County EMTs have received, said BHFD EMS Division Chief Sean Stokes, and the organization has one ambulance that passed formal approval and accreditation from L.A. County. The formal agreement will give Hatzolah personnel the same training as the EMTs from BHFD. “The inventory is the same, the training is the same when they train with us, whether it be continuing education or exercises,” Stokes told the Courier. “About two, three months ago, Hatzolah was able to join our three platoons in a multi-casualty incident training where we simulated pediatric injuries. We had a dozen or so patients, and Hatzolah was there on the ground with our fire department personnel going through the exercise of what that would look like, and how to manage those patients, and how to transport them.” 

With the L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) D Line station at Wilshire and La Cienega boulevards opening on May 8, Barton said that Hatzolah will help assist the BHFD if there is an increase in service calls. 

“We don’t know with the Metro what the potential increase in call loads is going to look like from a fire perspective,” Barton said. “However, if we do get a big increase, [the City] Council is more than willing to do whatever is needed to ensure the community is safe and protected. If we did have a big rush of EMS calls at one time, Hatzolah can help bolster that call load, not only just from the Metro perspective, but also just day to day, to provide that little bit of help.” 

Hatzolah volunteers also helped locate a woman recently, Barton added. 

Beverly Hills Mayor Craig Corman said the agreement was a step forward in elevating the city’s public services. 

“It is imperative that we provide our community with the best services when it comes to emergency medical care,” Corman said. “This new partnership is an example of how we can find ways to work together with other organizations that can enhance programs we already have in place.” 

Residents can reach out to Hatzolah’s 24-hour rapid response team specifically by calling 800- 613-1911 if they need care. Barton emphasized that if residents are in an emergency, they should call 911 and will receive the highest quality care the city can offer. 

“If they have any type of concern, any type of medical service call and they have a question, call 911, and let us work through the process,” Barton said. “We do have communitywide, community health services here. So that’s not only EMS services. We have a nurse practitioner unit that will go out and follow up. And we also have Hatzolah that is bolstering our emergency medical responses as well. So, the community is really doing everything it can to really have that wraparound service and provide the highest quality care that we can to the community.”

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The ordinance was originally adopted in May 2025 to update zoning regulations on an interim basis to implement Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), which had been updated by Senate Bill 450 (SB 450).  

Under SB 9, which took effect in January 2022, local authorities are required to provide ministerial approval of urban lot splits, in which a single-family residential lot is subdivided into two new lots, and the development of two-primary-unit projects on an existing single-family residential lot. 

The legislation allows for the development of up to four total units per lot, and it is intended to create additional housing in the state. 

With the passage of SB 450, which went into effect in January 2025, the provisions of SB 9 were changed, as was the ability of officials to impose objective standards.

Beverly Hills’ urgency ordinance seeks to provide the city with more time to study the ways in which SB 9 and SB 450 may impact the city, particularly as it pertains to wildfire safety. According to a report prepared by city staff and presented at the April 21 meeting, if more lots are created through urban lot splits, additional curb cuts would be necessary for driveways. 

During a wildfire evacuation, the report states, such curb cuts could result in more vehicles attempting to exit the area using the cuts, resulting in additional traffic in already limited evacuation routes. This, the report states, could “exacerbate a public health and safety risk of delayed evacuation during a wildfire event.”

The scenario laid out by staff is especially likely in the city’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), which was recently extended south of Sunset Boulevard. 

During the hearing, councilmembers heard an update about efforts the city has undertaken and continues to undertake to mitigate potential problems caused by SB 9 and SB 450. Those include the recent completion of wildfire evacuation plan standard operating procedures by the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and the Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD). 

The BHFD is additionally continuing work on its brush fire inspection program, which began on April 1, and its enforcement of VHFHSZ code requirements such as mandating the clearance and maintenance of vegetation, encouraging proactive home hardening measures and ensuring compliance with defensible space requirements.

In addition, BHFD Chief Greg Barton conducted two meetings with residents during which he reviewed and discussed the updated VHFHSZ map, addressing any concerns and questions.

During their discussion, councilmembers expressed their gratitude for staff’s efforts to ensure the safety of residents in response to mandates from the state. 

“I appreciate that our city and our staff are immediately taking into consideration what that impact is and [how] fire is responding to it, as opposed to just letting it go through,” said Vice Mayor Mary Wells. “I appreciate that you took the time and you’re so thoughtful about how does it impact us in Beverly Hills and to what extent can you do something about that and make a difference.” 

In other news, the council voted unanimously to rescind the denial of an appeal of an incomplete application determination for a Builder’s Remedy project at 140 South Camden Drive, thereby allowing the project to move forward and the application processed. 

The rescission is a requirement of a settlement agreement reached between the project applicant and the city. 

The project is proposed as a 15-story development with a total of 27 rental units, including six affordable units, and four subterranean parking levels to accommodate 44 vehicles. The application was submitted by Wilshire Camden, LLC in August 2024. 

Councilmembers additionally heard from nearly a dozen local high school students requesting that the city adopt an ordinance requiring the recycling of balls used to play pickleball and tennis. 

“Across the U.S., over 125 million tennis balls are thrown away every year,” said 16-year-old Jesse King. “Over 500 million racket sport balls are produced globally. Most of them wind up in the landfill or incinerated. These balls take over 400 years to decompose, meaning they stay in our environment for generations. What’s surprising is that these balls are actually recyclable, but almost no one is doing it. So today, we’re asking for your continued leadership. We ask that Beverly Hills makes ball recycling an agenda item and consider requiring tennis and pickleball recycling at clubs and facilities.”

The April 21 meeting marked Craig Corman and Wells’ first meeting in their respective new roles as mayor and vice mayor. The City Council will hold its next regular meeting on May 5.  

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Speaking to the Courier a few days later, Corman reiterated that Beverly Hills has always been dynamic.  

“We have to grow,” he said. “We have to manage the challenges, but there are also opportunities where, if we plan correctly and we get the right development in the right places, [change] can be a benefit to the city.”

Corman, a 50-year resident of Beverly Hills, has seen the city change over the years. He takes office in a new era that will include the opening of two Metro stations, more high-rise buildings and a state housing mandate. He says he is ready to embrace the possibilities. 

Among those prospects is the potential for a newly vibrant Southeast Beverly Hills. Pointing to multifamily projects underway on and around La Cienega Boulevard, Corman suggested that as those developments come to fruition, businesses will want to come in and serve a new population. 

“I think it’s all going to come together at around the same time,” he said. “As the housing gets built, more businesses will come in.”

The same is true, he said, of the potential for growth surrounding the new Metro stations. 

“People are going to be coming to the city, and we need to make sure that we have things that they want to come to the city for,” he said. “That’s an important part of what we need to do over the next few years. There’s no question.”

Many residents have expressed concern about Builder’s Remedy projects, but Corman said that the fate of many such developments remains to be seen. 

“Some of the Builder’s Remedy projects are going to be built,” he said. “That’s common sense. I’m not sure all of them are going to be built. We won’t know until the applications come in to actually process building plans. We’ve seen that some of the Builder’s Remedy projects that have been approved, the entitlements have been approved, are now for sale. I’m not sure that the book has been completely written about Builder’s Remedy.” 

As those applications move forward, Corman will additionally turn his focus to public safety. He told the Courier that he will focus on recruitment and emphasized the positive culture surrounding public safety officers in Beverly Hills. 

“We think we have a very attractive place for people to work as police and fire,” he said. “Our police and fire are beloved in our city. We buy them coffee; we say hello on the street. We greatly appreciate everything they do for us, and I think they know that we support them whenever we can, wherever we can, and that’ll continue. That’s never going to change.”

Public safety will be critical as the city looks ahead to the FIFA World Cup this year and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. Corman said that the World Cup, taking place this summer, will be a “valuable exercise” for Beverly Hills. 

“I think the Olympics are going to be bigger than the World Cup for us and for the region in general … so we’re going to learn from the World Cup how we bring people into our city,” he said. “We’re going to use that as a learning experience to be even more effective when the Olympics come in two years.”

Corman also hopes to learn from residents. In a new initiative called the Mayor’s Circuit, he plans to visit the homes of residents to engage in group conversations with those who are interested. 

“We’ve had town halls, and we publicize them, but sometimes it’s hard for people to come to City Hall at the time that we’ve scheduled it,” he said. “This is sort of like a campaign stop. If a group of people want to talk to their elected officials, we should come and talk to them and make it as easy as possible so they do feel heard, and they are heard, and they hear from us too. It’s a dialogue.” 

Corman received his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He began his involvement in city politics as a Planning Commissioner and Cultural Heritage Commissioner and was elected to the Beverly Hills City Council in March 2024.  

As he embarks on his mayoral term, he said he is most looking forward to “moving us in a direction that anticipates and takes advantage of the change that’s coming.” 

“That’s where I think we can be most effective this year as a City Council,” he said. “If we do that correctly, then I think a lot of other things will fall into place.”  

The post Mayor Corman Looks to the Future appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The construction barricade will feature four non-illuminated business signs along North Rodeo Drive for the duration of the construction. The new Tiffany & Co. store will replace the current one located in the Two Rodeo Drive plaza and is scheduled to be completed by June 2028.

The upcoming store will be located in the building that formerly housed the Luxe Hotel, which closed in September 2020, and will feature three stories, two levels of retail, a third-floor restaurant with 53 seats and a rooftop space with an outdoor terrace. Plans for the new retail store were approved by the Planning Commission on Nov. 13, 2025.

The new store would be Tiffany’s second-largest retail store in the U.S., only behind the flagship store in New York.

The barricade will feature a blue-toned background with illustrated decorative elements and an interior facing graphic along a temporary pedestrian walkway.

“The inclusion of the interior graphic would enhance the pedestrian experience within the temporary walkway by providing visual interest and continuity with the exterior facing design,” according to the staff report. “Overall, the proposed construction barricade demonstrates a cohesive visual theme and ensures that pedestrian circulation is maintained along the frontage during construction.”

The commission approved the construction barricade and signage unanimously without discussion.

In other business, the commission conditionally approved a new single-family residence located at 265 El Camino Drive after lengthy deliberation.

The two-story property will feature a contemporary, asymmetrical design, incorporating a palette of white stucco, vertical wood siding in varying tones, and a three-foot tall Corten steel fence. The building will also include a significant setback on the left side of the structure to accommodate a courtyard, making an L-shaped configuration.

The commission approved the residence with the conditions that the project maintains the landscape plantings that were proposed at the meeting, gray metal panels on the north elevation are changed to wood material and the first floor of the front facade is densely landscaped.

Neighbors Dr. Louis Ignarro and Dr. Sharon Ignarro expressed opposition to the project, saying the contemporary design would stand out in a neighborhood dominated by Spanish Colonial-style homes.

“I understand your commission evaluates projects on whether they contribute to the city’s image of beauty, harmony, high quality and good taste. This project does none of these,” they wrote in a letter to the commission. “If you look at the designers’ own photos of the neighboring properties, you can clearly see that this proposal in no way complements the other homes. For far too long, the needs of the south side of Beverly Hills have been neglected. Please do not allow such an eyesore to ruin the flavor and feel of our neighborhood.”

Architect Dwayne Oyler, who represented project applicant Yen Liang Lee at the meeting, detailed how Lee intends to build a property that aligns with the beauty of the city and incorporates elements of the neighborhood.

“They’ve put extensive thought into the development of the garden and that includes both private spaces as well as the landscaping at the front along the sidewalk that we believe speaks well to the idea of the garden city,” he said. “They bought this property to build a beautiful modern home, and they’re thrilled that the city of Beverly Hills not only allows contemporary homes, but there are numerous examples. This includes one approximately 200 feet away at 261 Rodeo Drive.”

Commission Chair and Beverly Hills City Council candidate Rebecca Pynoos expressed her reservations of the project’s design but ultimately supported it.

“My feeling is just that it’s modern. It will be a change for the neighborhood,” she said. “But if there’s any way to do some changes in the choices of material, or anything to do to the front, the large massing, the front-facing facade…it’s reading like multifamily at least to my eye, but otherwise thoughtful in the L-shaped design in what you’re keeping in the property.”  

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Recreation Services Manager Matthew Brown gave a presentation to the commission regarding plans for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Reprising the presentation he gave at the City Council meeting on March 4, he highlighted an interactive soccer goal, branded photo opportunities and commemorative city of Beverly Hills World Cup pins. Brown also mentioned a community watch party at the Roxbury Park Community Center. 

Multiple council members raised concerns about the location of the watch party, stating that it may lead to a smaller turnout from the community. Brown stressed that these concerns had already been discussed during the March 4 City Council meeting, and explained the location had been determined due to “operational and logistical concerns.”

Recreation Supervisor Corrina Lesser provided updates on Festival Beverly Hills, which will take place on July 12. 

“The cultural dynamism of the region projects the energy that the festival has,” she said. “We have a powerful name.” 

Jenny Palo, Director of Similien Art Gallery, presented a piece of art to be placed at 8913 Olympic Blvd., and it will be visible from the street. The untitled art piece by Francesca Lalane will be 32 feet by 90 feet and engraved in brass. 

The last spring Artwalk, a guided tour through the Beverly Gardens, will take place on April 26. Following a brief break, the tours will start again for the summer on June 14 and 28, coinciding with the World Cup.

The Concerts on Canon series will begin again on June 4 and the website will go live on May 4. The series takes place weekly from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday evenings, June through August. Senior Recreation Supervisor Paul Paolone spoke about how this year’s process for choosing artists has been different. In the past, he has taken inquiries throughout the year, but this year, a webpage was created for artists to apply. The application was open for a few months, and Paolone reported that he had received nearly 50 applications. The full lineup will be announced at next month’s commission meeting.  

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Three seats will be open for the election on June 2, including those currently held by Councilmembers Sharona Nazarian, Lester Friedman and John Mirisch. Nazarian and Friedman are running for reelection. Mirisch is not, having reached the end of his term limits.

The other nine candidates are Barry Axelrod, Andrew Kole, Andy Licht, Jonathan Mariande, Rebecca Pynoos, Ariel Rofeim, Clayton (Moshe) Saunders, Russell Stuart and Roger Tanenbaum.

Moderated by Howard Rosoff and David Mirharooni, the forum asked each participant to answer six questions addressing issues including their campaign priorities, campaign funding, the impact of new developments, commercial development in the Southeast area of the city and the relationship between the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.

Some questions and answers have been edited for length.

Incumbents, what would you like to do during a second or third term? Challengers, what are your priorities, including crime, homelessness and the economy … what programs would you continue or change?

Ariel Rofeim: If you compare this city to when I was a kid at Beverly Vista and Beverly High, you cannot say it’s the same. I vividly remember seeing police officers going up and down my street, almost to a laughable point. That’s how secure we felt based on police visibility. Today, we have the same amount of police officers on the streets as we did when I was in eighth grade, and that just doesn’t make any sense, and that’s something that I want to change.

Rebecca Pynoos: I’m the only Metro rider up here and someone who’s been engaged in Metro for years. I see this as an area where all three of those things really come together. We viewed [Metro] as a threat instead of an opportunity … we have not activated the area around La Cienega whatsoever. We’re opening a station there on May 8. There’s no new businesses in the area. I think that’s a total lost opportunity.

Clayton (Moshe) Saunders: Security is my highest priority. I believe that all the high schools should have metal detectors, and they also need to have uniformed police in front. We’re going to be spending over $800,000 for six new police officers, and three at each Metro station. I think that’s not sufficient enough.

Given the number of Builder’s Remedy projects that have been green-lighted, how would you prevent further projects? How would you deal with the impact from those that have been or will be approved?

Andy Licht: I’ve spoken to developers and council members and other cities, and they all tell me the same thing. Developers come in asking for the moon and expect to be negotiated down. That’s how I would handle it. I spent six years on the Planning Commission. I understand developers. I’ve negotiated with many developers. We need to eliminate our adversarial relationship with Sacramento.

Jonathan Mariande: A charter wouldn’t allow us to ignore mandates through the Builder’s Remedy, but it would give us the tools to rezone and look at the Wilshire Corridor as a possible infrastructural change. We could have answered some of these mandates in that time and redeveloped those places … it would be tough to put blame on anyone here today, because I just don’t think we have the tools as a general law city to answer that.

Lester Friedman: Amongst the 11 of us sitting here, two of us have gone through Builder’s Remedy … the city has instituted rules now regarding parking, which will be a burden upon those who are building buildings that are not up to the Beverly Hills parking standards. We will continue to do that. We are looking at other options to deal with the problem. But this is not a problem that Beverly Hills created. It is a problem Sacramento created.

Rebecca Pynoos: I think the builder for remedy projects are our city’s biggest misstep. I think having an unapproved housing element from 2021 to 2024 and allowing 16 projects to come in was a massive mistake. We need people with policy and planning experience on our council. I will bring that going forward. I think we need to have an approved housing element. I think we should be working on that right now. I’m somebody who’s been actively, for years, building relationships with both regional and state leaders. I’ve gone to Sacramento and lobbied. I’m the rare person who’s done that.

Ariel Rofeim: Well, let’s be honest, Builder’s Remedy is not something that was approved. Builder’s Remedy was a penalty on the city for not meeting its Housing Element. So, I don’t think we’ll be in a situation where we need to decide if we’re going to approve a 26-story building that’s in the middle of a bunch of one-story homes. Hopefully that never happens again. How do these Builder’s Remedy projects affect the surrounding community? Beverly Hills feels like one small town, but it really is a bunch of little districts. People are impacted by things that are unique to their community, and the way the council should respond is by going back to the community and asking them, how do you feel? What should be improved? What do you think that we can do? And we’ve seen that with the power outages out of the south; there are things that we are missing. We are missing the point. And going to the community is the way I go about it.

Moshe Saunders: With the Metro coming in, it’s a two-edged sword. We have to have a certain amount of people living in a certain distance, diameter from the Metro. So that creates a problem for the people who are here. I was at the Los Angeles Park meeting recently, and it’s the Southeast Beverly Hills and the Southwest Beverly Hills are being underserved by the city council and the city. So, my goal is to work with them and make it more safe for them. The buildings are going to be built. The people were very unhappy at the La Cienega Park meeting, and they should have a right to have a say.

Russell Stuart: It’s about leadership. Leadership on this council chose the commissioners who then failed to pass our Housing Element, which got us here. Now, the rules to build these buildings were done in Sacramento. Those are also leaders, elected officials. One of the things that no one ever talks about is we have an election on June 2, not only for us, but for the primary for governor, and then in November for governor. We need new leadership in Sacramento as well to reverse a lot of these punishments that are being put on small cities like ours. I was at the Southeast meeting where people said, we were never supposed to be affordable. It’s Beverly Hills. We’re not supposed to be penalized like other cities. So, we need changes here, but we also need changes in Sacramento.

Roger Tanenbaum: We’ve been talking about this for a long time, and everything’s coming to fruition as of now … it’s an unfortunate situation that we need to deal with, and we fell out that compliance and with that said, it’s in the past, and we need to deal with that as of now, because things happen. With that said, if I was on the council I’d go to Sacramento and try to make alliances with those who are trying to come down on us and make our life more miserable down here in Beverly Hills. So again, best we can do is try to work with Sacramento and make sure that we remedy a problem that right now we have to deal with for the foreseeable future.

Barry Axelrod: These particular problems we have, are not created in Beverly Hills. They are created from Sacramento. A lot of those programs, we as a city can’t do anything about it. The main question is, what can we do with the programs and people and the funding that is available to us in Beverly Hills to be creative, put programs together that will help solve some of these problems? A lot of it has to be done from inside our community. Yes, I think we can send people to Sacramento to possibly get help from them, but the likelihood of getting it, the way things have been going right now, it’s unlikely. So again, we have to put together a task force. We have to figure out how to work out the problems creatively, we may have to bring people in from outside the community.

Andrew Kole: I think how they got there was, there was massive failure on part of those in office and those on staff. Basically it’s a penalty. So the question is, what do you do about it? How do you control the build out? Parking — excellent idea. Leverage is the key word here. Someone needs to come in, or a group of people need to be smart and to be a bit nasty, probably, because the only way you’re going to control this build out is by finding leverage in the deal. I don’t think the current anybody in office currently has that kind of mindset. I think I would bring that mindset.

Sharona Nazarian: First of all, it’s about being proactive and planning ahead. The best form of governing is local governing. We’ve had to experience Sacramento overreach. I have lobbied for our city in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C. I have a very strong working relationship with our senators and our assembly members, everyone who really is a part of our city. Our staff was working diligently to try to find solutions. Right now, we have a Nexus study going. We’re trying to find ways, for example, with the parking to be proactive, and I think that we need to get something built, and the city has locations that they’ve identified, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

What are your plans for development of both residential and commercial growth in outside of the Beverly Hills triangle, including Southeast Beverly Hills?

Russell Stuart: If you come to Beverly Hills on the subway less than a month from now, your first experience is the dead corner of Wilshire and La Cienega. That should have been developed. It should have stores and cafes. It should be exciting. The Southeast is the future of our city. It should be vibrant. It should be explosive. It should be happening … it shows a brand-new view to so many people, tens of thousands of people. And right now, it’s very disappointing.

Roger Tanenbaum: I’m homegrown. I would like to promote local businesses to try to come and be promoting these areas. The more local businesses we have, the more character we have … we need to make sure small businesses feel welcome here, and we need to make sure they’re surviving in our rising-cost city, and make sure that we keep them, to make sure that we have character and keep the charm of our town alive.

Andrew Kole: The solution to the subway and that corner would have been a destination piece. Example — the Academy Film Museum. If the Academy Film Museum was up there, people would go on the subway to go there. We need to find another destination piece that can fit into that space, so people have a reason to get off the train. Second, I would take the Farmers Market and put it on South Beverly Drive. Farmers markets should be a driver for the community. They should not be something tucked away.

Moshe Saunders: The Southeast and the Southwest zones have been underserved. I believe there’s a lot of teardowns that are going to be creating more housing the people there are not happy about that whatsoever. I think we need to work in conjunction with Sacramento, and work this, so that it would be a better place for everyone, everyone happy, enjoy this community, and especially for the businesses. There are a lot of businesses that are empty and want to get those redeveloped. I have a plan to create income for the city and revenue for the city without any taxpayer cost whatsoever.

Barry Axelrod: One of the ways to solve the problem with housing and parking and so forth is to create and use the city more like a business than a government. Nobody, even the planning department that I’ve been working with, is able to give me the same answer about what I need to do to put a sign up in my store. It took me six weeks, seven weeks, to get a sign in my store. We have to have more efficient planning department regulation, rules that everybody can look at. It has to be done with some new technology. We have to be able to go to the web, find out what you need, go to the city with a permit and get an answer right then and there over the counter.

Lester Friedman: Let’s not forget that that area and those buildings that were talked about are privately owned buildings. The city did take affirmative action, and we purchased property where the Gale Yard is, and we purchased additional property next to it, so that we could have development. But we don’t have access to that until Metro vacates it, which is going to be coming up. That is homes and businesses that will be able to move in that area. The city also owns a clock tower, which is a building right next to it, where the dealership is, and when that leases up, it’ll be another area that the city can do something. The city is obviously willing to work with any business that wants to come to it. I grew up with my family initially in the Southeast area. I’m well aware of the issues in the Southeast area, and we will work to make sure that the southeast is up to the other standards in Beverly Hills.

Andy Licht: The city doesn’t plan. We look at projects that are being presented. We need to promote South Beverly Drive, Robertson, Wilshire, and work with the businesses that are there and make sure these areas get the same marketing opportunity that are given to the Triangle. I successfully spearheaded the effort to have mixed-use in the city, which I think, when implemented, will do well. Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of developers coming to us yet with mixed-use projects, and we only allowed them on the major thoroughfares in the city.

Jonathan Mariande: I think this is another great opportunity for a charter. We could have tools to rezone these places and bring in revenue options and opportunities. One thing I would do is move towards a 90-day permit resolution. This would include the five-day turnaround. Give us 48-hour event permits and same day renewals. It’s 2026, we’re still upgrading with the Model T in the Tesla world.

Sharona Nazarian: I started the Long Range Planning Committee in our city, because I think it’s really important to plan for the future of Beverly Hills, and that includes Southeast portion of town. 30% of our city is in that area, and it would be like if you had a high rise and didn’t utilize 30% of your building. So, I think that it’s extremely important for economic vitality, for our future, to recognize that. When we went to Miami and New York, I encouraged businesses to come to that part of town. It is also a wonderful opportunity for young families and to make it more affordable. It’s kind of the gateway to come to Beverly Hills, and that’s something that I’ve been trying to encourage whenever we have the opportunity. We have been trying to expedite the permitting process through AI software that we’ve developed, and the Gale Yard is an area where we are looking to really increase and perhaps put parking for that part of town to be able to revitalize it, because as the Metro comes, it’s going to be a great opportunity.

Rebecca Pynoos: I’m a rare person who lives in the South. I live in the Southwest. We primarily have councilmembers who all live in the flats or above Sunset, so I will actually represent these areas. I’m somebody who wants to have regular town hall meetings monthly at Roxbury and Washington, because we are not engaging with residents in in these areas whatsoever, and they don’t often have the opportunity to come to late-night meetings at our at our city hall.

In terms of development, we’re going to have a huge amount of development already in these areas. We’re going to have transit-oriented development by both of our Metro stations. We have the bulk of the Builder’s Remedy projects coming to both the southwest and the Southeast. We are going to see a massive residential development in these areas, in terms of commercial we need to do a much better job. We have a ton of businesses in these areas, small businesses that feel like they’re being ignored.

Ariel Rofeim: I’m also from the South. I was born and raised in the South. We do have a lot of development coming, but from my own family perspective, I’m concerned about rent increases throughout the South. We are losing the challenges that a lot of these families are facing and the fears they have, because with these developments, with the Metro, you’re going to start thinking that, oh, my rent is going to increase.

I think we’re also losing the fact that we’re Beverly Hills. I’ve come back to the city and I’m like, do you know who you are? Because we’re acting like we’re in the Valley or something. We’re Beverly Hills. And a part of that is realizing that we need to have more events. We have an amazing Father’s Day event that happens every year. We flood the streets with people. We should do that more, and we need to think about how we can bring the community out and become an anchoring experience for international tourists.

How would you work to improve the relationship between the business community and the Chamber of Commerce?

Barry Axelrod: I believe people and businesses need to get a closer relationship to the chamber. Help the chamber expand. We’re a major city in California, and we have less representation and less to do with the Chamber of Commerce than most of the cities in California … the Chamber has an incredible opportunity to make it a major force in the direction of Beverly Hills.

Sharona Nazarian: There needs to be a direct line of communication between the city and our businesses. That is something that we have diligently been working on. I think that we’ve had about two ribbon cuttings a week during my term as mayor, and we have had events to encourage everyone to eat, shop, dine and stay in Beverly Hills … to know that Beverly Hills is a globally recognized city, but it has a small town heart, and we support our local businesses.

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Lester Friedman

Councilmember Lester Friedman’s campaign kickoff, which took place at his home, was attended by approximately 200 people. Guests milled around tables decorated in blue and yellow and enjoyed Pink’s hot dogs. 

Councilmember Mary Wells, Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board Members Amanda Stern and Judy Manouchehri and former Mayor Julian Gold were in attendance, along with community members. 

Friedman was introduced by his wife, Simone. 

“I think he will be fantastic in the third term,” she said. “I know he very, very much wants to complete some of the things that he started, some of the things that never got really started during his first term … when he was mayor during COVID. It was quite a challenge here, so I think he would be honored to do a third term and try to finish up what he feels he started and didn’t get a chance to finish.” 

During a speech that lasted approximately 20 minutes, Friedman emphasized his deep connections in the community as a strength of his campaign. He noted that he and Simone moved to the city as a young couple after meeting at the University of California, Los Angeles, and that their four children attended Beverly Hills public schools.

“One of the things that I really believe in is that if you’re going to get elected, you really need to have the support of the community, and it’s not smoke and mirrors,” he said. “What you see is what I am.” 

Friedman, who was first elected in 2017, highlighted the unique challenges he has weathered while in office, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2025 wildfires. He underscored the lessons in leadership that those experiences provided.  

“As mayor during those unsettled times, I gained a level of experience that I believe is unique on council,” he said. 

Drawing further on his experience, Friedman stated that because of the years he has already spent in office, he understands what’s needed to support the city going forward. He pointed to increased safety, finding ways to mitigate the impact of Builder’s Remedy projects, continuing to fight antisemitism and supporting the business community. 

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with other local leaders, citing his connections to city hall staff as well as Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, California State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur and State Senator Ben Allen.

“Let me share something that every new councilmember … quickly finds out: you don’t know what you don’t know before you join … I think Beverly Hills is a remarkable place to live, and I promise I will do everything to keep it that way,” he said. 

Friedman is running for his third and final term on the City Council.

Andy Licht 

Approximately 235 people attended Cultural Heritage Commissioner Andy Licht’s kickoff event, which was held at a private home. Licht was introduced by his wife Lisa, whose remarks were followed by realtor Michael Libow, former Beverly Hills Mayors Nancy Krasne and Jimmy Delshad, Planning Commissioner Gary Ross and Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge candidate David Ross. Later, former Planning Commissioner Thomas Hudnut and California State Senate District 24 candidate Brian Goldsmith also offered remarks.

Krasne emphasized her support for Licht. 

“We need a council with vision, that’s experienced, that knows the rules and plays the games and understands what the staff is doing, what’s going on,” she said. “And right now, we’re being run into the ground by the state with their desires and their wishes, and that’s not acceptable to most of the residents here. So, for that, Andy’s visionary, and he will get things done.”

In an approximately 10-minute speech, Licht emphasized the ways in which he believes the city can be improved. 

“I think Beverly Hills is a wonderful city,” he said. “It’s why I love it. But the core of my campaign is my conviction: we can do better.”

The primary areas he cited for improvement were public safety, emergency preparedness, quality of life, development and city hall functioning. 

With regards to public safety, Licht stated that the city needs an increased police force, improved lighting in key areas and expanded camera and drone coverage, as well as the possibility of “exploring alternative policing models that have worked in other cities.” 

He emphasized the importance of updating the city’s technology for fire prevention, traffic signals and solar energy. Licht also mentioned the need to reduce noise pollution and crack down on party houses, which often create a nuisance for residents. 

Speaking about new developments in Beverly Hills, Licht said the city must be “smarter.” 

“Growth must be thoughtful, plan-driven, and spread equally around the city,” he said. “High-revenue, low-impact projects have to be generated here in Beverly Hills rather than dictated by Sacramento.”

Such development would be aided, he said, by an expedited, simplified and modernized permitting process. 

“Government is designed to serve people, not slow them down … my commitment to the city of Beverly Hills is make streets safe, keep its parks beautiful, help our families thrive,” he said. “Build a safer, saner future for our children and our grandchildren. In each of these areas, it’s my conviction that we can do better.” 

A lifelong resident of Beverly Hills who raised three children in the city, Licht has previously served on the city’s Planning Commission and its Traffic and Parking Commission. 

Rebecca Pynoos 

About 200 people attended Rebecca Pynoos’ North Maple Drive event, during which she was introduced by former Beverly Hills Mayor Robert Wunderlich and former Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commissioner Rich Waldo. City Councilmember Mary Wells, BHUSD Board Member Amanda Stern, California State Senate District 24 candidate Brian Goldsmith, along with city commissioners and community members, attended.

While introducing Pynoos to the crowd, Wunderlich highlighted her experience in city commissions, where she became the youngest ever appointee to the newly formed Cultural Heritage Commission in 2012.

“Rebecca recognizes that Beverly Hills needs to be forward-looking to maintain our high level of services, to be an enticing location for new families, and to continue to make our high level of services possible,” he said.

Pynoos, who grew up in the flats and now lives in the southwest area, would be the only sitting councilmember living south of Santa Monica Boulevard, with Councilmember John Mirisch’s term ending. In her address, Pynoos emphasized the need to bolster the areas near the upcoming Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) stations opening at Wilshire and La Cienega boulevards and Beverly Drive, and how she would be the only renter and representative under 50 on the council if elected.

“I’m among the only City Council candidates representing the south of the city, where we’re soon going to have two Metro stations, we’re entirely unprepared for,” she said. “These neighborhoods have no representation, despite the fact that two-thirds of our Beverly Hills residents live in these areas. These are the very areas now facing the greatest development pressures, Metro and transit-oriented development, and yet they have been ignored for years and have no voice on council.”

Pynoos shared how her family has been rooted in Beverly Hills for generations. Her great-grandfather immigrated to the U.S. in the 1920s as a cantor fleeing religious persecution in Eastern Europe.

Pynoos criticized past City Council and Planning Commission members for failing to pass a certified housing element, leading to an influx of Builder’s Remedy projects in the city.

“Beverly Hills is being led very reactively instead of proactively, and nowhere is this clearer than in housing,” she said. “After three failed attempts to pass a certified housing element, the city allowed this plan to lapse from 2021 to 2024, opening the door to 16 massive Builder’s Remedy projects, nine of which are already approved. This was not inevitable. It was the result of failed leadership …. And meanwhile, Los Angeles was able to correct its own failed housing plan in just three months and has only one Builder’s Remedy project, whereas we have 16.”

Pynoos called for more fiscal responsibility, saying that the city relies too much on a decreasing tourist market, including hotel taxes and development revenue. She concluded her speech by calling for more civility among elected representatives in the city and promised to address alleged racism in Beverly Hills schools.

“We need different leadership that will stand up for everybody and not be afraid to speak out, but speak out respectfully,” she said. “What I will bring is a perspective and philosophy that looks at issues holistically, because we may want to live in a vacuum, but we don’t. All of these issues are interconnected.”

Sharona Nazarian

An estimated 650 people attended Mayor Sharona Nazarian’s kickoff event at a private home on Robert Lane. She was introduced by Recreation and Parks Commission Chair JR Dzubak, Cultural Heritage Commissioner Sandy Pressman, and her youngest son, Jonah Nazarian. Wells and Goldsmith, as well as BHUSD Board President Judy Manouchehri, Board Member Russell Stuart, California State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur and David Hochman, the brother of L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, were all in attendance.

Nazarian began her address by marking her milestone as the first Jewish Iranian American woman mayor of any city in the United States and was met with a standing ovation from the audience.

Nazarian focused on public safety in her speech, highlighting initiatives from her council tenure, including implementation of the Beverly Hills Police Department’s (BHPD) Real Time Watch Center, 3,500 security cameras throughout the city, and the rapid deployment of drones. She also spoke on how the city is increasing safety measures with the upcoming opening of the La Cienega/Wilshire Metro station.

“Metro is coming, and it’s scheduled to open on May 8. I’m proud to let you know that Beverly Hills is ready,” she said. “We have budgeted for eight uniformed police officers, expanded CCTV coverage, enhanced lighting in the area. We have cleaning crews dedicated to the area, a dedicated homeless outreach I’ve advocated for since day one, when I was running for office … We have a police safety center as you exit the Metro, and that’s something that we promised from day one.”

Nazarian added that she started initiatives to highlight businesses in the city, including Spotlight with Sharona, to boost economic activity.

“I traveled to Miami and New York for business attraction and retention meetings to encourage businesses to come to Beverly Hills,” she said. “Do you know on Rodeo Drive there is a 0% vacancy? In the Golden Triangle, there is only a 6% vacancy. Compare that to other cities.”

If elected to a second term, Nazarian said she will continue to fight against Builder’s Remedy projects in the city.

“We all agree that we need housing that is affordable,” she said. “We want to be able to also support the character of Beverly Hills. I will continue to push back on the impacts of Builder’s Remedy and Sacramento’s overreach to protect our neighborhoods and our city’s character.”

Nazarian also highlighted her efforts in supporting younger residents of the city through Sharona’s Innovation Circle, and the BH Wellness Network, which provides residents with affordable medical transportation and the city’s comprehensive homeless services.

Zbur told the Courier that Nazarian has been a “great partner” to him during her time in office.

“Her really incredible leadership was shown through combatting antisemitism, standing up for Iranian Americans, and what she’s been doing in being a voice on a host of things, including public safety, community, and making sure the community’s voices are really listened to.”

Goldsmith told the Courier that he endorsed Pynoos and Andy Licht for City Council but added that multiple candidates could make a positive difference in the city.

“I am proud to be supporting my friends Rebecca Pynoos and Andy Licht for City Council,” he said. “Rebecca and Andy have a great deal to offer and would bring years of experience—but also fresh perspectives—to the council. Rebecca has deep generational roots in the city and has made great contributions. Andy and his family have been pillars of the community for years, and he combines business acumen with deep institutional knowledge. Several candidates bring great experience to this race and would make a positive difference. If I am fortunate enough to win my campaign for state senate, I expect to work closely with whomever is elected.”

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The event also marked the conclusion of Sharona Nazarian’s term as mayor, and the installation of Mary Wells as vice mayor. 

In his inaugural speech, Corman emphasized the importance of embracing change and opportunity. Citing new developments in the city and the opening of two new Metro stations, he said that Beverly Hills will soon see an influx of visitors and residents. 

In the face of those changes, he said, residents have a choice. 

“Significant change is coming,” he said. “It’s, what are we going to do about it? … the future may be unknowable, but it is very much ours to create.” 

Metro estimates that between 6,000 and 12,000 people will eventually enter and exit each station in Beverly Hills every day, Corman said, and new housing requirements from Sacramento could result in the city’s population doubling or tripling. 

Corman stressed the council’s attentiveness to public safety and to ensuring that residents are well-protected as the city pivots into its new era, while underscoring the fact that more visitors and residents will mean more revenue for the city, allowing the maintenance of critical services. 

“They will create a rising tide of business that will also lift our ability to pay for police and fire, the parks, the schools, street improvements and building upgrades and all the other resources that make Beverly Hills so special,” he said. 

Addressing concerns about high-rise buildings for which applications have been submitted to the city, Corman reminded the audience of a time in the middle of the last century when many people who worked in Beverly Hills lived off of Wilshire Boulevard in less expensive housing, alongside young people who were just starting out in the city. 

Stating that it would be “great to have that kind of neighborhood again,” he suggested solutions to the housing dilemma such as moving required housing to the blocks around the subway station and using city-owned property to “prime the pump on development we want to see, not just what others want to build.” 

“If we do it right, we can create a vibrant new urban core in the Southeast that hearkens back to the heyday of Restaurant Row,” he said. “Who knows? One day we might even have a new Golden Circle to rival our Golden Triangle. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight, but we can till the soil so future City Councils can plant the seeds that will one day sprout into the landscape we envision today.”

Corman also emphasized his commitment to listening to residents. He announced an initiative in which he will come to the homes of residents who gather in a group to discuss issues affecting them.  

“My door will always be open, because I believe the best solutions come when people with different perspectives work together … so over the next year, I want to come to you … because that’s what I think public service is about,” he said. 

In her inaugural speech, Wells recalled her time on the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) board of education, and her involvement in school modernization projects. She emphasized the importance of public safety, keeping lines of communication open with residents and protecting the city’s financial well-being.

“The city is not just where I live,” she said. “It’s where I raised my family, it’s where I chose and had the privilege to serve on the school board and now the city council, and that is why protecting what makes this community so very special is deeply meaningful for me.”

In her outgoing speech as mayor, Nazarian highlighted her accomplishments in the realm of public safety and her work to unite the community. 

“At my swearing-in last year, I spoke about unity—not a slogan, but a way to bridge differences and really bring our community together,” she said. “And today, with confidence and a full heart, I can proudly say we did not just talk about unity. We built it into how we govern, how we show up and how we serve every member of our community.”

Nazarian cited the agreements the city reached in Memorandums of Understanding with the Beverly Hills Police Department and the Beverly Hills Fire Department, saying, “if we expect our first responders to take care of us, we must take care of them as well.”

She also highlighted the zero-based budgeting operations undertaken for capital improvement,  and the creation of a new committee to prepare Beverly Hills for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the FIFA World Cup and other major events set to take place in and around the city. 

A number of representatives from nearby cities and organizations offered their thanks to Nazarian and their congratulations to Corman during public comment. 

In addition to the evening’s speeches, the Beverly Hills High School Madrigals performed several songs. A reception followed the ceremony, with catering that included desserts prepared by Beverly Hills High School students. 

Corman was first elected to the City Council in 2024. Previously, he served on the city’s Planning Commission and Cultural Heritage Commission.  

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The school, located on the northeast corner of South Linden Drive and Charleville Boulevard, was built in 1930 by architect M. L. Barker. Originally the Beverly Hills Catholic School, the site now serves as the parochial school for the Church of the Good Shepherd. As the only Catholic school in Beverly Hills, the property has had continuous educational use since its founding.

The school building is in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The two-story, stucco-clad building houses eight classrooms, an auditorium, offices, cafeteria, music room and library.

“The education at the school is magnificent, ongoing all these years. We take all faith types of students. It doesn’t have to be Catholic, and we have a good, diverse group right now, but they like to come for the history and the great curriculum that is offered,” said Christine Redlin, a member of the parish and a 39-year Beverly Hills resident. “We felt that it would be important to include the school as part of our designation on the list of historic properties in the city. It would be so exciting.”

The property met necessary criteria to be considered a cultural landmark, including being 45 years of age, having high aesthetic value, retaining substantial integrity from when it was built, and having continued historic value to the community. However, one key criterion the school did not meet is that it was not built by a master architect.

“It’s been here so long, and we had a landmark for the parish in 2023 with our centennial. So, we thought it would be nice to have both of them, because they’ve been such a big part of the city for so long,” said the Rev. Ed Benioff, priest of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the project applicant.

Members of the commission lauded the school for its architectural significance and history in the city.

“It’s a beautiful school. I love having it there. I can’t imagine the city without it,” said Commissioner Andy Licht, a Beverly Hills City Council candidate. “Of course, I support this and thank you for being there and bringing it forward.”

“I really appreciate you bringing it forward, because that is, to me, such a wonderful thing. We don’t have to pull teeth to get people to do something,” said Commission Chair Lori Greene Gordon. “You really want to do this, and for that reason alone, and not just that reason, but the fact that you meet all the important criteria, and it is really a lovely facility. I have absolutely no problem with moving this forward to the next step.”

At a later meeting, the Commission will formally consider nominating the property as a landmark and if approved, the Beverly Hills City Council will make the final decision on adding it to the city’s Register of Historic Properties.

In other business, the Commission nominated the former Friar’s Club building, the former Boy Scouts of America Troop No. 33 clubhouse, the former William Morris Agency and the First Commercial Building for future consideration to receive Golden Shield Awards, which recognize buildings that have cultural significance in the city.

The Commission could only nominate four of the six selections from the Landmark Nominations Subcommittee and left off the Beverly Hills Bowling Green Association clubhouse and green located at Roxbury Park and the former Beverly Hills Buick dealership at 9231 West Olympic Boulevard.

Gordon said it didn’t make sense to award a section of Roxbury Park instead of a building and the former Beverly Hills Buick dealership was already being honored. She added that the First Commercial Building had a key role in shaping the city.

“I think there’s something wonderful about the First Commercial Building in the city of Beverly Hills,” she said. “To me, the entire business triangle began with the First Commercial Building. What if they put a house there? What if there never was a commercial building? Then, we wouldn’t have the business triangle.”

Commissioner Sandy Pressman said that the former Scout House played an important role in the community.

“Not only was it used as a Scout House, but it was also used as a polling place for years, and years, and years in Beverly Hills,” she said. “I used to work at the Scout House so many years ago, and if you’re talking about celebrities, I would sit there until Gene Kelly came in to vote. As a former tap dancer, I was not about to leave without seeing him.”  

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“I am proud to be a first, but my responsibility has always been to serve the entire community,” she told the Courier in an interview as she prepares to leave the office of mayor. “Leadership is about listening. It is about collaboration, working together and making sure every voice is heard.” 

Upon taking office in 2025, Nazarian launched a variety of mayoral initiatives focused on unity. They included Straight Talk with Sharona, a town hall-style event in which residents could interface with leaders in the community and provide their thoughts on issues facing the city; Spotlight with Sharona, which highlighted local small businesses; and A Moment of Unity, which was held at every City Council meeting and brought into focus the contributions of various local individuals and organizations. 

“When I came into office, I knew ‘unity’ could not just be a slogan,” Nazarian said. “It had to be lived through action, and I structured my decisions to reflect that … at its core, ‘responsive governing for the people’ was my goal with every step I took.”

Spotlight with Sharona focused residents’ attention on businesses in the Southeast, which at times have not received as much attention as businesses in the Golden Triangle. Nazarian said the effort was deliberate and that the results garnered visibility, foot traffic and renewed excitement about the area. 

“When I saw a projected budget deficit, I knew we needed to be proactive and creative in generating revenue for the city,” she said. “At the same time, I recognized that areas like the Southeast and Robertson were not seeing the same level of activity as the Triangle. This initiative was designed to change that … When our businesses succeed, the city generates more revenue. That revenue allows us to invest in public safety, infrastructure improvements, and services.”

Safety played a key role in Nazarian’s accomplishments as mayor. During her term, the city saw a 20% reduction in crime, she said. Her administration advanced and supported AI law enforcement tools such as BHPD Live Link and AI Blue Scribe, and launched BH FireWatch, an AI-driven fire detection system.

Additionally, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) recently launched its “Drone-in-a-Box” program, which utilizes automated drone platforms housed in docking stations throughout the city. The systems allow for drone deployment within 90 seconds of an emergency notification. 

As the city prepares for the opening of the La Cienega/Wilshire Metro Station, Nazarian said that Beverly Hills is “fully prepared” with services ranging from a dedicated cleaning team to extensive CCTV coverage and the budget for eight uniformed officers. 

“We’ve coordinated with the sheriff’s department, and our Police Substation is nearly operational, ensuring a constant presence,” she said. “That was my promise from day one on my campaign material four years ago, and I’m proud we’ve followed through.”

Nazarian’s term was not without its challenges, as the city continued processing 16 Builder’s Remedy applications. The projects were submitted when Beverly Hills’ Housing Element was not in compliance, creating a window for developers to circumvent local zoning and building restrictions.

Nazarian called the situation “one of the most frustrating issues facing Beverly Hills.” 

“[Builder’s Remedy] limited local control … It was one of the hardest decisions we faced, because it directly impacted our neighborhoods and the people who live here,” Nazarian said. “We were often required to evaluate projects under rules that gave us very little ability to respond in the way our residents would expect or deserve.”

She emphasized the need for reform at the state level and continued involvement at the local level in order to institute change in the future. 

“We need clearer and fairer housing laws, stronger coordination with the state, and a process that respects local planning, neighborhood character and infrastructure realities,” she said. “At the local level, we must remain proactive. That means keeping our planning documents current, staying engaged early and continuing to advocate firmly for Beverly Hills.”

Nazarian’s mayoral term also found her heavily involved with the development of the Oct. 7 Memorial, whose design recently changed course. 

“While this memorial is deeply important, the cost was becoming unsustainable and the design was not aligning with expectations,” Nazarian said. “At that point, it was time to pivot. Leadership requires knowing when to make responsible adjustments.” 

During her time in office both as mayor and as a councilmember, Nazarian has not shied away from sharing her own immigrant story. Having arrived in the United States at the onset of the Iranian Revolution, she emphasizes the importance of leading by example and through hard work. 

“I will continue to serve by building bridges, mentoring young people and staying engaged in both local and international efforts,” she said. “Leadership is not about titles. It is about showing up, doing the work and creating opportunities for others to rise.”   

The post Sharona Nazarian Reflects on Her Mayoral Term appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The report is a requirement of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) issued to the project applicant in 2022, which authorized an APF to satisfy the Beverly Hills Municipal Code’s parking requirements. The permit requires a second review of the APF’s operations at the one-year mark. 

Located in its subterranean parking structure, Dior’s APF became operational in September 2025. It utilizes mechanical lifts to increase the number of vehicles that the structure can accommodate by stacking two vehicles vertically in a single parking spot.  

Thirteen of the subterranean parking level’s 15 parking spots utilize mechanical lifts. The lifts are operated only by trained personnel. 

According to a report provided by the applicant, it takes an average of five to six minutes to retrieve vehicles, depending on “parking stacker cycles, traffic conditions, vehicle storage location, and operational demand.” 

Parking demand peaks between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the busiest days of operation typically falling on Friday through Sunday and the highest volume of activity happening during the December holidays.

The facility had routine maintenance, minor repairs and general system servicing between December 2025 and February 2026, according to inspection reports. On two occasions, the applicant was notified that the parking lifts were obstructed by various items. They were promptly removed and the lifts were returned to full capacity. 

At the April 6 meeting, Beverly Hills resident Steve Mayer called in during public comment. Mayer noted that mechanical stackers can be loud, and that the noise can potentially endanger the health of workers. 

“Should there be some accommodation for workers who are exposed to the noise?” he said. 

Commissioner Terri Kaplan echoed Mayer’s concerns. After hearing from the valet owner that staff do not currently wear headphones and that management has not received complaints from employees about the noise, she suggested that they nevertheless weigh the possibility of examining the impact of the lift’s sound. 

“Perhaps you should consider testing the noise level of the full operation of the lift, and what provisions you perhaps should make for staff who are exposed to the noise all day long,” she said. 

Commissioner Myra Demeter said that during a visit to the site, “I got a full run through of cars being lifted up … I didn’t notice any exceptional noise there, but I do think that Commissioner Kaplan’s suggestion of having a monitor, just, why don’t you have somebody come in and just monitor the noise level and if something is out of whack, then you can take care of it.”

Kaplan added that overall, the Dior space and experience is “beautiful.” 

“Everything seems to be operating as intended,” she said of her observations during a recent visit. “The facility is quite clean. The store is beautiful. The opportunity to dine at the restaurant was amazing. It’s really quite beautiful up there.”

The AFP will be reviewed by the commission again in October.

In other business, the commission approved a request for a one-year time extension for a previously approved CUP to allow an addition to a villa at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. 

The proposed 1,200-square-foot addition will include an internal reconfiguration of Villa 127 and the construction of an additional bedroom.

The CUP was originally approved by the commission in December 2023, and a first extension was approved in February 2025. The project has not changed since it was originally approved by the commission, and the applicant is not seeking any modifications. 

Speaking to the commission, Michael Tenner, a registered legislative advocate for the project, noted that the request stems only from the need for more time. 

“There are no changes to this project,” he said. “This is just a time issue for the hotel. There was also no opposition from the community.” 

Offer Nissenbaum, the hotel’s managing director, expounded further, offering details regarding the reasons for the project’s delay. He noted that the original architect retired, and that the villa which will be remodeled has been occupied by long-term stay guests. 

“We are fully committed and ready to go now with the new architect,” Nissenbaum said. 

According to Nissenbaum, construction on the project is expected to start in the fall.    

The post Planning Commission Approves Parking Facility at Dior appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Protesters in Beverly Hills held signs related to Trump’s involvement in the recent war against Iran, the Epstein files, political corruption and the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Some signs simply said, “There are too many to name.” The gathered crowd at Beverly Gardens Park lined up along Santa Monica Boulevard. Banners along the street proclaimed, “We love America,” while passing cars honked their approval to the cheering masses.

Organizer Andrea Grossman told the Courier, “This is to put all of our representatives, Democrats and Republicans, on notice that we’re paying attention to everything they’re saying and they’re not saying. This represents a community of like-minded people, and we need to be part of a community right now, and we need to feel like we’re part of something bigger.”

Gay Abrams, another organizer, told the Courier she began holding anti-Trump protests in Beverly Hills in response to rallies held in the city that supported Trump and the Make America Great Again movement. The protests have only grown in numbers, she said, since holding the first “Hands Off!” rally in April 2025 to demonstrate against the administration’s actions against reproductive rights.

Abrams added that she struggled to name all the reasons to protest the current administration, but abuse of power was top of mind.

“We are not moving towards authoritarianism. We are in authoritarianism.” she said.

At least one Beverly Hills elected official, and several City Council candidates were seen at the rally, observing the proceedings. 

Many attendees were eager to share with the Courier the reasons why they were there. Beverly Hills resident Patrick Gardnar, a former speechwriter for Vice President Dan Quayle, said he came out to express his disapproval of the administration’s corruption.

“We’re in a war that nobody wants. The economy is going down the toilet. He’s lining his own pockets all over the place, and nobody who has a constitutional role seems to be willing to fulfill their role right now. Congress is not taking their responsibility to stand up to him, so the people have to come out and show their disapproval,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a moment before where our democracy was more at risk.”

Standing up for democracy motivated Steven Ross, a local resident and author, to attend the protest.

“Let’s start with ICE; the whole idea is ripples of 1930s Germany, when you have secret police, and when you wear masks over your face and you have no ID on you, you are a member of the secret police,” he said. “They’re not following the rule of law. When a nation no longer follows the rule of law, its leaders are no longer legitimate. When leaders no longer protect the citizens of a country, they no longer represent a legitimate government, and that’s where we’re moving now, to an illegitimate government that doesn’t listen to the courts, doesn’t listen to the Constitution, and lies under oath with impunity.”

“I think we reached the limit when the two protesters were killed,” said Beverly Hills resident Eric Ericson, in reference to the ICE killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. “It’s kind of like Kent State if you go back that far.”

The crowd cheered as cars and cement trucks honked in support of the protest. Hecklers also made their voices heard from their vehicles as they passed along Santa Monica Boulevard, but there was no substantial conflict or any violence during the protest.

Resident Bruce Cohen said he attended the protest to demand a better future for his grandchildren.

“I’m 76 years old. I did this in college. We shouldn’t have to do it again,” he said. “I have grandkids. They shouldn’t be growing up in a world with this kind of corruption.”

“It makes me teary-eyed to see there are people out here, actually fighting back,” said resident Mary Louise Cohen.

Resident Katherine Katz said that each protest held in Beverly Hills rejuvenated her during the hardest times of Trump’s presidency, and she also struggled when naming just one issue that motivated her to protest.

“There are honestly just so many, but the one that always motivates me is women’s rights and reproductive rights,” she said. “It’s everything. It’s the environment. It’s the Constitution. It’s democracy.”

Billy Riback said he felt a personal duty to his country to take action against the sitting president.

“The man who’s in Washington is evil,” he said. “If I didn’t come here, I would feel remiss in my duties as a human being, as a United States citizen .… I think it’s incumbent upon anybody who can make a difference to do whatever they can. And so, we showed up because it’s the beginning of making a difference.”

Longtime resident Bonnie Fleming said the large turnout made her hopeful for both the country and the city of Beverly Hills.

“It’s exciting,” she said. “We have to keep doing it and fighting. And it’s our right, and I think we’re blessed. I live in Beverly Hills, and we’re blessed that we have a police force that supports us, and we support it. This was nonviolent.”  

The post Thousands Gather at Beverly Gardens Park for ‘No Kings’ Rally appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Harris first joined the city in 2014 as a Management Analyst in the Community Services Department, going on to work as the Community Outreach Manager before being named Interim Director of Community Services in 2023 and later becoming the permanent director. Previously, she worked for the city of Rosemead’s Parks and Recreation Department.

In an interview with the Courier, Harris said she is looking forward to the new role. 

“I’m very excited to bring a different perspective to the community,” she said. “From the Community Services Department to the City Manager’s office, I’ve had the privilege of working with each of our departments over the last 12 years in a variety of capacities, and also working really closely with the community that we serve. So, I look forward to supporting Ryan and the City Council as we move forward.”

During her time in the Community Services Department, Harris said she is most proud of her staff members that work day in and day out to meet the community’s needs and carry out council initiatives.

“We’re getting ready to welcome a brand-new playground at La Cienega Park, which the community is thrilled for,” she said. “We’re also looking at Arnaz playground being replaced … The implementation of the pickleball program was a huge success, and something that the community was eagerly awaiting.”

Harris said that constant community input was essential when planning the La Cienega Park renovation, and that she hopes to bring the same spirit of collaboration into the City Manager’s office. Bringing in a swing set as well as moving from sand to poured-in-place rubber surfacing to increase accessibility were results from the outreach process, she added.

“We had a survey open for just a little over a month, where we were soliciting input from the community members that utilize that park facility,” she said. “As well as presenting it to the Recreation and Parks Commission, we also sent the survey out to everyone who was registered to use our classes that had children in that age range. So, I thought it was extremely important to ensure that we heard from the community on what they wanted at the park, or what they felt was most important at a playground that they were going to bring their children to.”

Having overseen the Beverly Hills Public Library and the city’s parks and recreation facilities in the Community Services Department, Harris said the city offers robust opportunities for community engagement.

“If we’re going to talk hidden gems, Greystone Mansion is something that’s really unique to this community,” she said. “There’s the Beverly Hills Public Library and all of our online resources that also offer just a variety of things to our community … There is the avenue too for you to experience different things like Earth Day that’s coming up, working with public works at the Farmers’ Market. I think we really do a lot for the community. Our park sites are beautiful. Whether you want an active park like La Cienega or Roxbury, or you want a passive park like Will Rogers Park. I think we have a lot of gems in the city.”

Looking forward to tackling projects like housing and development, Harris said she sees upcoming issues as opportunities and hopes to bring in as many community voices as possible along the way.

“We have a lot of opportunity facing us,” she said. “With Metro coming, it provides us with new opportunities. There’s also a lot of the big development projects that are coming forward that allow us to bring new families into the community to build upon the programs and offerings that we do here, continuing to support our residents. I think a lot of this is new opportunity.”  

The post Stephanie Harris Brings Community Perspective to Assistant City Manager Role appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The Rotary Club luncheon began with a tribute led by Bruce Meyer to the late historian, author and philanthropist Robbie Anderson. Meyer announced that the Anderson family will graciously continue the generous support of the organization established by Robbie. Allen began his remarks by acknowledging that Anderson’s book, “Beverly Hills: The First 100 Years” has always held a place of honor in his home. 

Allen spoke on an array of topics, including the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic games and FIFA World Cup; the long-term impact of the Eaton and Palisades Fires; the state of film and television production in Southern California; Builder’s Remedy and more. 

He began by examining the decrease in tourism in the area. 

“We’ve all been following the state of California’s tourism industry, which impacts this city a great deal,” he said. “We of course have had some rocky times, both with the pandemic and the significant decrease in Asian tourism over the years. It’s a result of many different things; Chinese policies, some of the tensions that exist between our countries.”

He then noted that the Olympic and Paralympic games present an opportunity to reignite interest in the area. 

“There’s so many wonderful opportunities and exciting things that are going to be coming out of this, and we know that the towns up and down the community will be hosting fan engagement activities, watch parties, hospitality houses … it’s almost going to be a bit of a world’s fair,” he said. “And I know that there are a number of these hospitality houses that will be here in Beverly Hills.” 

Allen encouraged everyone present to be proactive in participating in and planning events. 

“Don’t just expect the games to come to you and ask you to do something,” he said. “We need everybody to step up in wherever your own personal capacity is, wherever you feel as though you can give and participate and contribute to help Los Angeles really put its best face forward for the world.”

Regarding the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades Fires, Allen noted that he represents parts of the Palisades, Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains that were hit hardest. He spoke about the need to ensure fair practices by insurers, including addressing rising premiums and considering best practices when it comes to rebuilding.

“There’s actually a lot of ways that homes can be built and communities can be built that dramatically lower risk … it’s the sidings of your home, the type of glass you use, the vegetation management practices, the roofing, making sure you have screens on your vents, making sure your eaves don’t become an easy place to catch embers that are floating around,” he said. 

Additionally, he said, officials are looking at “whether we really should be developing in the very high fire zone if folks are not using the very highest fire risk reduction strategies.” 

“Quite frankly, those people that are building significant new developments in the very high fire zone that are not incorporating the highest fire resilience strategies are really freeloading off of the rest of us,” he said. 

Addressing concerns about the entertainment industry and its ability to keep production in the state, Allen noted that state officials were able to double the size of the TV and film tax credit. Since doing so, he said, over 135 new TV and film projects have been accepted to the program. 

Even so, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the industry. 

“None of us think that this is some sort of magic bullet,” he said. “We know there continue to be massive headwinds for the industry, both because of some of the incredibly generous incentives that are being thrown at productions in the UK and Canada and other parts of the country, but also just because we know that the world of entertainment consumption is changing.”

During the question-and-answer period, Allen fielded a pointed query about Builder’s Remedy and what is being done at the state level to rein it in. 

“The sad truth of that, but my most truthful answer to you is that the governor knows all about this and is pretty supportive of the current state of play, as are a lot of other folks in leadership there,” he said. “They feel as though local governments have been standing in the way of housing production.”

Noting that the gubernatorial race is currently tight among top Democratic candidates, Allen encouraged members of the audience to press candidates on these issues. 

“As these gubernatorial candidates are coming into town asking for a lot of money, ask them tough questions … because the next governor will be helping to determine whether we rein this in in a way that will allow for more nuance,” he said. “Local control, yes, but nuance and more local input into how we address these broader housing challenges, or whether it’s just going to continue to be this really clunky, one-size-fits-all model that’s shoved down from Sacramento.”

Allen answered additional questions about local film production, fire safety and the country’s political culture before concluding his address.  

The post State Senator Ben Allen Addresses Rotary Club appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The update included a summary of the study’s goals, headway and next steps.

Development impact fees are applicable for one-time expenses that are associated with infrastructure needs created by new residents and workers, called the new service population, brought into the city as a result of new development. 

The study analyzes current and existing needs for facilities and equipment that allow the city to provide essential services and for residents to maintain a high quality of life. 

The fees cannot be used to fund shortages in the level of service provided to the current population, nor for operations costs, maintenance costs or personnel costs. They are governed by the state’s Mitigation Fee Act. 

At the March 26 meeting, ESP representative Julie Cooper presented the update along with a colleague.

“The nexus study helps to define the relationship between the impact that new people are having on city infrastructure, what sort of infrastructure projects are needed to address those impacts and the cost of those projects,” said Cooper. “That’s creating the relationship, the nexus, between the impacts and the costs.” 

As part of the nexus study, the city is considering adopting six impact fee categories: fire facilities, police facilities, information technology, parks and recreation facilities, library facilities and general administrative facilities. 

These would apply to new developments in the future. 

Responding to a question from Commissioner Myra Demeter, Cooper explained that the city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers factor into the calculation of development impact fees.

“The RHNA number is something that is informing our growth projections,” Cooper said. “We’re looking at growth over the next 10 years, and we have to have a number for how much growth the city is likely to see so that we know the new service population. So, there are a few different data sources that we’re using to come up with those projections, and your RHNA number is one of the data sources that we’re looking at.” 

Demeter noted that the question of how the city is going to support new residents who arrive as a result of RHNA numbers has come up frequently at Planning Commission meetings. 

“We’ve heard at all our meetings of projects, people asking, ‘How are you going to deal with the infrastructure, with this increase in population,'” she said. “They talk about the water; they talk about all different things … the [RHNA] number represents 10% of our present population. That’s a huge amount for a little city to absorb. So, I just wanted to get this straight that yes, that’s what you’re anticipating. You’re anticipating capital projects that will help us handle this influx of people.” 

The fees will not be applied to Builder’s Remedy projects for which applications were submitted when the city’s Housing Element was out of compliance, according to City Planner Cindy Gordon.

Funds collected through development impact fees are accrued in special restricted funds that can only be used for the types of projects identified in the nexus study. They do not go into the city’s General Fund. 

Currently, Beverly Hills does not charge development impact fees under the Mitigation Fee Act. The city does charge taxes and fees on new development that are similar to development impact fees, including a condominium conversion tax, a dwelling unit tax, a parks and recreation construction tax and an inclusionary housing in-lieu fee, which is applied per square foot of residential development for projects that opt out of offering required inclusionary housing units. 

Beverly Hills additionally collects a school fee, which is charged per square foot of new development and paid to the Beverly Hills Unified School District. 

Development impact fees are calculated by dividing the total cost of capital developments attributable to the new service population by the number of people expected to comprise the new service population, then converting that number into a fee per square foot of development. 

Different fees are applied for different types of land uses. 

The study being conducted by ESP and city staff began by collecting data to predict what capital improvement projects will be needed based on the current level of services provided by the city and establishing growth projections and service standards. This phase of the project is complete. 

Public comment and city feedback will be collected prior to the fees being finalized, and the fees are expected to be adopted by July.   

The post New Fees Will Offset Impact of Future Developments appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

During the upcoming May 2 Evacuation Drill, residents who live near Franklin Canyon north of Sunset Boulevard will be asked to evacuate. Regardless of the designated drill area, all city residents are still encouraged to participate at this time to test their own emergency preparedness plans.

During the test, sirens citywide will be activated which may not be audible to everyone. Residents, whether they hear the sirens or not, should gather their emergency supplies and personal items and make their way to their designated evacuation route. Police and Fire Department staff will be deployed throughout the area to direct traffic and assist residents.

“Beverly Hills is committed to leading by example. Our top priority is the safety and protection of our residents, and that means being proactive, not reactive,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “Our first evacuation drill for the residents of the Trousdale area last November was a tremendous success. In the wake of recent fires in nearby cities, our commitment is clear: we must be ready for any natural disaster. I encourage all our residents to participate. When we work together, we build a stronger, safer, and more resilient community.”

When available, detailed information on the May 2 Evacuation Drill, including evacuation routes and recommenced emergency supplies can be found on the city’s website at beverlyhills.org/evacdrill.  

The post Fire Department to Hold Community Meeting Ahead of Second Evacuation Drill in May appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Neighborhood residents voiced concerns related to public safety, recent neighborhood power outages, and advocated for district representation in the City Council. The Beverly Hills City Council attended the meeting, along with outgoing City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey, incoming City Manager Ryan Gohlich, Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Chief Mark Stainbrook and Beverly Hills Fire Department Chief Gregory Barton.

A separate South Beverly Hills Residents forum took place on March 22 to discuss neighborhood issues.

The city is building a Public Safety Center on the platform at the Wilshire/La Cienega station, but it will not be complete for the May 8 opening of the station. Resident Gabe Leamy said the City Council failed in delivering on its promise to have the station built at the time of the opening and expressed concern with Metro riders disembarking from the end-of-the-line station who “don’t look like they should be roaming around the streets of Beverly Hills.”

Hunt-Coffey detailed extensive safety measures for the station, including a police presence underground, security cameras and full-height metal doors instead of turnstiles to deter fare-evading riders. Stainbrook added that the planned Public Safety Center is the first of its kind at any Metro platform and will be sufficient for police officers to keep the area safe.

“It’s the only one on any Metro platform or any Metro plaza. We are groundbreakers in this, and we had to fight and convince Metro we need this place that’s going to give us 24/7 visibility and have someone out there looking at who is coming off and what they’re doing and where they’re going,” he said. “I also want to point out that we constitutionally police. So, when people are in public and they’re not breaking the law, we don’t stop them or detain them, harass them based on the fact that they look different than somebody else. That’s very important for us.”

Resident Debbie Novell said that repeated power outages in the area have drastically impacted her ability to take care of her four children, including having to charge her breast pump in her car for her five-month-old child, and called for an increased police presence when power outages occur.

“During that first outage, I had to send my kids to school for three days without being able to give them a warm breakfast,” she said. “I’m asking for generators if this continues because I cannot live like this.”

Gohlich clarified that the city contracts with Southern California Edison to provide power and has no direct oversight over the company. Damage to an electrical substation on Doheny Drive, along with extremely high temperatures, contributed to recent outages.

“I do want you to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “Edison right now is undertaking a project that will update the service in the area. … It’s actually going to eliminate the need for that Doheny substation, so we will no longer be reliant on that. And the other great thing that they’re doing is all the new wiring that they’re installing is insulated wire, and what that does is it prevents outages that sometimes result from mylar balloons or palm fronds that fall on lines.”

Former Beverly Hills Unified School District School Board President Isabel Hacker called for initiatives to support businesses in the southern part of the city, saying, “The experience here has been one of being ignored.”

“There were suggestions that upon the start of the Metro station that we should look at the Grove and emulate that down the Wilshire quarter to promote business, to promote vitality, to promote street destination, and none of that has happened,” she said. “We had a study session and we had a task force. It’s been undone. … So, my question is for the policymakers and perhaps management, who take direction from policymakers, whose job is it to follow through?”

The meeting transitioned to a discussion about housing and development in the area, with several residents expressing their opposition to the affordable housing development planned for Gale Drive and Wilshire Boulevard.

Hunt-Coffey said that the city’s state-mandated housing element requires it to allow the construction of more than 3,000 additional units, and the city committed to building 557 units on its own properties. If the city does not meet its housing development, then the state can force the city to build larger and more substantial buildings. The development at Gale Drive and Wilshire Boulevard will feature 125 units.

“It’s affordable housing. It’s not homeless housing,” she said. “It is generally working people that are maybe not at the highest income level.”

Hunt-Coffey added that the city has robust homeless services to prevent people from sleeping on the street or encamping overnight.

Gohlich also addressed the 34-story mixed-use development, located at 8300 Wilshire Boulevard, and clarified that it is not a Builder’s Remedy project but rather that Assembly Bill 2011, a 2023 state law that allows housing to be built along certain commercial corridors without lengthy discretionary approvals, strips away the city’s control over the project, including allowing public hearings.

In response to resident concerns over excessive noise from vehicle exhausts, Stainbrook said that BHPD recently purchased two devices that will allow officers to legally cite drivers who exceed the city’s noise ordinance and make them change their exhaust.

John, a resident who did not provide his last name, was met with applause throughout the room after calling for district representation in the City Council.

“What I want to have, and I think a lot of people in the room agree with this, we want district representation,” he said. “We’ve had it with all the decisions being made about our area and then we don’t have the correct representation. While you do actually listen to us and give us time, a lot of the decisions are not going our way.”  

The post Southeast Area Residents Express Grievances at City Council Special Meeting appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The decision overturned a denial of the same review and permits made by the Planning Commission in November 2025. 

The hearing, which lasted into the early hours of March 25, included nearly two hours of public comment. 

Developer Crescent Heights first submitted an application for the project in March 2024. In October 2025, the Planning Commission directed city staff to prepare language to deny the project, and in November 2025, the commission voted to deny the project. 

Commissioners cited concerns about, among other items, the ability of the Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) to access higher floors and the potential for increased traffic causing delays for residents who may need emergency medical care. 

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) weighed in almost immediately following the commission’s October 2025 decision. In a Letter of Technical Assistance dated Oct. 29, 2025, HCD urged the commission to be “mindful of the stringent requirements for making findings of denial under the HAA.” 

The letter additionally stated that if perceived noncompliance of state housing law occurs, “HCD may notify the California Office of the Attorney General that the local government is in violation of state law.”

HCD sent another communication to the city following its November 2025 vote. In a Notice of Potential Violation (NOPV) dated Nov. 20, 2025, HCD refuted the commission’s reasons for denial. 

In order to deny Builder’s Remedy projects based on health and safety concerns, a city must provide written findings and overwhelming evidence demonstrating specific, adverse impacts on public health that cannot be avoided or mitigated. 

In its NOPV, HCD wrote that “there is no ‘significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact’ related to traffic” nor “any evidence in the record that would suggest that emergency access to all floors of the building would be an issue.”

On March 23, the state sent a follow-up to the NOPV “to inform the city of further obligations under state law that were not mentioned in the November letter, including the burden of proof for conditions of approval under the HAA and potential fines under Government Code section 65914.2, which took effect on January 1, 2026,” it stated. 

According to the letter, under Government Code section 65914.2, local governments that were advised in writing of potential state housing law violations and are subsequently sued by applicants can face fines between $10,000 to $50,000 per unit. 

Applied to the Burton Way project, those fines could total between $2 million and $10 million. 

A report prepared by city staff for the March 24 meeting concurred with the state’s findings in its two previous letters.

In the report, staff notes that the BHFD reviewed the project and stated that they “do not foresee concerns with being able to provide emergency services” to the building. 

With regard to concerns that additional traffic will impede emergency services, the report states that “BHFD does not anticipate any disruption to services as a result of the project” and that “the level of service currently provided is not anticipated to change once the project becomes operational.”

During public comment, a group or residents calling themselves the Neighborhood Legal Fund requested that the council uphold the Planning Commission’s decision. They alleged that, contrary to staff and state findings, the project does not meet the state’s legal safety requirements. 

The group referred to a booklet they had prepared and submitted to council for the hearing. It states that an emergency pedestrian egress route for residents of 300 North Swall Drive, located in a 20-foot-wide alley, will be “completely blocked” during construction. Alleging that an analysis of the route was “vehicular only” and “deliberately omitted” the impact to pedestrians, the booklet states that “the council cannot adopt health or safety findings based on an incomplete factual record.”

The booklet additionally alleges that the alley blockage will violate California Fire Code, and that the geotechnical report on file for the project was written when it was proposed to be 20 stories. The project is now proposed at 26 stories.

The group independently commissioned a geotechnical report by Terraphase Engineering which recommended, in part, “that the anticipated static and seismic deformations of the planned foundations be re-evaluated” based on the updated height from 20 stories to 26 stories. 

Mayor Sharona Nazarian asked city staff how residents’ concerns would be addressed if the project were approved. 

“Can you fit a fire engine in the 20-foot alley?” she said. “Was there a foundation calculated for a 20-story building?”

City Planner Cindy Gordon responded that the next step would be for the developer to go through the architectural review process, then it could move toward acquiring a building permit. 

“That’s when the next phase would come into play with some of the technical studies … [if] the soils report or any geotechnical report was prepared based on old project data, they would be required to update those studies to ensure that the documentation provided to the city reflects the project that is proposed and that they intend to construct,” Gordon said. 

Gordon also said that “the city has every intent and interest in maintaining protections and ensuring adequate, egress and ingress” for residents of neighboring buildings. 

Representatives for the development expressed their satisfaction with the council’s decision. 

“The development at 8844 Burton Way will be the premier residential project in Beverly Hills,” Bruce Menin, a founding partner of Crescent Heights, told the Courier. “Crescent Heights is committed to bringing world-class architecture and much needed housing, including affordable housing, to Burton Way.”

Elliott Kahn, Crescent Heights’ West Coast managing partner and a resident of Beverly Hills, expressed his gratitude. 

“I want to thank the council for their leadership through the long and deliberative process,” he said. “So many members of the community came to support growth and the future of our city.”  

The post City Council Votes 5-0 to Approve 26-Story Burton Way Project appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The approval comes in the wake of a contentious candidate forum during the 2022 election cycle in which Councilmember Lester Friedman said he was unfairly singled out and subjected to biased questioning. During the forum in question, the late former Mayor Bob Tanenbaum, then head of the Beverly Hills North Homeowners Association, grilled Friedman on campaign flyers that featured photos of him with the fire chief and police chief, which Tanenbaum said violated election law. Friedman defended the photos at the time, arguing they were taken prior to his campaign and did not violate election law as they were not originally intended for political use.

Tanenbaum’s questions were criticized by city officials and community members.

“I think that each candidate should be asked the same question or a variation of the same question. If that’s what the Municipal League is planning on doing, fine,” Friedman said at the March 24 meeting. “But if they plan on interrogating, and I don’t care if they do that to me again, that’s fine, I’ll handle it. I’m not worried about myself, sir. I’m worried about other candidates who would be subjected to something like that.”

Municipal League of Beverly Hills Chairman Thomas White defended the organization’s questions and called Friedman’s claim of being treated unfairly “nonsense.”

“Most candidates would not have been in the position that Mr. Friedman was in because Mr. Friedman was on notice from a letter to the editor in the [Beverly Hills] Weekly two weeks before our candidates’ forum that he was in violation and his campaign was in violation of the elections code,” he said. “You were not prepared, you handled it badly and that was that. Get over it.”

Mayor Sharona Nazarian defended Friedman, saying, “I don’t believe most candidates would be able to handle what Councilmember Friedman went through.”

Friedman emphasized a bias against him, noting that he was not asked to speak to the Municipal League of Beverly Hills during his tenure as mayor. Vice Mayor Craig Corman and Councilmembers Mary Wells and John Mirisch expressed support for Friedman but agreed not to select the next forum moderators.

The council approved the use of the council chamber for the forums and fee waivers for city facilities, staff costs and televising the proposed events. Friedman recused himself from the final vote.

The Municipal League of Beverly Hills and the Southwest Beverly Hills Homeowners Association will host candidate forums in late April or May with dates to be announced at a later time.  

The post City Council Adds Civility Requirement to Candidate Forums appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Harris currently oversees the Community Services Department which includes the Administrative Support, Library, Arts & Culture, and Recreation & Parks divisions. 

“I am very pleased to welcome Stephanie to the role of Assistant City Manager,” said Gohlich.  “During her 12 years with Beverly Hills, Stephanie has elevated our programs, built collaborative relationships, and demonstrated versatility and sound leadership. I look forward to her partnership in the years ahead.”

As ACM, Harris will assist in the daily management of city operations, provide oversight of select departments and work closely with the City Council.

“I am thankful to Ryan for the privilege of serving as the next Assistant City Manager,” said Harris. “I am proud to work with dedicated and talented colleagues and look forward to supporting the City Council and Ryan while serving this outstanding community in the years ahead.”

Harris joined the city in 2014 as a Management Analyst in the Community Services Department, later promoting to Senior Management Analyst and Community Services Manager before joining the City Manager’s Office in 2022 as Community Outreach Manager.  She later returned to Community Services as Interim Director in 2023 and was later named permanent Director.  Prior to joining Beverly Hills, Harris worked for the City of Rosemead’s Parks & Recreation Department for 11 years.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Los Angeles and her Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.  

The post Stephanie Harris Named New Assistant City Manager appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I’m thrilled that Adrine will be taking on this critical role in our department,” said Community Services Director Stephanie Harris. “During her time in Beverly Hills, she has built trust across the department and with our city partners. I know her contributions will continue to benefit the Beverly Hills community for years to come.”

Ovasapyan has been with the city of Beverly Hills since 2019 when she joined the Community Services Department’s Arts and Culture Division as a Recreation Supervisor.  In 2023, she was promoted to Recreation Services Manager where she currently manages the Youth Recreation team, including tots, youth, and teen programming.  Ovasapyan also serves as the staff liaison to the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with Beverly Hills Unified School District, local youth sports organizations, and the Recreation and Parks Commission.

Prior to joining the city of Beverly Hills, she worked for the city of Burbank in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department for more than 15 years. Ovasapyan will assume her new role on March 21, 2026 following the promotion of current Deputy Director Chris Paulson to Assistant Director. 

The post Ovasapyan Named New Deputy Director of Community Services appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The renewal includes requirements that the applicant complete certain restoration projects on the building, which is a designated historic landmark. 

Following deliberation, the commission voted to condition the permit approval by requiring that the applicant submit annual status reports to the city until all restoration work is complete. The first of those reports will be presented to the commission. 

Additionally, the applicant will be required to demonstrate, within six months of the approval of the request, that they have engaged a project manager to oversee the project, contractors have been selected, and that they have set an anticipated start date and timeline. 

The conditions were made in part because of the length of time that has passed as Chabad of North Beverly Hills has tried to meet the restoration requirements of the property.  

The building was added to the city’s Local Register of Historic Properties in August 2014.  Designed by architect Millard Sheets, who is included on the city of Beverly Hills List of Master Architects, it was originally constructed in 1959 for the Ahmanson Bank & Trust Company.

The building’s character-defining features include mosaics along the Wilshire facade, Italian marble cladding, ceramic-fired gold tiles and stained glass. 

Chabad of North Beverly Hills purchased the property in 2017, and initial conditional use, extended hours and historic incentive permits were conditionally approved by the Planning Commission in April 2019. 

An application for renewal of the entitlements was submitted by Chabad in July 2023, but a number of delays ensued. The item was reviewed again in July 2025, continued to November 2025, and continued once again to March 12. 

At the November 2025 meeting, commissioners expressed their concern about a lack of progress towards restoration of the building. Specifically, the commission zeroed in on a damaged column at the southeast corner, which at the time remained unrepaired and exposed. 

The commission granted a continuance request that offered the applicant additional time to finalize its updated materials. 

As of the March 12 meeting, the damaged column had not been repaired. The applicant did submit updated architectural plans and a comprehensive work plan, which outlines a phased implementation schedule including structural repairs, surface treatment, stabilization and material repair, among other site improvements. 

During the March 12 meeting, commissioners expressed both their satisfaction with the work plan and dissatisfaction with the ongoing lack of progress on repairs. 

Commissioner Lou Milkowski said that he thought the plan, which was prepared by the applicant’s historic consultant, Chattel, Inc., is “a big step forward.” 

“I understand that staff is supportive, I believe, of this being approved today, and with the condition of a report to be submitted annually, I think that goes hand in hand with the approval [of the requested permits],” he said. “I think the two together are a significant step to putting this time-consuming, promises and broken promises behind us.”

Commissioner Myra Demeter voiced her displeasure in the applicant’s ongoing failure to address problems and concerns that have been raised by the commission. 

“I’m severely disappointed and have a lack of confidence in your past performance in property maintenance,” she said, addressing Rabbi Mendel Shusterman, who was there on behalf of Chabad of North Beverly Hills. “I have no confidence that, as you move forward, that you will take over this project and continue maintaining it. There’s been a complete lack of action even in terms of maintaining the property basically.” 

Commissioner Terri Kaplan expressed similar concerns. 

“Your building, if it’s not already, it is well on its way to becoming an eyesore…I lack confidence that anything will happen in terms of repairing, restoring and maintaining the landmarked building,” she said.

Commission Chair Jeff Wolfe then proposed a condition requiring the applicant to submit the first of its annual status reports to the commission rather than the city’s director of community development.  

Demeter added that she would like to see the project handed over to a project manager rather than continue to be managed by Shusterman. 

“There has to be somebody who is going to take responsibility, and not the spiritual leader of the congregation, who does a very good job at what he does, but he’s not a construction manager,” she said. “And in the past, nothing has been done.”

Shusterman agreed to the terms of the proposed conditions.  

“I understand the concerns and I think it’s fair,” he said. “I’m OK with that.”

The decision now enters a 14-day appeal period during which anyone may bring a challenge of the commission’s decision to City Council.  

The post Planning Commission Approves Permits for Chabad of North Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Hunt-Coffey, the city’s first woman city manager, will be succeeded by Gohlich in July.

Hunt-Coffey began her career as a library page in Glendale before working her way up to become the director of Glendale’s public library and later at Beverly Hills. Her proudest accomplishments, she said, were working with her staff to implement community feedback in renovating and improving public facilities throughout Beverly Hills, including the Roxbury Community Center, Beverly Gardens Park and planning the Oct. 7 Memorial.

“I had the great pleasure of being involved with renovating the children’s library at our library and creating a magical, beautiful, exciting place where kids can come to learn, and read, and grow, and think, and study, and play,” she said. “I had the great pleasure of working with a lot of the team members here to build the Roxbury Community Center, listening to the community, again that was a huge listening experience and incorporating feedback from the community and yes, finding a way to build a project.”

Nazarian commended Hunt-Coffey on her organizational work as city manager, including placing homeless services under the Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) and combining city commissions to improve efficiency.

“You mentioned something that’s absolutely 100% true: we serve at the will of the people,” Nazarian said. “All of us, whether it’s city council members, our staff, city manager, our job is to serve the residents of the community that has elected us and has hired us.”

In assessing the city’s biggest challenges in the future, Hunt-Coffey noted that the Builder’s Remedy provision of California housing law will change the landscape of cities like Beverly Hills by allowing developers to bypass local zoning to build taller buildings. She also stressed the importance of maintaining the city’s thriving business community and having an open dialogue during an increasingly polarized environment.

“During the next 10 years, every city in California is going to be forced to really change its look, and its feel, and its dynamic, so I think one of the challenges is going to be how do you retain that feeling of community and collectiveness in a city that’s growing leaps and bounds,” Hunt-Coffey said.

Gohlich, who joined the city in 2007 as an assistant planner, served as the director of community development before becoming an assistant city manager in 2023. Giving his first public remarks as incoming city manager, Gohlich said his main priority in his first 90 days in office will be to provide continuity for the newly elected city council after the June election.

“We spend a lot of time with new council members going through all the departments, taking them on tours, getting to see all the property that we own and lease out, the water treatment plant, our fire department, the whole nine yards of what is the city operation,” he said. “What is amazing about our council is that when they disagree, they do it in a professional way. They always are unified in that they are representing the city, so my goal is to make sure that we continue down that path in the first 90 days.”

Gohlich also decried recent statewide legislation that will mandate the city to build more housing and allow taller developments in the city.

“I actually find it frustrating because of my background in land-use planning,” he said. “The whole point of land use planning is creating a cohesive plan that provides all the appropriate things within a city based on densities, how buildings are configured, what type of infrastructure exists, and planning, frankly, has been taken away by the state with a lot of this legislation.”

In response to an audience question, Gohlich detailed the city’s extensive safety preparations in advance of the upcoming Metro D Line opening at Wilshire and La Cienega boulevards on May 8. Safety precautions include a police kiosk above the station, the first of its kind in the region, a police presence underground in the station, security cameras and full-height metal doors instead of turnstiles to deter fare evading riders.

“Statistically, most of the crimes that happen on the subway and right around the subway are from non-paying customers that are hopping the gates, so we think that this will provide an added layer of security,” he said.

In wishing her successor well, Hunt-Coffey said the city could not be in better hands and advised Gohlich to balance his personal and professional life so he can lead the city for a long time.

“Ryan’s going to be great,” she said. “We talked just a little bit ago about all the development that will likely be happening in the city. Ryan is an expert in that area. I can’t think of anyone better suited to lead the city into this next phase.”  

The post Hunt-Coffey and Gohlich Take Stage at ‘Straight Talk with Sharona’ appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The commission’s denial was initiated in October 2025 and finalized in November 2025. The decision is being appealed by the project’s developer, Crescent Heights. 

The commission’s decision to deny the project came in spite of multiple communications from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) urging the commission to move it forward. 

The city received a Notice of Violation (NOV) in December 2024 from HCD, a Letter of Technical Assistance (LTA) in October 2025 and a Notice of Potential Violation (NOPV) in December 2025. 

In the LTA, sent just days after the October 2025 decision, HCD stated that, “The Planning Commission should be mindful of the stringent requirements for making findings of denial under the HAA as it considers the Project [at 8844 Burton Way]. If the Planning Commission is unable to meet these requirements, HCD urges the Planning Commission to recommend approval of the Project at the proposed density, with the proposed concessions and waivers.”

The letter further offered a reminder to the city of HCD’s jurisdiction to enforce the HAA and “other state housing laws.”

“HCD may review local government actions to determine consistency with these laws,” the letter stated. “If HCD finds that a jurisdiction’s actions do not comply with state law, HCD may notify the California Office of the Attorney General that the local government is in violation of state law.”

In its subsequent NOPV, the state appeared to invalidate the commission’s reasons for denying the project. The commission’s stated reasons included assertions that the building’s units reserved for low-income tenants were not properly dispersed, and that the structure would create health and safety risks.

According to state law, affordable housing units are required to be spread out on more than one floor. That requirement is met in the proposal submitted by Crescent Heights, and the NOPV notes that, “dispersal of affordable units as proposed by the applicant should not be identified as a reason for denial.” 

Cities furthermore may not deny Builder’s Remedy developments based on concerns about health and safety without providing written findings and overwhelming evidence demonstrating specific, adverse impacts on public health that cannot be avoided or mitigated. 

Addressing some commissioners’ assertion that traffic in the vicinity of the proposed building would impact public health and that emergency services would be hindered in accessing units at the top of the building, HCD pointed to a transportation assessment that was prepared for the developer. 

“[T]here is no ‘significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact’ related to traffic,” and HCD is “not aware of any evidence in the record that would suggest that emergency access to all floors of the building would be an issue,” the NOPV states. 

In fact, Beverly Hills Assistant Fire Chief-Fire Marshall Trevor Richmond was specifically asked by Planning Commission Chair Jeff Wolfe during a hearing whether he had “any concerns related to fighting a fire at a building such as this or response times?”

Richmond’s response: “To answer your question commissioner, no I don’t.” 

Crescent Heights submitted its original application for the Burton Way project in March 2024. The building’s initial height was proposed to be 20 stories; however subsequent revised plans increased the proposed height to 26 stories. 

The project features 200 residential units, including 22 that are earmarked for extremely low-income and moderately low-income households. Parking spaces accommodating 316 vehicles are included in the plans, as well as more than 42,000 square feet of open space and a deck on the rooftop. 

In the wake of the commission’s decision to deny the project, Dave Rand, an attorney representing the applicant, described the vote as “shocking” to the Courier.    

“The city is absolutely playing with fire here,” he said. “The commission had zero legal basis to deny this project, as was told to them repeatedly by their own staff city attorney. I was shocked by the brazen disregard for the law.”

During the three years when its Housing Element lapsed, the city received 16 applications for Builder’s Remedy projects. Nine have been approved by the Planning Commission and the remainder are under review or in litigation. 

In August 2025, the city was ordered by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge to process a Builder’s Remedy application for a development on South Linden Drive. The court found the city to be in violation of the HAA and California’s Permit Streamlining Act.  

The post Council Will Consider Burton Way Appeal Next Week appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The priorities that will move forward to the City Council for review are the Festival Beverly Hills; programming for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games; several film and speaker series; community outreach to chefs, retailers and galleries; and the development of informational sources such as kiosks and billboards for visitors to the city. 

The commission discussed its priorities for over an hour. Many commissioners expressed a desire to emphasize arts education in the city and to house certain events under the umbrella of arts education, such as the city’s annual ArtWalk event. 

“ArtWalk is…arts education,” said Commissioner Karla Gordy Bristol, later adding, “Can we combine arts and culture, community engagement under arts education where anything related to arts in the community would fall under that one item on the work plan?” 

Chris Paulson, the city’s assistant director of community services, advised the commission to be sure that their priorities were feasible given the scope of the commission’s purview and the city’s financial capabilities.  

“We need to limit [the priorities] to just the five,” he said. “They need to be realistic. They need to follow SMART goals. So, they’ve got to be strategic. They’ve got to be measurable, achievable. So, if that means we’re looking at a capital improvement project where construction is required, probably not the most feasible right now, when the city is looking at a multimillion-dollar deficit.”

The commission’s work plan process reflected a new developmental procedure that was implemented by the city this fiscal year, replacing a system in which commissioners submitted and voted on proposals. The new system involves presenting potential commission work plan items to the City Manager and City Council alongside the council’s annual priorities. 

The updated process is intended to offer commissioners increased clarity, structure and discretion.

During the process of developing a work plan, commissioners are asked to consider factors such as timelines, staff resources, and budget so projects can be realistically completed. 

In considering their priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, commissioners and city staff determined that the acquisition of fine art is a foundational priority and did not count towards one of the five work plan priorities. 

A conversation about programming for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games was tabled due to time constraints.

Commissioners additionally heard updates to its 2025-26 work plan. The current plan focuses on fine art acquisition, Festival Beverly Hills, the ArtWalk program, Concerts on Canon performer selection criteria, developer-owned art, inspection of developer-owned art, arts education and programming for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. 

The city has five fine art projects currently in progress: “Hymn of Life: Tulips” by Yayoi Kusama, “Trinity” by Judy Chicago, “IO” by Carol Bove, “Home” by Charles Arnoldi and “Fin” by Alex Israel. 

Assistant Director of Community Services Patty Acuna and Arts and Culture Program Associate Brandy Scott, providing progress reports on the projects, said that a base and redesign of two replacement tiles for “Hymn of Life: Tulips” has been approved by the artist. 

The city received a signed agreement for the acquisition of the sculpture “Trinity” from Chicago’s legal team. 

“IO” has received support for relocation to the Burton Way median, and city staff are producing estimated costs for the restoration of the artwork and its base as well as any other associated costs. 

The relocation of the cast bronze sculpture “Home” has also been discussed by various commissions. The Arts and Culture Commission recommended Coldwater Canyon, and the Recreation and Parks Commission recommended Beverly Gardens Park. The Arts and Culture City Council Liaisons considered the issue on March 6 and supported Beverly Gardens Park. 

With regards to developer-owned art and inspections thereof, city staff presented a proposed inspection process at the commission’s Feb. 10 meeting. Commissioners conditionally approved the proposed process, and it will be shared with City Council in April. 

The Beverly Hills ArtWalk program has progressed to offering twice-monthly tours in the spring and fall of exceptional artworks and historical aspects at locations including Beverly Gardens Park, the Civic Center campus and the Burton Way median. 

This session’s first tour took place on March 1 and will continue through April. 

The commission’s proposed work plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year will move forward to the City Council for review in April or May.  

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Speaking to the Courier, Fisher said that if reelected, his goals for his next term would include institutionalizing zero-based budgeting and focusing City Council’s attention on fiscal issues. He added that overall, he believes the city is doing well financially. 

“In my almost nine years, we’ve never lost money on any investment, which I’m proud of,” he said. “We’re in good shape there; we’re in good shape with the long-term pension and benefit obligations…we’ve been paying down a substantial amount of the pension deficit, and maybe in another 10 years will be fully caught up like most cities, so we’re in really good shape.”

Fisher said that implementing zero-based budgeting, which assigns a specific purpose to every dollar spent instead of adjusting spending based on revenue and expenses from previous months or years, would force the city to take a closer look at its financial decision-making.  

“The way we do budgets now, the way a lot of companies do, and most cities do, it’s an additive process,” he said. “We look at last year’s budget and we say, ‘What new tasks do we have? What tasks have we completed? Let’s add or subtract.’ But it’s always a given that we start with last year’s budget.”

Instead, under zero-based budgeting, the city would consider its spending more critically and reassess line items on a more regular basis. For example, Fisher said, a city’s public works department might reexamine its trash routes or street sweeping schedules. 

The goal, he said, is increased efficiency in addition to financial savings. 

“It’s a big undertaking,” said Fisher. “You don’t do it across all departments, and you don’t do it every year, but maybe you’ll do a department every year, thinking about whether there is a better way [to do things]…you build that into the process instead of saying, ‘We’ll just throw more money at it.'”

Citing his accomplishments over the past nine years, Fisher said he’s most proud of encouraging City Council to take a more in-depth look at financial issues such as hotel occupancies based on their transit occupancy tax (TOT) reports. 

“We get a TOT report on the dozen or so hotels [in the city]…for a long time, people weren’t looking at these 60, or 80-90-page reports we’d be getting from our consultants, and so I started looking at all these things,” Fisher said. 

Currently, projections show that the city will face a budget deficit in the coming years. Fisher noted that the deficit is now “not quite as big as it was being projected,” and said his role in managing the issue, since he does not vote on the budget, will be to continually focus city officials’ attention on issues that could cause problems. 

For example, he noted that summer tourism from the Middle East has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in less revenue from shopping, hotel stays and restaurant bills. Some of that decline has been compensated for by Southern California locals who book staycations, renting a bungalow or room for several nights. 

Fisher said that while those staycations help fill hotel rooms, they do not provide the same amount of revenue as “the Middle East contingency,” who frequently produced high restaurant bills and shopping tickets. 

Since the city receives one penny on every dollar spent in sales tax, those revenues have gone down. However, Fisher said, “Sales have still been strong. You don’t have to sell very many Ferraris or Rolls-Royces or diamonds” to see an impact from sales tax. 

A tax and business attorney specializing in planning, transactions and litigation, Fisher previously served on the city’s Planning and Public Works Commissions. He graduated from the University of Southern California and received his J.D. from Southwestern University. A member of the Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) class of 1969, he has been married to his wife Francine since 1976. 

Their two sons are graduates of Beverly Vista Middle School and BHHS. 

“I grew up here, I live here, I work here,” Fisher said. “My wife worked here … my boys both went to Beverly. I went to Beverly. So, this is truly home.”

There are no challengers in the race for city treasurer. Fisher will appear on the ballot in the city’s June 2 election.   

The post Howard Fisher Will Run for Final Term as City Treasurer appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The BHFA represents the firefighter trainees, firefighters, fire engineers, fire captains, fire battalion chiefs and assistant fire chiefs in the Beverly Hills Fire Department.

The new MOU lasts until May 2029 and includes an initial 9.78% salary increase in the first year, followed by subsequent 5% increases each year thereafter. The number of employees required to be on duty each shift was reduced from 27 to 25. Additionally, the new MOU limits compensatory time off for employees to 348 hours per year and the amount that can be carried over to another year to 144 hours.

The MOU will result in an ongoing cost increase of $6.4 million over the next four years.

Councilmember Lester Friedman lauded a new battalion chief job description in the MOU, which better facilitates promotion from within the fire department through high scores on the battalion chief examination. He also emphasized how the city’s financial savings will allow for a new rescue ambulance to operate daily.

Mayor Sharona Nazarian celebrated the new agreement. “The agreement strengthens our fire department in several important ways,” she said. “It provides the fire chief with greater operational flexibility to ensure constant staffing and maintains rapid response times for emergencies.” 

Councilmember John Mirisch expressed his support for the BHFA but said he voted against the MOU out of fiscal concern.

“The fire department is after all a paramilitary organization, and it should be run by people who are competent, and the chief should have the ability to deploy forces in the way in which he feels is the most effective for our city,” Mirisch said. “This agreement does allow for him to do that in a better fashion than what was available in the past.”

In other business, the City Council approved the design, locations and duration of street-pole banners celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which will take place on March 20. The design features artwork from the Farhang Foundation, displaying a phoenix with a rising sun in the background and the words “light always prevails.”

The Council approved an expense of $23,908.50 for the city’s banner vendor, A3 Visuals. The banners will be placed on 83 street poles throughout the Business Triangle, Wilshire Boulevard, La Cienega Boulevard, N. Santa Monica Boulevard, Olympic Boulevard, and a street-span banner at the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards. The banners will be displayed until April 1.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Nazarian shared a message of unity and hope for the community in the wake of the conflict in the Middle East.

“This is a very emotional time as we watch the events unfold in Iran,” she said. “Many in our community have deep family ties, personal memories and strong emotional connections to what is happening and really, they’ve waited for this moment for 47 years. Out of an abundance of caution, we have heightened security throughout our community, including around houses of worship and gathering spaces. The safety of our residents is always our top priority. To our Iranian community, you are an important part of the fabric of Beverly Hills and you, and all of our residents will be safe in our city.”  

The post City Council Approves MOU With Firefighters’ Union appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Much of the conversation focused on the city’s progress towards its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation, the minimum number of housing units each jurisdiction in California must accommodate through zoning capacity. Beverly Hills was allocated 3,104 housing units across different income levels for its 2021-29 Housing Element cycle. 

According to a report prepared by city staff, full entitlement approvals were issued to 11 multifamily and mixed-use developments, including seven Builder’s Remedy projects, in 2025. Those developers may now apply for building permits, and the projects are expected to create a total of 693 new housing units, including 127 affordable units for varying income levels.

Building permits were issued for 68 housing units, including 42 above moderate-income units, two moderate-income units, six low-income units, two extremely low-income units and 16 acutely low-income units. These units are comprised of 37 single-family homes, 17 accessory dwelling units and 14 ancillary living quarters.

In addition to the permitted housing units, more applications for multifamily housing units are in progress or under review, three of which are proposed Builder’s Remedy developments. Combined, these projects have a total of 612 units, including 131 affordable units for varying income levels.

During discussion, Commissioner Terri Kaplan asked city staff how Beverly Hills’ progress toward its RHNA allocation compares to nearby cities such as West Hollywood, Culver City and Santa Monica. 

Chloe Chen, the city’s principal planner, said the advancement was similar. 

“It seems that we’re pretty on par with overall numbers; however, some of our numbers for different income levels are a little bit lower,” she said.  

Commissioner Myra Demeter asked staff what efforts are being made to ensure that the city’s Housing Element does not lapse again. The Housing Element lapsed between 2021-24 and opened the door to Builder’s Remedy projects, which utilize state law to circumvent certain zoning and building laws in exchange for developing a given percentage of affordable housing units.

“Have you been in communication with anyone at [the California Department of Housing and Community Development] to see how they are monitoring us, or if they’ve given us any direction … is there anyone working to see that we don’t go through the same rejection that we did before?” said Demeter at the meeting. 

Chen replied that since the current Housing Element is in effect until 2029, the process of developing the next cycle will likely begin in 2027 or 2028. 

“We will work very closely with a consultant and contacts at [the California Department of Housing and Community Development] to ensure that we’re in compliance,” said Chen. 

Demeter replied that preparation should begin “now.” 

“If we had a buddy or a contact that could help us determine if we’re moving in the right direction, it would be very helpful,” she said. “We did switch consultants a lot.” 

In other business, the city approved a request to allow walls, fences and hedges of no more than six feet to encroach into the front yard setback area of a single-family residence on Coldwater Canyon Drive.

According to a report developed by city staff, many properties along the same street utilize such structures to provide privacy from the public right-of-way. 

During a presentation, the applicant was represented by Crest Real Estate. Company President Jason Somers said that the hedge would serve several purposes, including creating a “cohesive hedge line across the property.”

“What the client is most interested in is creating some sort of a sound barrier from Coldwater,” he said. “He wants to be able to enjoy the front yard of the property, and having this wall will really assist in reducing the noise coming through.”

The commission approved the request unanimously. 

Finally, the commission had a brief study session regarding a request for renewal of a conditional use permit, development plan review and extended hours permit associated with the restaurant and open-air dining on the ground floor of the Beverly Terrace Hotel. City staff requested direction as to whether the director of community development or Planning Commission should act as the reviewing authority. 

The commission was in agreement that the issue could be handled by the director. 

“I don’t see any compelling reason for this to come before the commission,” said Kaplan. 

The Planning Commission will meet again on March 12. 

The post Planning Commission Hears Update on Housing Element appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

On November 23, 2024, four male suspects dressed in black clothing and face coverings committed the armed robbery outside a retail store within the 400 block of N. Rodeo Drive.

Two victims were violently assaulted during the incident. A male victim was struck in the back of the head with a firearm, and a female victim was thrown to the ground and repeatedly kicked. The suspects stole handbags, U.S. currency, and an engagement ring from the victims before fleeing the scene.

The four suspects then fled in a white rental vehicle driven by an additional suspect.

An investigation by the BHPD identified the five suspects as residents of Oakland, and warrants were obtained for their arrest. The suspects were arrested and transported to Beverly Hills. In custody and currently awaiting trial are: 

Kingikirah Stevenson, age 31, arrested for PC 211, robbery and PC 182, conspiracy. 

D’Angelo Tedla, age 22; Kingelijah Stevenson, age 18; Wendel Stevenson, age 18 and Jaeyden Duncan, age 18, were arrested for PC 211, PC 182 and PC 245, assault with a deadly weapon.

“This case reflects the Beverly Hills Police Department’s unwavering commitment to public safety and to holding violent offenders accountable, regardless of where they attempt to flee,” said Mark Stainbrook, Chief of Police.   

The post BHPD Arrests Rodeo Drive Robbers appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Calling the law “crystal clear,” Judge Lisa K. Sepe-Wiesenfeld determined that the Beverly Hills Municipal Code (BHMC) 2-1-21, which limits councilmembers to three lifetime terms, applies to all terms served, including terms served before the ordinance was enacted in 2022.

Speaking to the Courier immediately following the hearing, Mirisch expressed his disappointment in the ruling and said he believed the case was “improperly decided.” 

“David, who represented me, made excellent arguments,” he said. “I think our brief was solid … I can’t say I’m shocked or surprised. This is the world we live in.” 

Attorney Fredric Woocher, who represented the city, voiced his satisfaction with the outcome. 

“[The judge] adopted our arguments, and we were pretty confident that was the correct reading; the case law was all on our side,” he said. “We appreciate the judge’s decision. We’re very grateful that she managed to schedule the case very quickly to allow us to get certainty on this question, and so the election can go forward.”

In her decision, Sepe-Wiesenfeld responded to the question that formed the crux of the case, which was the meaning of the word “prospectively” in California Government Code Section 36502(b). The code states that City Council term restrictions apply “prospectively only.”

Mirisch and his attorney argued that the language limits restrictions to terms that have not yet been served. The city argued that the language was put in place so elected officials cannot be removed from office in the middle of a term.  

The court agreed with the city’s interpretation. 

“The Court understands this to apply … to future elections and does not apply to past elections in a way that would take officials out of office,” Sepe-Wiesenfeld wrote in her reasoning. “Term limits are ‘analogous to a minimum age requirement, which looks at an event in the past—the person’s birth—to determine his or her present eligibility to drink, run for office, etc.'”

The ruling additionally stated that elected officials “cannot reasonably expect that eligibility conditions will never change in the future,” and that the application of BHMC 2-1-21 to prevent Mirisch from running for a fifth term is not unlawful but rather, “it is a prospective application to bar him from running for future terms based on facts occurring before the ordinance was enacted.”

Speaking to the Courier, City Attorney Laurence Weiner said that the city’s effort to block Mirisch from running was an effort to enact the will of voters. 

“We’re simply enforcing what the people intended when they voted on [BHMC 2-1-21],” he said. 

Mirisch announced that he would challenge BHMC 2-1-21 in January. The ordinance was approved by voters as Measure TL in 2022, the same year Mirisch was elected to his fourth term. 

Mirisch filed the petition for writ of mandate on Jan. 12 and was not permitted to pull nomination paperwork from the City Clerk’s office on Feb. 10. 

Speaking to the Courier, he said that he has not yet decided whether he will pursue the issue any further, although he noted that he would not be able to challenge the court’s ruling in time for the upcoming election. 

“I don’t think there’s going to be time for this election, [but] I think there’s a principle that is important here, and it could affect other people in future elections,” he said. “So, we haven’t made any decisions about that.”

The court’s decision means that Mirisch’s seat on the council is now open to new candidates who will not face an incumbent. The other two seats that will be on the June 2 ballot are currently held by City Councilmember Lester Friedman and Mayor Sharona Nazarian, both of whom are running for reelection. 

As of press time, 11 individuals have pulled nomination paperwork for City Council, including Friedman and Nazarian, Architectural and Design Review Commission Chair Rebecca Pynoos, Beverly Hills Cookies owner Barry Axelrod and filmmaker Jonathan Mariande. Their candidacy will be confirmed when they return completed paperwork, along with 20 signatures of registered voters in Beverly Hills, to the City Clerk’s office.  

The post Judge Rules Mirisch Can Not Run in June Election appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The settlement was reached between developer Wilshire Camden, LLC and the city in December 2025. It brings to an end litigation filed as a writ of mandate against the city in June 2025 in Los Angeles Superior Court regarding the application for a 15-story residential development project. 

Under the terms of the settlement, the city has agreed to rescind a decision made by the Beverly Hills City Council in March 2025 that denied the applicant’s appeal to overturn a previous incompleteness determination. Beverly Hills additionally agreed to rescind a letter sent to the developer in May 2025 that alleged that the project’s preliminary application had lapsed. 

As long as the developer resubmitted their applications and responses in a timely manner, city officials also committed to refraining from arguing that the project is divested of its right to utilize the Builder’s Remedy law.

Finally, the city agreed to pay the petitioner over $73,000 in attorney’s fees and costs. 

An attorney for the applicant declined to comment for this story, and as of press time, the city had not responded to multiple requests for comment. 

The application for 140 S. Camden Drive made its way to court following a disagreement between the applicant and the city regarding 30 minutes on the evening of Aug. 30, 2024. 

That night, the final application and fees for the project were submitted by 5:30 p.m. The city responded with an incompleteness determination on Oct. 3, 2024, alleging that certain architectural details and studies were missing. 

According to state law, if a completeness determination is not issued within 30 calendar days of an application being submitted, the application defaults to completion. At the City Council’s March 4, 2025, meeting, Ryan Leaderman, an attorney for the applicant, argued that the Oct. 3, 2024, response was too late. 

The city argued that since the fees were not paid until after business hours, the application was not considered formally submitted until the following business day, Sept. 3, 2024, and therefore the city’s response was timely. 

Under the terms of the settlement, Wilshire Camden, LLC agreed to submit additional information within 45 days. That information includes updated architectural drawings; a revised shade and shadow study; an updated density bonus supplemental form that accurately lists the project’s proposed incentives and waivers; and a construction management plan, including a supplemental historic resource assessment report, an inclusionary housing plan that reasonably disperses the affordable units, and a current title report/policy for the project. 

The items were submitted to the city by the developer on Feb. 5. 

According to the revised materials, the project is substantially the same as the initial proposal. It features a 15-story residential building with 27 units, which will replace the lot’s current two-story residence. Six units are earmarked for affordable housing. 

The building will offer four underground parking levels with 40 spots and 3,629 square feet of outdoor living space, including private areas and common areas.  

As a term of the settlement, the developer modified the distribution and location of affordable units. They are now located on five separate floors. 

The project is being designed by Los Angeles-based CARA Architects, which is also designing a 19-story Builder’s Remedy project at 145 S. Rodeo Drive. The proposed buildings at 145 S. Rodeo Drive and 140 S. Camden Drive are being helmed by the same developer, Max Netty. 

The city has 30 days to respond to the revised application. 

In its materials submitted on Feb. 5, the applicant noted that “the Project qualifies as a Builder’s Remedy project, with 20 percent of the dwelling units reserved for lower-income residents. As a Builder’s Remedy project, the city may not lawfully deny the application on the basis that the Project does not comply with local development standards.”

According to the settlement, the city may still issue an incompleteness determination in good faith. The applicant would be provided with time to respond in accordance with state law. 

Beverly Hills became subject to Builder’s Remedy, which allows developers in California to circumvent certain zoning, density and height restrictions in exchange for affordable housing, when its Housing Element lapsed between 2021 and 2024. During that time, 16 applications for Builder’s Remedy projects were submitted. The city has approved nine thus far.    

The post City Agrees to Process 15-Story Builder’s Remedy Project Application appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Speakers included Offer Nissenbaum, board chair of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and managing director of The Peninsula Beverly Hills; Kathy Gohari, president of the Rodeo Drive Committee, boutique manager of Audemars Piguet on Two Rodeo Drive and president of luxury advisory firm KG Relations; and Sam Jagger, chairman of the board of the Conference and Visitors Bureau and the general manager of The Maybourne Beverly Hills. 

“Today, we have a very special opportunity to meet our city partners … we are going to discuss how these organizations and these groups are relevant to the city of Beverly Hills, and how they enhance community life,” said Nazarian, introducing the panel. 

During the discussion, Nazarian noted that many globally recognized events choose to host their gatherings in Beverly Hills. She asked panelists to speak about which events were most important in their estimation, and why those events benefit the city. 

“The Golden Globes [is] a real tie to the entertainment industry of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles as a greater area,” said Jagger. “And to have this halo effect, especially from a media perspective, and to recognize all the peers in the entertainment industry, really supports the glamour of what we offer here in the city … another one is the Milken Conference that happens here every May. Brings together the most influential CEOs—from the financial world, anyway—in the country and internationally, and they all descend here for four days. It’s a real power brokerage conference that puts us on the map, and this kind of conference you only see in a few destinations in the world.” 

Remarking that these events often cause traffic or congestion, Nazarian then asked panelists to discuss why the events nevertheless benefit residents and the city. 

“If there’s no traffic, there’s no money,” said Gohari. “They come for the Milken, they go to the restaurants, they go to different hotels, they stay in hotels, and they come shopping on Rodeo Drive. And it’s a circle.”

Nissenbaum added that the city’s economy relies on tourists. 

“We’re very much dependent on these visitors coming here, because it really helps support everyone,” he said. “And when I say everyone, we talked about the culinary side, restaurants, hotels, retail, and it’s really, really important that they are here and the businesses are thriving. The only way businesses can thrive is by attracting outside people from Beverly Hills, not just the local residents and ourselves that live here. It’s just not enough to generate the kind of income and, consequently, generate the taxes that we need.” 

During the question-and-answer period, a member of the audience asked the panelists what impact the “national situation regarding immigration” is having on business in the city. 

“Our audience has slightly changed,” said Gohari. “We’re not getting as many international visitors as we used to. However, I have to tell you, in my entire career, I’ve never seen so many local tourists come to Beverly Hills. So, we will roll with the times.”

Both Nissenbaum and Jagger said that international travelers are more cautious and concerned about coming to the U.S.

“In the hotel industry, we have seen a drop in international travel,” said Nissenbaum. “We think it’s for various reasons, not just one. One of them is the perception of immigration and difficulty in, when you get to LAX, they’re worried about how they’re going to be treated, and so on and so forth. There’s a lot of PR and a lot of real conversations you have to have with people internationally to really project reality and what’s going on. It has affected us. Thankfully, the domestic business within the United States has risen. So, it makes somewhat up for the international drop.”

Jagger echoed Nissenbaum’s comments, although he expressed more hopefulness. 

“We feel the same things, especially in the hospitality world … But there seems to be an optimism from the Middle East market to still come to the U.S.,” he said. “And obviously, for us in the summer, all the hotels, it’s a critical part of the economy to have those international travelers coming here. Equally, Europe is a little less committed to coming, and that takes time and effort and conversations to convince them that this is still the right place for them to consider coming over the next two, three, four, five years, or however many years into the future. And so, we have to work hard or harder than we’ve been working. And we’re no strangers to that.” 

The next Straight Talk with Sharona is scheduled for March 12 and will feature a conversation with outgoing City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey as she prepares for retirement.  

The post Mayor’s Conversation with City Partners Focuses on Tourism, International Travel appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

According to the applicant, Falcon Car Rental has been operating on the fourth floor of the building without the necessary permits since 2015. A code enforcement complaint was filed against the company in December 2024, and the company began its permit application process approximately one month later. 

Falcon Car Rental is a digital platform specializing in luxury vehicles. Clients reserve cars online which are then picked up on site or delivered to an off-site location. According to the applicant, over 90% of customers complete reservations online, and 60% to 70% of cars are delivered off site. 

Rental vehicles are parked in nine designated spaces on the upper level of the building. The company also has three parking spaces on the lower level of the building which are used for both rental vehicles and employee parking. The applicant estimates that vehicle exchanges currently take place approximately three times per day.

Employees are provided parking on-site and are prohibited from parking in residential neighborhoods north of Santa Monica Boulevard. Customer check-in takes place on the fourth floor.

Cars are cleaned and prepared for rental off-site in locations in West Hollywood and Los Angeles. The facility does not conduct sales, maintenance, repairs or test drives at the Canon Drive site. 

The facility will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekend days. 

No changes are being sought to the parking or building structure under the CUP. 

At the Feb. 12 meeting, several commissioners expressed their dismay that the business had been operating for so long without the necessary permits. 

“I’m appalled that a business was operating for 10 years without a CUP,” said Commissioner Myra Demeter. “It is not the responsibility of the city to inform you, as I heard it does when you take out a business license, et cetera. It is the business owner’s responsibility. So, I do hold you responsible for it. I think you’re running a very good business, I’m happy that I can support it and continue it, but I think that you have to take responsibility, not just say, ‘I didn’t know.'”

Commissioner Gary Ross, while echoing other commissioners’ disappointment that the business was out of compliance for so long, voiced his support for the company and the efforts made by the owners.  

“I think it’s for the greater good that we support our businesses in Beverly Hills,” he said. “I think the applicant is in good faith when he says that he didn’t realize that a conditional use permit was required; he was probably too busy building his business and, again, doing something for the greater good.”  

According to city staff, the business will not face any additional penalties for having operated without permits because it moved forward with trying to attain compliance after the 2024 complaint was filed. 

In other business, the commission voted to renew a CUP, development plan review and extended hours permit associated with the restaurant and open-air dining on the ground floor of the Avalon Hotel. 

The hotel currently features a restaurant, bar, cabanas and open-air dining which are all open to the public. The open-air dining area is located in a courtyard at the center of the hotel alongside an outdoor pool, all of which is fully enclosed by the hotel building. 

The restaurant, which operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, features 40 indoor seats and 74 outdoor seats across six cabanas and six tables. 

Two enforcement codes have been opened against the hotel since its most recent renewal in May 2022. One involved delivery trucks that were parked in metered parking spaces or double-parked in the street, and the case was closed after it was discovered that the alley where the trucks typically make deliveries was being resurfaced at the time of the complaint. 

The second case involved a complaint about deliveries parking in the street. That case was closed upon an investigation which did not reveal any violations. 

During their deliberation, commissioners expressed their support for the hotel and its operations and offerings. 

“This remains one of the very special places in our city, and I hope that in approving this conditional use permit we will ensure your continued presence,” said Commissioner Terri Kaplan.  

Chair Jeff Wolfe voiced his appreciation for the attention paid to complaints lodged against the hotel in the past.  

“I want to thank you … for how diligently you were willing and able to follow up on the issues that were raised with respect to the delivery trucks, and of course trust that you will continue to be just as diligent in the next few years after approval of this,” he said.  

The post Permits Approved for Falcon Car Rental and Avalon Hotel appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The matter involves an event hosted by Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown on Feb. 14 at the Trousdale Place estate of Oakley sunglasses founder James Jannard. The 18,000 square-foot Jannard property sits on nearly two acres and features a distinctive, Brutalist-inspired concrete and steel design. 

The event was shut down by the city, and a BHPD statement posted on social media the next day read:

“On Saturday, February 14, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) responded to an event taking place at a private residence in the Trousdale neighborhood of the city. An event permit had been applied for and denied by the city due to previous violations associated with events at the address. Despite the fact that the permit was denied, organizers still chose to proceed with inviting hundreds of guests knowing that it was not allowed to occur. BHPD responded and shut down the unpermitted event.”

Brown spoke about the incident to reporters at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome following the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 15, where he made his first appearance as a starter. 

During the post-All-Star Game interview, Brown expressed concerns about the actions of BHPD. 

“I don’t think BHPD made the right call there, and, you know, the statement they put out was not accurate,” he said. “We did not file for a permit, because the owner of the house said we didn’t need one … He’s done events there before. And, you know, this was still the result. It seemed like somebody just made a phone call and wanted to shut it down.” 

Brown stated that the event was for his sportswear brand, 741. He is also an Oakley brand partner. He described the gathering as a pop-up panel discussing issues such as culture and the future of creative control. 

“[It was] a bunch of different people that were just there to just talk about positivity in the community,” he said. 

The incident gained traction in the media over the weekend after a video was posted on X showing Brown speaking to a BHPD officer who arrived at the event to enforce its shutdown. 

James Jannard’s son Jamin, who manages the home for his father, told the Courier in a statement that the property had never received a violation of any kind, nor did they apply for a permit and have it denied. 

“It is very unfortunate that Jaylen Brown was unable to hold his private panel at our property with us,” Jamin said. 

The city’s statement, issued on Feb. 19, acknowledges the error and includes an apology:

“Upon further internal review, the city has determined that its prior public communication contained inaccurate information. Specifically, no permit application was submitted nor denied for the event and the residence does not have any prior related violations on record. The city takes full accountability for the internal error that resulted in the inaccurate statement being distributed and is working to ensure it does not happen again.

“The city’s previous statement about the weekend event at the Trousdale home was inaccurate, and on behalf of the city, I would like to apologize to Jaylen Brown and the Jannard family,” said City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey in the statement.

It should be noted that the city is nonetheless standing by its decision to shut down the event. 

As the statement notes, “The city has a responsibility to its residents and neighborhoods to ensure adherence to established regulations for events held at private residences. These are designed to support the safety and welfare of neighbors and attendees. City staff observed circumstances that are believed to be city code violations and for that reason alone, the event was ended.”

Although exact details about Brown’s event are not readily available, a review of city regulations does indicate that a public assembly permit is required for events attended by over 50 people. Additional permits may be needed for temporary generators, certain temporary tents, valet parking, heating or cooking appliances, the legal reservation of parking during loading and unloading and more. 

Brown stated in multiple reports that he spent considerable sums on the event’s “build-out,” but did not provide more information about what the build-out entailed.  

For its part, the city has expressed a desire to put the matter to rest. Its statement concludes, “Beverly Hills commits to explore opportunities for collaboration with the Jannard family and Jaylen Brown on future community-focused events.” 

The post City Updates Prior Statement Regarding Jaylen Brown Event appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

A third-generation resident of Beverly Hills, Pynoos has served on city commissions for nearly 15 years. Prior to her work on the Architectural and Design Review Commission, she was a Cultural Heritage Commissioner. 

Describing herself as “the next generation of leadership Beverly Hills,” Pynoos, 42, is running on a platform of transparency, accountability, public safety and representing underserved residents including renters, seniors and small business owners beyond Rodeo Drive. 

Speaking to the Courier, Pynoos said one of the primary issues she will focus on is public safety, including advocating for renovations to support the Beverly Hills Police Department which, she said, has outgrown its current location. 

“Public safety is the biggest concern on everyone’s minds, and I think it’s the reason so many people choose to live here,” she said. “It’s a place they feel safe. Maybe their kids feel safe, their grandkids feel safe. I would disseminate more information around that and keep our public safety strong.”

A resident of the Southwest portion of Beverly Hills, Pynoos believes the city missed an opportunity to master plan around the new Wilshire/La Cienega Metro Station. Much of the city’s planning for the station, which will open by the end of March, has been based on an assumption that public transit will primarily pose safety problems to the city. 

Noting that those concerns do need to be addressed, Pynoos said that by viewing the Metro only as a risk, the city squandered a chance to bring new businesses to and around La Cienega for visitors and residents alike.

“There is a misnomer in this city that only a certain kind of person, or homeless people, will be riding Metro,” she told the Courier. “I think we don’t have Metro riders on [City] Council, so I don’t think there’s an understanding that yes, people are concerned about safety, but there’s also an economic opportunity we’re leaving on the table … we need some resident-facing retail and some rider-facing retail. People who ride the Metro will be excited to come here, and they’ll want to spend money, they’ll want to go out to eat, they’ll get a coffee, they’ll do all of that.” 

Another major issue facing the city is Builder’s Remedy, a state law that allows developers to circumvent certain zoning and building codes in exchange for affordable housing. Beverly Hills became subject to Builder’s Remedy projects when the city’s Housing Element was out of compliance. During that time, 16 Builder’s Remedy applications were filed. 

“We’re not the only city who has come across this, but my understanding and feeling is that perhaps some of our city staff and city officials didn’t initially take this as seriously as they should have,” Pynoos said. “Perhaps they were waiting to see about lawsuits going on with other cities, and I think we left a big window open in between where we did not have an approved Housing Element, where 16 projects could come in. That’s a big failure.”

Acknowledging that there is little the city can do now to prevent those projects from moving forward, Pynoos said her focus will be on proactive leadership to prevent the same thing from happening again. 

“It’s important to build relationships with our regional and state leaders,” she told the Courier. “We need to … have councilmembers who have real, active relationships, who can best advocate for the needs of our community.”

Pynoos also discussed allegations of racism and antisemitism in the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD). The district is facing multiple lawsuits alleging racial discrimination against employees, and at the end of 2024, Beverly Hills High School students and parents who are Black spoke to the BHUSD Board repeatedly about ongoing racial harassment in the high school. 

In October 2025, the state found sufficient facts and evidence to support an allegation of race-based bullying and a racially hostile environment at Beverly Vista Middle School.

Pynoos said that the issue runs deeper than the school system and affects the city socially, financially and institutionally. 

” I don’t want to encroach at all upon the school board [which] is a separate entity … These are universal issues in Beverly Hills that maybe show up in the school system, to some degree, but are probably everywhere,” she said. “I don’t want to pull the wool over my eyes and pretend that this isn’t an issue in this community, and that there isn’t something we can really do to address it … I’m here to do some of that; take an honest look and do the hard work.” 

Beverly Hills municipal elections will be held on June 2.  

The post Rebecca Pynoos Announces City Council Candidacy appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gohlich, who has served as assistant city manager since 2023, was appointed in August to succeed outgoing City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey, who will retire in July. The Council approved a $425,000 annual base salary agreement with Gohlich that will last until June 30, 2031.

In addition to his salary, Gohlich is eligible for monthly incentive pay of up to $700. He will also receive medical and life insurance benefits and retirement savings. Gohlich will also be granted $100,000 to make improvements to the designated city manager residence “given the lack of improvements to the property over the last several years,” according to the agenda report.

Councilmember John Mirisch criticized the expenses of the agreement, although he voted to approve it, and said he wished the city conducted a broader search for the position.

“It’s certainly well over half a million per year with all the other benefits,” he said. “When we’re talking about taxpayer dollars, we need to provide the absolute best value for money. It has nothing to do specifically with Ryan, but this is why each year I vote against our budgets because I think we simply let them get out of control and salaries and benefits are among the top costs for any city.”

Vice Mayor Craig Corman also said he wished the city conducted a broader search but added that Gohlich was the best candidate for the job and that his compensation is in line with market rates.

Gohlich thanked the Council for the agreement.

“I want to give my sincere thanks and gratitude to all of you,” he said. “I’m very excited in taking on the role as city manager and committed to doing my best for the city and its residents.”

In other business, the City Council approved a General Plan amendment to update the city’s Open Space Element in response to state law requirements.

Senate Bill 1425 mandates that every city update its Open Space Element by 2026 to include equitable access to open space, rewilding opportunities, strategies to combat climate change, and support for the state’s biodiversity and climate goals.

In her report, Principal Planner Chloe Chen identified 25 existing open spaces and recreational facilities in the city, as well as one planned for the future, adding that green spaces south of Santa Monica Boulevard demonstrated greater needs of improving park access. The amendment for city parks and open spaces includes increasing safe and equitable access, especially where the city’s aging population is located, increasing urban forestry, water management, public education and engagement, and regional coordination.

Corman argued for changing the language in the amendment to not mandate continuous metrics to be reported from parks and open spaces.

“It’s all well and good to want to do certain things but when you specifically commit to developing metrics or doing studies every so years, I get a little concerned that we’re going to be adding a lot of work to the Public Works staff that not necessarily is going to take us to where we want to go,” he said.

Mirisch and Corman both encouraged language in the amendment that promotes the city acquiring more land and green spaces whenever possible. The Council approved the amendment with Corman’s changes.

The Council also approved an agreement with Western State Builders, Inc. for the La Cienega Park Playground Renovation project in the amount of $1,498,598. The playground was built in the 1980s and last updated in 2007.

The renovations will feature two distinct play areas, new swings, rotating swivel play platforms and a performance stage for outdoor youth programming. The renovations are scheduled to be completed in summer 2026.

The post Council Approves Contract With New City Manager and General Plan Amendment appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In a statement, Corman said, “As a Councilmember and Vice Mayor, I’ve given a lot of thought to who would best represent our city in Sacramento. I’m pleased to endorse Brian Goldsmith, because he has a keen understanding of the issues we’re facing and the ability to build bridges between different groups to get things done for our community and the state.

I’m glad to see someone with Brian’s character and qualifications step up and run, and I look forward to working with him as we meet the challenges and opportunities ahead for Beverly Hills.”

Mirisch also released a statement announcing his support.

“I am certain that Brian will be an excellent member of the State Senate representing our community. A Beverly Hills resident, Brian understands the challenges and needs of this city, and I am particularly impressed with the leadership role he has played in combating antisemitism in California and around the country, a cause near and dear to my heart. Brian leads with intelligence and passion, and I am proud to endorse him and look forward to working closely with him in the future.”

Senate District 24 includes the cities of Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Lomita, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Santa Monica, Torrance, West Hollywood, and Westlake Village; the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Bel Air, Beverly Grove, Brentwood, Fairfax, Holmby Hills, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Little Holmby, Mid City West, Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, Sunset Hills, Venice, Westwood, and Westwood Village; and the unincorporated Los Angeles County communities of the Santa Monica Mountains and Marina Del Rey

The post Vice Mayor Corman and Councilmember Mirisch Endorse Goldsmith for State Senate appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In the housing element of its general plan, the city has committed to facilitating the development of 557 affordable housing units on city properties. The commitment is a partial fulfillment of the city’s requirement under state law to develop 3,104 housing units for all income levels by 2029.

As part of its general plan, the city has also committed to developing 125 affordable units at 8401 Wilshire Blvd., which is known as Gale Yard.

Gale Yard consists of three city-owned parcels which were being used until October 2025 by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) in relation to construction of the D-Line extension project. The city is now determining what to do with the property.

Located at the northwest corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Gale Drive, Gale Yard is approximately one block east of the Wilshire/La Cienega Metro Station and directly alongside the Clock Market building. In all, Gale Yard totals 31,280 square feet.

The city hosted two public forums in 2022 to discuss the possible development of Gale Yard. During the second forum, four priority outcomes were identified: public safety, enhanced vibrancy, parking and housing.

Members of the public who participated in the forums expressed a strong desire for a police substation on the site or nearby. The group also voiced excitement about the possibility of redeveloping the area to support new businesses such as retail and the arts.

In regard to parking, commenters suggested that vehicles should be accommodated underground in order to preserve valuable surface area and mitigate spillover into nearby residential neighborhoods.

At the Feb. 11 Study Session, several residents spoke out against the development, citing some of the same concerns such as parking and safety as those who participated in the 2022 forums.

Carly Steel, who lives in the area, said that for many of her neighbors, the proposed development is part of a trend that is “all too much, too soon.”

“We already have some of the highest crime rates in the whole of Beverly Hills, the recent homicide being notable,” she said. “It’s created a lot of stress … we’re also the first adopters of the Metro. We’re going to be the end station for several years; that’s another unknown, conditions that we don’t know what to expect, but what we can see from the precedent of the City of L.A., it’s most likely not going to improve our safety. And now we’re going to be the first ground zero to have affordable housing.”

Steel said that she and many of residents of the area would like to see the development at Gale Yard be devoted to senior living.

During discussion, councilmembers noted that additional environmental testing could help the city understand the site conditions at Gale Yard.

However, if the city does not make good on its commitment to develop affordable housing, it risks having the state decertify its Housing Element.

The lack of a certified Housing Element in the past led to 16 Builder’s Remedy applications being filed.

Councilmember Lester Friedman agreed that further environmental testing is needed, however he emphasized that it must be completed in a timely manner. He also stressed the importance of taking residents’ opinions into account.

“I think we really should do those [environmental tests], but I think we need to do those really quickly,” said Friedman. “I don’t think we can delay moving forward … if we go to an RFP, I would want to make sure that the developer listens to this tape or watches this tape, because that’ll give them an idea of where the community wants to have additions to it. I would think that we need to point out the fact that parking, retail, senior uses are really paramount to incorporate into the property.”

Vice Mayor Craig Corman agreed.

“I see no harm in, if the Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies show that this parcel, the Gale Yard, is buildable as we initially anticipated, coming back at that meeting with a draft RFP — which we’re not even issuing until we have community input on—I just think we need to be efficient in the way we proceed here,” he said. “If we do it too piecemeal like, we could run out of time, and that’s something I don’t think any of us want to have happen.”

The post City Takes Step Toward Gale Yard Development appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The individuals who received paperwork for City Council include several newcomers to public elections as well as several incumbents.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, City Councilmember Lester Friedman and Cultural Heritage Commissioner Andy Licht all pulled nomination paperwork for the City Council race on Feb. 9. Joining them were Beverly Hills Cookies owner Barry Axelrod, filmmaker Jonathan Mariande and another individual whose name has not yet been made public

The candidates will run to fill three seats currently held by Nazarian, Friedman and John Mirisch. Elections will be held on June 2.

It remains unclear as to whether Mirisch’s name will appear on the ballot. Beverly Hills Municipal Code (BHMC) 2-1-21 limits City Councilmembers and City Treasurers to three total lifetime terms. That code was put in place in 2022, the same year that Mirisch was elected to his fourth term.

California’s Government Code Section 36502(b) states that City Council term restrictions apply “prospectively only,” but city officials assert that Mirisch may not run again because his previously served terms count towards a councilmember’s total tally.

Mirisch would be running for his fifth term.

Mirisch filed a petition for writ of mandate against the city on Jan. 12 in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking to compel the clerk’s office to accept his nomination papers. A hearing is set for Feb. 23.

As of press time, Mirisch was not permitted to pull nomination paperwork from the City Clerk’s office.

It was not clear whether Howard Fisher, the incumbent City Treasurer, had pulled nomination paperwork as of press time.

Speaking to the Courier on Feb. 9, candidates expressed an overarching desire to maintain Beverly Hills’ strengths and work to solve problems facing the city.

Axelrod, whose store is located on South Beverly Drive, said that residents and businesses in that part of the city need representation.

“I think I have enough knowledge about Beverly Hills in general, the residents and the businesses to be able to make a difference,” he said. “A lot of the store owners [on South Beverly Drive] are a little bit dismayed. They don’t know what to do. They’re not experienced, or they don’t understand the new retail policies that Beverly Hills has to follow due to government and society regulations.”

Nazarian, who appeared at the City Clerk’s office with her husband and two of her adult children, voiced her hope to continue strengthening the city as a community.

“I am so excited and energized for this election season,” she said. “It’s my honor and privilege to be able to serve the city of Beverly Hills, and I am looking forward to getting things done for our community as we listen, as we learn, as we grow as a stronger, safer and more united Beverly Hills.”

Friedman, who will run for his third term on the council, expressed his desire to focus on the city’s economic well-being.

“Most important is the financial security of our city, because right now, that’s where we’re teetering,” he said. “We’re at a point where our budget is balanced. The forecast is that we will not have a balanced budget, but there are things that we can do to make sure that we stay within our means, and that’s what we need to do while not degrading any services that we have.”

Mariande said he was motivated to “get involved instead of just talk about things.”

“I think we’ve gone through a lot of turbulent times, a lot of polarizing times … I’m setting roots down here, and I really like the city of Beverly Hills a lot,” he said. “I think being involved would really energize me, and I think it sounds like there’s a lot to do.”

Licht, who pulled paperwork alongside his wife, said in a statement that he seeks to bring experienced, responsible, community-focused leadership to City Hall.

“I’m running because I want Beverly Hills to be the safest city in the country, while preserving the quality of life and community character that make it so special,” he said.  to the Courier, he said he is “very excited to begin this process.”

Prospective candidates have until March 6 to file their nomination paperwork, at which point they become official candidates.   

The post Filing Period Begins for City Council Race appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Ahmed cited the city’s interpretation of Measure TL, the term limits ordinance adopted in 2022.

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

Mirisch, who served three terms before the passage of Measure TL and is currently serving a fourth term that began the same year the measure was adopted, argued that the city is unlawfully applying the ordinance by counting terms served before Measure TL was adopted.

As previously reported by the Courier, Mirisch is challenging the city’s actions in a Petition for Writ of Mandate.

In a statement to the Courier this week, Beverly Hills City Attorney Laurence Wiener indicated that the city stands by the 2022 initiative.

“The term limits initiative was passed in 2022 by more than 81% of the voters in the city of Beverly Hills,” Wiener said. “That initiative provided that councilmembers had a lifetime limit of three terms, including terms served before the initiative was adopted. After the initiative was adopted, a court of appeal held that it was appropriate to count past terms. Furthermore, the city of Indian Wells recently adopted a term limits ordinance that counts the past terms and that was upheld in 2024 by a trial court. The city recognizes that Councilmember Mirisch does not agree with the city’s interpretation of the court of appeal opinion and has brought a lawsuit to challenge that. However, the city is obligated to enforce an initiative that has been adopted by the voters of the city of Beverly Hills.”

A court hearing on the matter is set for Feb. 23. A favorable ruling will give Mirisch two weeks to submit the required signatures on his nomination papers. Mirisch noted that if his petition is denied, he would consider filing an appeal to run in a future election.

“If I am allowed to run again, I would be allowed to serve two more terms because the city instituted term limits. Three [terms] are the maximum. Term limits passed at the same time I got reelected, so that counts as one term,” he said. “Let’s say I were fortunate enough to get reelected, I would automatically run for another term? No, I think it very much depends on who else is running, the situation our city is in, and where I’m at in my own life, but at this juncture, I feel I still have a lot to give, and want to make the case to the residents about why having me on the council is a plus for the city.”

Mirisch emphasized his record of defending the city against housing laws implemented at the state level, and his support for an amendment to the California Constitution that would restore control of urban planning and zoning solely to cities.

“Community-based decision making is always best because it’s closest to home,” he said. “I believe Sacramento’s goal is to eliminate single-family neighborhoods. … We need to allow families and people who have not had the ability to own homes in the past to become homeowners, to expand the middle class. To me, that’s extremely important. I think the American Dream is still to own.”

Mirisch, as the only City Councilmember who lives south of Santa Monica Boulevard, also said he hopes to continue putting residents first if reelected and wants to bring a diversity of voices to City Hall.

“We have had in the past councilmembers who sometimes put developers first, or staff first or businesses first,” he said. “They’re all very important, but the heart and soul of the city is the residents. … We are at a crossroads now where you see what’s happening with the city, with Builder’s Remedy, with trying to ensure the safety of the city, where surrounding us, there are not models of good government, and we need to protect our quality of life and our residents.”

The post Mirisch Blocked From Pulling Election Papers appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Dustin Seemann, the district’s assistant superintendent, said in a presentation that all elementary grade levels completed i-Ready diagnostic tests in the fall and winter and will complete another at the end of the school year. Each grade level showed improvement from the first test to the second, with significant decreases in students performing below grade level and increases in students performing at or above grade level.

During Seemann’s presentation, Board President Judy Manouchehri noted the difference between the same data presented to the board one year ago.

“This time last year, we had this conversation, and it was a totally different presentation in terms of where our students were,” she said. “It looks like we are in much better shape, and I would say, in much better control of the academics and the learning.”

Board Member Rachelle Marcus said that she was “tremendously impressed” with the changes in student performance among those who are reaching or exceeding grade level.

The diagnostic testing was also used to identify students who would benefit from High Impact Tutoring, which was fully launched in grades three through 10.

Reporting on the Spanish Dual Language Academy, which was rolled out at El Rodeo Elementary School and Horace Mann Elementary School this school year, Seemann said the program has opened enrollment for the 2026-27 school year. To date, 21 families at Horace Mann have committed to the program and 14 families have committed at El Rodeo.

Finally, Seemann reported on student engagement with extracurricular activities. According to his presentation, an additional 232 students in fifth through eighth grade engaged in off-season activities this year, including wrestling, volleyball, swimming, water polo, cheer and flag football.

Fall extracurriculars added 47 students, including 26 to the girls’ flag football team and 21 to the boys’ flag football team. Winter extracurriculars added 73 students altogether to girls’ and boys’ basketball, an academy team and a competition cheer team.

Superintendent Alex Cherniss said he plans to continue focusing on and building the district’s athletics program.

“My vision is to make those that want to choose athletics be the very best, and we need to start at a very young age … so this is just the start,” he said. “I want to continue to put resources into athletic performance, so our kids get the best equipment, the best training, and so by the time they get to high school and compete, no matter what it is, they’re going to be the best athletes.”

In other business, the board appointed local parent and investment strategist Sam Namiri to the District Finance Committee. Speaking briefly at the meeting, Namiri emphasized the importance of economic responsibility.

“I think it’s really important to be fiscally prudent and responsible so that not only are we catching up for the lack of funding in the past, but making sure future generations don’t struggle and make up for lack of funding that we do in our time period,” he said.

The board additionally approved an agreement with the law firm Orbach, Huff and Henderson for ongoing legal services. Marcus voiced concern about the necessity of bringing on another law firm since the district already contracts with Best, Best and Krieger.

Cherniss responded by noting that Orbach, Huff and Henderson specialize in “entertainment-type, revenue-generating contracts for school districts” such as advertising, billboards, signage and facilities rentals.

“The purpose of this agreement would be specifically for our enterprise fund and for revenue-generating opportunities,” he said. “They have experience with that … this is a transactional attorney that specializes in this. I’ve worked with them in the past.”

The board approved the contract in a 4-1 vote, with Board Member Amanda Stern voting no.

In a 3-0 vote, the board additionally formally rejected a claim set forth in a lawsuit filed by district parent and attorney Daniel Lifschitz, which alleged that the board violated its own bylaws by denying the position of vice president to Stern and instead installing Board Member Sigalie Sabag to the position.

Stern and Marcus abstained from the vote.

During the public comment period, district parent Ellie Kadz spoke at length about an alleged chat group with over 100 members of the BHUSD community. The chat, she said, included “character attacks” and “defamation.”

“A highly vocal subset regularly assign motives, mock others and circulate serious accusations about community members in a way that would not be acceptable in any setting,” she said.

Kadz has written several op-eds praising Board Member Russell Stuart, Sabag and Manouchehri for the Beverly Hills Standard, a digital publication founded by Stuart.

The post BHUSD Hears Update on Student Performance appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Anderson’s family roots ran deep in the city of Beverly Hills, as he was the great-grandson of Margaret Anderson and the grandson of Stanley Anderson, the original owners of the Beverly Hills Hotel, the first commercial structure in the city.

A commercial real estate broker by trade, Robbie would go on to devote his life to sharing the history of Beverly Hills and supporting the city. Drawing from his vast historical archives and memorabilia of the city, Robbie authored “The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows: The First 100 Years” in 2012 and “Beverly Hills: The First 100 Years” in 2014 as the city’s official centennial historian.

“Robbie embodied everything that we love about our city,” former Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse told the Courier. “He was a force and a visionary. He really helped shape Beverly Hills, both through his DNA and his history and his ancestry to how he lived every single day of his life. He loved Beverly Hills with every ounce of his being and only really wanted the best for our community. It was his passion. He was the ChatGPT, Google, the encyclopedia of Beverly Hills before any of that even existed. He would be the go-to for any questions about Beverly Hills.”

Robbie, along with Bosse, also designed and funded the rebuild of the world-famous Beverly Hills sign at Beverly Gardens Park and later the Lily Pond, eventually becoming one of the most photographed locations in the world.

Along with his wife Jeanne, Robbie philanthropically supported the Virginia Robinson Gardens, helping expand the garden’s programming for children and restoration funding the orchid greenhouse.

Robbie served as president of the Beverly Hills Rotary Club, a board member of the Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission, director of the Beverly Hills Tournament of Roses Committee, co-chair of the Beverly Hills Community Charitable Foundation and consulted with the city of Beverly Hills on its Master Plan.

As part of his work with the Beverly Hills Historical Society, Robbie made his centennial history of the city completely free and accessible on the society’s website.

“No one was more devoted to preserving and sharing Beverly Hills’ rich history and legacy than Robbie,” Todd Johnson, president and CEO of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, told the Courier. “His remarkable collection of Beverly Hills memorabilia, paired with an extraordinary memory for detail, made him a true steward of our community’s present and past.”

Rooted in his family’s history, Robbie strove to share where Beverly Hills came from, particularly the women who built the city, including his great-grandmother and Mary Pickford, said Kevin Miller, executive director of the Beverly Hills Historical Society, in an interview with the Courier. The city would go on to have 10 different female mayors in its history.

“One of Robbie’s other favorite phrases was ‘Every time he drinks from the well, he thanks the woman who dug it,’ and that’s how he saw his great-grandmother, Margaret,” Miller said.

Beyond his contributions to the city, Bosse said that Robbie’s character always stood out.

“He was a gentleman,” she said. “He had true integrity, and his word was his word. He was kind, he was funny, he was loyal, passionate and a real friend to not only anyone lucky enough to be close to him, but he was a real friend to our community. He made Beverly Hills a family and he was the best of the best.”

At the Feb. 12 Beverly Hills City Council meeting, Mayor Sharona Nazarian closed the meeting with a tribute to Robbie.

“Robbie and his wife Jeanne devoted decades of service to the city and we are grateful for the mark they have made on Beverly Hills,” she said. “I hope that we can honor his legacy in the future with the naming of a city street, perhaps. We are honored and blessed to have known such a wonderful human being, whose generosity and spirit and care touched many lives. Since Tuesday, we have lowered the city flag here in City Hall in his honor.”

Robbie is survived by his wife, Jeanne, son, Jack, daughter-in-law, Amanda, grandchild, Emmett, and step-grandchildren, Lila and Nova.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Beverly Hills Rotary Club, Clare Foundation or Virginia Robinson Gardens.

The post Historian and Philanthropist Robbie Anderson Dies at 75 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Metro staff apprised commissioners on the status of construction at two stations that will open in Beverly Hills: one at Wilshire and La Cienega boulevards, and another at Wilshire Boulevard and Reeves Drive (Beverly Drive Station).

The extension project is being completed in three sections. The Wilshire/La Cienega Station is part of Section 1, and the Beverly Drive Station is part of Section 2. Section 1 also includes new stations at Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue, and Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Construction for Section 1 started in 2014. Work on Section 2 got underway in 2018.

According to Metro, work on the Wilshire/La Cienega Station, which is expected to open this quarter, is near completion. The restoration of utilities between La Cienega Boulevard and South Hamilton Drive was finished in December 2025, and restoration on the south side of Wilshire Boulevard is “substantially completed,” according to a report written by city staff.

This month, Metro anticipates completing the replacement of curbs and gutters both north and south of Wilshire Boulevard in the area that has been under construction. Ramps along several parts of Wilshire Boulevard are also expected to be removed.

“Section one is very, very close to opening,” said Beverly Hills Project Manager Christine Chung at the meeting. “Metro CEO will be announcing the official date when determined.”

The Beverly Drive Station is expected to open in spring 2027. Construction on the station resumed on Jan. 2 following a holiday break, and crews are currently working on both the interior and exterior of the station, including the escalator and elevator shaft, stairways and walkways, plumbing, and electrical work.

Metro is also currently working on preparations to reopen North Canon Drive at Wilshire Boulevard by March 14. An existing soundwall has been removed as part of that effort.

Going forward, Wilshire Boulevard between Crescent and El Camino drives will be maintained as two lanes in each direction between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and may be reduced to one lane in each direction overnight.

According to the same report written by city staff, miscellaneous utilities work, including sewer mains, manholes and water main connections are substantially complete.

The art that will be featured in the Wilshire/La Cienega Station was deeply inspired by the city of Beverly Hills.

Artist Mariana Castillo Deball collaborated with one of the lead paleontologists during excavation for the Wilshire/La Cienega Station. According to Clare Haggarty, the director of public arts and design at Metro, the land for that station produced more fossils than any other area.  Deball utilized the recovered relics for fossil rubbings which she then included in her station artwork.

Artist Todd Gray, inspired by early designs for the Saban Theatre, created pieces for the entrance of the station intended to conjure the idea of a blueprint and descending into a theatrical space.

The entrance of the station will feature artwork by Devon Tsuno, a fourth-generation Angeleno whose grandfather worked as a gardener in Beverly Hills for 30 years. Tsuno’s piece depicts azaleas and other plants descending along the escalator walls into the station, inspired in part by his family history.

“A lot of azaleas were planted in gardens here that his grandfather had a hand in,” said Haggarty. “So, it has a really personal connection to the artist.”

Other contributors were inspired by historical elements of Beverly Hills, the people who live and work in the city and the city’s theaters and connection to the world of cinema.

Commissioners expressed their endorsement of the visual components of the upcoming station.

“I’m truly blown away,” said Commissioner Michael Karric. “It’s really impressive, just how much thought and just how intentional it really is in conjunction with the actual station. The fossils—that’s incredible. I can’t wait to tell people about it when I’m waiting for the train … I can’t express how excited I am about it. Thank you for all your hard work and everything you do to make the Metro feel like a place that’s welcoming and safe and interesting.” Commissioner Negar Kamara echoed Karric’s sentiments.

“This was absolutely fascinating,” she said. “I am so impressed by all the diversity, the people, the artists, the artwork, you know, from history to the vegetation to the community and the people in our community.”

Sections 1 and 2 of the Metro D Line Extension project are funded largely through federal grants and Measure R, which was approved by voters in 2008. The entire extension will cross nine miles of the city when it’s complete, starting at the Wilshire/Western Station and ending at the Westwood/VA Hospital Station.

The post Metro Station Art Inspired by Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The conference is a nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more, of which there are over 1,400 in the U.S. It affords the mayors of such cities the opportunity to connect and share resources, as well as to engage directly with the president and Congress.

On Jan. 29, Nazarian participated in a panel entitled “Bridging Policy and Practice: Shaping America’s Health Future” alongside Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and several other mayors and experts.

The panel examined the ways in which state and national health policies bolster outcomes for residents. Nazarian spoke in part about Beverly Hills’ investment in initiatives such as wraparound services for unhoused individuals, the Nurse Practitioner Program and the Beverly Hills Wellness Network.

Speaking to the Courier, Nazarian said that her participation on the panel was a chance to demonstrate “how local governments can lead in delivering effective human services and health care solutions.”

“The discussion reinforced that while policy frameworks are often set broadly, meaningful impact happens at the local level, where programs are designed with direct knowledge of community needs … other cities can learn from the importance of aligning policy with practice, building programs that are measurable and adaptable, and leading with compassion while maintaining accountability,” she said.

The meeting ran from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30 and was attended by more than 270 of the nation’s mayors. It was led by USCM President David Holt, the mayor of Oklahoma City.

“America’s mayors continue to be the most effective and unifying leaders in our nation,” said Holt in a statement. “In a time of divisive national politics, we are bringing our residents together to get things done, and we also work together as mayors across bipartisan lines. This Winter Meeting of our nation’s mayors was an opportunity for our mayors to come together to speak with one voice in the nation’s capital. It’s also an opportunity to learn from one another, exchange best practices, and support each other as peers.”

Panels held during the conference featured experts on housing, technology, safety and more. Among the conversations about technology included many discussions about artificial intelligence, seen by experts as playing a key role in the future of municipal planning.

One such panel, featuring authorities including the head of data center markets at Siemens USA and the chief legal officer of Edison Electric Institute, considered the impact of AI and other advances on the demand for electricity, energy reliability and workforce readiness.

Another featured Waymo’s regional head of state and local policy for the Eastern United States.

Nazarian said that such discussions offered information that elected officials could potentially apply to Beverly Hills.

“Engaging with mayors from across the country provided valuable insight into best practices,” she said. “I was curious to learn about how cities are using technology and emerging tools, including AI, to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.”

She was also impressed by the sense of unity among cities.

“There was clear alignment around the need for collaboration, innovation, and responsible planning, particularly in addressing housing, health care, and major global events on the horizon,” Nazarian said.

Beverly Hills will take part in hosting several major events coming to Los Angeles County over the next few years, including the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games in July 2028, and the FIFA World Cup soccer games in the summer of this year. Nazarian said that one of the most productive conversations at the conference spoke to the needs of cities during such occurrences, including ways in which cities can coordinate regionally while “still preserving local authority and community character.”

Another major issue facing Beverly Hills is Builder’s Remedy, a state law that allows developers to bypass certain local building codes in exchange for affordable housing. Some discussions at the conference spoke to this concern.

“Local decision-making remains critical, especially as cities navigate state mandates,” Nazarian said. “A recurring theme among mayors was that housing solutions must be thoughtful and context sensitive. There was broad consensus that increasing housing supply will require building vertically in appropriate areas.”

Upon leaving the conference, Nazarian said she was pleased to be able to come back to Beverly Hills with new ideas, and to leave Washington, D.C., having advocated for residents.

“Despite the extremely cold weather in Washington, D.C., the energy and purpose of the conference were unmistakable,” she said.

The post Nazarian Speaks at DC Mayoral Conference Panel appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The circumstances surrounding her resignation are not clear, however Collins-Williams filed a lawsuit against the district and the BHUSD Board of Education in January 2024. The suit alleges discrimination on the basis of age, race and gender; a hostile work environment; retaliation and a violation of the labor code protecting whistleblowers.

In the complaint, Collins-Williams, who is Black, alleged that the district’s culture “traumatiz[ed]” students, parents, community members and staff of color.

The lawsuit states that Collins-Williams was passed over for the job of deputy superintendent after being considered for and, she thought, “groomed” for the position. The suit states that instead, the district hired a younger Caucasian woman with no prior relevant experience, then promoted the new employee and raised her pay multiple times.

Meanwhile, Collins-Williams claims she was tasked with working towards rectifying data that showed that administrators at BHUSD disproportionately disciplined students of color. According to a court filing in Sept. 2024, Collins-Williams alleged that administrators “continue[d] to misrepresent and/or underreport this disciplinary data” and “endorsed a racially hostile work environment, which included racial slurs and racially discriminatory policies directed at Plaintiff” and other Black students and teachers.

In April 2025, attorneys for Collins-Williams were granted a motion to compel the attendance of former BHUSD Superintendent Michael Bregy at his continued deposition, answers to deposition questions and the production of documents.

The district declined to comment for this story. As of press time, an attorney representing Collins-Williams has not replied to the Courier’s request for comment.

A jury trial is set for her case in May.

The post BHUSD Assistant Superintendent Resigns appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Launched in January, the city’s Green Business Program distinguishes establishments that have made strides in addressing water efficiency, energy conservation, waste reduction, recycling and pollution prevention. The program is also part of the statewide California Green Business Network, which offers assistance programs to qualifying small businesses. The benefits of environmental sustainability include product improvement and conservation of resources.

The city’s certified Green Businesses include Alo Yoga, Le Swim, LA Main Physical Therapy, Le Rêve Beauty Lounge, Kartoon Studios, Clark Street Bakery and Selfish.

Sustainability practices range from using recyclable materials for packaging to in-office recycling programs to reducing carbon emissions from travel. Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian celebrated the initiative.

“Beverly Hills has long led by example when it comes to sustainability,” Nazarian said. “Sustainability works best when it is collaborative, not burdensome or punitive. By educating, supporting, and working together, we can make thoughtful choices that protect our environment while building a better future for our children as a united community.”

Kartoon Studios, a global media company specializing in kids and family entertainment, qualified as a certified Green Business due to its sustainable practices.

“We’re really big on trying to reduce our carbon footprint here. It’s something that we take seriously, and it’s something that we wanted to not only try to incorporate within our own business model, but we also wanted to figure out a way to use that business model to inspire our core audience, which is children,” said Michael Riley, head of social and environmental initiatives. “We started to figure out that we can be more sustainable in numerous ways, from the way we produce some of our content to how we run our office here. We started by fixing all of our light fixtures with more sustainable lights; we started recycling programs here at our office and we started electronic recycling programs.”

In addition to internal company incentives to take the bus to work and recycle, Riley added that Kartoon Studios is using its distribution app to make public service announcements to promote messages about reducing waste, picking up litter and turning off the lights as well as exploring ways to minimize emissions through the technology it uses to produce entertainment.

Riley also said that the city’s recognition for its sustainable work is important to promote a more environmentally conscious community.

“We love our community here in Beverly Hills, and we really want to be that light on the hill in order to help inspire other businesses to also become green certified,” he said.

Zack Hall, the founder and CEO of Clark Street Bakery in Beverly Hills, said that sustainability is at the heart of how the bakery operates on a daily basis. Hall said that the bakery sources local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible, uses biodegradable or recyclable packaging for takeout products and employs composting and recycling programs.

“Prioritizing sustainability isn’t just good for the environment; it’s fundamental to our business ethos,” Hall said. “We believe that bakeries should be part of a healthy community. When developing our products, our first thought was that they should not only taste good but also be something we felt comfortable serving to our family and children. And that ethos continues beyond just the food.”

Hall added that the city’s recognition helps encourage businesses to utilize more sustainable measures and encourages customers to shop at environmentally conscious places.

“For us, this recognition is both an honor and a responsibility,” he said. “It acknowledges that Clark Street Bakery meets sustainability benchmarks and signals to our customers that we are committed to leadership in environmental stewardship. It also connects us to a community of like-minded businesses that are collectively advancing a greener local economy, something we’re proud to be a part of.”

Samantha Anahid, the owner of Le Rêve Beauty Lounge, said that her business model focuses on using vegan products for all types of nail care.

“When I opened this location, my purpose was to keep people’s nose, face, everything as healthy as we can and avoid any fungus,” Anahid said. “I’m a nurse too, and that was my goal, to keep here as green and non-toxic as I can.”

Anahid said that her products are water-based instead of oil and hydrate her clients’ nails rather than exposing them to any toxic ingredients.

“I wanted something different for the community,” she said. “And I just want to let everyone know that we are here to protect them and support their health.”

Certified Green Businesses will receive a window decal to display to customers. Any business in Beverly Hills can apply to the Green Business Program by visiting the city’s website.  

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Nazarian led a crowd of community residents and visitors along Rodeo Drive to celebrate the diverse tapestry of Beverly Hills businesses, stopping along the way at Two Rodeo Drive, Westime, Breitling, Maximilian Büsser & Friends, Henry Jacques, Porsche Design, Peter Marco, Stefano Ricci, House of Dior and Sweet Angeles.

“I think that the city is booming, and it shows the strength and the relevance of Rodeo Drive, of Beverly Hills and our partnerships,” Nazarian said. “It’s a great opportunity for our businesses to collaborate with one another. We already see so many people walking by and they have shopping bags because they decided to just stop and buy something on the street as well. It’s really a way to activate our businesses.”

The event highlighted the luxury brands and high-end retailers that make up Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills, offering the highest level of individually tailored customer service.

“I always talk about Beverly Hills being a village, and the community really supports local business, and the mayor’s initiative is wonderful because we’ve gone through on all kinds of different streets through her mayoral term,” said Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Johnson. 

The tour began at Westime, a luxury watch store at the top of Two Rodeo Drive, where Westime President Greg Simonian invited attendees to look at luxury watch items and experience the store’s individually tailored customer service.

The crowd moved on down the road, where jewelry retailer Peter Marco showed off one of the best jewelry collections in the world, and Stefano Ricci, a luxury designer menswear store, invited people in to peruse Italian cashmere and leather.

“It means everything to us, because we are a big community here in Beverly Hills, so we have to support one another,” said Stefano Ricci General Manager Philip Wiseman. “A lot of people get intimidated to actually come into our store because it’s such a grandiose store, and it’s absolutely fantastic, and we want to share that with everybody. We are here to serve, and I want everybody to know that, and I want them to experience a little piece of luxury.”

Bill Wiley, director of the CBRE real estate firm that manages Two Rodeo Drive, highlighted the level of retail experience offered in the city.

“This is a bucket list kind of place for people to come, and we never lose sight of that,” Wiley said. “You have the finest shops, but the people that work in the stores are the top of the retail game. These people are experts at customer service. So, the idea that everything is customized; that’s what makes it so much different than shopping online.”

The crowd then made its way to the recently opened House of Dior boutique. Visitors were able to browse red-carpet-worthy dresses, artwork of all kinds, along with some of the most luxurious fashion items available in the world. On the third floor is where the Monsieur Dior restaurant is located, helmed by the only three-Michelin-starred female chef in America, Dominique Crenn. 

Guests then entered the fourth floor, where the balcony gave way to a stunning panoramic view of the Hollywood Hills. After a day of visiting some of the most celebrated retail stores in the world, attendees soaked in the view, surrounded by the highest art and fashion, a combination that can only be found in one city: Beverly Hills.

“We’re excited to be able to celebrate and to continue to have Beverly Hills be the place that everybody wants to come and shop, dine, stay and ultimately live,” Nazarian said.  

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The commission’s vote was unanimous. Commission Chair Jeff Wolfe was not present at the meeting. 

The project, developed by applicant Hamilton Drive LLC and SDLP Holdings LLC and property owner Leo Pustilnikov, will include 90 residential units, including 16 earmarked for low-income households and two earmarked for very low-income households. 

A one-level subterranean garage will provide 13 parking spaces, and a combination of private outdoor living space on the units’ balconies and common outdoor living space on the rooftop will provide residents with a total of 9,997 square feet of open space. 

Currently, 214 S. Hamilton Drive houses a two-story duplex and a detached garage built in 1935, and 216 S. Hamilton Drive houses a two-story triplex and a detached garage built in 1941. In total, the project site comprises 10,400 square feet. 

The applicant submitted a preliminary application in October 2023 and a development plan review application in April 2024. The application was deemed complete by the city in January 2025.

Pustilnikov is also listed as the property owner of four other Builder’s Remedy projects in the city. 

During public comment at the Jan. 22 meeting, residents spoke about their concerns regarding parking, privacy and noise. 

Frances Burrell, a resident of S. Hamilton Drive who lives next door to the proposed project in what she described as a three-unit condominium building, expressed her apprehension about the proximity of the development’s proposed balconies to her residence. 

“Our front doors face the south side of the project, and there’s actually very little space between our two buildings … there’ll be balconies on all sides of the [new] building,” she said. “When I look out my front door or my bedroom, there’ll be all these windows and balconies, so everyone can see into my place, and I can see into theirs … it’s just very, very dense, on a very small street.” 

Other residents, concerned about traffic and parking, noted that the neighborhood is already heavily impacted by vehicles traveling in and out of the area for shows at the Saban Theatre. The theater is located on Wilshire Boulevard approximately one-half of a block north of the proposed development. 

“It’s my understanding that no specific parking or traffic studies have been undertaken to assess where the vehicles of future occupants, their visitors, and service providers will be accommodated,” said resident Davida Hagan, who also lives on S. Hamilton Drive alongside the proposed development. “Without such analysis, it is difficult to understand how the increased demand for parking will be managed … the street regularly experiences traffic congestion, particularly during the regular performances and events at the Saban Theatre. The introduction of additional residential units without sufficient onsite parking is likely to further existing traffic and parking challenges.”

Several commissioners voiced their displeasure with the limited scope of their ability to deny the project based on its lack of adherence to the city’s General Plan and other regulations. 

“We who are sitting here are bound to follow the law, and we may not agree with it. It may be very, very difficult for us,” said Commissioner Myra Demeter. “Some of these are very, very dear issues to my heart as a resident who has experienced many of these problems, but I understand the Builder’s Remedy—although it is not consistent with the General Plan, it is not consistent with setback, it is not consistent with the modulation, it is not consistent—the state has demanded that we do not consider that in our deliberations.”

A representative for the development said that at last count, in April 2024, four out of the five  units on the project site were occupied. Beverly Hills Project Manager Edgar Arroyo said that renters in the buildings who may face eviction due to the project have certain rights provided by the state. 

“The tenants have a right to remain in the unit [until] six months before construction activities start on the site … [and] they have a right to return at the prior rental rate if the demolition of the project never happens and the property’s returned back to the rental market,” he said. 

In response to several commissioners’ concerns about three street trees that stand to be removed during construction, a condition was added stipulating that the developer will replenish the trees to the best of their ability. 

That condition read, “The applicants shall coordinate with the community development department and the city arborist regarding replacement of at least one street tree and shall provide replacement of up to three trees if determined to be feasible by the city.”

The project has now entered a 14-day appeal period during which anyone may appeal the commission’s decision to the City Council. 

The commission’s vote marked the 10th Builder’s Remedy project approved since October 2025.  

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Ten months into her mayoral term on the City Council, Nazarian said she considered her run for reelection carefully before coming to any conclusions.  

“Running for reelection was not a decision I made lightly,” she said. “I thought deeply about where Beverly Hills is as a city, the challenges we are facing and whether I could continue to be effective in helping guide us forward. I listened carefully to our residents and business community, and what I heard again and again was the need for steady leadership, strong public safety, and a mayor who will continue to fight for Beverly Hills.”

First elected to the City Council in 2022, Nazarian was installed for her first mayoral term in 2025. Prior to serving on the council, she was a Public Works Commissioner and a Human Relations Commissioner. She also previously served on the Beverly Hills Police Chief’s Advisory Board and as president of the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills.  

In addition to Nazarian’s seat, voters will elect representatives to two other open positions on the council in June, including those currently held by Councilmembers Lester Friedman and John Mirisch. 

Nazarian holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Alliant University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Southern California. She has lived in Beverly Hills for over three decades with her husband and three sons.

During her time on the council and as mayor, Nazarian has focused her efforts on public safety, community engagement and promoting small businesses. She cites as a core part of her work her collaboration with the Beverly Hills Police Department to implement AI as a tool for streamlining reports and processes, including the adaptation of AI Blue Script. 

Nazarian additionally oversaw the launch of BH Wellness, a program through which residents can receive unlimited emergency and non-emergency medical transportation per household for $90 per year. 

Her mayoral term introduced initiatives such as Spotlight with Sharona, which highlights local businesses; Straight Talk with Sharona, town halls in which she invites an expert or local authority for an hour-long public discussion; and community-building efforts for young adults and active adults. 

Nazarian, who was on the City Council when the events of Oct. 7 transpired, has been a strong supporter of the plans to erect a garden and memorial to those lost on that day. 

“Public safety is not only about technology and enforcement,” Nazarian said of the memorial effort. “It is about compassion, remembrance and standing together as we educate the next generation, so such atrocities never happen again to any race, religion, or cultural background. Oct. 7 reminded us that safety, vigilance, education and unity must go hand in hand.”

Nazarian’s tenure as mayor has not been without its challenges. Among them has been preparations for the upcoming opening of the city’s first Metro stop at La Cienega and Wilshire boulevards. Nazarian worked with officials at Metro and elsewhere to finalize an agreement to develop a safety plan for the station. 

“Greater mobility must be matched with greater preparedness,” Nazarian said. “We are planning ahead and building public safety into the infrastructure [of the station] from day one.”

Another issue that has taken center stage during Nazarian’s term as mayor is Builder’s Remedy, the state law that allows developers to circumvent certain local zoning laws in exchange for providing affordable housing. Ten such projects have been approved despite strong opposition by residents and other stakeholders.

Nazarian acknowledged that while the city cannot ignore state law, she and other officials have worked closely with legal and planning experts to scrutinize Builder’s Remedy applications. Nazarian told the Courier that she has “flown to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento to advocate for our city.”

“Our responsibility is to protect our neighborhoods while navigating difficult state mandates,” she said. 

Nazarian told the Courier that her experience on the council and her background in mental health uniquely position her to serve the community. 

“During my time in office, I’ve learned to anticipate challenges rather than react to them, and to fight relentlessly for Beverly Hills while staying grounded in what is legally and fiscally responsible … that experience and the impact on our community will guide every decision I make going forward,” she said. 

Looking ahead, Nazarian said she has already begun preparations for upcoming events such as the LA 28 Olympic Games, the Paralympics and the World Cup by convening a dedicated task force with regional and local partners. 

If elected to a second term, she said, “Economic vitality remains a core priority for me.” 

“Our most important issues are safety, economic vitality and preserving what makes Beverly Hills special … my vision is a city that supports residents, local businesses, keeps our streets clean and safe, and attracts thoughtful investment while protecting neighborhoods,” she said.

Nazarian added, “I serve the residents of Beverly Hills,” she said. “Every decision I make is guided by what is best for our community. I hope to continue serving our city with integrity, experience, and heart.”  

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The Wilshire/La Cienega station will be an end-of-line station for about a year before the Metro D Line further expands west. Although the station is scheduled to open in early 2026, City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey confirmed during the meeting that the station will not open until after February.

As an end-of-line station, city staff are preparing for the final train arrival at the Wilshire/La Cienega station at around 2 a.m. each night. Potential impacts include increased early-morning loitering, greater demand for behavioral-health interventions, sanitation impacts in and around station areas, and increased calls for service from adjacent businesses. The city is planning to distribute information flyers to nearby businesses and residents to inform them of proactive steps they can take ahead of the station’s opening, said Human Services Administrator Enisha Clark.

In addition to two dedicated police officers always present at the station, Clark said that the Beverly Hills Police Department is working to increase overnight security coverage, and the Beverly Hills Fire Department will hire a human service specialist to provide hands-on social service support at the station. Anyone can call the Beverly Hills Outreach and Assistance Team hotline for support at 310-285-BHOT, which will be staffed 24/7.

City staff will evaluate key metrics during the first phase of the opening, including the number of people who offload the final train, late-night engagements, calls for police support and environmental conditions, and then continue to adjust accordingly, Clark said.

Councilmember John Mirisch encouraged staff to conduct outreach about how residents can best utilize trains coming in and out of the station, including possible senior TAP cards.

Councilmember Lester Friedman said he feels the city is prepared for the station ahead of the opening.

“One of the things that as long as I’ve been on the council is that we knew we had to prepare for this day that is coming,” he said. “I feel very confident that we have done that preparation, and now it’s just a matter of getting that word out to our community, so they know what to expect and who to contact if there are any issues.”

In other business, Beverly Hills City Librarian Karen Buth presented the Beverly Hills Public Library’s annual fiscal report for 2024-25 to the Beverly Hills City Council on Jan. 21.

Library usage remained strong throughout 2024-25, Buth said. About 450,000 people entered the library, a slight decrease from 2023-24, and the library saw more than 300,000 checkouts and renewals, an increase from 2023-24. Additionally, the number of people attending library programs continued to grow in 2024-25, with about 15,000 virtual attendees and more than 10,000 children attending library events.

The library also saw a 57% increase from 2022-23 in digital checkouts with more than 60,000 in 2024-25. Due to the increase in usage, the library expanded the hours of the Roxbury Book Nook, located in Roxbury Park.

In terms of successful library programming in the past year, Buth pointed to events such as Puppy Power Storytimes, Preschool Dance Parties, the BHUSD Elementary Art Show and storytelling during Jewish American Heritage Month. The library also saw 709 participants for the Annual Summer Reading Club, with children totaling 6,129 reading hours over the summer.

Buth updated the council on how the library met its goals for 2024-25. The library was successful in implementing a new online library catalog that patrons can access, while also working with schools to ensure every student has a library card by the third grade, as mandated by Assembly Bill 321. In further improvements, the library moved its integrated library system to the cloud and moved maintenance responsibilities to Innovative Interfaces, Inc. The library also completed the painting and carpeting of the second floor to match the first floor.

Additionally, the library began housing the Paley Archive, a media and broadcast collection that teaches the history of entertainment, sports and news. 

For 2025-26 goals, the library has already established new programming with silent movie screenings with live musical accompaniment. Other goals include increasing storytime for babies and developing programming for school-age children.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian then presented the Shining in Beverly Hills public recognition to the Beverly Hills Public Library.

“The Beverly Hills Public Library is a robust hub for lifelong learning with a vast collection of reading materials, access to a large selection of electronic resources, library assistance, access to the historical collections for teens, children and adults, passport services and a rich slate of literary and cultural events like author discussions and community book reads,” Nazarian said. “The library’s history reflects the community’s growth and commitment to accessible, high-quality learning spaces. Its ongoing programs and resources foster a love of reading and learning across all ages.” 

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Licht is a film producer and a principal of Beverly Hills–based Licht Entertainment. He previously ran for City Council in 2022.

“I have a good ability to bring all segments together,” Licht said in an interview with the Courier. “I have experience with budgets, from producing movies and dealing with major studios to planning on the Planning Commission. I create a unifying influence in everything I’ve done in my career, including on commissions, and that’s what I want to do on council. I spent the last year speaking with residents and business leaders and listening to what matters to them most, and I think it’s time for fresh thinking on council.”

There are three open positions on the City Council in this year’s municipal elections, currently held by Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Councilmembers Lester Friedman and John Mirisch.

Licht has begun assembling his executive committee, which includes City Councilmember Mary Wells, Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education Member Russell Stuart, former mayors Linda Briskman, Barry Brucker, and Nancy Krasne, as well as Planning Commissioner Gary Ross and former Planning Commissioners Joe Shooshani and Tom Hudnut. 

Recently, the city has faced more than a dozen Builder’s Remedy projects—developments that utilize state law to sidestep certain zoning, density, and height restrictions. Licht said his experience on the Planning Commission makes him uniquely equipped to evaluate these projects in the best interest of the city.

“Maybe we’ve been a little too reactive,” he said. “I do believe we should have clearer communication and maybe stronger planning. It was difficult because the state kept moving the goalposts every time the city came back with new solutions for the housing element, which made things very challenging. I think we need to start earlier in the process and work with the state to avoid these lawsuits, which cost us a lot of money.”

As chair of the Planning Commission, Licht cited his work on reducing the height and making other adjustments to the One Beverly Hills development as part of his efforts to “preserve the charm” of the city.

Licht said his biggest priority if elected would be public safety, especially for Jewish residents.

“There’s a lot of antisemitism out there,” he said. “Maybe we partner law enforcement with Jewish organizations and enhance patrols and visibility around synagogues, community centers, and schools. I think it would be helpful to adopt best practices.”

He also hopes to work with the police and fire departments to prevent future wildfires in the wake of the Palisades Fire. After hearing from firefighters about the potential danger of Franklin Canyon burning—which could significantly damage Beverly Hills—Licht said he plans to work with the City of Los Angeles to proactively clear brush in the canyon.

Licht emphasized that he is building a coalition of residents from across the political spectrum that includes all neighborhoods of the city. If elected, he said he hopes to protect renters as much as property owners and encourage more collaboration among renters, landlords, and City Hall. He also emphasized the city’s need to protect seniors by helping them age in place.

“We should have policies that prevent displacement and unfair treatment,” he said. “A city that protects its vulnerable residents is a stronger city. I believe in rent control, but landlords must ensure their apartments meet Beverly Hills standards.”

Licht pointed to his experience building consensus on commissions and negotiating movie contracts as evidence of his ability to get things done. He said that if elected, he plans to represent the interests of all neighborhoods.

“I consistently push for thoughtful planning and balance legal requirements with Beverly Hills’ long-term interests,” he said. “My guiding light has been to embrace the future while preserving the charm. I’ve lived in Beverly Hills since 1964, and it’s a community that’s incredibly important to me.”

Beverly Hills residents will go to the polls on June 2 to vote on three City Council seats and the City Treasurer. 

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The council decided to keep the voluntary expenditure ceiling for candidates at its current limit, voted to adopt certain new campaign contribution limits and voted to approve additional funding for the city’s election budget. 

Beverly Hills’ municipal election is scheduled for June 2. Voters will elect three City Councilmembers to the seats currently held by Mayor Sharona Nazarian, Councilmember Lester Friedman and Councilmember John Mirisch. Voters will also elect a City Treasurer, the office of which is currently held by Howard Fisher. 

Friedman announced on Jan. 16, in an exclusive to the Courier, that he will seek reelection. Mirisch has indicated that he intends to run for reelection, however it is unclear whether he will be permitted to do so due to existing term limits. Mirisch filed a petition for writ of mandate on Jan. 12 in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking to compel the City Clerk’s office to accept his nomination papers. And as reported by the Courier on pg. 1 of this issue, Commissioner Andy Licht has announced his candidacy. 

Fisher has not yet announced whether he will run for reelection.

During their discussion on Jan. 21, the council considered whether candidates’ voluntary expenditure ceiling should be increased from $100,000 to $110,000. The issue was last considered in October 2023, when the sitting council at that time voted to increase the ceiling from $80,000 to $100,000. 

Councilmember Mary Wells expressed her opinion that the ceiling should be kept at $100,000. 

“Having that expenditure cap [for a candidate] to be able to accept supports not having our local elections just get so out of control in terms of spending,” she said. “The more that happens, the more that ratchets up, then the more it excludes people that would want to run, because it’s just too daunting.” 

The council then discussed campaign contribution limits. Prior to last night’s vote, contributions were capped at $500 for candidates who accepted the voluntary expenditure limit and $125 for those who did not accept it. 

Wells and Vice Mayor Craig Corman, who together formed the City Council Liaison Elections Ad Hoc Committee, recommended increasing the cap to $500 for all candidates. Explaining his reasoning, Corman said he believes that differentiating the amounts that candidates may accept is a violation of federal law. 

“It’s been my belief for a long time that actually violates the First Amendment as found in a Supreme Court case back in 2008, Davis v. FEC … that’s why the proposal is to have the limits the same, whether you agree to the [voluntary expenditure] cap or not,” he said. 

During a back-and-forth about case law and precedent regarding campaign contribution limits and voluntary expenditure limits, Corman and Mirisch were interrupted by Nazarian who said that the discussion felt “like we’re in a courtroom.”

Speaking to Corman, Nazarian said, “I think each person should have an opportunity to speak, and then it’ll be your turn.” 

Mirisch responded that he was interested in what Corman had to say, and the discussion continued. 

The council agreed to keep the voluntary expenditure limit at $100,000, which did not require a vote because it did not represent a change to the Beverly Hills Municipal Code.  

It then voted 3-2 to adopt an ordinance increasing the campaign contribution limit for certain candidates for city elections, with Corman and Mirisch voting no. Based on that vote, the campaign contribution limits for candidates who do not accept the voluntary expenditure ceiling will be $400. For those who do, the ceiling will be $500. 

Notification will be provided to voters as to whether a candidate has accepted or not accepted the voluntary expenditure limit. 

The council voted unanimously to approve a funding request of $210,000 from city staff for the election budget, bringing the total budget to $295,000. According to a report prepared by staff, the current funding set aside for elections is insufficient due to increasing costs and an increasing number of elections. 

In other business, the council voted to amend various sections of the BHMC to adopt a transit-oriented development alternative plan pursuant to California Senate Bill 79 (SB 79). SB 79 increases the allowable density, floor area ratio and height for certain housing developments located within a given proximity to transit. By creating and adopting an alternative plan, the city can exert some level of local control over the location of the residential densities mandated by SB 79.

City staff prepared three alternative plan scenarios that distribute the density in varying ways. The council voted to adopt “Scenario 3 (‘La Cienega Focused Scenario’),” which focuses new density around the La Cienega/Wilshire Boulevard Metro stop. According to a report prepared by city staff, Scenario 3 is consistent with previous discussions about revitalizing the city’s southeast area. 

The election filing period for nomination papers and candidates’ statements is Feb. 9 through March 6, however the deadline for non-incumbents will be extended to March 11 if an incumbent does not file by March 6.  

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Council members provided feedback and amendments on priorities for the year, ranging from enhancing public safety at the newly opened La Cienega Metro Station to implementing artificial intelligence to respond to traffic violations to strengthening long-term fiscal responsibility and developing city infrastructure.

The first priority item was to prepare public safety at the upcoming Metro stations set to open in Beverly Hills, including the La Cienega/Wilshire Station and the Beverly Drive Station. The council planned to complete the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Public Safety Center at the La Cienega/Wilshire Station and prepare a policing model for the Beverly Drive Station.

As part of initiatives to increase public safety, the city will continue expanding the number of closed-circuit television cameras and installing automated license plate readers (ALPRs) at prioritized intersections. The funding for the ALPRs will be part of a budget enhancement for fiscal year 2026-27. Councilmember Mary Wells stated her support for increasing police enforcement of speeding and excessive noise within the city.

Another goal for increasing public safety is to “aggressively recruit new and lateral police officers,” which will also require a budget enhancement, according to the staff report.

The council then transitioned to providing direction regarding transparent governance and strengthening long-term fiscal sustainability.

Because the city had to unexpectedly hold a statewide election in November 2025 for Proposition 50, city staff requested a budget enhancement to hold the June 2026 election for City Council and City Treasurer.

The city also plans to conduct citywide tax analyses and a comprehensive citywide fee to implement further cost-saving measures.

In focusing on improving city infrastructure and community quality of life, the council provided direction on various avenues and city facilities.

In regards to the city parking structure located at 440 North Camden Drive, bids will be released in February for seismic renovations. Construction will begin in  April. For the structure at 461 N. Bedford Drive, bidding will occur in April or May, with construction beginning in July. Staff has been focused on waterproofing and seismic renovations but is redirecting to focus on painting in the future. The city is also working to implement Level 2 electric vehicle chargers in city parking structures.

Another priority of the council moving forward is to lobby the state of California and work with other local cities to develop realistic goals for housing development, especially in the wake of Senate Bill 79, which will change local zoning ordinances that are proximate to transit centers.

“The unrealistic expectations of the state of California are really crippling us in moving forward in keeping the character of our city,” Councilmember Lester Friedman said. “At some point in time, there have to be realistic goals.”

The post City Council Outlines Fiscal Priorities for 2026-27 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

California state law requires all cities to have an OSE, which provides guidance and regulations for open space, park space and recreational amenities. Beverly Hills’ element was originally adopted in 1977 and last revised in 2010 as part of the city’s General Plan update. It is being revisited based on the requirements of California Senate Bill 1425 (SB 1425). That statute requires  municipalities to address issues such as equal access to open space, climate resilience, the restoration of ecosystems to their natural states and consistency with other elements of their General Plans. 

The update process in Beverly Hills started in August 2025 with a review of the existing conditions, literature and relevant policies by city staff and infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, as well as feedback from the city’s public works and community services departments. 

According to a report prepared by city staff, Beverly Hills currently has 145 acres of open space such as parkland, recreational facilities and playgrounds. 

In a presentation made at the Jan. 8 meeting, Deborah Hong, an associate planner with the city, said that some of the major proposed updates to the OSE include increased public education, needs assessments, ongoing improvements to public transportation and collaboration with state and local governing bodies. 

The proposed changes incorporate more support for expanding bike lanes and pedestrian routes, as well as other non-vehicular means of access to open space.

City staff also suggested implementing an annual calendar of events to inform the community about existing environmental-focused programming. The revised draft further recommends wildfire protection strategies such as structures that are resistant to flames, an increased reliance on the state’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones designations when considering the location of buildings and trees and using landscaping that is more likely to mitigate risk. 

Other suggested changes include needs assessments at public parks, periodic updates to the Beverly Hills Garden Handbook and the implementation of stormwater capture strategies. 

If approved by City Council, the changes to the General Plan will be implemented by the city’s community services division and public works staff. They will be funded through Capital Improvement Program general funds.  

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The council voted unanimously to vacate the Planning Commission’s approval of the project at its original height of 14 stories, remand the matter to the commission for further consideration at a height of 26 stories and grant in part related appeals with amendments. 

A preliminary application for the project was filed by developer 9229 Wilshire Skyline LLC on Dec. 14, 2023. Formal entitlement applications were submitted on April 15, 2024, and the application was deemed complete by the city on Jan. 10, 2025. 

The project proposed at that time was a 14-story, mixed-use Builder’s Remedy development with 116 units, 60 hotel rooms and ground-floor retail space, as well as three subterranean parking levels with 140 parking spots. 

On Oct. 29, 2025, the Planning Commission conditionally approved the project’s request for a development plan review, conditional use permit and density bonus permit. 

However, on Oct. 28, 2025, the applicant submitted a revised application for the project. The new design proposes a 26-story mixed-use building with 195 residential units, ground floor retail and seven levels of above-grade parking for a total of 252 parking spaces. 

Unlike the initially proposed project, it does not include a hotel component. 

The last-minute submission was permissible under the state’s Housing Accountability Act (HAA). 

City staff did not have time to properly process the new application, and instead considered and approved the development as outlined in the original application. In response, two appeals were filed to the City Council: one by the applicant requesting that the approval be set aside and the revised project be processed instead, and one by the Beverly Hills Citizens Coalition, a group of residents with concerns about the project. 

At its Jan. 13 meeting, the council focused its discussion primarily on the applicant’s appeal, which was submitted on the grounds that the commission’s decision violated the developer’s right to revise a Builder’s Remedy application, constituted arbitrary and capricious action and violated the HAA, denied the developer procedural fairness and due process and demonstrated evidence of bad faith and a potential violation of the HAA. 

Several residents spoke out against the project during the public comment period of the meeting.

Several councilmembers expressed their dislike of the project, but noted, as they have in the past that there is little they can do to deny Builder’s Remedy projects. 

The council voted unanimously to send the matter back to the Planning Commission, and to refund the appeal fee of $7,101 paid by the Beverly Hills Citizens Coalition.

In other business, the city unanimously approved a resolution condemning the Islamic Republic of Iran’s response to recent peaceful protests. The resolution condemns the regime’s violent and extreme tactics including shutting down internet and phone lines and use of tear gas and live ammunition on citizens. 

The chamber was full of people supporting the resolution, some of whom could be seen weeping and draped in Iranian flags during public comment. 

The council received a standing ovation following the vote. 

The post City Will Consider 26-Story Development on Wilshire appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a developing story which will be updated online. 

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

On Dec. 16, Board Member Judy Manouchehri was sworn in as the board’s new president and Board Member Sigalie Sabag was sworn in as the board’s new vice president, despite having received fewer votes in the most recent election. The board’s bylaws state that when multiple board members have the same term of service, “they shall serve as vice president in descending order of the number of votes received in their most recent election.”

At the Dec. 16 meeting, Stuart, Manouchehri and Sabag voted against Stern’s installation. Manouchehri criticized Stern’s actions while on the board, stating that she could more closely adhere to the Brown Act and not make “false statements to the public about closed session matters.”

On Jan. 13, following comments from district parents and students in her support, Stern decried her treatment by fellow board members, saying it humiliated her and caused chaos, and demanded to be installed as vice president.

Stern pointed to her accomplishments as a board member, including making a safety plan for graduation and increasing cybersecurity, and said that a record 7,102 voters supported her in the last election. Stern also condemned Board Member Russell Stuart’s social media posts and held up a photo of one that said, “Cheers to my haters! Be patient. So much more is coming,” and asked the room if they would tolerate the same behavior from their teenage children.

Board Member Rachelle Marcus, who nominated Stern for vice president, also criticized Manouchehri’s statements against Stern, calling them a “pre-planned attack for personal goals” and saying she was “appalled.” Marcus’ comments were met with applause from the gathered audience.

During public comment, district parent and attorney Daniel Lifschitz demanded Stern’s installation and threatened a lawsuit against the district if it did not abide.

“At least one person on this dais went to law school and should understand how separation of powers works,” he said. “You may also want to refresh your recollection of how mandamus works because that’s what I’ll be suing you under if you refuse to discharge your sworn ministerial duties under the bylaws and continue to perpetuate this charade that Miss Sabag was lawfully installed as vice president in a shameful December coup. … Do your job or I’ll see you in court.”

Stuart defended the board majority’s actions in voting against Stern and argued that the board has improved the district in the past year in numerous ways. During his comments, audience members shouted their disapproval at Stuart. Stuart then replied to Lifschitz and said, “I can’t believe you’re a freaking lawyer,” before getting up and leaving the meeting.

Manouchehri addressed Stern directly at the end of the meeting.

“While what I said has been described by many, I spoke to you from my heart and I spoke with you softly and not in an aggressive way,” she said. “I was voting my conscience based on not your views, but the interactions that we had had. I think you know that I respect your perspective, and I respect your opinion, and I acknowledge what you bring to this table, and I understand your anger. I hope that we can, like we did tonight, continue to work together.” 

The post BHUSD Faces Litigation Threat in Wake of Stern Controversy appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

After serving twice as mayor during tumultuous times locally and nationally, he said he is running “to finish the job.” 

“I had hoped that two terms would give me the time to address and begin implementing many of my priorities,” Friedman told the Courier. “But as we know, man makes plans, and you know who laughs. My years as mayor were upended by unforeseen and society-changing events: the pandemic, George Floyd civil unrest and the Palisades and Eaton fires.”

Friedman, an attorney, mediator and judge pro tem, was first elected to the City Council in 2017 and again in 2022. Prior to serving on the council, he spent six years on the Beverly Hills Traffic and Parking Commission, acted as chair of the Beverly Hills Taxi Review Committee and served on the Blue-Ribbon Commission for Santa Monica Boulevard Reconstruction. 

He was installed for his first mayoral term in 2020 and his second in 2024. 

Friedman’s seat will be one of three open positions on the council in this year’s municipal elections, including those currently held by Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Councilmember John Mirisch. 

If reelected to the council, Friedman said he plans to focus on security, economics and managing growth. 

“We need to prepare our infrastructure and reassess our public safety services—police and fire,” he said. “The good news is that Beverly Hills has already begun investing in the tools that enhance and support the work of our police and firefighters. But we need to do more.” 

Noting that economic projections in the city predict a deficit and tourism is down, Friedman said he intends to examine the factors behind those realities and tackle them head-on. 

“Our business district is facing real challenges,” he said. “For example, the fire at Porta Via has had a ripple effect on adjacent businesses. Several have now closed. Canon Drive is one of the city’s most vibrant districts. I want to work with business and property owners to help get these fixtures in our community open again. We need to recognize our economic opportunities and then capitalize on them.”

During Friedman’s most recent term on the council, Beverly Hills has faced over a dozen Builder’s Remedy projects: developments that utilize state law to sidestep certain zoning, density and height restrictions in the city. 

The result has been displeasure and disappointment among many impacted residents and businesses. Without going into detail, Friedman acknowledged the issue and said the council is exploring its options. 

“We are facing tremendous legal obstacles with the state’s illogical imposition that thousands of new apartments be built in Beverly Hills,” he said. “But there are legal remedies the council is pursuing.” 

While serving as mayor of the city from 2024-25, Friedman was heavily involved in efforts to combat rising antisemitism, hosting over 200 North American mayors for the Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism and launching Beverly Hills’ Oct. 7 Memorial. 

He was on the political front lines when the Palisades and Eaton fires blazed through Los Angeles in January 2025 and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. 

Dealing with those emergency situations, Friedman said, afforded him the opportunity to lead through watershed events—and learn how to better the city in the process. 

“The knowledge I gained from each of these crises led to the beginning of real improvements in the city’s security infrastructure, including more license plate readers, our drone program and most significantly, the 24/7 real-time closed-circuit television system,” he said. “I’m very proud to have initiated or expanded these programs with the backing of the council and [Beverly Hills Police] Chief Stainbrook.” 

Friedman also noted that serving as mayor during the 2025 wildfires gave him the chance to examine ways to strengthen the city’s emergency responses. 

“The aftermath of the fires had reverberations for Beverly Hills even as we emerged unscathed … [Beverly Hills] Fire [Department] Chief Barton and I worked to begin assessing our future fire needs,” he said. “How do we protect our residents? What are our vulnerabilities?” 

Friedman has lived in Beverly Hills for more than 40 years. His wife, Simone Friedman is also involved in public service, having served on the Recreation and Parks Commission and as chairperson and president of the Beverly Hills Education Foundation. Together, they have four children and six grandchildren. 

In addition to his work with the city, Friedman has been the official scorer for UCLA Men’s Basketball, the Pac-12 Conference Basketball Tournament and the NCAA West Regional.

“The security and prosperity of Beverly Hills is my priority,” Friedman said. “I bring the experience, ideas and knowledge that are needed to protect our quality of life as we meet the challenges ahead.” 

The post Friedman Will Seek Reelection to City Council appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The intersection is used daily as a pedestrian route to and from campus for students and families of the Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy, located about 500 feet north of the intersection at the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Doheny Drive. Families with children ranging in age from pre-nursery through middle school cross the intersection after dropping off their students and proceeding westbound on Whitworth Drive. The approval was made after the city conducted a traffic study of the intersection in response to an influx of resident requests in spring 2025.

The all-way stop control is a response to the high volume of vehicles and pedestrians at the intersection, drivers speeding through the nearby Whitworth Drive and Doheny Drive stoplight, limited visibility for north and southbound drivers and recent collisions, said Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter. Carpenter said that the intersection did not meet the criteria of traffic volume and collisions for all-way stop control established in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices but noted that both Beverly Hills and Los Angeles do not file reports for non-injury crashes.

“We do hear from residents that there are a lot of property damage-only collisions that they’re observing so if there were more police reports, it’s possible that this would have met the warrants,” Carpenter said in her presentation. “Our analysis is that all-way stop control would help reduce these conflicts, especially during school arrival and departure times.”

The intersection at Whitworth and Oakhurst drives is one of three out of 13 intersections along Whitworth Drive without all-way stop control.

“Residents have reported that this inconsistency is confusing for north-south drivers who are expecting east-west traffic to stop at Oakhurst as it does at many other intersections along Whitworth,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter added that school staff at The Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy expressed support for the increased safety of the project but were wary of the potential to congest traffic. The intersection is shared with the city of Los Angeles and city staff collaborated with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation on the project.

Beverly Hills resident Rick Corcoran urged the commission to address traffic congestion on streets nearby the Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy during drop-off and pick-up during public comment. While he still supported implementing all-way stop control, he expressed concern that the additional stop signs would further clog an already congested area.

On weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., almost 4,000 vehicles cross the intersection, according to the staff report. During one evening in October, city staff counted 1,119 vehicles crossing the intersection from 3 to 5 p.m.

Commissioner Michael Karric said the inconsistency of stop signs along Whitworth Drive proved the need to add stop signs.

“I don’t see how it could impact the school any more than it already is,” he said. “It’s just gridlock around the school at that time, so I don’t know if adding a stop sign is going to make a huge difference.”

Commissioner Negar Kamara said she supported the project for the positives that it would bring to the neighborhood.

“I also support this—number one, for safety reasons, number two, for what you mentioned as far as the sight distance for vehicles driving north and south,” she said. “I support it because there is no fiscal impact to the city and lastly, I support it for the residents’ support. It makes so much sense.”

In other business, Carpenter presented the findings of intersection safety studies conducted by Street Simplified, LLC at three high-priority intersections—Robertson and Wilshire boulevards, Robertson and Charleville boulevards, and Beverly Drive and Carmelita Avenue. At Robertson and Wilshire boulevards, most collisions were caused by drivers violating the right-of-way of other drivers and pedestrians while making left turns. At Robertson and Charleville boulevards, the findings provided details on how drivers come into conflict with pedestrians attempting to cross, especially since the intersection is popular among pedestrians and cyclists. At Beverly Drive and Carmelita Avenue, many collisions are caused by drivers violating posted stop signs and driving at unsafe speeds, making it one of the most dangerous intersections in the city.

Following the report, the Public Works Department will work with the Beverly Hills Police Department to enact safety measures.  

The post Commission Approves Four-Way Stop Signs at Whitworth and Oakhurst appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Municipal elections scheduled for June will see local voters choose representatives to fill three seats on the Beverly Hills City Council and elect a new City Treasurer. Candidates for City Council will vie for positions currently held by Mayor Sharona Nazarian, Councilmember John Mirisch and Councilmember Lester Friedman.

Nazarian is currently serving the final year of her first term. Elected to the council in June 2022, she served as vice mayor in 2024-25 and is now serving her mayoral term. Friedman is currently serving the last year of his second term. He was first elected to the council in 2017 and again in 2022. Friedman served as mayor in 2020 and 2024. 

Mirisch’s bid for reelection challenges section 2-1-21 of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code (BHMC), which limits City Councilmembers and City Treasurers to three lifetime terms. 

BHMC 2-1-21 was passed as Measure TL in 2022. Simultaneously, Mirisch was elected to his fourth term. City officials have argued that a councilmember’s previously held terms count toward their total lifetime tally, meaning that Mirisch has reached his term limit.  

Mirisch and his attorney Eric George argue that Mirisch is still eligible to run, pointing to California’s Government Code Section 36502(b). The code applies City Council term restrictions “prospectively only” to future terms that haven’t been served yet.  

The council was scheduled to discuss the matter at a closed session in December 2025 but did not get to it because of time constraints, Mirisch told the Courier.  

In response to questions about whether the city will allow Mirisch to run again, City Attorney Laurence Wiener told the Courier in an email, “At the moment, no one has officially filed as a candidate for a City Council office.”

The filing period for anyone interested in running for City Council is Feb. 9 to March 6. According to the city, if an eligible incumbent doesn’t file by March 6, the deadline extends to March 11 for other potential candidates.

Because the filing period has not officially begun, representatives from the city declined to state whether Friedman and Nazarian will run for reelection or whether there are any challengers. 

“An individual is formally a City Council and/or City Treasurer candidate once their nomination filing has been completed and approved by our office,” City Clerk Huma Ahmed told the Courier in an email, adding, “They may make announcements of their ‘intentions’ to run for office … but it’s not official until their nomination paperwork is complete.”

Current City Treasurer Howard S. Fisher is finishing his second term in office. Treasurers are allowed to serve three terms. Fisher has not yet confirmed whether he is running for reelection, and no candidates for the office are currently listed on the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

The election for City Council and City Treasurer will be held on June 2. 

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represents District 3, which includes Beverly Hills, will also reach the end of her current term this year and is running for reelection, according to a representative for her campaign. Horvath was sworn into office in 2022. Prior to her election as a county supervisor, she served as a West Hollywood city councilmember and mayor.  

For some time, speculation has grown that Horvath is considering a run for Los Angeles mayor, although she told the Los Angeles Times in October 2025 that she had no plans to do so. As of press time, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk lists one individual, Tonia Arey,  challenging Horvath in the Nov. 3 election.

Voters will also choose representatives for the California State Senate and Assembly in November. 

California State Senator Ben Allen represents District 24, which includes Beverly Hills, and will reach his term limit this year. At least 12 candidates have announced their intention to run for his seat, including Brian Goldsmith (D), Sion Roy (D), Brittany McKinley (D), John Erickson (D), Ellen Evans (D), Eric Alegria (D), Kristina Irwin (R) and Mike Newhouse (D). 

Goldsmith, a resident of Beverly Hills, told the Courier in April that his mission will be to “listen to my neighbors, here and across the district, and work for better results from our state government.”

California State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D) represents District 51, which includes Beverly Hills. Zbur has filed a statement of intention to run for reelection. Colin Hernandez (D) and Dick Lucas have also filed statements of intention to run. 

Elections will be held on Nov. 3 for Congressional Districts 36, which includes Beverly Hills, and 32, which abuts some of the northwestern outskirts of the city.

District 36 is currently represented by Congressman Ted Lieu (D), who is up for reelection. According to the U.S. Federal Elections Commission (FEC) website, other candidates who have registered and filed a financial report include Melissa Leah Toomim (R), Houston Brignano (R) and Rustin Knudtson (D).

District 32 is currently represented by Congressman Brad Sherman (D), who is up for reelection. According to the FEC website, other candidates who have registered and filed a financial report include Jake Levine (D), Jake Rakov (D), Christopher Ahuja (D), Anna Wilding (D), Larry Thompson (R), Dory Benami (D) and Josh Sautter (D). 

The Courier will continue to follow election news and updates throughout the year.  

The post Busy Year Ahead for Local Elections appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In a separate statement, she said that Tanenbaum was “a great man who gave his immense passion, heart, soul and intellect to serve his fellow man. The world will be a smaller place without him.”

Robert K. Tanenbaum served as mayor of Beverly Hills in 1988 and 1992. An accomplished attorney and author, his most recent publication, “That Day in Dallas—Lee Harvey Oswald Did Not Kill JFK,” was released in June 2025. 

Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1942, Tanenbaum received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) on a basketball scholarship before graduating from UC Berkeley School of Law. 

As an assistant district attorney in New York County, Tanenbaum served under District Attorney Frank Hogan. During his tenure, Tanenbaum ran the homicide bureau, served as chief of the criminal courts and led the District Attorney’s legal staff training program. 

Tanenbaum rose to national prominence when he was appointed deputy chief counsel for the congressional committee investigation into the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

In Southern California, Tanenbaum worked as a special prosecution consultant on the Hillside Strangler case and handled a number of other high-profile matters, including the defense of Amy Grossberg and the representation of eight Black plaintiffs in a significant racial profiling case. He taught Advanced Criminal Procedure for four years at UC Berkeley School of Law and conducted continuing legal education seminars for practicing attorneys in California, New York and Pennsylvania.

Tanenbaum’s legal work informed his writing, which was prolific. As the author of 34 fiction and nonfiction books, Tanenbaum drew on his experiences in the court system for books such as “Echoes of My Soul,” which examined the murders of two young women in 1963 and the twisted turns that led to their killer, and “Badge of the Assassin,” which recounted Tanenbaum’s investigation and trials involving members of the Black Liberation Army who assassinated two New York Police Department officers. 

“Badge of the Assassin” was later adapted as a television film featuring James Woods as Tanenbaum. 

“That Day in Dallas” alleges that the government’s handling of the investigation into Kennedy’s assassination was deeply flawed and dishonest.  

In a video interview with Open Road Media in 2011, Tanenbaum described the inspiration for, and deeper purpose of his writing.

“The stories I tell flow from the kinds of observations and participation when I was very much active in the justice system,” he said. “In my novels, we come to recognize the dark side of human nature and the angelic side of human nature, and it’s that confrontation that causes us to reflect on how we want to deal in our own private lives.”

Tanenbaum is remembered as a loving father and grandfather whose greatest pride was his family. 

“I am forever grateful for his friendship and love,” former Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse told the Courier. “He treated me like a big brother, always looking out for me with support, guidance, wisdom and integrity. He loved our community with every ounce of his being and never was shy with his opinions. He had a presence that equaled his tall stature and was equally passionate with his love for Beverly Hills. I will miss his ‘Hey kiddo’ endearing texts and true friendship.” 

In an Instagram post, City Councilmember Mary Wells wrote, “I will greatly miss having Bob Tanenbaum in my corner. He told it straight, welcomed debate, and stood firmly by those he believed in. Fiercely loyal and deeply principled, Bob was both a mentor and a dear friend.”

Jimmy Delshad, who served as mayor of Beverly Hills in 2007 and 2010, said in a statement to the Courier, “I mourn the passing of Robert Tanenbaum—former Beverly Hills mayor and celebrated author—who came into my life first as a thoughtful critic and demanding teacher, and over time became a trusted mentor and a dear friend. In his final book he left me a gift I will forever cherish, writing, ‘for Jimmy Delshad, a great mayor and a dear friend with utmost respect and admiration,’ words that reflect the generosity, integrity, and depth of character that defined him.”

Patti Tanenbaum told the Courier that her husband lived the past year with gusto and saw multiple projects through that were very important to him. 

“He got so much accomplished this past year that he was hoping to, and I’m so grateful for that,” she said. 

In the interview with Open Road Media, Tanenbaum spoke briefly about his dreams for the future when he was a child in New York. 

“When we were kids and came to Coney Island, came to the beach and went on the rides and went to Nathan’s that had those great hot dogs and French fries, we always knew we’d make it,” he said. “We were invincible. We were fearless. We were Americans from Brooklyn; there was nothing going to stop us.”

Tanenbaum is survived by Patti, to whom he was married for 58 years; their three children, Rachael, Roger and Billy; daughter-in-law, Paige; and two grandchildren, Virginia and Joey Dodge. 

A memorial service will be held for Tanenbaum on Jan. 11 at 3:30 p.m. at Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries, located at 5950 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles.  

The post Robert K. Tanenbaum, Former Mayor, Dies at 83 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Builder’s Remedy was added to the government code in 1990 and heavily modified in 2024, resulting in what many called “Builder’s Remedy 2.0.” The provision allows developers to circumvent certain city codes, including those governing building and zoning, in exchange for providing a certain number of affordable residential units in cities lacking a certified Housing Element.

In Beverly Hills, a major turning point for developers seeking to make use of Builder’s Remedy occurred in August 2025, when Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin ordered city officials to process the application for a proposed 19-story, mixed-use development at 125-129 S. Linden Drive. 

Kin determined that the city violated California’s Housing Accountability Act and Permit Streamlining Act in its decisions regarding the project, and the case has effectively set precedent for other, similar projects. 

Of the 16 applications submitted to the city, nine were approved by the Beverly Hills Planning Commission in October 2025. Another was denied, four are currently in litigation, one will be heard by the Planning Commission in January, and one is on hold at the request of the applicant. 

The nine projects approved by the Planning Commission are: 

• An eight-story mixed-use development with 135 residential units at 333-353 S. Beverly Drive;

• A 12-story residential project with 65 residential units at 346 N. Maple Drive;

• An 11-story residential project with 25 residential units at 401 N. Oakhurst Drive;

• A 13-story residential project with 53 dwelling units at 9430 Olympic Blvd.;

• A 13-story mixed-use development with 75 residential units at 9441 Olympic Blvd.;

• An eight-story mixed-use development with 105 residential units at 9467 Olympic Blvd.;

• A 19-story mixed-use development with 30 residential units at 145 S. Rodeo Drive;

• A 14-story mixed-use development with 116 residential units at 9229 Wilshire Blvd., and 

• An eight-story residential development with 55 residential units at 232 Tower Drive.

Two of those projects have been appealed to the City Council. The project proposed for 9229 Wilshire Blvd. was appealed by an interested party and the applicant. That hearing is currently scheduled for Jan. 13, according to a representative from the city. Additionally, the applicant submitted a revised project which is currently being reviewed by the city. The revised project would be 26 stories with 195 residential units.

The project at 232 Tower Drive was also appealed to the City Council by the Carthay Beverly Hills Neighbors, a group of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles residents. A hearing date for that appeal is pending.  

In November 2025, the Planning Commission denied a request for a development plan review and density bonus permit for a proposed 26-story project at 8844 Burton Way. Dave Rand, an attorney representing the developer, told the Courier at the time that the commission “completely and flagrantly ignored the law.” 

In a recent email to the Courier, Rand said that “We have made it pretty clear in our papers to the city and in response to questions from the press that the applicant will sue the city if the project is denied. Obviously, the City Council has the opportunity to ensure that does not happen by following the law and approving the project.”

The four applications involved in litigation include two side-by-side developments at 8800 and  8820 Wilshire Blvd., both of which would be 19 stories and include retail space and residential units; a 15-story residential building at 140 S. Camden Drive; and and the development at 125-129 S. Linden Drive.

In March 2025, two nearly identical lawsuits were filed regarding the Wilshire Boulevard projects claiming that the applications were unfairly denied. Trial setting conferences are scheduled for both complaints in January. 

The city was sued by the developer of the Camden Drive project in June 2025 in a complaint that challenged the city’s determination that the application for a Builder’s Remedy project was forfeited. 

Finally, the city filed an appeal in the Linden Drive case in November 2025. 

As part of the 16 Builder’s Remedy applications submitted to the city, two were proposed for projects on Hamilton Drive. An eight-story residential development at 214-216 S. Hamilton Drive will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on Jan. 22, and an application for a residential development at 211-217 S. Hamilton Drive has been placed on hold at the applicant’s request. 

The post Builder’s Remedy Projects Moved Forward in 2025 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Occasionally, the discussions on the board are robust and passionate, and they are also open and transparent,” she said. “We have five board members who are, in their own very important way, trying to do the best for this district.”

In an interview with the Courier, Manouchehri said that her priorities for BHUSD will center on the implementation of the district’s strategic plan. As its six broad priorities, the plan cites student achievement, teaching and learning, student engagement, facilities completion, fiscal responsibility and school safety and security.

“The strategic plan establishes a true meeting of the minds, where everybody can see what the priorities are, and we are all on the same page and moving towards the same goals,” Manouchehri said. “These are the pillars that we believe will lead us to continued improvement and success [and] keep us all accountable for the year moving forward.”

During the past several years, the board has had multiple discussions about student test scores. State testing results from 2024 showed that approximately 31% of third through eighth graders and 11th graders fell below grade-level standards in English Language Arts. In the same year, approximately 42% of those students fell below grade level in math.

“There has been a very honest and transparent conversation about making sure that our students’ basic educational needs are being met, and we believe we can do even more than that,” said Manouchehri. “Our students are diverse, and the intention is to meet all of our students’ needs whatever they may be.”

As president, Manouchehri will head up a board comprised of Board Members Amanda Stern, Rachelle Marcus and Russell Stuart and Vice President Sigalie Sabag.

Marcus was elected to the board in 2018 following a 50-year teaching career in the district. Stern, a board-certified school psychologist, was elected to the board in 2020. Stuart, a security expert and owner of Beverly Hills Guns, was elected to the board in 2024. Sabag, a consultant and business owner, was also elected to the board in 2024. 

Relations between the board have been tense at times. At its organizational meeting on Dec. 16,  Manouchehri read a lengthy, prewritten speech to Stern implying that Stern has violated a number of terms of the board, including adhering to the Board Governance handbook and California’s Ralph M. Brown Act, which governs the way elected officials conduct public meetings. 

Manouchehri then voted alongside Sabag and Stuart to not appoint Stern to the vice presidency for which Stern was next in line, according to the board’s bylaws. 

Still, in speaking to the Courier, Manouchehri disagreed with a characterization of the board as being divided on the issues, noting that the board votes 5-0 “on almost all votes.” 

“The board is a very good representation of our community,” she said. “I don’t shy away from having difficult conversations, and that’s the duty of the board. We are occasionally 4-1 and we are occasionally 3-2, and it does seem that the occasional 3-2 votes get a lot of attention, but I will note that we have been 5-0 on the vast majority of votes.”

She also emphasized the fact that since a majority of the board is prohibited by the Brown Act from discussing agenda items outside of open session, conversations witnessed by the community are happening for the first time. 

“The conversations are not happening behind closed doors,” she said. “Conversations are happening transparently and in real time during open session meetings. And that means we, as board members, are listening, hearing, sharing and learning from one another in real time. It’s a valuable process, and it’s not an easy one.” 

The board has also recently faced some pushback from the community. In March, Stuart and Sabag were served with notifications of an intent to circulate recall petitions against them. In the months prior, board meetings were packed with community members protesting certain staffing decisions made by the district. 

To that end, Manouchehri encourages members of the public to “speak to your board members and to get to know all of them.”

“Some of us have believed that a little bit more change has been necessary and advisable in this last year,” she said. “I think it’s really about being able to see what the vision is and getting to know board members to trust their visions and how they’re trying to improve the district.”

To Manouchehri, that improvement has already begun. She noted that a student was accepted to Harvard University last year, and one of this year’s graduating seniors recently announced their acceptance to Stanford University. 

The district has also revamped its college and career counseling center which Manouchehri said now, “matches and mirrors that of the private schools.” The district is establishing an AI task force to prepare students for future careers and expanding their athletic programming to include girls and boys flag football teams, tennis, golf, swimming and wrestling, she said. 

“We know that BHUSD students are the best of the best, and can be the best of the best,” Manouchehri said. “And the board’s responsibility is to help them realize that.”  

The post Manouchehri Looks Ahead to Her Term as BHUSD Board President appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Residential streets surrounding the venue will be posted with no-parking signs. For more information on the complete list of closures, please visit beverlyhills.org/goldenglobes.

STREET CLOSURES

North Santa Monica Blvd.

• Westbound Full Lane Closures: Complete lane closures, from Wilshire Boulevard to Century Park East, from 9 p.m. on Jan. 9 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 12. 

• Eastbound Full Lane Closures: Complete lane closures, from Century Park East to

Wilshire Boulevard from 2 p.m. on Jan. 10 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 12.  

Alternate Routes: South Santa Monica Boulevard to remain open in both directions.

Wilshire Boulevard

Eastbound/Westbound Lane Reduction: Lane reductions take place at 6 a.m. on Jan. 2 until 9 p.m. on Jan. 14; Eastbound/Westbound Full Closure: All of Wilshire Boulevard between Comstock Ave. and North Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed from 10 p.m. on Jan. 10 until 6 a.m. Jan. 12; Eastbound Lanes of Wilshire Boulevard: Overnight eastbound closure from Comstock to North Santa Monica Boulevard from 10 p.m. on Jan. 1 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 2. This same closure will occur again for the same duration Jan. 12 through Jan. 13. 

Whittier Drive, Carmelita Ave., Elevado Ave. and Lomitas Ave.; Trenton Drive and adjacent alleys: Select streets will have limited closures with local access only to residents beginning at 10 p.m. on Jan. 10 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 12.

Parking Restrictions:

Parking will be completely restricted (no exceptions) from 6 a.m. Jan. 11, until 6 a.m. Jan. 12:

Whittier Drive: Wilshire Boulevard to Elevado Ave; Carmelita Ave: Wilshire Boulevard to Walden Drive; Elevado Ave: Wilshire Boulevard to Walden Drive; Trenton Dr: Whittier Drive to Wilshire Boulevard; Walden Drive: Santa Monica Boulevard to Elevado Ave.; Lomitas Ave: Wilshire Boulevard to Walden Drive.

The Golden Globes Hotline will be active on Jan. 11 from 2-8 p.m. at 310-550-4680. 

The post Road Closures Planned for Golden Globe Awards appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I am excited to welcome Chris to his new role,” said Community Services Director Stephanie Harris. “He has successfully managed various divisions over the last year, including the Park Ranger program, Administrative Support, Arts and Culture and most recently the Youth Recreation division. I am confident his leadership will continue to be an asset to the department and our city.”

Paulson joined the city of Beverly Hills in 2021 from the city of Claremont where he served as Assistant City Manager and Community Services Director.  Prior to Claremont, he spent 10 years at the City of Alhambra in various roles.

Paulson will assume his new role on Feb. 7, 2026, allowing for transition with the retirement of current Assistant Director Patty Acuna in March. 

The post Paulson Appointed Assistant Director of Community Services appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The fire was reported by a passerby at 5:46 a.m., Berardinelli said. Firefighters were deployed to the scene and stopped the fire around 6:20 a.m. Porta Via’s roof partially collapsed and experienced significant damage. Adjacent properties also experienced smoke damage, Berardinelli added. The last fire department unit vacated the location at 10 a.m. after ensuring the fire was completely extinguished and any salvageable items were retrieved.

Porta Via is currently closed, and the fire department is investigating the area.

“Early this morning, our Beverly Hills restaurant experienced a fire that resulted in significant damage. We are incredibly grateful that no one was injured and thankful for the quick action of the Beverly Hills Fire Department,” Porta Via owner Peter Garland said in a statement posted on social media.

“Our hearts are very much with our team, our neighbors and the community that has supported us for so many years,” he added. “We will continue to share updates as they become available, but for now we are closed.”

The adjacent Tesoro Beverly Hills / Best Gift Store Ever also experienced “immense damage” from the incident. A social media post by the store’s owner, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Tara Riceberg, stated that firefighters needed to access her store in order to control the blaze.

“It’s toast, despite not burning,” Riceberg wrote in the post. “Today, I’ve been overwhelmed with messages of love, support, offers of help to clean up, restock and GoFundMe.”

Berardinelli commended the passerby for reporting the fire and said that the community support for the affected businesses and the fire department has been overwhelming.

“The fire was called in by somebody walking by and the fact they smelled smoke and went and noticed something and called the fire department, that kept what was a big incident from becoming even bigger,” Berardinelli said.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian thanked the BHFD in an Instagram post.

“My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the fire early this morning at Porta Via, as well as the neighboring businesses affected,” Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian said in a statement posted on social media. “I want to sincerely thank the Beverly Hills Fire Department for their swift action, professionalism and heroism in addressing the incident quickly and safely. We are grateful that no injuries were reported.”

To support the staff of Porta Via, visit the GoFundMe at:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-porta-via-staff-after-christmas-fire?attribution_id=sl%3A76455f31-9132-4350-a544-862c6dc26b2a&lang=en_US&ts=1766886338&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_tb&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link.  

The post Porta Via Restaurant Significantly Damaged by Fire appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I am very pleased to welcome Maribel to the City Clerk’s Office,” said Beverly Hills City Clerk Huma Ahmed.  “In her new role, she will lead the development and implementation of a new Citywide Records Management program along with providing support in City Clerk operations. I am confident her impressive experience in public records processing will be of tremendous benefit to our office and the community.”

Mena most recently served as an Associate Director with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the Privacy, Governmental, Liaison and Disclosure (PGLD) division, where she led national Disclosure and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) programs—the federal counterpart to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). She oversaw a nationwide team responsible for managing the IRS’s official FOIA records program and portal. Her experience also includes transitioning paper-based and electronic archives to fully automated workflows. 

She assumed her new role on Dec. 15. 

The post Mena Assumes Role as Assistant City Clerk appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

It also conditionally approved an architectural review for a façade remodel in an existing parking structure that will be converted into ground floor retail space, and a sign program for tenants who may occupy that space. 

One of the single-family residences approved by the commission will be located at 509 N. Rodeo Drive. According to a staff report, it will replace a demolished structure at the same location. 

The design for the home is described by the applicant as inspired by European architecture. The project will have a symmetrical front façade and material finishes that include smooth light-gray stucco, precast trim, slate roof tile, wrought-iron railings and aluminum-clad wood windows. 

During discussion, commissioners expressed concern about the flatness of the façade and a lack of sufficient landscaping in keeping with design standards for the city. 

“I think you need a lot more large trees in the front than what you’re proposing here,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Daniels. “It is a rather bland, flat, uninteresting façade. I mean, we can’t design it for you, but landscaping would help a lot to offset that blandness of the façade.”

Chair Rebecca Pynoos agreed. 

“Part of our charge, our criteria for what we’re supposed to look at is that the proposed development’s design appropriately minimizes the appearance of scale and mass and enhances the garden-like quality of the city, and appropriately maximizes the use of open spaces within the proposed architectural style,” she said. “And I have to say … we’re still not there yet with elements of this property.” 

Following a discussion that included various design suggestions, the commission approved the request with five conditions addressing the property’s landscaping, façade windows, paving and pediment. 

The second single-family residence reviewed by the commission will be located at 708 Sierra Drive. 

The applicant described the project’s architectural style as “modern farmhouse,” incorporating light-colored stone veneer, cement plaster, wood accents and a standing seam metal roof. The front façade features multiple front-facing gables, black metal windows and a street-facing garage. 

Commissioner Evan Meyer expressed his disappointment over the destruction of the previous home on the lot but also voiced his support for the design of the new home.  

“I always hate it when some of these name architect[ural homes] that were designed really elegantly and understated are being torn down … the good news is, I think what you have proposed is just a really nice departure from what we see so often in our commission,” he said. “We get a lot of these very boxy, rectangular-shaped homes with very little articulation, and I think this is a much more interesting approach.” 

Other commissioners largely agreed with Meyer. Some expressed concerns over certain portions of the front façade as well as the roofline, and the final approval was conditioned with revisions to those elements of the project. 

Finally, the commission approved an architectural review of a façade remodel and sign program at 450 N. Roxbury Drive. 

The site is an existing parking structure. The city’s Planning Commission in November 2024 conditionally approved the conversion of nearly 6,800 square feet of the structure into retail floor area. 

Brian Nelson, a representative for the project, told the commission that the conversion seeks to encourage foot traffic in the area. 

“The impetus is about creating some pedestrian-friendly storefronts along a street that really doesn’t have them at the moment … this side [of the street] in particular is mainly office fronts,” he said. 

Meyer voiced his support for the proposal. 

“Overall, I think this is well-designed, good-looking,” he said. “I think it will be a much better use of space and hopefully help activate that section of the street which, as you mentioned, is very quiet on the retail front. I think this is a positive change of use.”

Daniels asked the applicant “how confident” they are that they can lease a “seven-foot-high retail space.”  

“That’s a very low space,” Daniels said. “As clever as I feel you have been with the design and the concept to turn parking into retail, which I think is excellent, I’m just wondering, have you thought about that?” 

Michael Farahnik, another project representative, acknowledged that leasing might be challenging because of the structure’s height.  

“That’s going to be one of our impediments as far as trying to lease this space,” he said. “So, we’re going to have to lease this space as, Beverly Hills Triangle address that’s not perfect … our position is going to be, build it and they will come. We are the only folks on Roxbury that can revitalize that street.”  

The post Design for Two New Residences Approved in the Flats appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The commission also heard reports from the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD).

The Kindness Week initiative was launched in 2022 to align with the national Random Acts of Kindness Week and “to promote civility, compassion, and community connection through inclusive programming and public engagement.” Kindness Week in Beverly Hills will take place Feb. 8-14, 2026, with each day devoted to acts of kindness or community building.

In a presentation, Joana Torres, the city’s community services manager, outlined the plan for each day of the event. Feb. 8 will serve as a Day of Giving at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market, at which four organizations or entities will be the recipients of donations from the community. 

The West Side Food Bank and Midnight Mission are confirmed as recipients thus far. 

Commissioner Laura Margo also brought up the possibility of providing items for local families in need. 

“I was wondering if we could possibly throw around some ideas about how to help them,” she said. 

The commission discussed the possibility of creating Amazon wish lists that are linked to a QR code, which those who wish to donate could scan on Giving Day. 

On Feb. 9, a Valentine’s Day dance for the Beverly Hills Active Adult Club will take place at the Roxbury Park Community Center. On Feb. 10 and 12, the Boys and Girls Club Kindness Van will visit Beverly Vista Middle School and Beverly Hills High School (BHHS), and Feb. 11 will serve as Walk to School Wednesday. 

Commissioner Noelle Batista suggested including a “kindness public assembly” near the Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park or in Beverly Canon Gardens. 

“[It could be] a ‘honk for kindness’ as people drive by,” she said. “You see so many areas for protesting, and it can be very hostile in that area. So, if it’s just a very positive display, I think that would be nice.” 

The commission also heard from BHPD Executive Officer Lt. Kevin Orth on the city’s most recent crime statistics. Orth reported that crime continues to trend downward but noted that there is often an uptick during the holidays. 

To that end, he offered safety tips for the season. 

“Be aware of your surroundings, set your alarm, make sure your car door is locked,” he said. “If you are shopping, not leaving items inside the car where they are in plain view for people, and if you see something, please say something. Call our non-emergent line, or if necessary, the emergency line, of course. And then just try to keep property such as bags, purses, near you, not unattended, even if it’s for a moment.”  

BHUSD Board Member Amanda Stern gave a presentation showcasing some of the district’s year-end events as well as an update on college acceptances and construction completion at BHHS. 

Noting that the district is seeing “some great four-year college acceptance rates,” she said that those rates are an important metric for how the district ranks with the U.S. News and World Report. 

Stern also reported that the BHHS Grand Lawn is expected to be unveiled at the end of January, the school’s new gym will be ready in approximately one year, and that a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Peters Auditorium is planned for Jan. 28, 2026. 

At the Dec. 18 meeting, Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse reported that the new, integrated Health and Human Relations Commission will meet on the fourth Monday of every month beginning on Jan. 26, 2026. Several commissioners on the Health and Safety Commission will term out within the next year. 

The City Council voted in March to merge the Human Relations and Health and Safety Commissions after finding significant overlap in the work of the two bodies.  

At the end of the meeting, commissioners highlighted and praised the work of city staff, including Torres, Muse, Management Assistant of Community Services Lori Tanner and Project Staff Assistant Christina Garcia. 

The post Human Relations Commission Plans 2026 Kindness Week appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

It also voted to recommend that the City Council adopt a general plan amendment, a zone change to amend the land use map, and land use element, and zoning map and a draft ordinance amending sections of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code to adopt a transit-oriented development alternative plan.

The showroom on North Canon Drive will feature AFEELA electric vehicle models and will allow customers to review model specifications. 

According to the applicant, Sony Honda Mobility of America, Inc., which owns the newly created AFEELA brand, approximately 90% of sales transactions happen online. The showroom, which will have frontage along North Canon Drive and North Santa Monica Boulevard, will be used for appointments, consultations and test drives. 

The showroom will keep up to three display cars and two test-drive cars on-site. The company’s additional inventory is stored in Torrance, according to a staff report.

Customer deliveries will also happen off-site, as will vehicle service, maintenance and repairs. 

Test drives will begin at the showroom’s valet area, and continue in a loop along North Canon Drive, South Santa Monica Boulevard, South Moreno Drive, North Santa Monica Boulevard and back onto North Cañon Drive. 

The project site will provide three dedicated employee parking spaces on-site, with two additional parking spaces reserved for test-driving vehicles.

At the Dec. 11 meeting, J. Thongnop, the senior director of marketing for Sony Honda Mobility of America, Inc., explained that AFEELA is a joint venture between Sony and Honda. 

“AFEELA is meant to bring together two brands that have backgrounds in both intelligence and mobility, but also we’re adding in entertainment as we’d expect from the Sony side of things,” he said. “We’re really excited to be opening up our location in Beverly Hills. We want to consider it our flagship, and we understand the importance of being a good citizen.”

The company also has a pop-up location in Century City. 

The commission spoke favorably of the proposal in its discussion of the request. 

“For me, in terms of land use and in terms of economic viability, this is a desirable tenant with a desirable product and a desirable location,” said Commissioner Gary Ross. 

Commissioner Terri Kaplan thanked the applicant for “playing by the rules.” 

“I’d like to acknowledge the applicant and thank you for … coming to the city for a special event permit as opposed to just showing up and starting to do what you wish to do,” she said. “Thank you. I hope you set an example for others.”

The permit was unanimously approved, with Commissioner Myra Demeter absent from the meeting. 

In its vote to recommend that the City Council adopt a general plan amendment, a zone change to amend the land use map and land use element, and zoning map and a draft ordinance amending sections of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code to adopt a transit-oriented development alternative plan, the commission addressed requirements set forth in California State Senate Bill (SB) 79. 

SB 79, which was signed into law in October and goes into effect in July 2026, increases the allowable density, floor area ratio and height for certain housing development projects located within certain distances from transit-oriented development stops. 

In its report, city staff outlined three possible scenarios for alternative plans that would allow the city to exert some level of local control over the requirements of SB 79. The commission did not agree on which scenario to support; however, it did support the creation of an alternative plan. 

The recommendation passed 3-0. Commissioner Terri Kaplan recused herself from the discussion due to a conflict of interest. 

The proposed plans will now go to City Council for review.  

The post Planning Commission Approves AFEELA Showroom and SB 79 Plans appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The agreement, which will remain in effect through June 2029, includes a 3.5% increase in year one, a 6% increase in year two and 5% increases in both year three and year four. The base pay of employees who have earned a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree will increase by 2.75% and is cumulative if multiple degrees are earned. The amendment also caps the amount of compensated time off officers can accrue and use at no more than 220 hours per year.

The BHPOA includes police officers, trainees and sergeants in the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD). The terms of the contract will be applied retroactively to Nov. 29, the beginning of the pay period following BHPOA member approval.

Councilmember John Mirisch said he voted against the agreement because he does not support collective bargaining agreements due to California’s public pension system. He also thanked the BHPD for its work in keeping the city safe and fostering a positive relationship between residents and police personnel.

The agreement follows contentious negotiations since the BHPOA’s MOU expired on June 30. The union accused the city of failing to compensate members at a rate on par with nearby departments. In several messages to registered voters, BHPOA President Christian Bond said that the city was losing officers and a level of safety to other cities. At an Aug. 5 City Council meeting, Hunt-Coffey refuted several of Bond’s claims. 

In June, the BHPOA also issued a vote of no confidence in Chief Mark Stainbrook, followed by sending a cease-and-desist letter in July, alleging that Stainbrook engaged in retaliatory behavior against Bond.

Peter Brown, who represented the BHPOA in negotiations, said that the agreed MOU offered police personnel some of the highest wages among competing agencies.

“We used a total compensation survey to evaluate a marketplace, and the marketplace is pretty much the surrounding agencies,” he said. “Beverly Hills is fairly high up on that survey. … While I can’t guarantee that you will be number one in this survey throughout the entire four years because I don’t know what all the agencies are going to do, you’re going to be pretty close to that throughout the term of this survey.”

Brown added that the timing of the four-year agreement is key as it will carry the department until after the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, both of which take place in Los Angeles. Bond thanked the Council for the agreement.

“On behalf of myself and the entire Beverly Hills Police Officers’ Association, I want to say how genuinely appreciative we are for your commitment to listening, collaborating and working toward an agreement that reflects both the needs of our officers and the values of this incredible city,” he said.

Mayor Sharona Nazarian, along with every member of the City Council, thanked the BHPOA and the BHPD for their work in helping the city.

“This agreement was a long time coming. It required patience, persistence and good faith negotiations on all sides, and I’m pleased that we were able to reach a conclusion that was fair, responsible and one that our officers feel great about,” she said. “Safety and security of our residents and visitors is our number one priority and we also appreciate our police department immensely. They serve with professionalism, integrity and dedication, and this agreement reflects our appreciation for their service and our investment in a strong and respected police department.”

In other business, the Council approved an amendment to the architectural agreement for the planned Oct. 7 memorial with Broskin LLC for design services for a total not to exceed $216,100. The project is expected to cost a total of $1.5 million with $500,000 funded from the city and the rest from private donations. The city has so far received $28,087.18 in donations for the project. 

The post City Council Approves MOU with Police Union appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Residents have long expressed concerns about the new station. Wilshire/La Cienega will temporarily be an end-of-line location, meaning that there are no stops past it. That designation can result in more riders disembarking into the surrounding area. 

The station will remain an end-of-line location until Phase 2 of the Metro’s D Line extension is complete, which is currently projected for the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027. 

“The good news is this is going to be a temporary issue, but … there are always going to be new people who come [off the Metro and into the city],” said Councilmember John Mirisch. “So, I think we just have to manage it as best we can.” 

The city has poured considerable resources and time into ensuring the safety of the area when the Metro station opens. 

The station will have an above-ground public safety kiosk that, according to the same representative from the city, will be staffed by Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Community Service Officers (CSOs). 

The council approved six CSO positions in its 2025-26 budget. According to the same representative, the city is in the final stages of hiring for those positions and plans to have the officers trained and available when the station opens. The kiosk will not be complete at that time, but a temporary structure will be erected. 

The council also approved eight additional sworn BHPD positions to patrol the neighborhood around Wilshire/La Cienega. The same city representative did not make clear whether those positions have been filled, but said that they are “part of the overall department staffing and the city is continuously recruiting and hiring,” and that BHPD is “prepared to deploy the necessary officers to support the community and area surrounding the station.”

Metro will provide two sworn police officers and one sergeant on duty 24/7, and at least one fare enforcement official.  

Additionally, Metro is in the process of developing its own police department that will serve the entire Metro system, including Beverly Hills. 

The creation of that department is expected to take several more years. In the interim, the city is negotiating with the Los Angeles Police Department to provide officers below ground. Those officers are on track to be in place for the station opening. 

At its Dec. 16 meeting, the council focused its discussion largely on how to provide services to Metro passengers who may need help, including people experiencing homelessness, and ways to communicate with local businesses that may be affected by the station and the increased foot traffic it will generate. 

Beverly Hills’ existing structure for providing services to people experiencing homelessness is a collaboration between multiple partners including the Beverly Hills Fire Department, BHPD, the Beverly Hills Outreach Team, contracted security and a Department of Mental Health clinician.

“Beverly Hills is already ahead of many jurisdictions with end-of-line stations due to our established Beverly Hills Homeless Collaboration Team and the city’s consistent One City, One Team approach,” a staff report notes. 

City staff also discussed at length how outreach and communication with businesses and residents in the neighborhood of the station will be conducted. 

Enisha Clark, the city’s Human Services Administrator, said at the meeting that feedback from those living and working in close proximity to the station will be collected regularly. Since safety data is already gathered on a routine basis, the city will be able to easily track and compare the impact of the station in terms of individuals exiting the Metro who may pose safety concerns. 

“We already know what our city looks like currently … so we have a baseline,” she said. “We’re not working from scratch. So, as we are seeing numbers increase, or influx, we have that data to go back and say, ‘This is what we’re seeing in our city.’ We can attribute it to [the new station] and really ask for that backup support.”

Clark added that businesses and residents will be encouraged to use the city’s 24/7 hotline, 310-285-2468, for reporting non-emergency issues involving people experiencing homelessness, and that a letter will be sent to businesses along the Wilshire Corridor, in the Business Triangle and along South Beverly Drive with information about how to contact the city if help is needed. 

Members of the City Council expressed their satisfaction with the work being done by the Human Services Department. 

“While we support increased mobility and access, we must also ensure the safety of our residents living nearby these stations, the safety of our community, our businesses, the safety and dignity of visitors and individuals experiencing crisis,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “So, I think this is balanced, it is compassionate, and most importantly, it reflects leadership that values safety, a proactive approach, having people get the care that they need with empathy, dignity and preparedness.”  

The post ‘We’re Prepared’: City Council Discusses Metro Safety at Study Session appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“It’s wonderful to see so many from the community with us here tonight for this special moment in this difficult time in the world,” Deputy City Manager Keith Sterling said in his opening speech. “We’re here to celebrate together as Beverly Hills always does. We’re a resilient community.”

Hundreds of community members, families and visitors gathered as the sun set over Beverly Gardens Park. The night was illuminated by the shining lights of the Menorah and decorations set up throughout the park to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Mayor Sharona Nazarian began her speech by denouncing the antisemitic terror attack on Dec. 14 that took place at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Australia, and claimed the lives of 15 people. 

The city lowered its flag to half-staff on Dec. 15 and increased security around houses of worship and public events in the wake of the attack and a shooting at Brown University. Nazarian thanked the Beverly Hills community for standing in unity.

“Just yesterday on what marked the first day of Hanukkah and the celebrations we saw in Australia, once again, the world saw the horrors of terrorism fueled by antisemitism. Our thoughts and prayers are with those victims,” she said. “Hanukkah can teach us that light can endure even the most overwhelming odds of hatred and darkness. When the Maccabees were attacked, a small amount of oil burned for 8 days, a miracle. Today, we are witnessing miracles, and we can see them if we are willing to open our eyes and our hearts. Being able to stand here freely together as a united community celebrating faith and tradition without fear, that’s a miracle.”

Nazarian also stressed the importance of coming together during difficult times.

“In Beverly Hills, unity is not just a word, it’s a choice we make again and again,” Nazarian said. “In Beverly Hills, we will always stand up to hatred, discrimination and antisemitism because never again is exactly right now. Tonight, as we light the menorah, let us also light something within ourselves: hope, compassion and a quiet confidence that even in a most complicated world, even in a world that can feel cold, unsympathetic and even divided, light will win.”

The Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy children’s choir then performed a celebratory rendition of “I Have a Little Dreidel” to raucous applause from the gathered crowd. Nazarian was then joined by the Beverly Hills City Council and Rabbi Cantor Arik Wollheim of Beth Jacob Congregation for the official lighting. Members of the Beverly Hills Police Department, Beverly Hills Unified School District, city staff and hundreds of community members were also in attendance for the lighting.

Wollheim then lit a candle and with the help of Mayor Nazarian, kept the candle burning as he sang the Hanukkah blessings. The children’s choir came back onto the stage. With the help of the entire City Council, the gathered crowd raised their voices together as the menorah was illuminated. 

The post Menorah Gives Light to Beverly Hills for Hanukkah appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Pioneer Hardware, the century-old business that has been in a city-owned building at 333 N. Crescent Drive since 1983, was notified that a 10% rent increase will take effect in 2027, owner Jeff Tilem told the Courier. The rent, which is currently $7,271.08 per month, would increase by $741.12 starting in 2027 and then increase by 3% each year thereafter under the new five-year proposal. The proposal is more than any previous rental increase, and Tilem said it would force the store to close at the end of 2026.

“This is a city resource for the people that live here,” said Tilem. “When it rains, and water is coming in your house and you need [materials], you don’t want to go online and wait for it to be delivered. You want to go get it and have it. Or you’re 75 years old and something’s not working, and you want it to be fixed. You bring it to us, and we fix it. That can’t be replicated.”

Bonnie Fleming, who has shopped at the store for years out of convenience, said the store fulfills a variety of needs for her. If she needs a flashlight after an earthquake, or help assembling toys for her grandkids, or a new cutting board for Thanksgiving and does not want to drive far, Fleming goes to Pioneer Hardware.

“I go in there for anything,” she said. “My daughter, she said, ‘I’ve got to go over to Mercedes to get my round battery for my key.’ And I said, ‘Go over to Pioneer Hardware. Ask for Ryan. You will get your little battery; he will put it in your key, and it’s done.’”

Roberta Magid, who has shopped at Pioneer Hardware since 1968, said the store’s handymen services have been essential for her.

“I have a problem, and they have handymen here—all terrific, really nice,” she said. “I was worried about coyotes, because I live in the hills, so I called up, and they sent somebody and put a gate up. It feels like a little small community again. This is the only store where you feel that way.”

Magid said that Pioneer Hardware is one of the last small, neighborhood-oriented businesses in the city.

“It’s like a small town on this one block, and they’re taking it away,” she said. “They want to take away something that means so much to so many people. For what, a few dollars?”

In addition to the rent increase, Tilem told the Courier that his business has suffered since August, when the city installed a Throne Lab portable bathroom in the adjacent parking structure. Not only has that brought the smell of human waste, but the toilets frequently leak, causing customers to say they will not return while the bathroom is there. Tilem said that the city has also failed to fix stock room walls in the back of his store that continuously leak, and damage merchandise every time it rains.

In a written response to Tilem’s concerns, the city took the position that the rental increase is reasonable. It noted that Pioneer Hardware currently pays less rent per month than it did in 1988, and the increase will “still be well below today’s fair-market value.” The increase will bring their rent to a price-per-square-foot basis of an amount similar to the next-door Beverly Hills Market, approximately $1.90 per square foot, said Lauren Santillana, public information manager of the city of Beverly Hills.

“Today, Pioneer Hardware pays less rent than they did 37 years ago,” Santillana said. “The city has regularly held rent flat and reduced rent several times over their 42 years. All things considered, the city’s proposed increase is modest, and Pioneer has until 2027 to plan for it.”

Santillana also said that the Throne Lab bathroom has decreased incidents of homeless people relieving themselves in a nearby stairwell, and the city plans to further extend ventilation following customer and tenant complaints. The city is also considering more extensive repairs for the store’s stock room walls, Santillana added.

She added, “The city and the community value having a locally owned hardware store that might not be possible at current market rents.” 

The post Pioneer Hardware Signals Proposed Rent Increases Could Force Closure appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The Courier observed the operation first-hand, during an exclusive ride-along.

“We get tons of complaints: speeding, illegal U-turns, running stop signs, racing vehicles, all that kind of stuff,” BHPD Chief Mark Stainbrook told the Courier. “We want to send a message, at least on the West Side, that we’re not going to tolerate this kind of driving and behavior with these racing vehicles.”

Beverly Hills City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey personally thanked the officers from participating agencies for taking part in the operation. Those officers spread out around the city, stopping drivers for running red lights, clogging intersections and distracted driving. In total, 31 citations were issued for using a cellphone while driving, 12 for running a red light, seven for illegal u-turns, one for loud exhaust and others for impeding, making an unsafe left turn, having an expired registration and others.

“Anytime we do enforcement, we also talk about education,” Executive Officer Lt. Kevin Orth told the Courier. “So, when we bring other officers from other agencies, it just helps us to put out a bigger presence. If you’re driving down the street and see police stop people, most people check their speed, do that kind of thing. And the long-term goal is safety, of course, because accidents occur when people run stop signs, red lights or are speeding.”

To prevent excessive engine noise, a persistent problem in the city, Orth said the police department is obtaining decibel meters to measure when cars exceed set levels.

“We get quite a few complaints from people about loud cars, motorcycles, racing and exhaust,” he said. “So, if we know there’s a problem in a certain area at a certain time, we’ll put an officer there, like what we’re doing over here in the business district. And then once we have the decibel meter, then we can show that there’s a violation.”

Orth added that the biggest problem he encounters with drivers is distracted driving and community members can protect themselves and others by putting their phone down and not driving aggressively if they are in a rush.

“When you’re in a rush, like you’re running late, or you’re distracted is when a lot of violations start to occur,” he said. “In those moments, you’re trying to get there, you’re trying to beat the light, or you’re trying to make this call, you come around the corner and then there’s a stop sign. Or maybe you’re unfamiliar with the area, you’re coming in for an important meeting, you’re already running late, you’re parking and the next thing you know, you’re in an accident. “So, I would say if you can limit being in a distracted space, the more, the better.”

BHPD Lt. Eugene Kim, the bureau commander of traffic, told the Courier the operation was a success in utilizing all the city’s resources to prevent traffic violations and keep residents safe.

“Overall, it looks like it’s been a very successful event,” Kim said. “It really shows the partnership with not just the community, but also all our allied agencies working on this together. We also brought together multiple divisions and bureaus within our police department, so our Real-Time Watch Center is providing overwatch and safety. We have our own dedicated dispatching system, so we’re really putting it all out for traffic enforcement.” 

The post BHPD Takes Extra Steps to Ensure Traffic Safety on Eve of the Holidays appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

As part of that discussion, it also considered changes to the medical taxation structure, which will be incorporated into a city-wide business tax modernization study being conducted by the city’s Finance Department.

The council’s discussion served as an annual update and the requisite three-year review of an ordinance adopted in 2022 that revised the city’s medical use regulations to allow the conversion of existing commercial space to certain medical uses, prohibited so-called “specialty clinics” and prohibited medical uses on the ground floor of commercial buildings.

Councilmembers were charged with ensuring that an increase in converting commercial spaces to medical use spaces hasn’t created unforeseen problems to commercial or residential properties and uses. 

The ordinance adopted by the City Council in 2022 served as a continuation of an urgency ordinance adopted in November 2020 that offered flexibility for commercially zoned properties during the COVID-19 pandemic, when commercial spaces were being vacated. 

Since the adoption of the ordinance in 2022 to October of this year, 88 permits have been issued for the conversion of commercial space to new medical uses. 

Of those, 17 were issued between January and October, including a nail spa that was converted into a medical spa, a general office space converted into an ambulatory surgical site and several office spaces converted to dental offices. 

In 2024, 13 permits were issued; 25 were issued in 2023; and between 2020 and 2022, 33 were issued. 

At the Dec. 9 meeting, Chloe Chen, the city’s principal planner, said that brokers and other interested parties have expressed “a high level of interest in allowing medical uses on the ground floor,” which could have positive impacts for the city because it would help fill existing vacancies. 

Susie Herrera, a representative for Cedars-Sinai, spoke in favor of expanding medical use during the public comment period. 

“Cedars-Sinai has a long history of serving Beverly Hills, and we are proud to provide world-class care to these residents,” she said. “Today, the need for care in the community is growing faster than our ability to meet it within the city’s current land use framework. Pediatric primary care appointments now average a three-week wait, and geriatric care often exceeds one month. With an aging population and rising demand for accessible, high-quality care, these pressures will only continue to increase. For this reason, we’re seeking to expand our services and footprint in Beverly Hills.”

During a discussion about the possibility of allowing medical uses on the ground floor of buildings, some councilmembers cited the negative impact on foot traffic in areas that are considered highly walkable. 

“For me, it’s almost a non-starter in terms of the high pedestrian areas,” said Councilmember Lester Friedman. “I just can’t see there being medical use in those areas. I think it would really impact significantly the pedestrian areas.”

Mayor Sharona Nazarian expressed a similar concern. 

“I feel that this is a challenging predicament, because on one hand, we want to support businesses and we have space that is vacant, and on the other hand, we don’t want to saturate our ground-level spaces with primarily medical spaces, especially in areas we want to promote the walkability,” she said.  

All members of the council said that they would like to see the results of the business tax modernization study before making any further decisions. 

“I support the study, so that we see what is in the best interest of the city and the residents, and bringing in revenue for the city, but also preserving the quality of life that we want to ensure in the future,” said Nazarian. 

In other news, the council adopted a resolution to approve an updated Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, which is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to a staff report, the goal of the plan is to “promote sound public policy designed to protect citizens, critical facilities, infrastructure, private and public property and the environment from natural and manmade hazards.”

The updated version of the plan reflects the city’s experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased risk for power outages due to severe weather events and the most current data on wildfire risk. 

Additionally, the council awarded a contract for more than $7.7 million to Palp Inc. (doing business as Excel Paving Company) for resurfacing Wilshire Boulevard between South Santa Monica Boulevard and Stanley Drive, San Vicente Boulevard between Clifton Way and Wilshire Boulevard, and other local streets to restore areas that have been impacted by Metro’s D Line Extension.    

The post City Council Considers Changes to Medical Uses in Commercial Spaces appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse gave an update on the pickleball court renovations at La Cienega Tennis Center and Roxbury Park. Muse said that the resurfacing of the courts at both La Cienega and Roxbury has been completed and that new wind screens have also been installed. The resurfacing included 12 new pickleball courts at La Cienega and four new courts at Roxbury Park. Muse added that the last part of the Pickleball Pilot Program is the rollout of the “Playbypoint” app that will aid in scheduling the different courts and be implemented in January.

Commissioner Tara Riceberg expressed concern over possible injuries that could occur due to the narrow spacing between each court, since they were drawn according to Pickleball USA’s recommended guidelines. She recommended staff communicate to players to take extra caution. 

City staff is currently deciding on a contractor for the La Cienega Park Playground Improvements Project and will update the commission once a selection is made, said Recreation Services Manager Adrine Ovasapyan. The Beverly Hills City Council approved the playground redesign in September, which will feature a natural environment theme with topographic changes, vibrant colors, a rubber pour-in-place safety surface, new trees, benches, fencing and an ADA travel path also serving as an imaginary stream.

Ovasapyan also updated the commission on large park signage. Staff has conducted a full inventory of all signage in city parks to determine the best ways to update signage to be as effective as possible. Staff will return with a thorough plan on the best ways to update signage, she added.

Chair Deborah Termeie emphasized the importance of park signage after witnessing a dog owner violate park rules at Roxbury Park by walking her dog unleashed. Muse said that unleashed dog walking has been an ongoing problem due to owners walking their dogs unleashed before park rangers arrive at 7 a.m. Staff is currently working on solutions, Muse added, which include having park rangers track repeat offenders and also by increasing the visibility of the dog park, where off-leash walking is permitted. Riceberg also suggested the possibility of implementing enclosed batting cages where dogs could run around unleashed safely. Termeie added that owners should be aware of coyotes in the area near Roxbury Park.

Riceberg also commended staff on working with residents to allow the use of personal grills to cook food at parks if they have dietary or religious restrictions and want to avoid the public grills. At Roxbury Park, visitors can call the community center to arrange to use their own grills, which staff evaluates on a case-by-case basis.

Muse also updated the community on the status of digital displays at Roxbury Park and La Cienega Community Centers, which show flyers, slideshows and event photos, and are updated monthly to promote programs and activities to reduce printed materials. Muse said that a digital display was placed in the Roxbury Park Community Center lobby, but he is considering a new location for the display after community members expressed a desire for the display to be more visible to passersby. The La Cienega Community Center digital display was placed in a location in the lobby that is visible from outside the building, he added. 

The post Commission Discusses Park Improvement Updates appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The station is part of Section 1 of Metro’s D Line Extension, which also includes new stations at Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea  Avenue, and Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. 

The extension will also include a new station at Beverly Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, which is part of the project’s Section 2 and is expected to open for operations in the spring of 2027. 

The construction update, which was given at Metro’s Oct. 15 board meeting, included details about completed work on the D Line Extension and next steps for the project. According to Metro’s Senior Executive Officer Jim Cohen, who delivered the presentation, work on Section 1 is 98% complete. 

“We will continue systems integration testing … and achieve a substantial completion in January of ’26 with the target of revenue service in the winter of ’26,” he said. 

Calling the project “very technically complex,” Cohen said that during construction on the Wilshire/La Cienega station, workers at one point encountered more groundwater than anticipated, necessitating the installation of French drains to dry out the bottom and the invert of the station. 

At the Oct. 15 meeting, Metro’s board approved an increase of $4 million that will go toward the remaining street restoration in Beverly Hills. Metro will coordinate with its contractor and the city to complete all work in the public right-of-way. That work includes engineering reviews, construction coordination, inspections and the administrative efforts. 

In addition to street restoration, the work that remains to be done on Section 1 includes final systems and safety testing, inspections, preparing for service and other finishing touches, according to a Metro representative. 

“These final steps are taken to ensure the stations, tunnels, trains and support systems all operate safely and reliably before opening,” the representative told the Courier in an email.  

Throughout the month of December, Metro will collaborate with first responders to perform live-emergency drills at the Wilshire/La Cienega station that are also necessary to complete prior to opening the station for public use. Incorporating emergency response vehicles and equipment, the drills will include the simulation of an active shooter, train fire and other rescue and response scenarios. 

“These simulation drills will allow First Responders to train in the new subway station to respond in the event of an emergency,” said the Metro representative.   

During his presentation, Cohen said that workers are already preparing for the drills. 

“Right now, they are reviewing each one of the stations, making sure it’s ready for the drills, and getting ready to put in the final details,” he said.  

The D Line Subway Extension is being completed in three sections. Sections 1 and 2, which include the Wilshire/La Cienega station and the Beverly Drive station are primarily funded through Measure R, which voters approved in 2008, and a pair of federal grants. 

When complete, the extension will span nine miles, beginning at the existing Wilshire/Western station and ending at the yet-to-be-completed Westwood/VA Hospital station. 

Construction began on Section 1 in 2014 and on Section 2 in 2018. 

The city of Beverly Hills has devoted considerable time and resources to ensuring the safety of the Wilshire/La Cienega station. The station will have a public safety kiosk staffed by community service officers who will have the authority to patrol the area and write reports. 

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian has spoken publicly about the city’s efforts to recruit more police officers to patrol the area, and the city is developing partnerships with nearby agencies for additional security.  

Tim Lindholm, Metro’s chief program management officer, said at the Oct. 15 meeting that Metro is not able to offer a definitive opening date yet because so much testing remains to be done. 

“We just hit a pretty good milestone down there in the tunnels,” he said. “We hit about 50% of our SCADA testing … soon, when we feel a little more comfortable about how we’re doing with our testing, we will be able to declare a date.”  

The post Wilshire and La Cienega Metro Station to Open First Quarter of New Year appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Stuart filed his complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court on Aug. 7 for injuries he sustained while attending the Rodeo Nights, Holiday Lights event in November 2024. At that time, he was hit at the intersection of Camden Drive and Wilshire Boulevard by a car driven by carjacking suspect James Portul. 

Portul drove over a curb and struck Stuart, along with several other people. 

Stuart, who was purchasing a balloon for his daughter at the time he was hit, was rendered unconscious. He was taken to the hospital in an ambulance and suffered a broken arm and ribs, among other injuries. 

Stuart’s complaint alleges a dangerous condition of public property. It seeks damages from the city including medical expenses, damaged and destroyed property and more.

The city filed an answer on Oct. 9 denying the allegations and setting forth several affirmative defenses. It is seeking the repayment of attorneys’ fees and costs related to the lawsuit.

The city also filed a cross-complaint against Portul, who was detained near the accident and later pleaded guilty to carjacking and hit-and-run with injury. 

Alleging that Portul was “responsible, in whole or in part, for the injuries, if any, suffered by plaintiff,” the city claims that Portul should be required to pay a share of the judgment and reimburse the city for any payments it makes that exceed its share of negligence. 

In response to a request for comment, the city referred the Courier to a statement provided in August in which City Attorney Laurence Weiner called Stuart’s accident “unfortunate,” but also said that the allegations in his complaint are “unreasonable” and that the city will “defend the case vigorously.”

Barry Novack, the attorney representing Stuart, told the Courier that he has served the city with discovery, and that the city requested an extension to the 30-day response period. 

“We are waiting to get that discovery response back to see what their position is,” he said.

Among the documentation Novack is requesting are photographs and videotapes depicting the incident, including footage from drones and law enforcement body cameras; documents relating to the planning and organizing of the event; and evaluations and analysis of whether K-rails at the location of the collision would have prevented or minimized Stuart’s injuries. 

“Once we get that discovery, it will give us two pieces of information,” Novack said. “It will let us know who are the persons most knowledgeable in terms of setting up the planning for the pedestrian safety for the event, and we will be able to see what standards they used, what was their criteria, why they had K-rails sitting around on the sidewalk doing nothing when they could have been used to protect pedestrians.”

Calling a vehicle jumping the curb a “reasonably foreseeab[le] event,” Stuart’s initial complaint alleges that K-rails and other barriers were put up near Camden Drive and Wilshire Boulevard and could have been used where the collision occurred as well. 

“These barriers could have been placed in the street at that location to alert drivers that the roadway was closed to through traffic, or on the edge of the sidewalk to protect pedestrians,” the lawsuit states. 

Novack also suggested that more K-rails were set up at this year’s holiday lights festival as a result of Stuart’s lawsuit. 

“What we’ve been arguing is their lack of proper pedestrian barrier protection, and if you go look … at a lot of the corners, they have either K-rails set up or they have these meridian protection barriers,” he said. “So, I think this lawsuit has accomplished one positive thing so far.”  

The post Discovery Underway in Stuart Lawsuit Against the City appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

On Nov. 17, an attorney representing the project’s developer filed an appeal with the City Council over the commission’s decision. Three days later, on Nov. 20, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) sent a Notice of Potential Violation (NOPV) to the city regarding the commission’s vote. 

In his appeal letter to the city, attorney Dave Rand argued that the commission’s decision was illegal. 

“The Commission broke the law,” the letter states. “The City Council must correct this.”

In its NOPV, HCD concluded that “City Council should be mindful of the specific requirements for making findings of denial … [i]f the City Council is unable to make such findings, HCD urges the City Council to approve the Project.”

A preliminary application for the proposed project was submitted by developer Crescent Heights in December 2023. Following revisions, the final proposal called for a 26-story residential building with 200 units, including 22 affordable units. 

The project utilizes Builder’s Remedy, the state law that permits developers to circumvent certain local development codes in exchange for providing affordable housing units.

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Planning Commission voted 4-1 to instruct city staff to draft language denying a request for a development plan review and density bonus permit for the project. That language was revisited at the commission’s Nov. 5 meeting, at which time the commission voted 3-2 to adopt the proposed denial resolution.  

Members of the commission who voted to deny the project cited an array of reasons. Commissioner Gary Ross alleged that the applicant “played games with what is and isn’t feasible,” alluding to a provision in state law that prevents city officials from imposing conditions on Builder’s Remedy projects that would render them infeasible. 

Commissioner Myra Demeter called the negotiation process with the developer “disturbing,” and ultimately concluded that the project “is not really going to work for me,” adding that she does not mind if it is appealed to City Council. 

Vice Chair Lou Milkowski said he believes that the project will have a negative impact on health and safety because it is not aligned with the city’s general plan. He then called the development “a mammoth monstrosity.” 

In his 13-page, strongly worded appeal to city officials, Rand outlined the reasons for his allegation that the denial of the project was unlawful. 

A large portion of the letter deconstructs Commissioners Ross, Demeter and Milkowski’s verbally stated reasons for denial, again calling them “illegal.” 

“[T]he three Planning Commissioners who voted to deny the Project did not state any valid bases for denying the Project during their verbal deliberations … the Commission went on a fishing expedition looking for any possible basis to reject the Project,” the letter states. “Ultimately the denial was devoid of any legitimate legal or evidentiary basis and therefore must be overturned.” 

In its Nov. 20 NOPV, HCD primarily addressed the reasons given by the commission for its Oct. 21 decision. Those reasons included allegations that affordable units were not adequately dispersed throughout the building and that the project posed health and safety risks. 

HCD wrote that neither of those reasons appears to be valid. 

State law stipulates that affordable housing units must be dispersed across more than one floor, which they are in the project proposed by Crescent Heights. 

“HCD reinforces to the City Council that dispersal of affordable units as proposed by the applicant should not be identified as a reason for denial,” the NOPV states.

With regard to concerns about health and safety risks, cities may only deny Builder’s Remedy projects on those grounds if they make written findings, supported by overwhelming evidence, that demonstrate a specific, adverse impact on public health and the impossibility of mitigating or avoiding that impact. 

Members of the commission expressed concern that public health would be impacted by traffic near the development and by the height of the building, which they worried would not allow for emergency access. 

Based on its review of a transportation assessment prepared for the Burton Way project, HCD stated in its letter that “there is no ‘significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact’ related to traffic” and that the department is “not aware of any evidence in the record that would suggest that emergency access to all floors of the building would be an issue.”

HCD also pointed out that city staff came to the same conclusion in their Oct. 21 report. 

The NOPV was the third communication from the state regarding the city’s handling of the proposed project at 8844 Burton Way. A Notice of Violation was issued by HCD on Dec. 2, 2024, and a Letter of Technical Assistance was sent on Oct. 28. 

The developer’s request for a development plan review and density bonus permit will now go before the City Council. According to a representative from the city, no date has been set yet; however city officials believe it is likely to be heard in February. 

In a statement to the Courier, Rand said that the city will face “substantial penalties if it fails to reverse the Planning Commission’s decision and approve this Project.”

“We are hopeful the appeal hearing is promptly scheduled and that the City Council follows clear direction from the state to approve the project,” he said. 

The post City Receives Notice of Potential Violation for Denial of Burton Way Project appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Twenty-five mayors from 15 different countries attended the conference, titled “AI: Empowering the Cities of Tomorrow,” which explored how local leaders can use artificial intelligence to address the challenges of city management. Mayors from cities in England, Uganda and other countries in Europe, Africa and Central America attended. Nazarian also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, senior party leaders and several Israeli mayors to better understand the country’s municipal priorities.

“Visiting Israel’s innovation hubs was eye-opening,” Nazarian said. “I saw practical solutions to issues that every city faces, such as easing traffic, improving emergency response and making services more accessible. I also met companies working on new approaches to mental health support, which is an area close to my heart. We heard from the next generation, teenage youth from various religious backgrounds who pitched AI programs and ideas to improve quality of life.” 

Nazarian said she studied the best practices of Israeli security and public safety at the conference in an effort to implement new ideas in Beverly Hills.

“One highlight was visiting the Jerusalem police department, where we compared notes on their citywide safety center and our own Real Time Watch Center,” she said. “Even though the systems have different names, the mission is the same: keep communities safe, stay prepared and make sure residents feel protected. I was proud to share some of the initiatives I have launched during my mayoral term, such as AI Blue Scribe, BH FireWatch, and BHPD Live Link.”

As a result of the conference and continued collaboration with the Beverly Hills Police and Fire departments, Nazarian said that Beverly Hills residents can expect more initiatives centered on public safety and mental health recovery.

“Before leaving for Israel, I met with our fire department to learn about tools that can support first responders dealing with [post-traumatic stress disorder],” she said. “That kind of innovation strengthens the well-being of the people who protect us. … Residents can expect continued improvements in areas like public safety, traffic and mobility, and customer service. The goal is never technology for its own sake. It is about using the right tools to make life easier, safer and more connected for everyone in our city.”

Nazarian added that one of the most compelling aspects of the conference was witnessing how “Israelis turn life occurrences, war and challenges into opportunities.”

“Their innovation grows out of necessity, but it is guided by optimism and determination,” she said. “I saw communities working together to strengthen safety, improve daily life and support one another. It strengthened my belief that when leadership puts people first, meaningful solutions follow. That spirit reflects how we approach our work in Beverly Hills, where we can use AI and technology as a force multiplier toward unity and toward a forward-thinking approach towards every step we take.”

Nazarian said that Israel’s programs can serve as a blueprint for implementing AI in a wide range of public safety programs.

“I’m bringing back an optimistic sense of purpose, solutions and ideas that can strengthen our work here at home. I have always been a strong supporter of utilizing AI and technology. It is the path to the future,” she said. “Israel’s example shows how resilience and creativity can drive meaningful progress. For Beverly Hills, that means exploring programs and technologies that enhance quality of life, improve safety and support mental health. Our city has always been a leader. This trip reinforced that we can continue to partner and lead while staying rooted in unity, compassion and a deep commitment to serving our entire community.”

Beyond exploring the best technology for public safety, Nazarian also said she was deeply moved by being able to visit holy sites throughout Israel.

“Standing at the Kotel, walking through the Al-Aqsa Mosque area and visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was deeply moving,” she said. “These sites remind us of our deep shared history and our shared humanity. It was a powerful reminder that even with our differences, we are all connected, and that unity is always our goal and well worth pursuing.” 

The post Nazarian Attends American Jewish Congress Conference in Israel appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The district must pay $9.6 million to Siegman, per the jury’s Nov. 26 decision. 

Speaking to the Courier, attorney Stephen Weisskopf, who represented Siegman, expressed his contentment. 

“We are very happy with the jury, we are very happy with what they did,” he said. “We are happy for Laurie more than anything else.” 

In the suit, Siegman alleged that Hank “Henry” Friedman sexually abused her from 1978 to 1981. She also alleged that district officials knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take action to protect her and other students. 

Siegman’s complaint, which was filed in 2020, took advantage of a California law which granted an extension of the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits alleging childhood sexual abuse. 

The first trial in the case took place in March 2024. It resulted in a hung jury on the issue of whether school officials knew or should have known about the abuse.

A second trial began in October and resulted in the current verdict. The jury unanimously concluded that administrators or supervisory employees were negligent, and that several district employees knew or should have known about the abuse. 

The jury also unanimously concluded that the negligent supervision of Friedman was a substantial factor in harming Siegman.

Friedman must also pay Siegman $6.4 million.

In a statement, Siegman expressed her relief and gratitude. 

“I am profoundly grateful to the victims and witnesses who had the courage to share their stories during my trial,” said Siegman in a statement. “After all these years, having the truth acknowledged means more than I can express. I am also thankful for the incredible legal team that stood by me and fought tirelessly on my behalf.”

BHUSD provided the following statement to the Courier: 

“This case involves allegations dating back more than 45 years. District counsel is reviewing all legal options, including a potential appeal. Importantly, our Superintendent, with the support of the Board, located insurance policies from the 1970s that previous administrations were unable to find. As a result, the Beverly Hills community will likely not bear the financial impact of this matter. While we respect the legal process and all parties involved, our focus remains on moving forward and continuing to create safe, supportive learning environments for every student.” 

The post Former Student Wins $9.6 Million Verdict Against BHUSD appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Moreno has served as Acting Captain of the Field Services Bureau since May 2025. He has also held additional key roles, including Patrol Officer, Crime Suppression Officer, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Internal Affairs Supervisor, and, most recently, Traffic Bureau Commander. 

“Captain Moreno is a valuable member of the Beverly Hills Police Department and brings 29 years of dedicated law enforcement experience. We are pleased to have him in this permanent leadership position and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to have on our officers and the Beverly Hills community,” said Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. 

The post Moreno Promoted to Rank of BHPD Captain appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Chief Barton explains that there are three common occurrences for fire department calls that increase during the holiday season: kitchen fires, candles, and overloaded electrical systems. 

“If somebody’s cooking a big meal and they’re tired, they might go sit down and maybe have a sip of wine, and then forget they’ve left something cooking on the stove, which overflows or hot grease catches fire,” explained Barton. “Never leave a stove unattended and share the cooking responsibilities, so someone is always watching.” Barton also cautions residents on the use of deep fryers for frying turkeys. “If you don’t do it right it can cause a huge flash and a big fire. If you’re in a brush area, you want to make sure that your fryer (or barbecue) is away from the brush because you don’t want something to catch the brush on fire. You just need to be extremely careful.”

“Everybody likes to have candles lit during the holidays, and candles are great. However, people will often light them and leave them to burn down unattended, potentially catching something on fire, which leads to a house fire,” said Barton. “Don’t leave them lit in rooms that are unattended, and make sure they are all blown out before going to bed.”

Elaborating on electrical fire concerns, Barton explained, “Something we see more of during the holidays is overloaded electrical systems where people want a whole lot of lights up, and they just plug in extension cord to extension cord or circuit breaker to circuit breaker.  They overload the system, and it shorts out and causes a fire. Make sure extension cords are UL listed and not an imitation. If it is UL listed with a surge protector, it is designed to trip if overloaded. If it’s not UL listed, the surge protector could fail, cause a short, and lead to a fire.” 

When asked about the potential for Christmas trees catching fire, the Chief had these tips: “Make sure you keep your Christmas tree watered so it stays green. Try to get it as late as possible or as close as possible to Christmas. As soon as Christmas is over, take it outside. The city will come and pick it up through January. Just remove all decorations and leave by the garbage bins. Most importantly, you need to get it out of the house because as soon as the needles dry out, they catch on fire very easily. We’ve had a couple of those fires; big, big fires because of Christmas trees that burn.”

Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook asks that everyone stay alert during the holidays. “We need people to be our eyes and ears, and call when they see suspicious activity. Don’t hesitate to call. Theft, especially retail theft, increases dramatically throughout Los Angeles at this time of year.”

As people become more distracted with shopping, entertaining guests, and running errands, that overwhelm is what criminals are counting on, so it’s important to prioritize your personal safety. Stainbrook advises, “When shopping and you park your car at two or three o’clock in the afternoon, it’s daylight, but when you return, it will likely be dark. You know you’re going to be carrying gifts, so think about where you park and when you might come back. If you’re concerned at all, ask for a security guard to escort you or be on the phone with somebody as you walk, so they know your location. If somebody does confront you, give them whatever they ask for and get out of there. Call the police right away and let us know.” 

“We see a lot of people who leave expensive items in their cars, especially gifts and packages. They put them in their car, and they walk back to do more shopping. Lock your car and don’t leave any items of value in sight.”

While you are enjoying time out at dinner or on vacation, it’s important to safeguard your home best you can. “People have alarm systems, but they often don’t use them. Make sure that if you leave your house, you turn on your alarm. If you leave for vacation, let the police department know, so we can provide extra patrol around your house, and let your neighbors know you’ll be gone. Also, try to remove delivered packages from your porch right away,” explains Stainbrook. “In the event that someone does break into your home while you are there, don’t confront them. Let them take whatever they want so you are not injured and call 9-1-1 right away.”

The end of year is a time when all charitable organizations are asking for donations, so it is especially important to confirm that anyone asking for money is legitimate. Fraud increases during the holidays. Stainbrook cautions, “Beware of anybody calling, texting or emailing you saying that they’re from a charitable organization. If you do get an email, check the source to be sure it is from that organization. No one should text you saying you owe money, a fine or anything like that. We get that a lot; people who think they’re paying a fine, parking ticket or a toll, and it’s just fraudulent. No one from a government agency or police department is going to contact you by phone or text to tell you that you’ve committed some violation, and you owe money.” He added, “If you get a call from someone saying they represent the Beverly Hills Police Department and they’re asking for funds, don’t give it to them. Call the police department and let us know.”

Chief Barton shared his most memorable holiday call. “A family that was having Thanksgiving dinner at their new house decided they would start the fireplace for the first time. As soon as they started the fire, they heard squawking. It was a bird that was in the chimney, so they put the fire out right away. They called the fire department, and then we spent hours saving a crow that had decided to make a nest in the fireplace. The smoke caused the crow to become disoriented, but we were able to rescue it, and it survived, but it took a lot of work to get that crow out! We had nine firefighters on scene because it was very labor intensive. The chimney was hard to get down to catch the crow because there were all kinds of bends. In the end, everyone was OK and happy. The funniest part was we had invited our families to the station to eat dinner with us, but nine of us left our families to eat without us. A few hours later we returned, and told them we saved a bird, then we got to eat our bird!”

Chief Stainbrook recalled a funny Thanksgiving Day call as an officer with the LAPD. “I was working Thanksgiving Day and there was a stray dog that was a beautiful Akita. And I knew it was somebody’s because it had a collar. Animal control wouldn’t come out because it was the holiday, and they just asked us to take the dog back to the station. As I was trying to get the dog into my car and take it back to the station, it bit me on the hand. Since it was on Thanksgiving, all the officers were teasing me about being the turkey leg for the dog!”

Both Chief Barton and Chief Stainbrook wish everyone a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season. Remember, many of our firefighters and police officers are working on holidays away from their families, so if you see them, thank them! 

Make sure you are always in the know when it comes to safety by signing up for the city’s alerts. Text “BEVHILLS” to 888777 for general alerts and text “BHPDALERT” to 888777 for police alerts. For questions about emergency alerts call 310-285-1025. Visit beverlyhills.org/jicbh for complete safety information. 

The post Guest Column | Chiefs Barton and Stainbrook on Keeping Safe this Holiday Season appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Christian Bond, the president of the BHPOA, told the Courier that he is “extremely happy” with the outcome of negotiations and expressed his gratitude to Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, the Beverly Hills City Council, City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey and the city’s negotiating team. 

“I am extremely pleased and deeply appreciative of the negotiated and ratified contract we have reached with the city of Beverly Hills,” he said. “This agreement reflects meaningful progress, thoughtful dialogue, and a shared commitment to supporting the men and women who serve this community with dedication every single day.”

Nazarian also expressed her satisfaction with the MOU and the process of negotiations.  

“We are pleased that the city of Beverly Hills and the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association have come to an agreement regarding the terms of a new three-year contract,” she told the Courier in a written statement. “There is nothing more important than a healthy collaboration with the incredible men and women who continue to protect our community. We remain focused on the safety and security of our residents, businesses and visitors, and this agreement supports the unified approach needed to protect and serve our community.”

Key topics of the negotiation included salaries and pay increases, longevity pay and compensated time off. According to Bond, members of the BHPOA initially pushed hard for longevity pay. 

When the city indicated that it would not include longevity pay in the MOU, the parties instead agreed to increased pay based on educational achievement. 

The final agreement states that the base pay of employees who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited or approved college or university will increase by 2.75%. The same figure applies to employees who have earned a master’s or doctorate degree and is cumulative if multiple degrees are earned. 

Employees who become certified in Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) will also see their base pay increase by 5% for an intermediate P.O.S.T. certificate and 7.5% for an advanced P.O.S.T. certificate. 

Police Sergeants who earn a supervisory P.O.S.T. certificate will see their base pay increase by 1.5%. 

“We went away from longevity and put it into education and P.O.S.T. certificate bonuses, and it worked out perfectly,” said Bond of the final agreement. “It encourages officers to get further education, get their advanced P.O.S.T., bachelor’s, master’s and educate themselves.” 

The contract must now be approved by the City Council, which will review the issue at its Dec. 16 meeting. If it is approved, its terms will be applied retroactively to Nov. 29, the beginning of the pay period following the BHPOA member vote.  

All employees who were members of the BHPOA at the time of ratification will receive a total base salary increase of 18.5% over the next four years as well as a lump sum of $1,500 upon the City Council’s approval of the contract. 

The first increase of 3.5% will be effective immediately. The second increase of 6% will be effective July 1, 2026; the third increase of 65% will be effective July 1, 2027; and the fourth increase of 5% will be effective July 1, 2028. 

The negotiations have been contentious at times since the BHPOA’s MOU expired on June 30. Members of the union repeatedly accused the city of failing to compensate its members at a rate on par with nearby departments. In several messages to registered voters, Bond said that the city was losing officers—and therefore, a certain level of safety—to other cities. 

At a City Council meeting on Aug. 5, Hunt-Coffey delivered a public presentation refuting a number of Bond’s claims. 

The relationship between officers and management within the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) was already a tense one. In June, the BHPOA issued a vote of no confidence in Police Chief Mark Stainbrook, followed by a cease-and-desist letter in July, alleging that Stainbrook engaged in retaliatory behavior against Bond.

If approved, the new contract will extend through June 30, 2029. 

The post BHPD Officers Vote to Approve MOU from City appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

BHMC 2-1-21 was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2022 as Measure TL. Mirisch was elected to his fourth term simultaneously with the measure’s passage.

Although the code language on its face appears to preclude another term in office for Mirisch, his position, as outlined in a recent letter from his attorney to the city, is that terms served prior to the measure’s passage cannot count toward the three-term total. 

This argument relies on California Government Code Section 36502(b), which states that City Council term restrictions may apply “prospectively only” to terms that have not yet been served. 

During the drafting phase of Measure TL, City Attorney Laurence Weiner advised City Council of the potential conflict with the Government Code, as well as an advisory opinion from then attorney general Kamala Harris. Weiner explained at length that the wording of the measure could leave it vulnerable to a court challenge. 

The provision has not been put to the test until now. 

Speaking to the Courier this week, Mirisch said that any “reasonable interpretation” of state law would find that past terms don’t count toward the three-term tally. 

“To me, that seems to be not only the most reasonable explanation [of the law], and according to my lawyers, one that would be in accordance with the law, but also the practice, as far as I know, of all other cities in California that have instituted term limits,” he said. 

He added, “Residents should have the right, if they want, to allow me to continue in accordance with what state law says.”

As of press time, the city has not formally responded to a request for comment on Mirisch’s stated intentions to run. It should be noted, however, that since the passage of Measure TL, California case law analyzing nearly identical legal issues supports the notion that Mirisch is barred from running again. 

As such, it is likely that the City Clerk’s office will reject any filing for a Mirisch candidacy, and he will have to sue to get on the ballot.

Mirisch told the Courier that he hopes the issue can stay out of court, but stopped short of confirming whether he would pursue litigation if his candidacy is blocked by the city. 

“Hopefully [my attorney’s] legal interpretation is persuasive,” he said. “You never want to have to go to court if you don’t have to. And hopefully, when people look at our arguments and the way that this law has been implemented in every other city that I know of … it should be no different here.”

Noting that he supports term limits for executive positions, such as a president or governor, Mirisch said he draws a distinction between those positions and members of legislative bodies. 

“When you’re a council member, you’re just one of five votes,” he said. “You’re part of a legislative process, and you make a contribution. You don’t have executive power.” 

In addition to Mirisch’s seat, two other City Council seats will be open, those of Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Councilmember Lester Friedman, in addition to the position of City Treasurer.  

The post Mirisch Will Challenge Term Limits in Bid for Fifth Term appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The membership would only apply towards emergency medical services provided by the Beverly Hills Fire Department within city limits.

“I am excited to launch this new initiative—one designed to make healthcare more accessible, more affordable, and more compassionate for every Beverly Hills resident,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “The BH Wellness Network brings our world-class Fire Department directly into the heart of our community by ensuring that when you need emergency care, cost is not a barrier. For just $90 a year, an entire household can receive paramedic and transport services for a nominal fee. This is about giving our residents peace of mind, strengthening our safety net, and using innovation to support the health and well-being of every family in our city. And this is only the beginning. We will continue to expand this program with additional wellness services over the next year—because a safer, stronger, and more united Beverly Hills includes access to the care people deserve.”

Beverly Hills residents who are uninsured can still enroll in the “BH Wellness Network” to help offset the costs of paramedic services. The reduction amount is dependent on each healthcare plan.

Detailed information and applications are currently available at beverlyhills.org/bhwellnessnetwork. Enrollment begins Dec. 1, 2025 and membership benefits begin Jan. 1, 2026. 

The post New Program Will Help Residents with Cost of Emergency Medical Services appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Nazarian joins fellow Advisory Board appointees Barbara Feingold, philanthropist and member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council; Aaron Keyak, former U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism; Noam Lee, former executive director of the Democratic Governors Association and Scott Singer, mayor of Boca Raton, Florida.

In a statement, CAM noted that the new additions to the board “further strengthen the organization’s ability to bring together leaders from across the political spectrum to confront antisemitism in all its forms and advance practical solutions in communities throughout the world.

“Each of our new U.S. Advisory Board members brings a unique set of experiences, networks, and perspectives that reflect CAM’s core commitment to bipartisan collaboration,” said Alyza D. Lewin, president of U.S. Affairs at the Combat Antisemitism Movement. “Their leadership will help deepen CAM’s partnerships with federal, state, and local officials, as well as civic and faith leaders, to ensure that antisemitism is recognized, understood, and effectively addressed wherever it appears. As we expand our U.S. operations, the addition of such strong voices from across the political spectrum underscores the momentum we are building and our shared determination to unite Americans around the values of safety, dignity, and equal rights for Jewish communities.”

Nazarian also serves as a member of CAM’s Mayors Advisory Board.  

The post Nazarian Appointed to New Board Role with the Combat Antisemitism Movement appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The council voted 4-1 to approve an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) between the city and West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (WHCHC), a nonprofit affordable housing developer, regarding the potential for a 100% affordable housing development at 327-335 S. Robertson Blvd. 

Vice Mayor Craig Corman voted against the agreement.  

The approved ENA allows for a one-year negotiation period for a ground lease between the city and WHCHC with the possibility of extensions for up to six months. According to a report written by city staff, a project at the property could potentially deliver between approximately 50 and 80 affordable units. 

Beverly Hills has committed to facilitating the development of 557 units of affordable housing on city property under its housing element.

The possible project that has been preliminarily proposed by WHCHC, which would own and operate the development, is a four- to five-story building with a minimum of 50 units and an additional rooftop amenity level. The proposed development would include some ground-floor retail and surface parking. 

Public outreach and community input will inform the project plans. 

The property on Robertson Boulevard currently houses a single-story, 6,000-square-foot commercial structure containing eight retail spaces, five of which are vacant.

During the ENA period, the city will be prohibited from negotiating with any other entity for the sale, lease or development of the site. Under the agreement, WHCHC will be required to cover all costs related to an environmental review. The developer will also be obligated to hold public outreach meetings in coordination with the city. 

The issue was discussed in more detail during the council’s Study Session, also held on Nov. 12. At that meeting, Councilmember John Mirisch, who served on the Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Committee along with Councilmember Mary Wells, noted that the city has been in discussions with WHCHC for at least five years regarding senior supportive housing. He said that the first two sites they considered both turned out to be on fault lines. 

“This is essentially a pivot as a result of earthquake faults that don’t allow us to build where we would have preferred to have built, and where we could build a larger number of units,” said Mirisch. 

The council additionally voted 4-1, with Corman dissenting, to transfer the property at 327-335 S. Robertson Blvd. by a quitclaim deed from the city’s Parking Authority to the city. The Parking Authority acquired the property in November 2019 for $10.1 million with the intent of developing it into a parking lot or structure, but the city’s focus has since shifted to affordable housing. 

Councilmembers reiterated multiple times during discussion at their Nov. 12 Regular Meeting that the vote does not constitute an approval for development to begin, or even for a specific plan for the site. 

“They’re not definite plans to develop the site for affordable housing, it’s to the potential development of the site for affordable housing,” said Wells. “I don’t want people to be under the impression that it’s already been decided to develop this property for affordable housing.” 

Councilmember Lester Friedman further clarified that the possibility of building with WHCHC is “just one of many options that is being considered.”

“This is just another option in part because we lost the ability in another area of town to fulfill our requirement with the State of California Housing Division,” he said. “This is just another possibility. It is certainly not something that I envision as a final step.” 

Recent projects developed by WHCHC, which was founded in 1986, include four affordable housing developments in the Koreatown/Pico Union area and another in the Westlake North neighborhood of Los Angeles. 

The organization is not formally affiliated with the city of West Hollywood. 

According to a presentation given at the council’s Study Session by Logan Phillippo, the city’s real property development manager, WHCHC does not anticipate needing gap funding for the project and the city is not making any financial commitments at the moment. However, Phillippo said, “It’s always contingent on the availability of the funding sources and their successful application.” 

WHCHC plans to apply for $3 million in funding through the L.A. County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency, which recently sent out a draft notice of funding availability using Measure A funds. In order to be eligible, WHCHC must demonstrate site control, which they may do with the approved ENA. 

The deadline for applications is Dec. 22.  

The post Affordable Housing for Seniors Moves Forward appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

SB 79 requires cities to allow increased density and height on residential and commercial parcels in proximity to Metro stations. There are three locations in Beverly Hills where the law will apply—within a quarter-mile radius of the Metro stations at La Cienega and Wilshire boulevards, Reeves Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, and the Constellation Boulevard and Avenue of the Stars station in Century City.

Director of community development Michael Forbes requested direction on an alternative plan for Beverly Hills at the City Council Study Session on Nov. 12. The alternative development plan must be approved by the City Council and then by the state; otherwise SB 79 will go into effect as drafted on July 1, 2026.

“This is another case of Sacramento taking away local control,” Forbes said. “But in this rare instance, the legislation actually includes an opportunity for the city to exert a slight bit of local control.”

SB 79 allows cities to reallocate zoning up to one-half of a mile from Metro stations. In applicable zoning areas, the law requires a minimum of 30 dwelling units per acre and a maximum of at least 120 dwelling units per acre. The city will have to allow a minimum height of 75 feet for developments. Projects immediately adjacent to transit stops are eligible for an additional 20 feet in height and 40 dwelling units per acre. Projects greater than 10 units will have low-income affordability requirements, including 7% of units for extremely low income, 10% for very low income and 13% for low income.

Forbes recommended reallocating up to 50% of zoning capacity from single-family residential parcels in the quarter-mile radius to mixed use parcels in a half mile radius to meet the law’s requirements. The proposal will require a General Plan Amendment and a Zone Text Amendment, he added.

“We would do our best to distribute that zoning capacity evenly across the sites as much as possible while complying with SB 79,” Forbes said.

Ken Goldman, president of the Southwest Beverly Hills Homeowners Association, urged the City Council to consider different limitations for new developments in areas affected by SB 79 to better accommodate surrounding residential neighborhoods. Goldman proposed enforcing parking restrictions, rooftop noise and time limits, and expanding side yard setbacks to increase the space between new developments and existing residences.

Councilmember John Mirisch proposed restricting parking in the areas covered by SB 79, stating that he believes most residents near transit centers will commute via public transportation rather than cars. Mirisch also decried the new law.

Vice Mayor Craig Corman suggested focusing on higher-density zones along the city’s busiest streets.

“I would suggest we look at that possibility to try to focus the density on high-volume boulevards like Wilshire,” he said. “Rather than letting people build even higher on Wilshire up to 200%, just move the density down Wilshire so that it’s all more uniform at the lower height.”

Councilmember Mary Wells also supported the alternative plan.

“It’s important for us to take advantage of any and all local control that we have,” Councilmember Mary Wells said. “I support doing this and I support doing it in a very expedited way so that we don’t lose this opportunity—that would be the worst case scenario.”

The Planning Commission will consider the alternative plan in December before a City Council vote on Jan. 20, 2026. 

The post City Considers Alternative Plan to SB 79 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The event, organized by the Rodeo Drive Committee and the city of Beverly Hills, included two hours of performances on a main stage, food trucks lining the streets, festive light and sculpture displays and a fireworks finale. 

This year’s theme was “Enchanted Holiday Dreams,” inspired by Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Decorations up and down Rodeo Drive gave nods to the famous ballet, including oversized nutcrackers operated by puppeteers and large silver sculptures of ballerinas dancing next to piles of gifts. 

Actors dressed as mice roamed the closed-off street in costume, posing for pictures with attendees. Stilt performers also made their way up and down the road, stopping periodically for photo opportunities. 

Rain was predicted for the evening, but the weather stayed dry until near the end of the event. Instead, the skies were cool and clear as attendees of all ages, many with children in strollers or pets dressed in their holiday finest, took in the sights and sounds while staying warm in heavy coats and sweaters. 

Throughout the night, lines grew long for food trucks that sold, among other gastronomic delights, barbecue, Maine lobster, mini-donuts, cakes, burgers and French fries. 

The evening’s performances took place on an open-air stage that was set up for the occasion at the corner of Rodeo Drive and Brighton Way. Emceed by Los Angeles-based singer Kara Freeman, the show featured over a dozen world-class performers. 

Warming up the crowd, which was packed into the intersection of the two streets, Freeman, dressed in a red A-line dress trimmed with fluffy white fabric and snowflake designs, performed “Santa Baby” backed by a barbershop quartet, followed shortly thereafter by “Christmas is Here Again.” 

After a high-energy performance by a quartet of carolers, Freeman introduced the USC Trojan Dance Force, noting that Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian is an alumna of the university. The team of young women got the crowd cheering with their lively pom routines choreographed to “Last Christmas,” “Jingle Bells Rock” and the Trojan fight song, “Fight On!”

Dancers from Westside Ballet, who ranged in age from 10 to 16, performed three dances from The Nutcracker’s “Land of Sweets”: Peppermint Candy (Act II), Chinese Tea (Act II) and the Doll Solo segment from the Party Scene (Act I). 

The experience was extraordinary, said 14-year-old Chloe Meyers of Beverly Hills, who performed in the Peppermint Candy dance.

“I had an amazing time being backstage, seeing all the different acts up close, and getting ready for the show with my fellow ballerinas who have become my closest friends,” she said. “It felt so special to be part of the festivities, and we definitely spread the Nutcracker magic all around Beverly Hills. It was one of those nights that felt exciting and festive from start to finish.”

Delilah Ahmadi, 15, performed in the Peppermint Candy and Chinese Tea dances and called the experience “unforgettable.” 

“I’ve attended the Tree Lighting for several years as my mom works for the city, and Beverly Hills has always felt like my second home,” she said. “I used to stand in the crowd in awe of the magnificent dancers on stilts and imagine what it would be like to be on that stage. Stepping out under those glowing holiday lights, in front of thousands of people gathered in the heart of a place I’ve grown up around, felt surreal.”

In a surprise appearance following The Debbie Allen Dance Academy’s stellar performance of the “Candy Canes” dance from The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, legendary director, performer, dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen stepped onstage to applaud her dancers and rally support for the academy. 

Other performers included Broadway star Chris Mann, jazz vocalist James Tormé, Australian actor and singer Hugh Sheridan and guzheng musician Bei Bei.  

Halfway through the show, Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian was joined onstage by members of the City Council, the Rodeo Drive Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and the Conference and Visitors Bureau. 

Speaking to the crowd, Nazarian thanked the event organizers and sponsors. 

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome you to this fantastic holiday tradition right here on the iconic Rodeo Drive in beautiful Beverly Hills,” she said. “I want you to make sure to walk around. There are so many different installations all throughout the city … we want to invite you to eat, shop, dine, stay and enjoy in Beverly Hills.”

During a preview performance of “Soul of the Holidays,” which will be held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 15 to benefit the victims of the Eaton Fire, three singers performed “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough!” and “Reach Out” as the crowd danced and sang along. 

The drizzle that began around 7:30 p.m. did not hamper the fireworks display, which exploded in rainbow colors above the shops of Rodeo Drive shortly after 8 p.m.  

The post Rodeo Drive Lights Up for ‘Enchanted Holiday Dreams’ appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The commission voted unanimously to approve a request for a development plan review to allow the construction of a new three-story commercial building with rooftop uses at 360 N. Rodeo Drive, and to find the project exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 

Commissioner Gary Ross was not present at the meeting. 

Calling the project “well thought-out,” Commissioner Terri Kaplan thanked the applicants for their proposal and expressed her enthusiasm for the project. 

“I think this is, as it’s pictured, a beautiful building,” she said. “I think it will be a wonderful, wonderful addition to Rodeo Drive. It follows on what seems to be a wave of new flagships for various luxury vendors.”

The existing building at 360 N. Rodeo Drive was constructed in 1960 and most recently housed the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel. The Luxe closed in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that shuttered tourism across the globe.  

The proposed project by Tiffany & Co. parent company LVMH would include the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new, 30,468-square-foot structure. The project would include two levels of retail, a third-floor restaurant and a rooftop with an outdoor terrace area reserved for VIP clients. 

The retail store and restaurant would be open to the public between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, with access to the restaurant available only through the building’s interior.  

In addition to private VIP appointments, the rooftop would also be used for occasional invitation-only special events, such as private product launches or video shoots, with a maximum guest list of approximately 60. The applicant anticipates those events taking place roughly two to three times per month. They would be held between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. 

The project would include one level of subterranean parking and a surface parking lot with 14 spaces located at the rear of the property. Employees would be provided with monthly parking at garages in the Two Rodeo Drive structure to ensure that on-site spaces are available for clients, and that street parking does not become overcrowded. 

All rooftop events and appointments would utilize on-site valet, and at least three valet attendants would be on duty during operating hours and special events. 

The developer hopes to have a plan check complete by the end of the year, and construction is expected to take about 28 months. 

The project is consistent with the city’s general plan, and its height, scale and design are compatible with the character of the neighborhood.

Sean Devine, Tiffany & Co.’s vice president of store planning and construction, said at the Nov. 13 meeting that the Rodeo Drive shop would be the second-largest Tiffany & Co. retail store in the U.S., with the largest being the flagship location in New York City. 

“Tiffany has been in the city of Beverly Hills for 50 or 60 years now,” he said. “We are looking to expand our presence with this project.” 

Ashok Vanmali, a partner at the architecture and design firm Gruen Associates, which is working on the project, said neighboring tenants on the street are looking forward to the new development. 

“Most of the adjacent properties are very aware of this project, because I’m involved in quite a few projects on the street, and they seem to be very excited, because they’re tired of seeing that empty building for so long,” he said. “It will generate more business for them too, and so there’s this excitement.” 

The location is flanked by Tory Burch on the north and Tom Ford on the south. 

LVMH, which currently operates more than 15 storefronts on Rodeo Drive and in the Business Triangle, is also planning to break ground on a three-story Louis Vuitton flagship store at 458 N. Rodeo Drive in 2026. That project is being designed by Frank Gehry and, like the Tiffany & Co. location, will house retail, private space for VIP clients and rooftop uses. 

At the commission’s meeting, Commissioner Myra Demeter, who called herself “a real fan” of the developer, expressed her hope that the Tiffany & Co. project will bring more foot traffic to Rodeo Drive. 

“I think that people coming to Tiffany’s will go up the entire block of Rodeo … this is an enhancement,” she said. “Your firm … has been a very, very strong member of our community for many years. You have brought elegance and a clientele into Beverly Hills, and I think that the project fits all the requirements.” 

The project will now enter a 14-day appeal period.  

The post Planning Commission Green Lights Tiffany & Co. Flagship appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The conversation, held at the City Hall Council Chambers, was the sixth installation of “Straight Talk with Sharona,” one of Nazarian’s mayoral initiatives intended to open a dialogue with members of the community.  

During the event, Nazarian and Stainbrook discussed the organization of the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD); existing and future safety plans for the city; evolving technologies and more. They also took questions from the audience. 

Stainbrook explained that the department is staffed by nearly 250 people, including roughly 140 officers and 100 civilian employees. Their budget is about $100 million annually, with a ratio of approximately 4.8 officers for every 1,000 citizens. 

“It’s a very high ratio compared to other departments,” said Stainbrook. 

Some of the department’s staff works closely with schools and houses of worship to ensure that they are protected in their day-to-day activities and are prepared in case of an emergency. 

Schools in the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) have full-time, contracted security personnel. BHPD also sends its own officers annually to review the buildings’ layouts and develop response plans to emergencies should the need arise. Two full-time school resource officers at BHPD, who are experts on juvenile law, are tasked with liaising with the schools as well. 

“I feel like we have a good, close working relationship with the schools,” said Stainbrook. 

Many Beverly Hills residents have expressed concern about safety issues that may stem from Metro stations slated to open in the city, the first of which is expected to begin operations at Wilshire Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard in 2026. Stainbrook said that all city departments are engaged in, and working to address, those concerns. 

“It’s not just a police problem or initiative,” he said. “The whole city is working on the Metro station … we have a regular meeting with Metro, and we’re trying to work out all these details before the station opens.”

The station will have a public safety kiosk, which Stainbrook said will be the first and only such kiosk at an L.A. Metro station. Community service officers will staff the kiosk and will have the ability to take reports and patrol the area. 

Additional officers will also be dispatched to the area to patrol aboveground, and the city is working on partnerships with other agencies to patrol underground.

Stainbrook said that it’s important to establish the fact that the station will be well-guarded as soon as it becomes operational. 

“We want a heavy presence at the Metro station when it first opens to kind of set the tone about security and safety,” he said. 

Some of the safety measures that will be utilized at the Metro station rely on the city’s existing technology, including the Real Time Watch Center.

The Real Time Watch Center includes 3,000 cameras positioned throughout the city which are monitored around the clock, allowing officers to respond quickly when help is needed. The city also employs drones and has almost 120 automated license plate readers surrounding the city. 

“Our Real Time Watch Center is the envy of the nation,” said Nazarian. “We have so many people wanting to come to Beverly Hills to tour this remarkable space.”

Going forward, the city plans to implement tools that utilize AI to increase efficiency and offer real-time updates to residents when help is on the way. One program, which is currently being tested, will use artificial intelligence to generate reports based on footage from officers’ body cameras, which officers will then review and edit. 

Another program will communicate with civilians who have called in non-emergency situations. Updates will include how far away officers are, documents to have ready for when they arrive and follow-up messages to provide feedback. 

“All in all,” said Stainbrook, “it should be really interesting.” 

Members of the audience raised questions about safety around the new Metro station and various traffic safety concerns. 

Attendee Wendy Goldman said she lives in West Hollywood near Doheny Drive and Cynthia Street. She expressed her concern over several car crashes that have happened at the intersection recently. 

“The neighbors are in an uproar about this area,” she said. “The traffic people in West Hollywood are telling me that they can’t get cooperation with the other side of the street [in Beverly Hills] … can we possibly find resources, or help me find resources, or tell me who to talk to about this?”

Another attendee who did not offer her name voiced her worry about tourists taking pictures of palm trees in the middle of the road, citing an incident in which a small child ran into the road to get to his mother who was in the middle of the street. 

“It’s very, very dangerous … and I hate for tragedy to happen before we put someone there or put cameras or put signs,” she said.  

The post Police Chief Joins Mayor at ‘Straight Talk’ Event appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The event, held at the department’s station headquarters on North Rexford Drive, was organized as a collaboration between the BHFD, the Beverly Hills Fire Foundation and the Women’s Fire Alliance (WFA). The WFA is a non-profit founded by BHFD Captain Melissa Hillis, the first female officer in the BHFD’s 100-year history.

“[The WFA] believes in doing whatever we can to expose young girls to firefighting so that they know it’s a viable career choice,” said Hillis of the event. 

Attendees arrived at 7 a.m. on both days, then spent 10 hours learning core fire service skills such as hose evolutions, ladder throws and administering first aid through simulated emergency scenarios. 

People of all genders were welcome, but girls and young women were particularly encouraged to sign up. 

“There are so many avenues for young boys to become firefighters,” said Hillis. “This is just bringing girls up to speed, providing a safe space for women to have the same mentorship as the young boys do.”

With that said, the camp is open to all, said Hillis, because “women, for so long, were excluded from the fire department. We would never want to do the same thing.”

Camp activities were led by 30 volunteer firefighter instructors at a ratio of one instructor for every two campers. Over the course of the two-day event, Hillis said that campers were “transformed.” 

“When they walk in the door the first day, you can tell they’re a little hesitant … and then they leave like roaring lions, supporting one another, and they look comfortable in their own skin,” she said. “It’s just so important for our young people, especially young teenage girls.”

The camp’s volunteers are often female firefighters who want to open the career up to younger people, and who seek camaraderie in a field that has historically been male dominated. Hillis said that the camp also serves as a recruitment tool for BHFD; two women employed by the department found BHFD by volunteering at the empowerment camp. 

Members of the BHFD were heavily involved in planning and executing the camp. Hillis noted that male firefighters in the department were extremely supportive of the program. 

“The men at the Beverly Hills Fire Department worked so hard behind the scenes, they were seamlessly moving around chairs and apparatus, tying up different safety systems, and working tirelessly the whole weekend in order to make sure that that the rest of us were well-supported, so that we could be the face of the camp,” she said.

As part of the camp, the WFA handed out six scholarships in the categories of empathy, perseverance, resilience and a “kick-butt” award.

Another scholarship was accompanied by the Mayoral Award, for which Hillis asked Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian for three characteristics that she would like to see celebrated. 

“She wanted to see somebody who embodied leading with courage, unity and integrity,” said Hillis.

In a statement, Nazarian offered her gratitude to Hillis and Barton. 

“I’m also grateful to … our firefighters, volunteers, and partner agencies who dedicated their time to mentor these amazing young women,” she said. “This is how we build pathways, break barriers, and ignite the leaders of tomorrow as a united community.”

In attendance at the camp’s graduation ceremony on Nov. 9 were Nazarian, Vice Mayor Craig Corman and City Councilmembers Lester Friedman and Mary Wells. 

The post BHFD Camp Empowers Young Would-Be Firefighters appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In the case of an emergency, residents can access information on what routes to follow on the city’s website. Community members can follow official updates from the city through Nixle or BHPD Alert. The “6 P’s” is a helpful way to remember what to pack—people and pets, prescriptions, papers, pictures, personal computers and money in the form of plastic or cash, according to fire department officials.

On Nov. 9, sirens sounded in the Trousdale neighborhood at 1:30 p.m. Upon arrival at Will Rogers Park, residents were met by representatives from the city of Beverly Hills, the Beverly Hills Fire and Police departments, Just in Case BH, L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office and the American Red Cross, which provided resources and information on evacuation best practices. Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Councilmembers Lester Friedman and Mary Wells also attended.

“This all started with the fires in Pacific Palisades. The Fire Chief and I went over there just to look and to learn and to be proactive, so that we could protect our community the best way possible,” Nazarian told the Courier. “Our job is to communicate the best way possible with our residents, and it’s also important for all of our departments to be able to have proper lines of communication, whether it’s police, fire or public works … so that we’re able to move through as smoothly as possible and protect as many lives as possible.”

Beverly Hills Fire Chief Gregory Barton said the drill was successful in training residents for an evacuation and for revealing any gaps within the city’s coordinated response.

“It’s been a great turnout, and we accomplished what we were trying to do. We were trying to exercise the police, fire, public works and city response to an evacuation in order to get the firefighters up and to get the community out safely,” he said. “We also were testing our notifications to the community, such as the sirens and Nixle and other ways that we reach out to let the community know that you might need to evacuate or be prepared.”

The drill allowed residents to practice their specific evacuation route, which were specifically selected to avoid congestion and chaos in the case of an evacuation. He added that the most important thing for residents to know is that they need to follow an evacuation order if they are given one.

“The sooner, the better because the roads are going to get crowded and the sooner you’re able to get out safely—your family out—you’re protecting them,” he said. “It also helps your neighbors get out, and it also allows us to get in as a fire department, to get in there and do what we need to do to protect your home and the other houses in the area.”

Vera Markowitz, head of Just in Case BH, the city’s emergency preparedness program, was also on site to provide residents with resources. One way to best prepare yourself is to post a packing list to your closet door so it’s immediately available in the case of an evacuation.

“Every home is different,” she said. “Some people need medication, some people need things for their kids, some people for their pets. They’re all different. So, what we’re trying to do is have individual people do different kinds of lists for their own home.”

Markowitz said the event was successful after speaking with so many people who learned valuable information because of the drill.

“We learned a lot of lessons from Pacific Palisades, and we’re trying to incorporate all those things. And we’re learning a lot today,” she said.

Jacqueline Hom, a neighborhood resident who participated in the drill, said that the drill was especially comforting because she was in a voluntary evacuation zone during the January wildfires.

“You give [the preparations] a little thought, but something like this is the first time [the city] ever had it, and so I think it’s a good thing,” she said. “You don’t feel left alone. You feel like the city is behind you on that. I thought that it gives residents a bit of confidence.”

Abrienne Hom, Jacqueline’s daughter, said that it was helpful for her family to go through the protocol of an evacuation and that she feels more prepared in knowing what route to take and what she would pack as a result of the drill.

“We thought of packing the essentials as well as family photos and stuffed animals,” Abrienne said.

Beyond preparing for and following evacuation orders, residents can also take different steps to better protect their homes in the case of a wildfire, such as shutting off gas valves, moving combustible yard furniture away from the house, closing all windows and doors to prevent spread of the fire within the house and attaching garden hoses to faucets so they are ready to dispense water.

The city is planning the next evacuation drill to take place in six months in either the Coldwater Canyon or Benedict Canyon area, Barton said. 

The post Trousdale Residents Take Part in Wildfire Evacuation Drill appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The commission voted 3-2 to deny the requests, with Commissioner Terri Kaplan and Chair Jeff Wolfe voting against the denial.

Developer Crescent Heights submitted an application for the Burton Way project in March 2024. The initial proposal was for a 20-story building with 40 affordable units. The application was revised to 26 stories and 22 affordable units earlier this year.

Commissioners Gary Ross and Myra Demeter and Vice Chair Lou Milkowski cited multiple bases for their denial on Nov. 5. 

Ross and Demeter both referenced the project’s feasibility. 

“I think that the applicant has played games with what is and isn’t feasible,” said Ross, citing the project’s reduction of affordable units and height increase. 

Ross added, “None of us really know what the law is in its vagaries and its changing contours, in what way that a judge or a court would interpret the law. I can only interpret the law the way that I see it.”  

Demeter said she had hoped the developer would agree to reduce the project from 26 stories back to 20 and was disappointed they did not do so. She also stated that she believed the project would be feasible at a lower height and with the original number of affordable units. 

“It’s disturbing, because I really came in here hoping that we could work out something,” said Demeter. “But unfortunately, I feel that what has been offered is not really going to work for me, and I don’t mind if it’s appealed to City Council.”

Milkowski cited his belief that the project will have an impact upon public health or safety because it “conflicts with the city’s general plan, use designation and zoning development standards, including density, outdoor living space and height.” 

“Specifically,” he said, “It’s a mammoth monstrosity that we haven’t seen elsewhere.”

Deliberations about the proposed project at 8844 Burton Way have been extensive and tense at times. On Oct. 21, the commission instructed city staff to draft language denying the project. That language was expected to be reviewed on Oct. 29 but was moved to Nov. 5. 

Following the Oct. 21 decision, the commission received a letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development reminding the city, among other things, of “its obligations under the Housing Accountability Act and specifically the requirements for making findings of denial.”

There is now a 14-day appeal period during which anyone can appeal the commission’s decision to City Council.

Dave Rand, the attorney for the project developer told the Courier after the hearing that “The Planning Commission majority completely and flagrantly ignored the law and we are going to vigorously pursue our rights starting with an appeal to City Council and litigation if necessary.  The city is inviting the State to impose massive penalties for violations of state housing law.”  

The post Planning Commission Votes 3-2 Against Proposed Burton Way Project appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Patty Betancourt, filming and special events division coordinator, presented the requests from Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Those requests include covering of the arm and pole of the traffic signal, which includes the red-light cameras, at Wilshire Boulevard and Whittier Drive (eastbound) from Jan. 2 at 6 a.m. until Jan. 13 at 6 a.m.; the installation of a temporary traffic signal during that time frame should the request to cover the existing arm and pole be approved; the shutting off of the red-light cameras at Wilshire Boulevard and Whittier Drive (westbound) for 24 hours beginning on Jan. 11 at 6 a.m.; and work outside the current permitted construction hours for One Beverly Hills. Notifications about the ceremony will be sent to businesses and residents within a two-mile radius. 

Public safety remains a top priority for City Council, said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. Staff indicated in its report that in addition to Beverly Hills emergency personnel, neighboring law enforcement agencies will be staffed at the event. Private security will be offered by DCP in the hotel, off-site parking lots and on the red carpet. BHPD and the Beverly Hills Fire Department will be the lead agencies for the duration of the event. There will be a Mobile Command Center at El Rodeo Elementary School.

 This year, DCP will not request any fee waivers and will pay for all services—a change from previous years.  Julie Wagner, CEO of the Conference & Visitors Bureau, said it will partner with DCP again. The cost of the partnership is $25,000, which gives the CVB access to the red carpet and several other events. Wagner explained that this access allows the CVB to create social media content. 

Members of the council expressed their appreciation for the Golden Globes and the continued partnership and generally supported the requests, with some caveats. 

Vice Mayor Craig Corman took issue with the $25,000 cost of access for the CVB, arguing that the city provides significant services that are part of the partnership. He explained that turning off the red-light cameras for 10 days would result in loss of revenue because of the lack of citations. Corman proposed that the CVB not be charged the $25,000 fee and, in return, the city would “forget about the red-light camera situation.” Friedman echoed Corman’s concerns about the loss of red-light camera revenue. 

“I just think that it’s appropriate, given the fact we’re taking off the cameras and given the partnership that we’ve had for so many years that our marketing arm of the city is allowed access because the $25,000 you’re charging them is coming from the city, you know, because we help fund the CVB,” said Corman.  

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Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board President Rachelle Marcus and Board Member Russell Stuart addressed the commission on health matters concerning district students. Stuart said that the board received numerous complaints from parents regarding dust and dirt plumes emanating from construction of the One Beverly Hills project across the street onto the campus of El Rodeo Elementary School. In response, property developer Cain International met with board members and installed air quality detectors across the construction site and assured the board that the plumes were not harmful. The developers measure the air quality every five minutes and will notify board members if it reaches a certain threshold, Stuart said, adding that the site will need to be continuously monitored.

Stuart said the district’s new vape and smoke detectors have been effective. He did not give specific details on the number of students detected or the disciplinary consequences involved, but said the results were significant.

Stuart also highlighted technology initiatives, including the implementation of artificial intelligence within the district. BHUSD recently purchased two Apple Vision Pro AI headset devices, which have aided students in different subjects—such as science, media, athletics and robotics.

Commissioner Erica Felsenthal brought up concerns about implementing AI in education without conclusive research on how AI affects brain development and about possibly needing consent from students when it comes to using physical AI headsets. However, Stuart said the importance of getting up to date with the technology outweighed the potential costs.

“Where it can take someone’s mind and say, ‘I’m going to give you the greatest education that you’ll never get unless we put this headset on you,’ I think not exploring it would be a detriment to [what] our kids can learn,” he said.

BHPD Lt. Kevin Orth reported on August and September crime statistics, including previous year comparisons. Every type of crime in Beverly Hills decreased or stayed the same from 2024-25 except for aggravated assaults and major vehicle thefts, which saw a 17% and 2% increase, respectively. Fifty-four robberies were reported in Beverly Hills up until Oct. 19, 2024 while only 30 have been reported so far in 2025. The city also saw a decrease from 738 larceny thefts to 566 during the same time span. Orth attributed the decrease in crime to the BHPD’s Real Time Watch Center, a hub of the city’s surveillance tools established in 2022. He also said that neighboring cities are not experiencing similar decreases in crime. 

“Overall, our crime has been decreasing steadily,” he said. “Our arrest numbers are still increasing, which indicates that we have officers making proactive self-initiated activity … We’re a couple years into our Real Time Watch Center. All of our cameras, [automated license plate reader] systems, drone systems, all those have led to a decrease in crime in the last several years.”

Orth added that police officers, traffic control officers and private security will be on the scene on Walden Drive and Carmelita Avenue and that officers may shut down the streets depending on the amount of foot traffic. Orth also reminded the community that the city prohibits the use of silly string and shaving cream during Halloween hours.

Beverly Hills Fire Department Deputy Chief Alfred Poirier provided an incident comparison from September of 2024 and 2025. Poirier said that incident numbers have generally remained consistent across years, though emergency medical service calls decreased from 461 to 380.

Another important matter on the agenda concerned the Nov. 9 evacuation drill in the Trousdale neighborhood directed at 68 homes in a high fire severity zone. Residents north of Sunset Boulevard are encouraged to evacuate to Will Rogers Park via designated routes and are urged to prepare to-go bags. The drill will take place from 1-4 p.m. and police, city and fire officials will be stationed throughout the area to assist and direct traffic. Participation in the drill is encouraged by the city but not mandatory.

BHFD Fire Marshall Trevor Richmond shared two videos with the commission—from the Oakland Firestorm in 1991 and from the Palisades fire in 2025—which displayed the total chaos and danger during both evacuations and illustrated the urgent need to prepare for potential fire evacuations. Tens of thousands of people in L.A. County were under evacuation orders during the January wildfires.

“The only way to prepare for chaos is to train,” Richmond said. “The purpose of the drill—we want to be disaster ready. We want to increase community awareness through public education. We really want to exercise the operational component between the Beverly Hills Fire Department and Beverly Hills Police Department.”

Richmond added that another main goal of the drill is to improve communication between officials and residents. Residents can receive alerts through the city’s outdoor warning system and digitally through Nixle and BHPD Alert. Evacuation routes and details on what to pack in the case of an evacuation can be found on the city’s website. The “6 P’s” is a helpful way to remember what to pack—people and pets, prescriptions, papers, pictures, personal computers and money in the form of plastic or cash.

Richmond added that he will return to the commission later with a report on the efficacy of the drill. 

The post Health and Safety Commission Hears Updates on Nov. 9 Evacuation Drill appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

It also conditionally approved, in a unanimous vote, a development plan review to allow for the construction of an eight-story, multifamily residential structure with 55 dwelling units at 232 Tower Drive owned by Leo Pustilnikov of Oak Investment Company, LLC and Beachside Suites, LLC.

Both projects will be exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and both are being designed by Ottinger Architects. 

The votes represent the sixth and seventh Builder’s Remedy projects conditionally approved by the commission this month. On Oct. 9, the commission conditionally approved plans for two eight-story, mixed-use developments at 9467 Olympic Blvd. and 333-353 S. Beverly Drive and a 13-story mixed-use building at 9441 Olympic Blvd. All three properties are owned by Aflalo. 

On Oct. 14, the commission conditionally approved an 11-story structure at 401 N. Oakhurst Drive and a 12-story development at 346 N. Maple Drive. 

The project at 9430 Olympic Blvd. approved on Oct. 23 will take the place of an existing three-story office building. Of its 53 residential units, 11 will be reserved for low-income households. The development will also include 23 parking spaces in three levels of subterranean parking. 

On the first floor, a gym will be available to residents, and a common outdoor area will be located on the 13th floor. 

Beverly Hills resident Ari Tuchman, who advocated for increased privacy measures at South Beverly Drive, 9467 Olympic Blvd. and 9441 Olympic Blvd. developments, expressed his desire for the same measures to be taken at 9430 Olympic Blvd. 

“While this project may not abut single family directly, it is still very close to the block that I live on, which is El Camino, and it’s only a couple hundred feet away and so that’s kind of the reason and the basis for me coming here and addressing a couple concerns I have with this project,” he said, adding, “It’s my request that all of the conditions that were placed on the projects at Beverly and 9467 also be incorporated, by reference, to the extent feasible for this project.” 

Commissioner Terri Kaplan alluded to the fact that per state law, she has little choice but to vote in favor of Builder’s Remedy projects, regardless of her opinion about them.  

“I don’t necessarily like any of these projects, but I feel very constrained,” she said. 

Commissioner Myra Demeter recused herself from the vote on 9430 Olympic Blvd. because she owns property in the nearby vicinity. 

In discussing the Tower Drive project, Ken Dusick, a resident of Carthay Circle, spoke about the impact of the structure on his neighborhood. Dusick called the project “tawdry” and the evening’s proceedings “a hearing in form but not in substance.”

“I have to say that I feel, honestly, rather depressed about what I’m seeing and what I’m hearing … the sanction of the Builder’s Remedy is for the jurisdiction,” he said. “We in Carthay don’t live in that jurisdiction, though we are suffering the consequences of something we weren’t a party to, and that concerns me.” 

The property at Tower Drive is currently home to an eight-unit apartment building with two detached parking garages. The new structure will include 55 dwelling units of which 11 will be reserved for lower-income households.

Echoing Kaplan’s sentiments, Demeter noted that the project, like many Builder’s Remedy developments, is out of scale with the city. 

“This project is a Builder’s Remedy project and very different, not driven by the findings that we can approve a project by—it doesn’t fit any of the findings, it conflicts with the general plan, living space, height, setbacks, modulation, etc.,” she said. “Putting all that aside, we are obligated by the state to approve Builder’s Remedy projects that do not satisfy any of these findings.” 

Commissioner Chair Jeff Wolfe recused himself from the vote because he owns property near the proposed development. 

Both projects will now enter a 14-day appeal period during which they can be appealed to the City Council. 

The post Two More Builder’s Remedy Projects Move Forward appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Those laws include, most prominently, Assembly Bill 2097, which bans cities from imposing minimum parking requirements on developments located within a half-mile of major public transit.  

According to a report prepared by city staff, the relevant state laws were enacted, in part, to support California’s goals of encouraging public transit, discouraging the use of personal vehicles and reducing the cost of building housing. 

The proposed city ordinance is, according to the report, “in support of these statewide goals.” The limitations would also prevent street overcrowding and protect on-street parking for current residents and commercial users. 

Following a City Council discussion about limiting parking permits in October 2024, the city’s Traffic and Parking Commission reviewed the conceptual program in March. It was further refined in June. 

The city’s preferential parking permit program allows permit holders to park on streets in their zone between 8 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. and in excess of time-limited parking restrictions. The overnight parking permit program allows permit holders to park between the hours of 2:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., which the city’s overnight parking prohibition otherwise forbids.

Under the new ordinance, projects whose residents will be ineligible for parking permits are defined as “those that have provided a reduced number of parking spaces than would otherwise be required by the city through the use of state and/or local exemptions.” 

Owners of such properties will be required to notify new residents of the prohibitions. If an existing project becomes ineligible for participation in the city’s preferential parking programs, residents who already have permits will be exempt from the ban. 

City Councilmember Lester Friedman expressed his support for the measure at the Oct. 28 meeting, adding that he is pleased that residents will be notified in advance that these buildings do not offer parking. He also voiced skepticism that public transit will be used as state officials predict.

“I know that the state of California believes that rapid transit in a city like Los Angeles is going to cure the evil,” he said. “I’m not so sure I agree with that. But in any event, that horse has left the barn … I just hope that some of the buildings that are being constructed now realize that they are under-parking and perhaps will change some of their plans so that each unit has parking available. But that, of course, is their own choice.”

Mayor Sharona Nazarian emphasized that the ordinance is an effort to align with regulations put forth by state government. 

“Sacramento and the state wanted to change parking laws so that anything that’s built near a transit does not require parking … and so I think that this is a great way to show our partnership with Sacramento in supporting that,” she said, adding, “If you are building close to a transit you should be relying less on cars. That’s what Sacramento’s message is. And so, we hear you, and we are abiding by that.”

In other business, the council adopted an urgency ordinance to adopt, by reference, the 2025 California Building Standards Code, with applicable local amendments to the California Building Standards Code and other technical codes. 

The California Building Standards Commission adopts a new version of the California Building Standards Code every three years. Following the council’s vote, the code will automatically take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. 

An urgency ordinance was needed to ensure that the city is aligned with the state’s implementation timeline. 

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The decision to delay a discussion regarding the 26-story mixed-use project at 8844 Burton Way came on the heels of a preliminary 4-1 vote by the commission on Oct. 21 to deny a development plan review and density bonus permit for the proposed new structure. Members of the commission on that date instructed city staff to prepare a resolution denying the project, and the Oct. 29 review was expected to result in the commission adopting a final resolution to deny the development. 

In its preliminary vote to deny the project, the commission cited as one of the deciding factors an alleged violation of California Health and Safety Code 17929, which prohibits the isolation of affordable housing units to a specific floor or area on a specific floor. 

Commissioner Gary Ross said at the time that the Burton Way project violated the “spirit” of the law if not the law itself, as affordable units would be spread throughout the bottom five floors of the building.

Attorney Dave Rand, representing the applicant, asked for a continuance at the Oct. 29 meeting because the full commission was not present (Commissioner Terri Kaplan was not in attendance), and what he called “the gravity of the situation.” 

“We believe the findings and the denial resolution were made in error, in violation of multiple state laws,” he said. “And we think given … the importance of your decision, it would be most appropriate to wait until there is a full commission present to be able to deliberate it.”

Rand also cited a letter sent to the commission by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in response to its preliminary denial vote. The letter, dated Oct. 28, reminded the city of “its obligations under the Housing Accountability Act and specifically the requirements for making findings of denial.”

HCD specifically addressed the question of denying a project based on the dispersal of affordable units, stating that “dispersal requirements that are not required by state law and not found in the city’s objective standards cannot serve as a basis for denial.” 

The letter further suggested that the city work with applicants on conditions agreeable to both parties, as long as those conditions don’t render projects infeasible. 

Since the Oct. 21 meeting, the applicant for 8844 Burton Way submitted two revisions to the development, which included changes to further disperse the affordable units and to make them more comparable in terms of the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to those earmarked as market rate. 

Commissioner Myra Demeter said that she had not had the opportunity to look at the most recent revision and noted that she would “need a continuance” to get all the information. 

Multiple members of the public spoke in opposition against the continuance. 

A special meeting will be held on Nov. 5 to review the matter. 

In other business, the commission conditionally approved, in a unanimous vote, a request from developer Masoud Netty of Wilshire Rodeo Company, LLC, for a development plan review and density bonus permit to allow for the construction of a 19-story, mixed-use development with 30 residential units at 145 S. Rodeo Drive.

It also conditionally approved a request from developer 9229 Wilshire Skyline, LLC for a development plan review, conditional use permit and density bonus permit to allow for the construction of a 14-story, mixed-use development consisting of 116 residential units, commercial uses and a 60-room hotel at 9229 Wilshire Blvd. 

The buildings are the eighth and ninth Builder’s Remedy projects to be conditionally approved by the commission since Oct. 9. 

Designed by Los Angeles-based architecture and design firm Cara, the development on South Rodeo Drive will replace an existing two-story office building. At 237 feet tall, the new project will include three levels of subterranean parking levels with 54 spaces as well as an additional subterranean level to potentially accommodate a restaurant kitchen, mechanical equipment and a residential screening room.

Six of the building’s 30 residential units will be reserved for low-income households.

In the proposal brought to the commission for deliberation, all six affordable units were located on three floors. During discussion, the commission requested that the applicant disperse those units more broadly, citing the same concerns they cited in their initial denial of the Burton Way project. 

Ryan Leaderman, an attorney representing the developer, said that despite the further dispersal of affordable units not being required by state law, the applicant would agree to the commission’s request “in the spirit of compromise.” 

During public comment, residents expressed opposition to the project, voicing concerns about increased traffic, noise and congestion, particularly during the construction of the project. 

“I understand that the Planning Commission has limited discretion to deny the project … but the Planning Commission can and should impose conditions to at least try to ease our burden of the outrageous idea of a 19-story, completely out of proportion building that, without the Builder’s Remedy tragedy would never, ever have been built,” said Michelle Bellen, who identified herself as a resident of South Camden Drive.

The development at 9229 Wilshire Blvd. designed by Los Angeles-based architecture firm SPF:architects, will replace a two-story commercial building. Three subterranean parking levels would provide 140 shared parking spaces. The residential units would occupy most of levels two through 10, and a hotel would occupy levels 11 through 14. 

A hotel operator hasn’t yet been identified. 

The developments on South Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard are now open to a 14-day appeal period. 

The post Planning Commission Continues Hearing on Burton Way Project appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Pursuant to state law, Beverly Hills was required by 2021 to demonstrate its ability to build 3,100 new housing units, divided into various income categories. The city worked with the California Department of Housing and Community Development from 2021 to 2024 to produce a housing element satisfactory to the state. 

“During that period, state law has a provision called Builder’s Remedy, which says if the city has not had its housing plan certified by that deadline, developers can submit applications for projects, and those projects do not have to comply with the general plan or the zoning,” Forbes told the public. Certain developers were paying very close attention to this three-year window of time, during which the city received 16 applications. Those applications have now been reduced to 14. Of those, five have been approved by the Planning Commission so far. “We do have various lawsuits pending on some of those as well … but we’re now at the point where we have to start bringing these projects forward,” Forbes added. 

Nazarian noted, “I don’t think that anybody is denying that we need housing. We need affordable housing. We are facing a housing shortage in California … it’s taking away local control, which is the issue.”

Builder’s Remedy has succeeded in removing “control” from Beverly Hills as it relates to the applications in question. The city is essentially mandated to approve the projects. The city has pursued various legal paths to stop these projects from getting approved, to no avail. Courts have ruled in favor of the developers’ Builder’s Remedy applications. 

Many community members also had questions regarding SB 79, a California law titled the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act. This law requires the city to increase the density of development allowed within a quarter-mile ring of the new Canon and La Cienega subway stops, regardless of zoning. “So, even single-family properties and neighborhoods within a quarter mile of these subway stations, if a developer wants to propose a multifamily project in those areas, the city would be compelled to approve it under that law,” Forbes said. While the Century City subway stop is outside of the city border, the quarter-mile ring around that station extends into Beverly Hills. In addition to a streamlined permitting process, parking is not required if the development is located within a half mile of a major transit stop. 

“We want to support the state; it’s important,” Nazarian said. “Since they want to encourage public transit and the use of it, then we want to support that as well.” As far as parking permits are concerned, the City Council is exploring an ordinance that would prohibit residents of SB 79 units from participating in the city’s preferential and overnight parking. 

Forbes also described significant projects in the planning stages and under construction, and how they will benefit the city. Scheduled to be completed in 2028, the biggest is One Beverly Hills, which will consist of two condominium towers, a luxury hotel, and roughly five acres of public park area. Per the project’s development agreement, the city will receive tax revenue and public benefit contributions, which are both estimated to be substantial. The Planning Commission also recently approved the new Louis Vuitton flagship store on Beverly and Rodeo Drives, which construction is expected to begin next year. Designed by Frank Gehry, the flagship store will be roughly 100,000 square feet and will house a museum exhibition space as well as a café. The third major project is the Saks Fifth Avenue project, which is going through the entitlement process. “The development agreement is being negotiated right now, as far as what public benefits will be provided,” Forbes said. 

Forbes also spoke about a new system that the city is working on to streamline permitting and expand the building permitting process online, using artificial intelligence. 

The conversation also touched on short-term rentals, reminding the public that the City Council recently adopted an ordinance making them illegal in single-family and multifamily neighborhoods. Across the city, the minimum required lease period for all units is 12 months. 

Lastly, after renewed concern about coyotes in the community, people were reminded not to leave food or water out on the street, including around trash cans. “We’re actually putting up cameras in a couple of locations to try and identify who is feeding them, because there are some regular locations where food is getting put out,” Forbes noted. Leaving food out for wildlife attracts coyotes to the neighborhood and violates the municipal code. The city has a contract with Los Angeles Animal Services, which can assess a property or neighborhood and flag potential coyote attractants. 

The next Straight Talk with Sharona will be held on Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m.  

The post Straight Talk with Sharona Addresses Building Projects appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Terri Kaplan voting against the denial of the review and permit. 

The commission’s decision came following a nearly four-hour deliberation, which included public comment that at times became personal as residents suggested that commissioners were not taking their concerns seriously. 

The applicant’s requests were denied on five counts, according to Commissioner Gary Ross, who summarized the reasoning behind the decision while making a motion to deny. 

Ross cited an alleged violation of the California Health and Safety Code 17929, which prohibits the isolation of affordable housing units to a specific floor or area on a specific floor; an alleged lack of evidence to  support the applicant’s claims that it would not be economically feasible to build affordable units on the top 19 floors; the applicant’s alleged refusal to provide evidence to support the need for transparent as opposed to opaque guardrails; health and safety concerns raised by residents during public comment, alleging that traffic created by the new development would prevent them from accessing necessary medical care at nearby Cedars-Sinai; and allegedly insufficient evidence that the Beverly Hills Fire Department is capable of addressing fires of more than 100 feet high. 

It was unclear how existing law applied to some of the allegations. For example, California Health and Safety Code 17929 prohibits mixed-income multifamily structures from isolating affordable housing units “to a specific floor or an area on a specific floor.” 

Affordable units in the Burton Way development would be spread throughout the bottom five floors of the building, as currently proposed.

Dave Rand, an attorney representing the applicant, told the Courier that the commission’s vote was “shocking.”   

“The city is absolutely playing with fire here,” he said. “The commission had zero legal basis to deny this project, as was told to them repeatedly by their own staff and city attorney. I was shocked by the brazen disregard for the law.” 

City Attorney Laurence Wiener told the Courier that “as requested, staff will prepare a resolution of denial to be brought back at the next Planning Commission meeting,” adding that the decision is subject to appeal. 

The application for the Burton Way project was first submitted to the city by developer Crescent Heights in March 2024. At that time, it was proposed to be 20 stories and 223 feet tall. Earlier this year, the applicant submitted revised plans that increased the project’s height to 26 stories and just over 309 feet. 

The project would include 200 residential units with 22 designated for extremely low-income and moderately low-income households. Parking spaces for 316 vehicles would be available, along with over 42,000 square feet of open space and a rooftop deck.

The commission’s vote to deny the permits came as a surprise to many involved in the project. In August, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ordered the city to process the application for a Builder’s Remedy project on South Linden Drive after finding the city to be in violation of the state’s Housing Accountability Act and Permit Streamlining Act for having rejected the development.   

That decision was expected to set a precedent for the way the city handles applications for Builder’s Remedy developments. 

During public comment, resident Renee Strauss, who opposed the Burton Way development, expressed her frustration with commissioners who have said they have very little discretion about whether or not to approve Builder’s Remedy projects based on state law. 

“Mr. Wolfe brought up on several occasions, as did … Mr. Milkowski, that your hands are tied … don’t let us feel as a community like we are being silenced, and our words don’t matter,” she said. 

Resident Janet Fox singled out City Planner Edgar Arroyo, suggesting that city staff is at fault for all Builder’s Remedy projects in the city after not submitting a Housing Element to the state in a timely manner. 

“You comment ‘our hands are tied,’ … but you don’t look at Ed Arroyo and the planning staff who failed, who were neglectful in not providing a timely compliance element,” she said.

The commission directed staff to draft a resolution memorializing their findings, which will be brought back for finalization at their next meeting on Oct. 29. 

There is now a 14-day appeal period during which anyone can appeal the commission’s decision. 

Rand told the Courier that his team will wait to see what happens at the Oct. 29 meeting before taking further action, although he noted that he will prepare legal analyses to present at that meeting. 

Following that meeting, he said, “If they continue to disregard the law, we will appeal.” If necessary, he said, they will “one hundred percent litigate” the issue. 

In other business, the commission approved a development plan review and density bonus permit for a new six-story development at 9945 Durant Drive, as well as two permits to allow rooftop restrooms and a walkway in the front yard to exceed 5 feet in width.  

The project was found to be exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project, which will include 29 residential units, will occupy the parcel that currently houses several multifamily residential buildings at 9937, 9941 and 9945 Durant Drive. Of the 29 units, three will be reserved for very low-income households. 

Commissioner Terri Kaplan commended the developer for their “thoughtful” design. 

“It’s true, it’s very different from what exists,” said Kaplan. “It’s true it is somewhat—in my opinion, modestly—larger than what’s going on in the area, and as importantly, it furthers our quest to create more housing in accordance with state mandate. I think it is a positive development for our community.”  

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The new historic preservation awards program is part of the commission’s work plan for fiscal year 2025-26. The CHC’s Community Outreach and Education Subcommittee met three times over the course of 2024 to discuss the development of an awards program.

The inaugural program seeks to recognize significant contributions to the city’s architectural and cultural heritage, culminating in an award ceremony in May. 

To fully fund the awards program, the number of Golden Shields the commission recommends annually to City Council will be reduced from 12 to four, starting with the current FY 2025-26.

The historic preservation awards program differs from the Golden Shield Cultural Recognition Program, which honors locations of historical and cultural significance with a custom gilt-bronze plaque. In contrast, the new historic preservation awards program focuses on recognizing efforts to restore and preserve historical structures. Award categories include The Restoration/Preservation Award, The Renovation/Rehabilitation Award, The Historic Site Stewardship Award and the Historic Awareness and Education Award.

The final concept of the program outlines a set award nomination period, nomination eligibility requirements and award categories. The nomination period would be publicly advertised and open annually to the public in October. The commission aims to hold the awards program during the first week of May to coincide with Preservation Month.  

Both Nazarian and Mirisch expressed their support for the final concept. Nazarian inquired about how many applicants are anticipated to apply for the awards program. Given that this is the program’s first year, Commissioner Lori Greene Gordon said she believes the nominations will largely be driven by the commission, but will consider other means of getting the word out, such as through mailers and advertisements in local newspapers.

Moving on to the final item of the meeting, council liaisons and commissioners engaged in a lengthy discussion on the proposed updates to the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and the overall process for designating historical landmarks.  

Some of the updates include increasing the number of CHC meetings from four to six times per year; removing the requirement that at least one commissioner be an architect, contractor or California real estate licensee; and modifying the criteria for the designation of an eligible historic property.        

Commissioner Marc Teren said that Beverly Hills has a very complex Historic Preservation Ordinance, which makes it difficult to recognize historic property. Gordon took issue with the number of meetings being increased to six per year, noting the difficulty of getting commissioners to commit to the existing four-meeting requirement. 

The discussion evolved into debate on how the updated ordinance can make the process for designating historic properties more efficient, while also allowing homeowners living in those properties to more freely make renovations to their homes.  

Nazarian said the historical designation process takes too long and that there are too many restrictions on what renovations or changes can be made to historical properties. Mirisch refuted by saying that there are avenues for homeowners to make those changes, like adding windows, that still allow properties to maintain their historical integrity, and that a solution would be “to try and match historic properties with people who like them.”

Assistant City Manager Ryan Gohlich said that the revised ordinance will make it more challenging for property owners, because it would “capture more properties.” Thus, the updated ordinance would cause more properties to go through the historic designation process, require more time and require additional topics for consultants to research. 

Commissioners and council liaisons brought up potentially looking into a survey of single-family residences, which staff initially considered several years ago. Gohlich said that a survey would cost a couple hundred thousand dollars, and that homeowners will most likely want to challenge the historical designation of their property because of the potential implications on property values.

Teren and Gordon were both in favor of the surveys. 

“If we did what we’re talking about here and did the survey, which would be incredibly of value to the city—but it doesn’t deem anybody historic—it says these 200 homes may potentially fit the criteria. They could still apply for a certificate of ineligibility immediately when they were identified, which would put it through the review process,” explained Teren, giving an example.

Nazarian requested that another liaison meeting be held to formally discuss the consideration of a survey as part of the city’s historical designation process. 

The post Cultural Heritage Commission and Liaisons Discuss New Awards Program appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“A lot of people are interested in building ADUs,” said Chloe Chen, the city’s principal planner, at the farmers’ market event. “We are encouraging them as alternate options for housing.” 

The booth, which received about a dozen visitors, was part of an ongoing initiative to spread the word about how to build an ADU, the regulations that govern them and what the process looks like in Beverly Hills. 

According to Chen, the Housing Element requires the city to achieve an average of 20 ADUs per year by the end of 2025 or face penalties. 

The need for more housing comes from the city’s Housing Element, which was certified by the state in May 2024. The certification followed three years of attempts by Beverly Hills officials to draft a document that met the state’s requirements, including four formal rejections from state officials and dozens of amendments. 

The final document requires the city to allow approximately 3,100 new housing units by 2029.

Among the programs that city staff were promoting at the Sunday market were the Incentive ADU (IADU) program and the city’s preapproved ADU plans. 

The IADU program allows owners of single-family lots of 13,000 square feet or larger to build one additional ADU above what is permitted by state law, with certain requirements. The structure cannot be larger than 800 square feet. It may be detached or attached to the home and at least one ADU on the property must be deed-restricted for rental use, with a minimum term of 12 months. 

IADUs must have separate entrances and bathrooms, and full kitchens. They must  include a parking space unless the property is within a half mile of public transit, within an architecturally or historically significant district, in an area where on-street parking permits are required and not provided to the occupant of the ADU or if they are within one block of a car-share vehicle pickup location. 

IADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary residence. 

The city currently has five preapproved ADU plans available on its website. Created by individual designers and architecture firms, the plans include architectural, structural and electrical designs that comply with city requirements and are approximately 70% complete for permitting. 

For households interested in building ADUs, the preapproved plans offer an option to move the process along more quickly. 

As part of their program to promote the option in the city, staff has made detailed guidelines for what is permitted in the Central Area of the city, the Hillside Area and the Trousdale Estates, as each region has slightly different regulations. 

For instance, the maximum size for attached or detached ADUs in the Hillside Area is 1,400 square feet or the site’s remaining maximum allowable floor area, whichever is less. In the Trousdale Estates, the maximum size is 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom ADU and 1,000 square feet for anything larger, or the site’s remaining maximum allowable floor area, whichever is less. 

Residents of the Trousdale Estates pushed back against proposed changes to regulations governing ADUs last year, expressing concerns that amendments to height restrictions would negatively impact neighborhood views. 

Chen noted that recent changes to city regulations allow for some two-story ADUs and for converting garages to ADUs. 

In addition to their booth at the farmer’s market, city staff was present at Beverly Hills’ National Night Out event in August and has been posting information about ADUs on social media. 

Chen was pleased to find that residents saw the social media posts and came to the booth. 

“I’m so glad it’s working,” she said. 

More information about the program can be found on the city’s website at beverlyhills.org/adu and beverlyhills.org/preapprovedadu. 

The post Outreach Efforts to Encourage ADUs Extend to Farmers’ Market appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) was founded in 2019 and consists of more than 850 interfaith organizations, decision-makers, content creators and activists with the goal of leading “a united front against Jew hatred.” 

Nazarian told the Courier she feels a deep responsibility to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.

“We are living in a moment where silence is not an option. It is more important than ever to stand up to hate, discrimination and antisemitism in all its forms,” said Nazarian. “This board provides a platform for municipal leaders to lead with moral clarity, to be that voice when it matters the most.” 

The board, chaired by Mayor Brett Smiley from Providence, Rhode Island, brings together nine mayors across the country representing a variety of regions and constituencies. The mayors met for the first time in September and will play a central role in the upcoming 2025 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, which will take place at the end of the year in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Nazarian said her years of experience as a public servant, psychologist, mother and immigrant have helped her understand the power of resilience, which she hopes to bring to the board. 

More than 300 mayors and municipal leaders from across North America will convene in New Orleans for the summit, where they will talk strategies, create coalition-building strategies, and share resources to implement tangible strategies toward combating antisemitism in their own cities.

Former Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman chaired the 2024 summit, which was held in Beverly Hills. The 2024 summit also unveiled CAM’s Municipal Antisemitism Action Index—a critical framework that the board aims to advance ahead of the 2025 conference. 

Nazarian told the Courier that she hopes Beverly Hills can continue to be a model for other cities in combating antisemitism, pointing to enhanced public safety measures and increased community partnerships and education as tangible actions the city has taken toward combating hate and antisemitism.

“On the board, I intend to share tangible strategies from Beverly Hills that can be adapted and scaled nationally. Beverly Hills has always been a model of excellence, and we will continue to lead with strength, courage and kindness,” said Nazarian. 

“Never Again Is Now” is an initiative the mayor has championed throughout her term, which aims to highlight the diversity of the Jewish experience through events like speaker series and book discussions. Recently, the city began its effort in constructing a permanent memorial commemorating the victims of Hamas’ attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023—the first of its kind in the entire world. 

“This site will serve as a place of remembrance, reflection and education. By honoring victims and educating our community, we foster a more united, tolerant and compassionate city that leads with kindness and courage,” said Nazarian. 

But the mayor doesn’t think her advocacy should stop there—which is part of why she’s decided to join the board. “Hate does not recognize borders,” said Nazarian. “Antisemitism is not a local issue, it’s a global challenge. While I am deeply committed to protecting and uplifting our Beverly Hills community, leadership means looking beyond our city limits … When any group is targeted, our entire society is at risk. Combating antisemitism everywhere helps make our own communities safer and stronger.” 

She also believes mayors are put in a unique position to create change and shape their communities because of their direct connection to their residents, businesses, schools and faith institutions. 

“We see the impact of antisemitism not as an abstract concept, but as something that affects real people in real time,” said Nazarian. “That’s why local leadership is so critical. We can mobilize resources, foster partnerships and create a culture of unity and respect from the ground up.” 

With the nine other mayors on the board, Nazarian seeks to strengthen and build coalitions that go beyond the city limits of Beverly Hills and last far beyond a single conference.   

The post Sharona Nazarian Joins Mayor’s Advisory Board for Combat Antisemitism Movement appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The ventures are both multi-family residential buildings: an 11-story structure at 401 N. Oakhurst Dr., and a 12-story development at 346 N. Maple Dr. 

Developer Leo Pustilnikov is the primary applicant for both projects. 

Dave Rand, an attorney representing Pustilnikov, expressed his satisfaction with the commission’s vote. 

“We were very pleased at the decision by the Planning Commission,” he told the Courier. “The city has made a clear, deliberate decision to follow the law, and we’re grateful that was the outcome.” 

At the meeting, Commission Chair Jeff Wolfe said that the city has very little discretion with regard to approving Builder’s Remedy projects. 

“In a nutshell, while I may agree with all the [opposition] from the residents, while I may have all of the same concerns, I still feel, sitting here as a commission, we are bound by both the municipal code, bound by state law and therefore the law compels me to support the project[s] with the conditions as specified,” he said. 

Applications for both projects were submitted to the city in April 2024. Currently, the lot at 346 N. Maple Dr. houses an eight-unit apartment building and detached six-car garage. The new, 124-foot building will have 65 residential units, 13 of which will be reserved for low- and very low-income households. The project will include 15 parking spaces and a one-level subterranean garage. 

The approximately 7,700-square-foot lot at 401 N. Oakhurst Dr. is now home to a six-unit apartment building and a detached six-car garage. The new project will feature a 131-foot building with 25 residential units, five of which will be reserved for low- and very low-income households. It will include 14 parking spaces and a one-level subterranean garage.

At the Oct. 14 meeting, multiple members of the public spoke in opposition to the ventures. 

“These two developments affect our lifestyle extremely,” said a resident of North Maple Drive. “Right now, as the parking exists, people have to drive four times around the block to find a parking spot to come and visit me or provide me services … [imagine] what life will be after these developments—forget about developing it—but after it’s developed, what will happen to parking and traffic?”

At the meeting, Rand emphasized that the North Maple Drive building will help the city fulfill the requirements of its state-issued Housing Element. 

“This particular project includes a very high percentage of affordable units that will be helpful to the city as you meet your [housing] requirements and demonstrate to the state that the affordable obligations, that are getting only greater and greater imposed on cities, are being met here in Beverly Hills,” he said.

Beverly Hills is required by the state to create capacity for over 3,100 new housing units by 2029. 

Prior to making a motion for the approval of the North Maple Drive project, Commissioner Terri Kaplan encouraged residents to voice their opinions about Builder’s Remedy to state policymakers. 

“For those members of the public who will be directly affected by this project, who have shown up to this meeting today or written to us or who are viewing or listening, thank you for participating,” she said. “As to what else you could do, it’s entirely within your discretion, if you object to the state law that places us in this position, you may write, and probably should, to your elected officials in Sacramento, including the governor.” 

Following the commission’s vote, there is a 14-day appeal period during which anyone can file an appeal to the decision. If an appeal is filed, the issue will go to the City Council. If no appeal is filed, the commission’s ruling is final. 

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The plans include an 8-story mixed-use development at 9467 Olympic Blvd., another 8-story mixed-use development at 333-353 S. Beverly Dr. and a 13-story mixed-use development at 9441 Olympic Blvd. All three properties are owned by Samuel Aflalo of Olympic & Beverly, LLC and Fisch Properties, L.P. 

“We appreciate staff’s diligence and the city attorney’s diligence as well, with respect to the project,” said Ryan Leaderman, an attorney representing the projects, at the Oct. 9 meeting. “As you know, we’re in a housing crisis. The city’s population has actually decreased over the past 50 years, and with that in mind, that’s one of the reasons why we have to strengthen housing laws right now.” 

All three new developments take advantage of California’s Builder’s Remedy law, which allows new developments to bypass certain municipal building and zoning codes in exchange for providing affordable units if a city does not have an approved housing element in place. 

There are currently 14 Builder’s Remedy projects in various stages of development in Beverly Hills. 

Plans for the projects on Olympic Boulevard and South Beverly Drive were submitted in September 2024. The 9467 Olympic Blvd. lot, which is currently being used as a grocery store and parking lot, will house an 85-foot-tall building, 17,085 square feet of which will be designated for commercial and restaurant use. 

Of 105 residential units in the building, 21 will be reserved for low-income households. The remainder, which will be available at market rate, will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The development will feature a rooftop courtyard, private balconies and three levels of subterranean parking with 180 parking spaces.  

The development on the approximately 38,500-square-foot South Beverly Drive lot, which is currently being used as office space and parking, will also feature an 85-foot building, with 16,099 square feet designated for commercial and restaurant use. 

The 135 available residential units will include 27 designated for low-income households and a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units available at market rate. Three levels of subterranean parking will provide 263 parking spaces, and the building will include a gym, community room and rooftop courtyard with a pool.

At just over 143 feet, the development at 9441 Olympic Blvd. will be the tallest of the three. Currently, the site houses a two-story office building. When its new development is complete, it will feature over 4,000 square feet for commercial use, and 15 out of 75 total residential units will be designated for low-income households. 

Echoing the sentiments of many Beverly Hills residents who will be impacted by Builder’s Remedy projects in the city, 24 households from a nearby block of El Camino Drive submitted a signed letter to the Planning Commission expressing their concerns about traffic and privacy. 

The letter focused on the impacts of 333-335 S. Beverly Dr. and 9467 Olympic Blvd. Resident Ari Tuchman, who penned the letter, spoke at the Oct. 9 meeting. He emphasized that residents were not seeking to deny the developers their projects, but rather to place parameters on certain elements. 

“Nobody’s denying anybody’s right to their use and enjoyment of the property, but I think Mr. Aflalo and Mr. Leaderman would agree that that’s a two-way street, and that it also applies to us as it applies to them,” he said. “Our letter is so reasonable and is so understanding, and we’re asking for so little.”

As approved, amplified sound will be prohibited in outdoor open space areas in all three developments. Common outdoor areas will be permitted to be used from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and barbecues on individual balconies will be banned. 

Sound and sight barriers will also be required of all three properties, including a 6-foot sound barrier on rooftop areas facing residential properties and 4-foot opaque or translucent barriers on balconies and common outdoor living spaces. 

There is now a 14-day appeal period during which anyone can file an appeal. 

“If an appeal is filed, the next step would be a City Council hearing,” said Beverly Hills Director of Community Development Michael Forbes in an email to the Courier. “If no appeal is filed, the Planning Commission’s decision is final.”

The developer will then prepare and submit building plans to the city for review.  

The post Olympic Boulevard Builder’s Remedy Projects Move Forward appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I’m grateful to be alive,” she said. “It took me two years to say that. I’m grateful for my family’s strength, and I’m grateful for the community and for your love and prayer and your unwavering support, and I’m so grateful for a place to come when I’m

feeling like I need to be with victims and other families.”

Sasi’s remarks were among those given at the dedication for Beverly Hills’ Oct. 7 Memorial, which was held at the library on Oct. 5. In addition to Sasi, speakers included Mayor Sharona Nazarian; artist Art Nesterenko, who created the memorial; Rabbi Pini Dunner of the Beverly Hills Synagogue; Israel Bachar, Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest and more.

The hourlong program included prayers for a ceasefire as well as a promise that Beverly Hills will never forget the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by terrorist organization Hamas.

To begin the ceremony, Dunner offered a recitation of Psalm 121 in Hebrew and English.

“It is a psalm that calls for God’s assistance and help, recognizes God’s greatness, and particularly in light of the fact that there are hostages who still remain dozens of feet below Gaza in tunnels,” he said. “We pray for their release [as well as] the other 28 whose remains need to be brought for proper burial in the land of their birth.”

Following Dunner’s remarks, Nazarian delivered a speech centered on hope, unity and a recognition that even as antisemitism is on the rise, Beverly Hills will continue to speak out against it.

“We stand together here in Beverly Hills for a moment that will live in history,” she said. “This is not just another ceremony. This is a sacred ground … we built this memorial to remember, to teach, to educate the next generation, to say with absolute clarity that never again is now.”

Bachar and Rabbi Noah Farkas, the Jewish Federation’s President and Chief Executive Officer, shared recollections about Oct. 7, 2023, and were followed by Sasi, who shared her story of survival.

An Israeli American from the San Fernando Valley, Sasi was visiting Israel at the time of the Oct. 7 attack. She was at the Nova Music Festival when the attack began and hid in a small bomb shelter for eight hours alongside approximately 40 other people. When terrorists entered the shelter, Sasi hid from their grenades and gunfire under bodies.

Before being rescued, Sasi was shot in the leg, and her father was murdered after throwing himself on a grenade to protect others.

“Even in the face of terror, we will not lose our hope,” Sasi said at the Oct. 5 event. “Hope is stronger than fear. Light is stronger than darkness, and life is stronger than death. We remember and we fight, we believe, and we will never stop choosing life.”

The Beverly Hills memorial, Forty Steps to the Sky, will include a sculpture resembling a spiral floating staircase. The sculpture will feature materials sourced from Israel and is intended to represent the connection between earth and sky and between body and soul. The steps represent the number of weeks in the year 2023 before Oct. 7.

Behind the sculpture, a memorial wall will hold the names of the victims.

Speaking at the ceremony, artist Nesterenko, who works as the creative director at Broskin Studio, explained the piece further.

“The entire structure will be made out of forged stainless steel, assembled from hundreds and hundreds of small pieces,” he said. “Each piece represents a family that lost a loved one, and together, they’re joined into one sculpture, forming a lasting bond. Forty Steps to the Sky is  … a promise; a promise that the stories of Oct. 7 will never be forgotten, and together we will always write a story of light.”

The post Oct. 7 Memorial Ceremony Features Survivor Stories, Rabbinical Wisdom appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Next month, she’s taking aspiring firefighters under her wing for the third annual Empowerment Camp, which aims to educate and inspire young women to envision themselves in a role that’s traditionally underrepresented by women.

“My hope is that every girl who leaves Empowerment Camp walks away feeling stronger, more capable and more confident than when she arrived,” Hillis told the Courier. “Whether or not she chooses firefighting as a career, we want her to know that she can do hard things, and that she has a place in any field she sets her mind to. If we can spark that belief in just one camper, we’ve done our job. But we’re seeing that spark ignite in dozens of young women each year, and that’s incredibly powerful.”

Empowerment Camp, which will take place this year on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 at the BHFD headquarters, offers young people, especially girls ages 13 to 18, the opportunity to participate in intensive exercises, drills and training activities that introduce them to the demanding work of firefighting.

“The city of Beverly Hills is proud to offer young people a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of fire service,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “This two-day program prepares the next generation of courageous firefighters and community leaders, those who run toward danger when others turn away. It reflects our city’s ongoing commitment to safety, service, and unity.”

A day at the camp typically starts early—just like a real firefighter’s shift. Then, campers jump into team-building exercises and a morning briefing, just before the physical drills. Those include hose handling, ladder climbs, search and rescue scenarios and even fire simulations in full firefighting gear. Campers rotate through those skill stations led by experienced female firefighters who coach and encourage them along the way.

This year has seen an increase in enrollment and engagement from the community than in years past, and BHFD will bring in more interactive workshops, hands-on drills and a mentorship component that allows campers to stay connected with firefighters beyond the weekend, said Hillis.

The objective of Empowerment Camp will be a bit different this year, too. Instead of just physical skills, the camp aims to shift more focus to leadership and building confidence.

“On day one, we often see a lot of hesitation, girls unsure if they’re strong enough, fast enough or brave enough. By the end of the weekend, those same girls are racing up ladders, dragging hoses twice their weight, and cheering each other on with total confidence,” said Hillis. “But the biggest change is internal. You see their posture change, their voices grow stronger, and their eyes light up with a new sense of pride. They realize they’re capable of more than they imagined, and that realization doesn’t go away when camp ends.”

Currently, Hillis said, one of the biggest barriers girls face when considering firefighting as a career is visibility. “If a girl has never seen a female firefighter, it can be hard for her to picture herself in that role,” said Hillis.

Hillis joined the BHFD in 2008, eventually becoming the department’s engineer. She is a founding member of the Women’s Fire Alliance, a nonprofit organization that supports and empowers local women firefighters in Southern California. After attending neighboring fire department empowerment camps, she decided it was time for her own city to provide that same opportunity to young girls aspiring to be firefighters.

She emphasized that the demands of the job are the same no matter the gender, but she wants to change the perception of who belongs in firefighting.

“Our goal is to ensure that girls grow into young women who can see themselves as firefighters and have equal opportunities to pursue that dream with confidence and support. That’s why our camp is so important. It demystifies the job and shows girls that strength comes in many forms,” said Hillis.

Registration for the third annual Empowerment Camp is still open and will close once it reaches capacity. The camp will be held on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Fire Department at 445 Rexford Drive.

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Powerhouses including Willow Bay, award-winning journalist and owner of the Angel City Football Club; Jeanie Buss, Governor and co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers; Charlotte Jones, Chief Brand Officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys; and Lauren Leichtman, owner of the San Diego Wave Football Club, discussed the experiences and challenges of women in sports ownership on a panel moderated by two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA championship winner Candace Parker.

Charlotte Jones shared her father’s unexpected purchase of the Dallas Cowboys football team and the challenges faced, emphasizing the need for resilience. “We have to have a high tolerance for ambiguity, and we have no idea what tomorrow is going to bring, but we have to be prepared,” Jones said. “We’ve taken the first risk. We put everything on the line … you’ve got to be comfortable in that space and then figure out how to make the best decisions to turn the club around when we get there. You know, they don’t issue you a manual when you buy a team.”

Having purchased the Angel City Football Club a little over a year ago, Bay reflected on handling crises, from the wildfires to ICE raids, and how they have impacted her team.

At the height of the immigration raids in the city, her soccer team’s supporters wanted to hang a banner that read “Abolish ICE” at the stadium in response to the fear and uncertainty that people were feeling, but it was a violation of venue policy.

Understanding the need for the community to respond to the moment, Bay agreed to a different show of support. “Fans created T-shirts with our assistance, with ‘Immigrant City Football Club’ on the front, and in English and Spanish, ‘everyone belongs here’ on the back, and they offered them to people on their way into the games,” Bay said. “The response was overwhelmingly positive, and I think we were surprised … there was so much concern about speaking out, and our fan community loved it.”

When asked about the growth of women’s sports, Leichtman, who owns a team that competes in the National Women’s Soccer League, believes we are on the cusp of an explosion, but significant challenges remain.

“We don’t own our own stadium,” Leichtman said. “The men get priority, then concerts, then women. To me, that’s completely untenable. So, I think we’ve got a lot of work to do. The only way out of it is to push your way in. You just know it’s not an acceptable answer.”

For women running men’s sports teams, Jeanie Buss noted that many obstacles and barriers are, in fact, extremely surmountable. As the first female Governor in the NBA and a championship winner, Buss spoke about the need to deviate from the exact path that came before her. “I think my biggest challenge was I couldn’t develop relationships with the players like my father could, because I couldn’t go in the locker room after a game, and I had to figure out ways to make connections with the players that were meaningful outside of that,” Jeanie Buss said.

At the Summit, Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Alex Morgan, also known for her efforts fighting for pay equality in the workforce, was honored with the Changemaker Award. Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, was awarded the $100,000 Visionary Prize for Women’s Economic Empowerment. Saujani has advocated for closing the gender gap in tech and improving policies around motherhood, paid leave, and childcare. The Inaugural Trailblazer Award was given to Carolyn Clark Powers for her work making going to an L.A. museum free, and Bridget Gless Keller, who championed the building of the Children’s Institute campus in Watts.

Additionally, more than $220,000 was raised at the event for the Visionary Women’s NextGen Scholars initiative, which supports first-generation college students with a $5,000 discretionary scholarship, giving dozens of young ladies the comfort and benefit of a monetary cushion during the college years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• e-Notices newsletters

• Flyers and signage in neighborhoods.

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

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

The issue was taken under consideration by the city following the recent passage of several state laws that significantly limit the ability of cities to deny or reduce a housing development’s density based on subjective design criteria.

Until now, Beverly Hills has reviewed proposed housing projects on a case-by-case basis, relying on the Architectural and Design Review Commission’s subjective discretion to ensure high-quality design.

That process is no longer permitted under state law. Now, cities must base their approvals of housing projects only on objective standards, which are defined in a city staff report as “definitive, measurable, and consistently applicable across projects without personal judgment or discretion.” 

Since November 2024, the draft ordinance has undergone reviews and revisions from members of the Planning Commission and the Architectural and Design Review Commission. The Planning Commission on Aug. 28 unanimously approved the draft ordinance that went before the City Council on Sept. 30. 

By establishing objective standards for certain design elements, the proposed ordinance aims to maintain the quality of buildings and aesthetics in the city while still adhering to state law. The ordinance suggests measures by which to control building bulk, manage streetscape compatibility, limit noise and maintain a premium exterior quality of buildings, among other things.

The proposal does not change existing density, height or setback standards.  

Some of the proposed standards, which would apply to multifamily housing developments with at least one affordable unit, include mandating that windows less than 8 feet from a property line be offset, angled or obscured; that rooftop decks adjoining housing have a setback from roof edges and a 6-foot clear sound wall; and that balconies near single-family interior lot lines have translucent railings. 

Vinyl windows and siding, mirrored glass and faux-wood plywood would be prohibited. 

Councilmembers noted during their discussion that the new ordinance is required under state law and voiced their appreciation for the work done by city staff to draft the language while taking care to maintain the character of the city. 

“This was a huge undertaking,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “We are in support. We agree with the recommendations that were made, which shows the thorough job that you all did to really preserve our community feel, so we are very grateful for that.”

This ordinance is the first phase of the effort to come into compliance with state law. The second phase will include the engagement of a consultant to expand and broaden objective design standards by the end of 2026. 

In other news, the council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s final offer with the Management and Professional Employees Association, with which it has been in negotiations for several months. 

At issue was how many categories an employee would need to exceed expectations in a performance review in order to earn a bonus. The city proposed four out of eight, and the union, which represents approximately 142 city employees, proposed three out of eight. 

Speaking at the Sept. 30 meeting, Tania Schwartz, the Management and Professional Employees Association President, called the city’s proposal a “clear departure from the historical standard.”

Negotiations for the next Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city and the union will start in approximately six months.

At the end of the meeting, Councilmember Craig Corman took over the vice mayorship from Vice Mayor John Mirisch. The exchange reflected a decision made by the council in February to split the position, allowing Corman and Mirisch to serve six months each of the 2025-26 term. 

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The Resident Members of Team BH are: Michelle Adams, Michael Lippman,Nicole Ahobim, Meghan Mariani, Ashley Anderson. Claire O Brien, Teja Anderson. Ryan Osborn,

Michael Arena, Elaine Polacheck, Krissy Austin, Jeannine Ramer, Judy Burkow Roxana Rastegar, Ruth Chung, Paula Rodriguez, Donelle Dadigan, Susie Romano, Kelsey Dempsey, Dena Roth, Ethan Eichman, Jordan Rubinstein, Francis Ford, Maxime Salvador, Michelle Hadley, Lana Savinoff, Cynthia Hajjar. Drew Speckman, Carole Hakak, Kilani (Lani) Storm, Aaron Hasson. Kehvon Thomas, Hilary Helstein, Richman Tine, Cindy Kamm, Dimitri Tolios, Maryam Kazerani Pasikhani, Eden Yungerman and Alexandra (Ali) Kozak

The Business Members of Team BH are Ariel Rofeim – Rofeim Law, APC and

Tatiana Zinko – Giroud Nutrition LLC2025-2026

The Student Members of Team BH are Naomi Chung and Ariela Tehrani

Class of 2024 Member is Pamela Klamer 

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The event, organized by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, offered networking opportunities, live music and a selection of hors d’oeuvres before the mayor’s address.

At the core of the priorities outlined by Nazarian was public safety, an issue that has been of top concern for the city and its residents. She reported that crime in the city is down by 20% and pointed to investments in state-of-the-art technology and security partnerships. Nazarian reported that there are nearly 3,000 cameras, surveillance drones, automated license plate readers and other security infrastructure in Beverly Hills, investing 52% of its total budget in public safety. 

Currently, she’s working on several public safety initiatives—AI Blue Stripe, which aims to streamline the workflow for the Beverly Hills Police Department, and BHPD Live Link, which provides updates on calls for service. 

In light of the January wildfires that swept through Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, Nazarian affirmed that both safety from crime and natural disasters are of utmost priority as mayor. 

“The fires in January were a threat to us all. We were fortunate the fires did not enter our city limits, but it was heartbreaking to see what happened to our neighbors, to the east and to the west, who lost everything,” said Nazarian. 

Nazarian stated that wildfire preparedness is a “community effort,” and that the city is excelling in its initiatives, like taking advantage of new technology and ensuring that the city’s water infrastructure is sound. She pointed to upcoming efforts such as BH Fire Watch, a technology that detects early signs of fires before they spread, and the fire department’s recently unveiled BH Wellness Network, which provides more accessible and affordable hospital transport and other services. The Beverly Hills Fire Department is also preparing its large-scale evacuation drill for the north end of the city, which is set to happen on Nov. 9. 

On the topic of the city’s finances, Nazarian reported potential upcoming budget challenges due to decreased international travel, affecting how much revenue is generated from the Transient Occupancy Tax. Despite the city showing a deficit in the next two to three years, she assured that the city will never compromise on public safety and has budgeted accordingly. 

She highlighted the city’s various businesses and their financial contribution to the city.

“When our businesses succeed, they generate the revenue that funds public safety, strengthens our infrastructure, and enhances our quality of life, making it a win-win for everyone,” said Nazarian. Through another one of her initiatives, Spotlight with Sharona, the mayor visits both old and new businesses across the city. 

Another priority for Nazarian is accessibility through frequent community engagement events, including “Straight Talk with Sharona” town halls, “Sharona’s Innovation Circle” for young professionals and the upcoming “Sunday Socials with Sharona” for multigenerational gatherings.

Looking to the future, she discussed some upcoming opportunities and challenges for the city. The most immediate is the unveiling of the Wilshire/La Cienega station on the Metro D Line, which will also open with a public safety kiosk. Additionally, two large-scale developments, One Beverly Hills and the Saks Fifth Avenue project, are taking shape, which the mayor said will “transform our city and serve as anchors.” Though Nazarian said she would be remiss if she didn’t mention the effect builder’s remedy has on the city. 

“California’s affordable housing crisis has created real challenges, not just for Beverly Hills, but for communities across the state. The state is mandating more intensive development and increasing low-income housing, often taking local control away from our cities,” said Nazarian. “Many California cities face the same loss of local control under builder’s remedy. While litigation has not been successful, I believe the best path forward is collaboration. And this is the moment that calls for strong leadership. By working with developers, we, on the City Council, can encourage adjustments that help these projects fit more harmoniously into the character and scope of our community.”

The mayor’s call for unity and collaboration reached across various parts of her address, but especially in the context of upcoming global events coming to Los Angeles—the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. Though the city isn’t hosting any games, Nazarian said the city is preparing for visitors who want to dine and stay in Beverly Hills. Nazarian, along with other mayors, is also part of the LA28 Organizing Committee. 

Finally, Nazarian ended with a personal dedication, both as mayor and as an immigrant who fled religious persecution, to fight antisemitism and intolerance. She mentioned concrete steps she and the rest of City Council have taken, like hosting a panel on the diversity of the Jewish experience, planning women’s rights summits with the members of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, and a permanent memorial for the victims of the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. 

“By coming together, we move away from the evils of hate and towards unity, understanding and a brighter future for everyone in peace. We live in the most beautiful city in the world. We are prosperous and comfortable, thanks to those who came before us, our business leaders, residents, visitors, and city staff. But we will continue to strive to be better and even more unified,” Nazarian ended. 

The post Mayor Delivers 2025 State of the City Address appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Commissioners recapped the event’s success and discussed areas for improvement for the third annual Beverly Hills Day of Wellness, which took place at Roxbury Park & Community Center. The event aims to provide residents with a day of fitness and self-care practices in a green space. 

“The vendors provided a diverse representation of what wellness means,” said Community Services Manager Joana Torres. Commissioner Pam Kraushaar agreed, recognizing the greater variety of vendors compared to previous Day of Wellness events. 

The event had five sessions in total, with the most popular being Inner Bloom Collective’s sound bath. 

Torres provided some statistics and performance metrics on media outreach. Ahead of the event, organizers were able to advertise Day of Wellness in several publication listings. Commissioner Noelle Batista encouraged reaching out to the city’s social media team to obtain more engagement, acknowledging the limited outreach the Community Life BH account has in comparison. 

The Beverly Hills Unified School District community recently came together for another installment of Beverly Hills Reads! on Aug. 24 for a conversation with Allegra Goodman on her book, “Isola,” the summer reading selection for Beverly Hills High School English students. 

Some commissioners expressed wanting a bit of a “lighter” read for the summer.

Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse described some of the marketing reach that went into promoting the event, which saw 353 attendees. Commissioners helped launch a social media campaign featuring photos of residents reading Goodman’s book, while event organizers complemented this approach with a professional promotional video, e-newsletter features and an Eventbrite listing. Batista advocated for developing standardized promotional plans to ensure consistent marketing for similar types of events. 

At the beginning of the meeting, public safety concerns dominated the report by the Beverly Hills Police Department as they outlined enhanced security measures implemented across Beverly Hills Unified School  District (BHUSD) schools amidst recent political events and recaps from Enforcement Day. 

Beverly Hills Police Captain Max Subin explained that the department has stepped up security measures in BHUSD schools, especially following the assassination of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk. The police department has increased special watch and surveillance over the schools with its “Hawkeye” drone. Additionally, virtual police officers (VPOs) monitor cameras in and around the schools for suspicious behavior. The department notified officers from private security organization Covered 6 to continue to make rounds surrounding schools. 

“With that approach, we feel very confident that with the number of cameras, with Hawkeye flying over, with our VPOs watching, as well as Covered 6 being deployed more to the schools, that we have that covered,” said Subin. 

Additionally, traffic enforcement emerged as another BHPD public safety priority, particularly addressing resident complaints about loud vehicle exhausts, especially on popular commercial streets. So, the department deployed 11 officers on Aug. 22 for a dedicated Enforcement Day targeting various traffic violations on Beverly Hills streets. The enforcement effort yielded 162 traffic stops, 120 issued citations, one motorcycle pursuit and five vehicle impoundments. Violations included texting while driving, speeding, loud exhaust, and red-light and stop sign violations. 

Finally, the department sought input from commissioners on how to best enforce e-bike-related policies in BHUSD schools. The department expressed wanting to partner with schools to properly educate students on e-bikes, enforcement and parking issues on Durant Drive around BHHS. 

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In this new role, Pressman will continue to serve on the Executive Committee and hold ex officio status on all other committees. 

A practicing radiologist for 50 years, Pressman tells the Courier that he has always wanted to give back to the community. When he moved to Beverly Hills, he joined Team Beverly Hills, which was his first opportunity to “find out how things worked.” He was then appointed to serve on the Public Works Commission. 

Southern California was facing drought problems during his time on the commission, bringing many water issues to his attention.

“I started going on MWD inspection tours and fell in love with water and the MWD. It’s an incredible organization,” Pressman said.

The MWD is a wholesale provider for 26 public water agencies—including the city of Beverly Hills—who then deliver those supplies to 19 million people across Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. It is the largest single contractor of the State Water Project, importing water from the Colorado River and Northern California. 

Pressman stepped into his role as vice chair during what he said are “very difficult times,” given the stalling of Governor Gavin Newsom’s ambitious $20-billion Delta tunnel project. The Delta Conveyance Project aims to deliver water supplies from Northern California southward under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta for 27 million Californians. Yet the Governor’s proposal to fast-track the project was stunted by California lawmakers, especially from the Delta cities, who have staunchly opposed the project. Proponents say the project is needed because the state faces a future of water instability. 

“The MWD gets a great deal of its water from Northern California. Although we haven’t taken a position yet on the tunnel…it hit some bad waters just the other day,” said Pressman. “So, these are particularly difficult times for the MWD to look at its future and figure out how we’re going to guarantee the availability of affordable water for Southern California.” 

Pressman applauded Beverly Hills for properly storing adequate water in case of an emergency. 

“It’s a function of making sure that the water is available at each local level. And Beverly Hills has done a great job at storing and looking at its future and making sure it has enough locally stored water for an acute event.” 

In fact, one of his main goals as vice chair is to ensure that the MWD is prepared, in the future, to supply sufficient water at a reasonable price for Southern California. Yet, inherent in that is maintaining a work environment that ensures keeping the employees who help the MWD achieve that goal. 

“Our main mission is to supply affordable water with resilience and make sure it’s available, and done in an environmentally reasonable way. But how do you do that? You can’t do that without people,” said Pressman. “So, our big task is making sure our people are properly paid and properly managed and comfortable with their work environment. And that’s almost as big a task as making sure the water’s available.”  

The post Barry Pressman, M.D. Named Vice Chair of Metropolitan Water District Board appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In Beverly Hills, a similar effort was recently undertaken on a smaller scale. A property owner on the 700 block of Hillcrest Road, who prefers to remain anonymous, installed underground power lines for a new home. 

A byproduct of the project, said Jason Somers, the president of Crest Real Estate who coordinated the work, is that the design and engineering teams created a rough roadmap for burying power lines in other locations in Beverly Hills. 

“There is a path now, and we know what that path is,” Somers told the Courier.

The development of a plan to underground the power lines on Hillcrest Road began approximately five years ago. Working alongside Southern California Electrical Firm, Mabante Development, Inc. and Southern California Edison, Crest Real Estate oversaw the creation of the technical design and installation plans. From there, legal teams created easements. 

Since private companies cannot work on power lines owned by Edison, the physical process of moving the lines underground involved multiple companies, said David Kanowsky, the owner of Southern California Electrical Firm. 

Kanowsky noted that the power lines are joint pulls, meaning that all utilities are joint owners of the poles. 

“[Southern California Electrical Firm] installs all the conduits, all the structure that’s required by the utilities,” he said. “Once everything’s signed off and ready for Edison and the other companies to come out and install their cable, they install the cable underground and start removing all the wires and poles.” 

Work on the undergrounding project was paid for by the property owner on Hillcrest Road. 

“The client spent an awful lot of money building a brand new home, and thought this was an important part of their investment,” Somers said. 

Other homes in Beverly Hills have undertaken similar projects; however Frank Mabante, the president of Mabante Development, Inc., said it was nevertheless a daunting process. 

“It was a huge learning curve going through it,” he said. “It heavily involved Southern California Edison and their design committee, multiple contractors … it was incredibly involved from start to finish.”

Mabante added that it’s important for local homeowners who may be interested in undergrounding their own power lines to understand that each project will likely be different, and that the process will take anywhere between nine and 16 months at a minimum. 

“Every home is unique,” he said. “These are not tract home properties, where every single point of service is landing at exactly the same location on every single home. These are custom residences in Beverly Hills that all have unique conditions.” 

With that said, Somers envisions a future in which multiple homeowners on a given block in the city would join forces to bury the power lines on their street. 

“They’re quite the blight in such incredible neighborhoods,” Somers said. “Backyards have these big power poles, and people have been complaining about them for years … I think that if people realized this was an opportunity for them, they would communicate and collaborate with their neighbors [to place them underground].” 

Mabante noted that the team that worked on the Hillcrest Road home now has the experience and information to work on similar projects. 

“What would be interesting to do … is take plot plans and surveys and understand the [power line] footage on a block-by-block basis, and actually put budgets together so people could understand the costs,” he said. 

Construction on Hillcrest Road is expected to be complete within the next month.   

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Hosted at Steak 48, representatives from France, Germany, Israel and more joined the mayor to discuss cultural exchange, sustainable tourism and opportunities to highlight international heritage through programming in Beverly Hills. 

The goal of Unity Through Tourism was to discuss cultural events, celebrate reciprocity and figure out how the city can help all the countries with their Olympic needs, said Chief Executive Officer of the BHCVB Julie Wagner. 

“Beverly Hills is a global city, recognized worldwide for its culture, hospitality, and innovation. Hosting this roundtable with 18 consuls general and representatives from ministries of tourism was an opportunity to strengthen international relationships and highlight Beverly Hills as not just a destination, but a partner in cultural exchange and collaboration,” Nazarian told the Courier.

The idea is for greater cross-cultural collaboration in preparation for upcoming major global sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in which Los Angeles will host eight games, and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will similarly be held in Los Angeles. 

Nazarian says her city is positioning itself as a place where visitors will want to stay, celebrate and connect, despite not having a large Olympic venue to host sporting events. Instead, she said this gives the city the unique opportunity to “turn Beverly Hills itself into the venue” through fan zones, cultural showcases and official viewing parties hosted in its hotels, restaurants and public spaces. 

The city is also in active conversations with delegations to host “Olympic Houses” in Beverly Hills, which will serve as cultural hubs and gathering spaces for athletes, fans and visitors. Pop-up cultural festivals and culinary experiences are also part of welcoming an international crowd, which the mayor hopes will allow city representatives to “bring the world directly into our city in a way that is both authentic and welcoming.” 

“This approach is a win-win: our international partners gain a world-renowned stage to share their culture, and Beverly Hills strengthens its reputation as a global hub for diplomacy, hospitality, and unity,” said Nazarian.

The consuls general Nazarian spoke with at the roundtable are also gearing up for the global games, including the 2026 Super Bowl, which will be held in San Francisco’s Levi Stadium.  

Safety and hospitality remain at the forefront of preparing for the upcoming sporting events, said the mayor, so the city has invested in advanced security technology (drones, cameras and the Real-Time Watch Center) and hospitality services (hotels, restaurants and cultural institutions) to provide for a “truly world-class experience.” 

“From luxury to cultural programming, Beverly Hills is ready to welcome the world with warmth and excellence,” said Nazarian. 

They also discussed different cultural programming and collaboration on initiatives involving art, music, cuisine and traditions. In particular, Nazarian discussed hosting the Evening of Unity with the Mayor on March 5, which will bring the Beverly Hills community together for cultural celebrations such as Nowruz, or Persian New Year, and if there was a way to integrate art, culture and food. Additionally, Wagner expressed the CVB wanting to assemble a deck with the Chamber of Commerce for each of the consuls general on ways to participate in the event. 

“Beverly Hills is viewed not only as a world-class destination but also as a trusted partner in fostering cultural understanding,” said Nazarian.  

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All members of the commission voiced their enthusiasm about the project.

“I think it’s a beautiful project,” said Commissioner Gary Ross. “It’s within the scope and scale of our zoning laws, and it will activate that part of our city.”

Commissioner Demeter added that the project will represent an improvement to the head of the Golden Triangle. 

“I want to thank everybody for all the different points of view and all the different ideas, because you’ve come up with a very creative concept, very different … I love it, “she said. “I think it’s great.”

The Louis Vuitton Rodeo Drive Experiential Flagship store will encompass 105,214 square feet. It will include rooftop open-air dining, subterranean parking, two pedestrian bridges and a pedestrian tunnel, and will reach a maximum height of 60 feet. 

The project is separated into two components, one with an entrance on Rodeo Drive (the “Rodeo portion”) and the other with an entrance on Beverly Drive (the “Beverly portion”). 

At 45,433 square feet, the Rodeo portion is designated for retail use and will include over 6,000 square feet carved out for important clients. Special events will be hosted on the rooftop of the Rodeo portion. 

The Beverly portion, at 54,723 square feet, will feature the exhibition space, a gift shop, a café, a fine dining restaurant and operational space. The first of its kind in the U.S., the exhibition space will spotlight Louis Vuitton’s history as a leader of culture, art and design.

Access to the exhibition space will be by reservation only, with a maximum of 1,500 admissions per day Monday through Saturday and 1,169 on Sundays. The fine dining restaurant is also planned to be reservation only. 

LVMH has owned the project site since 2018. The site, which is comprised of four separate legal parcels and is currently comprised of four existing commercial buildings, was originally proposed to house the Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills. 

During the Sept. 25 meeting, the Planning Commission requested that the developer create a designated drop-off spot for individuals with disabilities, to which the developer agreed. The commission also requested that employees of the new development be discouraged from parking on residential streets, acknowledging that it may be difficult to enforce. 

Discussing the private loading drive located on North Beverly Drive, commissioners added a requirement that passenger vehicles may only exit southbound, and that a warning system will be installed to ensure pedestrian safety. 

Construction is expected to start in the second half of 2026 and conclude in the second quarter of 2029. 

The post Planning Department Votes to Approve Louis Vuitton Flagship appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Staff and the Public Works Commission (PWC) have supported the recommendation, which would cost $42,000 to install. The project would be funded through the existing Capital Improvement Program. 

Because of narrow setbacks on the block, narrow tree wells, lack of an irrigation system and input from commercial interests, the PWC considered several options, which included installing floating islands into the street to allow for a canopy tree, widening the sidewalk, letting the vacancies remain vacant, and using the Mexican fan palm. 

The staff report of the master plan said the Mexican fan palm tree has been used successfully in the past, including the block of S. Santa Monica Boulevard directly east of the proposed project area, where conditions are “essentially the same.”

“The Mexican fan palm is a good long-term fit when used as an avenue tree in a commercial setting where narrow setbacks and multistory buildings limit both normal root development and aerial growth space. The tree fits the Public Works Commission’s replacement tree criteria, provided the annual trim cycle is maintained,” read the staff report. Some of the PWC’s tree criteria look at fire risk, size appropriateness, tree type and performance. 

City Arborist Ken Pfalzgraf said the aim of the master plan is to retain canopy on that block as long as possible. However, he pointed to the aggressive root structure of the ficus trees, which currently occupy that block of S. Santa Monica Boulevard, damaging public and private infrastructure. 

There are 18 vacant sites in the proposed project area where Ficus trees have been removed due to sidewalk damage, private property conflicts and development requirements. 

Pfalzgraf said property owners have expressed sentiments such as, “We don’t want the trees abrading our buildings; don’t want to open a window on the second floor and have squirrels and creatures coming in; we don’t enjoy having litter and things on the roof; we don’t enjoy having our sidewalks busted up.” 

Councilmembers Mary Wells and Lester Friedman were part of the liaison when the master plan passed through the Public Works Commission for the second time, where they considered what property owners would ideally like to see on that block.  

“It does seem like our criteria as a city in how we choose trees feels very limiting,” said Wells, noting that council liaisons challenged PWC to look at different options. “I certainly would challenge us to look at the criteria we look at for the different areas of our city, and see if we perhaps should be looking at it from a different point of view.” 

Councilmember Craig Corman said he was not enthusiastic about the Mexican fan palm tree because it does not provide canopy, but is “reluctantly” willing to support the recommendation. 

“In my mind, this is about filling holes, not about re-landscaping the entire street,” said Corman.

Vice Mayor John Mirisch similarly expressed his approval of the recommendation, but was frustrated that the Mexican fan palm is the only viable tree replacement. 

Mayor Sharona Nazarian said the safety of residents should be prioritized and supported the project’s contribution to the beautification of the city.

Looking ahead to November, the Council also provided direction on the 2025 Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration Program. 

Nazarian and Friedman were the council liaisons for this item, who expressed their support for the Rodeo Drive Committee’s request for street closure and waiving city permits and labor fees. Friedman emphasized that the RDC this year cut out a significant portion of the budget from years prior, amounting to 66% of the 2024 budget. There will also be a larger footprint of security personnel during the event.

Wells recommended looking into the possibility of using Transient Occupancy Tax dollars to address the proposal’s cuts to fireworks time and use of a certain audio system to ensure residents are still getting an elevated experience. 

The Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration Program will take place on Nov. 13.  

The post City Council Discusses Street Tree Master Plan appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Mayor Sharona Nazarian, who serves as a liaison to the Recreation and Parks Commission along with Councilmember Mary Wells, expressed her enthusiasm for the completion of the design. 

“Since we budgeted this three and a half years ago, it’s great to see it coming to fruition,” Nazarian said. 

The effort to redesign the park began in earnest in August 2024 when city staff drafted and sent out a survey to residents. Based on the results of the survey, a proposed design for the playground area was developed and presented to the Recreation and Parks Commission on March 25. Input on the design was received from Nazarian and Wells, who requested improvements on lighting and shade.

New drawings were approved by the Recreation and Parks Commission on Aug. 26 and presented to City Council on Sept. 16. 

Designed by Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture,  the proposed new ADA-compliant playground will be divided into two zones, one with play structures for children ages 2-5 and the other for children ages 5-12. The two spaces will be demarcated by oversized concrete pebbles, which are intended to resemble a riverbed. The pebbles also serve to deter skateboarders. 

Other elements of the new playground will include a stage for story time and other performances, nature-themed springers, a slide, swings and swivel play platforms.

A number of shade structures will be installed, including spherical shades above the stage, canopies incorporated into the play equipment, sail shades at seating areas and trees throughout the park. 

Equipment for play structures is proposed to be supplied by Kompan, which manufactured similar items for the playground at Roxbury Park. 

All councilmembers expressed their support for the project. 

“I think it’s very thoughtful and long overdue … it won’t just be [for people] in that neighborhood, it’s going to be for all the families and they’re going to really appreciate it,” said Wells. 

“The design looks great,” added Councilmember Craig Corman. “I know people put a lot of time and effort into it and it shows …  I’m very much in support and I look forward to getting this thing done.” 

Echoing comments made by others on the council, Nazarian voiced her hope that construction will be completed by summer 2026. 

“It’s a long time waiting for our entire community and we want to see this coming together … the designs you have are adorable,” she said. “They really do look fantastic.” 

The project will now be sent out for bids.

In other business, the council approved a purchase order not to exceed $685,014 to J. Ben Bourgeois Productions, Inc. for holiday décor, lighting materials and services related to the 2025 Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration, which will take place on Nov. 13. The company has been providing this service to the city since 2019. 

The council also heard from multiple members of the public who expressed their concern over the city’s recent approval to issue up to $550 million in bonds to assist with the financing of One Beverly Hills, a private luxury development. 

Bonds will not be issued until construction of One Beverly Hills is closer to completion. 

The post Design for La Cienega Park Playground Is Approved appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Present at the celebration were Mayor Sharona Nazarian and City Councilmembers Craig Corman, Mary Wells and Lester Friedman, along with several members of the Beverly Hills Unified School District board. 

Hosted by actor Jay Flats, the sold-out event was attended by 350 people. 

The event began with a reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by 10-year-old Isabella D’Amore Alt, who comes from a lineage of police officers. Beverly Hills Police Officers Association (BHPOA) President Christian Bond then held a moment of silence for the late Charlie Kirk, the right-wing political activist and media personality.

Speaking to the crowd after Bond, Nazarian, who has made safety a central premise of her mayorship, thanked the BHPD for its work and dedication. 

“When others are running away from danger, the brave men and women of our amazing Beverly Hills Police Department are courageously running towards it,” she said. “It takes courage, professionalism and the extraordinary love for community, for duty and for protecting lives that are not their own … [even if we have a] challenge or slight disagreement, one thing never changes. We deeply value, respect and support the men and women who support and protect this community.”

The BHPOA is currently in contract negotiations with the city. 

Attendees mingled and enjoyed selections of Espelette fare such as sushi, arancini, Wagyu beef sliders and lobster sliders before the awards presentation began. The awards were presided over by BHPD Captains Renato Moreno and Max Subin. Police chiefs normally hand out the awards but this year, BHPD Police Chief Mark Stainbrook was unable to attend due to illness. 

The Clinton H. Anderson Award, given in honor of the former BHPD chief, was presented to Officer Ara Mani. 

“Officer Mani has fully embraced the spirit of police and community together,” said Subin. “From day one, his gratitude and love for the city has been evident in his approach to community-based policing and the care he brings every call for service … his dedication, compassion and integrity are a credit to the badge and to the city of Beverly Hills.” 

The Allen H. Carlin Award was given to Officer Maraya Contreras. 

“Officer Maraya Contreras began her career with the Beverly Hills Police Department as a cadet, and quickly stood out for her calm, confident presence and strong, proactive nature,” said Moreno. “She has since become the department’s first—I’ll say that again, the department’s first — female motorcycle officer. She exemplifies excellence in every role she has taken on … she consistently goes above and beyond in service to others.” 

Vanessa Rivas received the Marvin Iannone Award, named after another former BHPD chief.

“This award is proudly presented to Vanessa Rivas in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Records Bureau,” said Subin. “Vanessa consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service, ensuring every customer interaction is handled with care, professionalism and attention to detail … her commitment, leadership and work ethic make her a vital part of the department and truly deserving of the recognition.”

Lifesaving awards were presented to nine officers whose actions are credited with saving a life. Those officers were Field Training Officers Billy Blair, Jesse Lyga and Stephen Comp; Officers Ian Frederich, Ara Mani, Joseph Vela and Michael Downs; Detective Francesca Fasullo; and Sergeant Eric Bender. 

In February 2024, Blair, Lyga and Comp responded to a radio call of a four-year-old child who had been found face down in a pool and did not have a recognizable pulse. Officers immediately began CPR, and their actions are credited with saving the child’s life.

In March 2024, Frederich and Mani responded to a call of an unhoused person whom they discovered unresponsive with shoelaces and electric cords tied tightly around his neck. After cutting off the cords and shoelaces, the individual was able to breathe again. 

Also in March 2024, Bender, Downs, Fasullo and Vela attended to a bicyclist who was bleeding severely from a laceration following a collision. Their applied tourniquet was credited with saving the individual’s life. 

The gala raised $52,000 for the department through a silent auction. 

The post Beverly Hills Police Gala Celebrates Officers appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The conference, which was held from Sept. 3-5, was hosted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement, which brought together over 250 local government leaders and advocates across Australia to respond to antisemitism and nurture safety in their communities. 

Nazarian spoke to the summit attendees as a representative of the 2024 conference host. Last December, Beverly Hills hosted the 2024 Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, with current councilmember and former city mayor Lester Friedman as the chair. 

Nazarian also led a panel discussion titled “Diversity of the Jewish Experience: Standing Up to Hate, Discrimination, and Antisemitism.”

She spoke about her journey to the United States as an immigrant from Iran and how that experience shapes why she serves today.

“My life story has shaped everything I do,” Nazarian told the Courier. “I fled Iran as a child because of religious persecution. I lived in Israel. I grew up in the United States. I’ve experienced antisemitism firsthand, but I’ve also seen the power of people standing up for one another through unity.” 

As mayor, Nazarian has been outspoken about antisemitism and discrimination. But her advocacy didn’t begin when she entered government. 

“When I was a young girl, there was no one to speak for me,” Nazarian said. “That is why I chose public service so no child, no family, and no community would ever feel voiceless. And I encourage others to do the same.” 

Her advocacy doesn’t stop at Jewish communities. It extends to any community facing discrimination and hate—the core theme of her “Never Again is Now” initiative. 

“[W]hat starts with the Jews never ends with the Jews,” Nazarian said in her speech. “Hate always finds another target.”

Additionally, Nazarian underscored the importance of local governance in combating antisemitism, and presented leaders with ideas on how they can take action in their own cities.

She gave summit attendees examples on how Beverly Hills has responded, particularly since Oct 7—the day in 2023 when Hamas militants carried out an attack in Southern Israel, which has been labeled as the bloodiest day in Israel’s history. 

“Beverly Hills is seen as a global leader in this space,” Nazarian said. “After October 7th, our city set out 1,400 flags for every innocent life lost from 30 nationalities. We set Shabbat tables with empty chairs for the hostages still held captive. And this October, we will break ground on the very first permanent memorial in the world dedicated to the victims of October 7.” 

These two memorials were part of an art installation commemorating the victims of the Oct. 7 attack in Israel. 

Yet Beverly Hills isn’t the only city that’s felt the urgency to act on antisemitism. Nazarian said she felt that same urgency among mayors worldwide, even in places with small Jewish communities, who attended the conference. 

“I was deeply impressed by their courage and moral clarity. Some of them lead large evangelical or multicultural communities, and yet they stood up strongly against antisemitism, recognizing that this fight is about protecting the dignity and safety of all people,” said Nazarian. 

She noted that some leaders hesitated about attending the summit yet attended anyway—a move Nazarian applauded because of their courage and willingness to “take a stance for what’s right.” 

Courage and moral clarity at the local level, Nazarian believes, creates a ripple effect nationally and globally. 

“My message was that local government is the frontline of democracy. We’re closest to the people, the streets, and the challenges our communities face. When leaders unite across continents, faiths, and backgrounds, we are stronger,” said Nazarian. “I carried with me the theme I’ve championed in Beverly Hills: Never Again is Now, not just words, but a commitment to action.” 

“Never Again is Now must start in our own neighborhoods,” said Nazarian. 

The post Mayor Nazarian Attends 2025 Australian Mayors Summit appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The street will reopen by March 14, 2026.

The 4-1 vote, in which Vice Mayor John Mirisch dissented, was taken following a request for an extension on the closure from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). Metro is doing construction work on the Purple (D) Line Extension at the intersection. 

The temporary closure of North Canon Drive was initially approved by the council in July 2018 to mitigate construction impacts. Following that vote, a temporary sound wall was installed to block the construction area from the public. 

In the ensuing years, the council approved six extensions of the temporary street closure, most recently in November 2024. That extension would have ended on Sept. 30. 

According to a staff report, if the street closure and sound wall were removed prior to March 2026, two rounds of construction would need to occur on North Canon Drive. The first would be for temporary street restoration and early reopening of the road, and the second would be for permanent restoration. 

Alternatively, by approving the extension, the council allowed for permanent restoration work to commence in the beginning of 2026, including the removal of the sound wall and restoring sidewalks. 

During public comment at the Sept. 9 meeting, Dar Mahboubi, a prominent Rodeo Drive real estate developer and business owner, expressed frustration over the requested extension and Metro’s timeline. 

“The Metro, with their construction activities, have caused great pain and inconvenience to all residents of Beverly Hills and have caused irreparable interruption to the businesses located in the Beverly Hills triangle,” he said, adding that the construction has been “grossly mismanaged.” 

Mayor Sharona Nazarian acknowledged the irritation of business owners. 

“I am fully well aware of the pain and the frustration that this has caused, and the inconvenience to our businesses,” she said. “Metro is unfortunately not being managed as well as could be … but we really don’t have much say.”

Other members of the council debated whether the city was giving in to Metro’s demands or doing what is best for local residents and businesses. 

“This council … doesn’t want to help Metro unless it helps the city of Beverly Hills, and we’ve always taken every request with that in mind,” said Councilmember Lester Friedman, adding, “We don’t give in to whatever Metro wants.”

Mirisch equated the council’s actions to “begging.” 

“It sounds like we were just willing to give them whatever they wanted … it just seems that we’re afraid to try and negotiate with them, or even to play hardball,” he said. “So, my feeling is that we can try and rationalize for ourselves why this is good, but ultimately this is much better for MTA.”

Noting that repeated closures and reopenings would impact the area, and that a new business catering to young children is slated to move in, Nazarian emphasized her commitment to safety. 

“You know, it’s not an ideal situation,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s here, and we want to be able to create transportation. My only hope is that we create the safest environment possible, both on the Metro as well as the space outside of the Metro.” 

Under the agreement approved by the council, no further extensions will be considered beyond March 14, 2026. Metro has agreed to pay $20,000 per day if the deadline for reopening is not met.  

Construction on the Metro station is expected to be mostly complete by the summer of 2026, with the station tentatively slated to open late that year.  

The post City Council Approves Extended Closure of North Canon Drive appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Pustilnikov case in Redondo Beach may also raise concern. 

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

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

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

For Pustilnikov, it’s about housing. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

He did add a caveat. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The mixed-use development, which is being built by developer Crescent Heights, was originally proposed to be 20 stories and 223 feet tall. The new plans propose a building that reaches 26 stories and just over 309 feet. 

Residential density in the building has not changed from the originally proposed 200 units, ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom apartments. Of those, 22 units will be earmarked for affordable housing, up from 20 in the previous proposal. The affordable units will include 14 reserved for extremely low-income households and eight for moderately low-income households. 

The newly revised plans for the Burton Way development also include 318 parking spaces, 24 bicycle parking spots and 42,226 square feet of open space, including a rooftop deck. The building will occupy 492,029 square feet in total.  

According to the website for LARGE Architecture, the firm designing the project, the development will also include private theaters, yoga studios and clubhouses.

The development is one of 14 Builder’s Remedy projects currently under review by Beverly Hills. Several are involved in lawsuits against the city, while others have received one or more notices that their applications are incomplete. 

Revised plans for 8844 Burton Way were submitted in March of this year, and again in July. 

“We’re excited to bring a world-class project like 8844 Burton to Beverly Hills,” said Elliott Kahn, a partner at Crescent Heights, in a statement to the Courier. “It includes 200 much needed homes at a variety of price points, including severely lacking affordable housing. On one of the most prominent multi-family corridors of Beverly Hills, the wide landscaped medians and bike lanes are uniquely suited to this exact kind of multi-family housing.”

Developer Crescent Heights is not the first builder in Beverly Hills to expand their vision in recent months. In August, a Builder’s Remedy project at 125-129 South Linden Dr. submitted revised plans that brought the development’s height from 19 to 36 stories, with 20 new residential units and seven new hotel rooms. 

That same month, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin ordered the city to process the application for the development on South Linden Drive, finding Beverly Hills in violation of the state’s Housing Accountability Act and Permit Streamlining Act. 

Kin’s decision regarding South Linden Drive is expected to set a precedent for other, similar complaints. 

The post Burton Way Builder’s Remedy Project Increases to 26 Stories appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

City architect Mandana Motahari provided an overview of the projected development of the La Cienega Park playground, including the design, amenities and selection for the equipment. The team conducted robust outreach and incorporated community feedback in the playground’s conceptual design.  

Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture, who is working on the playground improvement, said that its current equipment dates back to the 1980s. The La Cienega Park playground is the only one of its kind in the city with sand surfaces, which they wish to upgrade to a more “modern-day safety surface” for the planned equipment and activities. 

The northern portion of the playground is intended for children two to five years old, while the southern portion is reserved for five- to 12-year-olds. The portion intended for younger children will include a mountaineering system, which includes structures like a climbing net, membrane climber, xylophone, funnel and curly climber. Springers, swing sets, climbing mounds and an elemental forest will also be added. The southern portion similarly includes swing sets, climbing mounds and an elemental forest, as well as structures intended for older children such as a Jacob’s Ladder, curved slide, banister bars, hammock and somersault bar. 

Tessier explained they are “working with manufacturers to make sure we create the most optimal safe environment while still maximizing how much play value we can get within the existing confines of the sand that exists today.” 

Four different ways of providing shade at the playground are also included in its design, such as fabric canopies, canopies attached over play equipment, trees along the perimeter and floating discs for more passive activities in the center. 

“I think the design is really whimsical and very exciting for our city as a whole, because even though it’s really going to serve residents on the east part of the city, you’ll find that everyone in the city is going to hear about this new park, and they’re going to be going over there,” said Commissioner Amie Sherry. 

Motahari said they expect to bid the project by the end of November or early December, which will take nearly a month to do. They anticipate construction to then start in March or April, which will last approximately four to six months. 

The commission then moved on to discussing updates to the Pickleball Pilot Program, which was advanced by City Council on Aug. 5 after it agreed to move forward with the liaison’s recommendation to convert certain tennis courts at La Cienega Tennis Center and Roxbury Park to pickleball courts. 

Recreation Services Manager predicts that resurfacing of the courts will likely begin towards the middle of September, with the full project concluding by the end of October. Resurfacing will begin at La Cienega Tennis Center, which will likely be closed for two to three days in October. Then resurfacing will begin at Roxbury, whose entire facility will be closed at once.  

Several public comments were made about the noisy impact of pickleball and its incompatibility with tennis in the same space, which has been a large point of contention since the program’s inception. Commissioners assured that noise studies have been conducted, which is why Court 1 will be reverted to a tennis court at La Cienega Tennis Center. 

Other updates were provided on the digital display and signage at La Cienega Park and Roxbury Memorial Park, and a recap of the “Parks Make Life Better” activities from July, a statewide initiative promoting the benefits of parks and recreational activities for all ages. 

The post La Cienega Park on Commission Agenda appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

BHUSD Board President Rachelle Marcus and Board Member Russell Stuart presented several updates for the new school year, which commenced on Aug. 9. More than 3,000 students were registered for the 2025-26 year and three new leaders were introduced, including Beverly Hills High School’s new principal, Loan Sriruksa—the first woman in 50 years and first woman of color to lead the school. 

In terms of safety, the school board has been encouraging students to utilize the BHUSD Cares reporting system for bullying by trying to make the site more accessible. However, since the system has been in place, it’s received a low number of reports compared to what the school board knows is happening, according to Stuart. Some students choose to use other methods of reporting bullying, such as through social media platforms. 

Stuart stated that recently, two commanders from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department visited the BHUSD Command Center to “learn from the district” about the technology used to keep the district safe.

Marcus ended the presentation with a discussion about the hydroponic towers at BHHS used to grow fruits and vegetables for the City Greens Community Farm program, suggesting bringing the program to the district’s elementary schools. 

Following the school board presentation, BHPD Lt. Renato Moreno provided crime statistics and trends from June to July. July saw robbery and burglary crimes decrease from the previous month, but an increase in larceny and motor vehicle theft by 60% and 25%, respectively. Moreno drew the commissioners’ attention to one type of larceny known as “distraction theft.” 

These thefts typically target older women walking by themselves on both residential and commercial streets and have recently occurred during daytime hours, said Moreno. In the last 40 to 45 days, BHPD has made two arrests related to distraction thefts. 

Moreno described that a car, usually with a male driver and a female passenger, will pull up next to the victim walking alone. Then, the passenger will get out of the car and ask the victim for directions to a nearby freeway or location, engage in conversation, and finally, to express their gratitude for receiving directions, “impart a blessing” by putting a necklace around the victim’s neck. Finally, when the victim declines, the perpetrator will remove the necklace and a necklace the victim was already wearing. 

“Be aware of people who are pulling up, getting out of the car, calling you over to a vehicle asking for directions or offering some sort of a spiritual blessing that is unsolicited. They tend to be overly friendly,” Moreno advised. “We’re asking folks to be aware, if that happens to you, decline the contact, decline any sort of physical contact and walk away from those encounters. Call 911 if you suspect that this is happening and also try to walk with somebody.”

The final report from a priority agency was presented by BHFD Deputy Fire Chief Alfred Poirier. He reported that from July 2024 to July 2025, call volume has been relatively stable. Poirier also described the department’s response to the fire at the restaurant Funke on South Santa Monica Boulevard on Aug. 12. 

Thermal imaging cameras were able to locate the fires that spread from the ventilation ducting into the wooden structural members, the wall and floor on the second floor of the restaurant, according to Poirier. 

“BHFD’s quick response and aggressive pursuit of this fire prevented what otherwise could have been a catastrophic fire loss for that restaurant. That impacts not only the restaurant business but the staff of dozens of folks. It affects the vendors that supply that restaurant … and it obviously affects the city as well because of the revenue generated as a result of that restaurant,” said Poirier. 

BHFD reported that while the restaurant was open during this time, no one was injured and there were no significant flames spread in the interior of the restaurant. 

The meeting also included presentations from Dr. Bonnie Goldstein with the Maple Counseling Center and the BHFD on performance management, updates from the Human Services Division and the 2024 report on water quality in Beverly Hills. 

The post Health and Safety Commission Hears From Priority Agencies appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The Straight Talk series invites residents to interact with the mayor and other city officials, learn more about the community and provide input on some of Beverly Hills’ most pressing issues. Past topics have included fire safety with Fire Chief Greg Barton and building skills for success with Director of Community Services Stephanie Harris. 

In her conversation with the mayor, Epstein spoke about the functions of the Public Works Department and how it impacts residents daily. 

“We’re with you all day, all the way,” said Epstein. 

The Public Works Department is responsible for services such as utilities, traffic and streetlights, and the stormwater system. The city’s non-emergency assistance program, AskBH, is also a program of the Public Works Department. 

Nazarian asked about some of the department’s sustainability initiatives. WaterSmart, an online water-use tracking tool that was launched earlier this year, is one of the key water efficiency programs under the city’s sustainability initiatives. In recent years, the city has increased its reliance on more energy-efficient infrastructure, such as LED streetlights and solar photovoltaic on the main library, police station, City Hall, and a parking garage structure. Epstein also mentioned that businesses in the city are prohibited from distributing single-use plastic and Styrofoam foodware and are now required to use compostable or recyclable products for those that provide disposable foodware items.  

Like the rest of the state, Beverly Hills has adopted more stringent water conservation methods in light of historic drought conditions. Currently, Epstein explained, Public Works is looking for new wells to increase its independence from the Metropolitan Water District to ensure the city has adequate water resources. The city has also encouraged residents to conserve water and has implemented regulations for when watering can be done and how long sprinklers can be turned on.  

Epstein explained how the Public Works Department works with other city departments to prepare for and prevent the spread of wildfires, especially since the deadly fires that swept through parts of Los Angeles in January.  

“Fighting fires is a team effort,” Epstein stated. 

Public Works helps maintain water quality standards, ensure continuous water supply for firefighters and plan for remote water shutoffs in the case of a wildfire. During disasters, the department is responsible for the essential infrastructure that allows for first responders to do their job and keep communities functioning. 

Epstein then talked about upcoming projects the department is working on, such as the public safety kiosk center at the Wilshire/La Cienega station, which is set to open later this year. Ongoing projects include pipeline replacement at Coldwater Canyon and selecting new trees to contribute to help grow the city’s urban forest. 

Finally, Nazarian briefly spoke to Matthew Brown, Recreation Services Manager, on the topic of coyotes, including how residents can protect themselves and their pets. 

“Food, water and shelter are what coyotes look for,” said Brown, who encouraged residents to not leave food or water outside. He also instructed residents to keep their pets on short leashes and indoors as much as possible. When encountering coyotes, Brown said to “make yourself big” through waving arms in the air and making loud noises to “haze” the animal. 

Brown explained that the city does not have its own animal control staff but works with the city of Los Angeles and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in dealing with coyotes. 

He hopes that through educating the public about safety measures they can adopt when living in a community with coyotes, residents feel more comfortable with coexisting safely in their shared environment.  

The post Mayor Discusses Public Works at Straight Talk With Sharona appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The council unanimously approved the request of developer Cain International (“Cain”) to establish a Community Facilities District (CFD) including two improvement areas within One Beverly Hills, to issue the requested bonds and to levy special taxes on entities within the CFD to repay those bonds.

The bond authorization is broken down into two parts. Cain has requested approximately $315 million in net proceeds to reimburse the cost of constructing the approved public improvements. The city has determined that a gross bond authorization of $390 million is necessary to generate this amount. The remaining $160 million will facilitate a future City Council’s ability to finance major repairs, replacements or enhancements to public infrastructure in proximity to the One Beverly Hills project site.

Councilmember Craig Corman recused himself from the discussion and vote because he is a member of a nearby country club.

Cain will cover all costs related to the creation of the CFD and bonds. In addition, the city will receive a $15 million contribution from the developer to be used at the city’s discretion, with certain limitations, as well as an Environmental Mitigation and Sustainability fee between 2% and 4%.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian negotiated the contribution up from $10 million during the Aug. 19 meeting. According to Jeff Muir, the city’s director of finance, the contribution will be paid when the first series of CFD bonds are issued.

Nazarian reflected on the significance of the council’s actions in a statement to the Courier.

“In Beverly Hills, we must lead with vision as we plan for the future of our city,” she said. “I’m delighted that we were able to reach a unanimous vote that not only ensures the completion of this unique and important anchor project, but also delivers meaningful public benefit to our community. The additional upfront funding and EMS fees will provide critical resources to continue strengthening public safety, investing in infrastructure upgrades, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents for generations to come. We are grateful for this partnership.”

Cain’s Managing Director Larry Green told the Courier in a statement, “We are pleased the city has taken this important step toward establishing a Community Facilities District, a key part of the public improvements for the One Beverly Hills project. This unanimous vote reflects not only the strong partnership between Cain and the city of Beverly Hills, but also the incredible support of the community that made this milestone possible. With the CFD in place, we will be building best-in-class infrastructure that delivers meaningful benefits to the community, including enhanced safety and security, improved streets, and upgraded public spaces. The council’s action demonstrates a shared commitment to the city’s future and ensures continued progress on this transformative development. We thank the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmembers for their partnership, and we are grateful to the community for their support as we work together to advance One Beverly Hills.”

One Beverly Hills is a mixed-use project on a 17.5-acre parcel that encompasses the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Once complete, the development will include a new Aman Hotel, two residential towers, boutiques, casual dining, a conference center and approximately 10 acres of botanical gardens and open space.

The development broke ground in February 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2028.

Cain petitioned the city in the fall of 2024 to form a CFD to assist with financing certain elements of the project, including public infrastructure improvements and ongoing maintenance services. According to representatives for the project who spoke at the Aug. 19 meeting, the amount requested through bonds accounts for 3% of the project’s total financing.

Beverly Hills residents who live outside of the CFD will not incur any taxes related to the bonds, and no money will come out of the city’s general fund. If the developer defaults or goes into bankruptcy, the city will not be liable for the bonds.

The proposal falls under the state’s Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act, which allows local agencies to finance public improvements and services through the establishment of CFDs and special taxes levied only on properties that will benefit from the improvements.

In a letter to the city, former Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Roos, who co-authored the act with then-Senator Henry Mello, said that the city’s bonds plan is in accordance with the intent of the legislation.

“I commend your City Council for considering this prudent and effective financial tool,” Roos wrote. “Your approach is entirely consistent with the intent and protective nature of Mello-Roos and it reflects a commitment to smart growth and fiscal responsibility that will benefit your community for generations to come.”

Infrastructure improvements covered by the bonds will include work on such facilities as roadways, tunnels, parks, bike trails and traffic signals. Services and incidental expenses would include the maintenance, design, landscaping and repair of certain facilities.

During public comment, residents spoke both in favor and against the issuance of bonds. Those in favor emphasized the fact that the city will not incur any debt, and that the financing will support a development of which many in the city are in favor.

Those opposed argued that the developer appeared to be asking for a large sum of money and it was unclear what the city would receive in return.

The City Council will hold a second reading and adoption of the special tax ordinance on Sept. 9. Bonds will not be issued until the project is nearer to completion.

The post City Council Approves Up to $550 Million in Bonds for One Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

At issue is a 19-story development that will include 165 residential units, 33 of which will be designated as affordable for lower-income households. It will also include a hotel with 73 rooms and a hotel restaurant. A spokesperson for 9300 Wilshire and Pustilnikov characterized the ruling as a “vindication” that will “bring much needed housing, at various income levels, to the city.” 

In contrast, Beverly Hills City Attorney Laurence Wiener said that the city is “very disappointed” with the ruling. 

“We believe that we had legitimate, good faith arguments that this development lost its privileges under the ‘builders remedy’ law and needed to conform to our general plan and zoning laws,” he told the Courier in a statement. “It is unfortunate that the state has seen fit to take a good deal of local zoning out of the hands of cities and mandated higher density in order to promote more affordable housing.”

The application for the 125-129 S. Linden Drive project was first submitted to the city in a preliminary application in October 2022. A developmental plan review (DPR) application was submitted by the developer in April 2023, which contained some changes to the initial plan. 

The DPR was deemed incomplete by the city, setting off a series of communications between the developer and city staff. According to the Aug. 12 ruling, at least six letters of incompleteness were sent to the applicant by the city. 

Many, if not all, of those letters stated that the project no longer qualified for Builder’s Remedy protections, alleging that the preliminary application had lapsed. 

In June 2024, the state’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) sent a letter to the city refuting its claim that the preliminary application had lapsed and directing the city to process the project. HCD then sent a notice of violation to the city in August 2024, stating that Beverly Hills’ “failure to accept the application for processing is in violation of state housing law,” according to Kin’s ruling. 

In December 2024, HCD sent a second notice of violation regarding the city’s overall practice of processing Builder’s Remedy projects. The department wrote that a “preliminary application remains vested unless the number of residential units or square footage of construction changes by 20 percent or more.”

Two lawsuits were filed against the city regarding the Linden Drive project, both requesting a writ of mandate to compel the city to approve the project. The first was filed in June 2024 by Californians for Homeownership, Inc., and the second was filed in September 2024 by 9300 Wilshire. The complaints were consolidated in Kin’s ruling. 

Builder’s Remedy projects have proven contentious in Beverly Hills. Because the projects are often out of compliance with the city’s size, height and density regulations, some residents and elected officials have argued that they do not conform to the rest of the city. 

The city has received applications for 14 Builder’s Remedy projects. At least six developers of those projects have filed lawsuits against the city, including the Linden Drive developers, challenging determinations made against them by the city. 

Other projects have received incomplete notifications, and still more are engaged in back-and-forth communication with city staff regarding the necessity of Environmental Impact Reviews. 

The decision in the Linden Drive lawsuit is expected to set a precedent for other complaints regarding Builder’s Remedy projects in Beverly Hills.  

The post City Responds to Ruling in Linden Drive Case appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

These work plan items include Fine Art Acquisition, Festival Beverly Hills, Artwalk, Concerts on Canon Performer Selection Criteria, Developer-Owned Art, Inspect Developer-Owned Art, Art Acquisition, Arts Education and Programming for the World Cup and Olympics. 

Earlier this year, City Council revised the process for commissions with discretionary responsibilities, which includes the Arts and Culture Commission, as a way to align their work plans with the city’s priorities. The process now involves presenting proposed commission work plans alongside the council’s priorities, allowing the city manager to make recommendations and have the council provide direction and feedback. Following input from City Council, liaisons will meet with commission chairs in June/July to convey priorities, commissions will work with staff to execute the work plans and liaisons will conduct progress check-ins in December/January. 

Following the conclusion of that discussion, Assistant Director of Community Services Patty Acuna provided an update on Yayoi Kusama’s Hymn of Life: Tulips sculpture and flower restoration project. The City Council recently approved the deaccession and destruction of the artwork. The decision came as a requirement to allow for the agreement with the New York Botanical Garden to continue. 

The sculpture, which was installed in Beverly Gardens Park in 2007 as Kusama’s first U.S. public art commission, sustained irreparable damage by 2012 from weather and public interaction. This prompted the Arts and Culture Commission to recommend refabrication of the sculpture in stainless steel, which City Council approved in 2019. In the same year, City Council approved loaning the original Kusama sculpture to the New York Botanical Garden for the “Kusama’s Cosmic NATURE” exhibit for 2020. After delays in refabrication due to the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of the foundry that was in charge of that process, the sculpture eventually was taken into the hands of The Big New foundry. Currently, the artwork is undergoing the final stages of refabrication before approval by Kusama’s representatives.

City Council, at its Aug. 5 meeting, approved the deaccession of the artwork as required by the Fine Art Ordinance in order to destroy the piece and authenticate the newly installed artwork for the New York Botanical Gardens.

Finally, the commission debriefed the recent Great Elephant Art Migration installation, which was held at Beverly Gardens Park in the month of July. Commissioners expressed their joy for the exhibit, praised the quick turnaround time for the installation and gave “kudos” to the Great Elephant Art Migration team. 

“If we had turned it away and not had that, it would have been a terrific loss to the city. I don’t think we’ve had a more successful event than that,” said Commissioner Maralee Beck about the Great Elephant Art Migration. 

According to Matthew Brown, the city’s recreation services manager, a majority of the elephant sculptures have been sold. Funds from the sale of the elephants will go toward causes that protect biodiversity and support the coexistence of humans and animals. Brown said that the Great Elephant Art Migration team is currently getting a slew of inquiries from the public and is pending a decision on what comes next.    

The post Arts and Culture Commission Discusses Work Plan appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“This is really important,” Nazarian said. “When you plan events and when you’re together in a business setting, you need to do the recap part and see how we can learn and do even better for next time.”

Members of the group tossed out ideas, including a longer event time, changing the setup of the event and creating a sign-up sheet for tasks such as setup and cleanup, as the mayor encouraged them along. 

“All of the things that you said are pretty much the things I had on my list,” Nazarian said. “I’m very happy that you’re all so in tune and in touch.”

The group, Sharona’s Innovation Circle, was created for residents of Beverly Hills between the ages of 18 and 28. One of Nazarian’s mayoral initiatives, she said the idea for the program came from one of her sons, a young professional himself. 

“He said, ‘You need to find ways to include [young people],” Nazarian told the Courier. “It’s so important to listen to the next generation. They are the future of our city, and we want to ensure that they are included in decisions that we make, and [we address] issues that are of concern to them.” 

Sharona’s Innovation Circle held its first meeting on May 5. To date, 63 people have joined the group. 

Members join the group for a variety of reasons, but many cite professional development, socializing and community building as part of their inspiration for getting involved. 

Manuel Alejandro Polanco, 28, joined after hearing about it from a friend. Now, through the Innovation Circle, he’s launching a running club that he hopes will motivate others in his age group to exercise together. 

“Young people right now are always on their phones,” he said. “People don’t go outside. It’s a great way to get the community together … running is a great experience. It’s hard, but when you start doing it, your life changes.”

Isabella Nassir, 22, researched community engagement as an undergraduate at UCLA and wanted to put those skills into practice. As a native of Beverly Hills, Nassir also wanted to support the events she loved growing up. 

“I’ve always gone to the events in Beverly Hills and really enjoyed them, and I’ve always wanted to be a part of the leadership in the city,” she said. “Helping out really meant a lot to me. It’s such an amazing city, and I’m hoping to inspire individuals to step up and become leaders and get the community engaged.”

Some members of the group are already seeing the benefits of its networking opportunities. Mandy Larian, 18, plans to go into entertainment law and found a summer job at CMG Entertainment through a new Innovation Circle connection. She also emphasized her desire to learn about other cultures and share hers with new friends. 

“As a Persian Jew, I have been around many other people like me growing up,” Larian said. “I wanted to be able to meet others who are not from the same cultural background, share my values and learn from theirs, and create a new identity for what I see Beverly Hills as.” 

Nazarian said that Beverly Blends, the Innovation Circle’s first event, was subsidized by local businesses and came at no cost to the city. 

She added that people of all ages attended the event and found ways to participate.  

“We had seniors in the background sitting and watching,” she said. “We had young people, young kids, and also our young professionals. And I had so many people come up to me and say they really enjoyed it … For me, it’s important for everyone in our community to be heard. Regardless of your age, your gender, your nationality, we are a united community.”

Sharona’s Innovation Circle will continue to plan events throughout the year and is welcoming new members. 

The post Mayor’s Young Adult Program Has Big Plans appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The brothers have been in prison for over three decades for the murder of their parents in 1989. At their second trial following a hung verdict, a jury found them guilty of first-degree murder with special circumstances. They were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. 

Hochman’s response was filed on Aug. 7. In it, he and Deputy District Attorney Seth Carmack argue that the brothers’ most recent attempt to introduce new evidence should not have any bearing on their existing sentences. 

“There are few murder cases in which the evidence of planning and premeditation is as stark as that presented in this case,” the filing states. “Petitioners confessed on tape to murdering their parents, revealing the extent of their forethought and deliberation.”

The district attorney’s filing is a response to a 2023 habeas corpus petition filed by attorneys for the brothers. In the petition, the brothers presented a letter penned by Erik to their cousin Andy Cano, detailing sexual abuse committed by their father, Jose Menendez, against Erik, and a declaration from Menudo boy band member Roy Rossello stating that Jose sexually abused him as well. 

Attorneys for the Menendez brothers have argued that they acted in self-defense after enduring years of abuse at the hands of their father. Hochman has steadfastly argued that the alleged abuse is not relevant to the case. 

In a statement, Hochman reiterated this belief, calling the brothers’ attempt to gain a new trial a “Hail Mary” effort. 

“The central defense of the Menendez brothers at trial has always been self-defense, not sexual abuse,” he said. “The jury rejected this self-defense defense in finding them guilty of the horrific murders they perpetrated; five different appellate state and federal courts have affirmed those convictions, and nothing in the so-called ‘new’ evidence challenges any of those determinations.”

Mark Geragos, the brothers’ attorney, said in a statement to the Courier that, in response to Hochman’s filing, “The fact that it took the District Attorney 132 pages to avoid dealing with the two new pieces of evidence speaks for itself.”

In 2024, former L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón filed a motion for resentencing, which was granted. At the resentencing hearing in May, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge reduced the brothers’ sentences to 50 years to life with the possibility of parole, citing, in part, rehabilitation efforts made by the brothers in prison.

Hochman opposed the resentencing, calling the decision a “monumental one that has significant implications for the families involved, the community, and the principles of justice.”

In July, a different Los Angeles Superior Court judge ordered Hochman’s office to demonstrate why the brothers should not have their convictions reconsidered based on the new information submitted with the habeas corpus petition. 

In their Aug. 7 filing, Hochman and Carmack write, “The ‘new evidence’ submitted by Petitioners … provides no additional information at all concerning the key issue at trial; namely, Petitioners’ mental state on the night of August 20, 1989, when they executed their parents by fatally shooting them over 12 times with shotguns.”

Hochman and Carmack also write that in recorded conversations, the brothers “consistently framed their planning of the murders as a ‘decision’ that they had arrived at over a period of time.”

The brothers will go before the parole board on Aug. 21 and 22. If the board recommends parole, the decision will be sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who will have 90 days to review the decision and has the power to overrule it. 

The post DA Files Response to Menendez Habeas Corpus Petition appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The BHPMA represents police lieutenants and captains in the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD), a total of 12 positions.

The council also authorized an $82,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2025-26 to cover the difference between what was adopted in the 2025-26 budget and what was approved in the new agreement. 

All members of the council expressed their appreciation for the negotiating process and the work of the department. 

“This is something that we’ve all been working towards, and I’m very happy that we were able to come to a resolution with our fantastic police department,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “We appreciate their hard  work and dedication to our community. So, thank you very much.” 

The previous collective bargaining agreement between the city and the BHPMA expired on June 30, and the parties began negotiations for the new contract in February. A tentative agreement was reached on June 17. 

Speaking to the council, labor negotiator Peter Brown commended the discussions held between representatives for the BHPMA and representatives for the city. 

“These were collaborative, respectful negotiations that we had with the police association,” he said. “They were strong advocates for their positions, but they were professional and respectful at all times.”

Among the terms of the new agreement are a 20% salary increase, spread out in 5% increments over four years; the addition of a new holiday of Juneteenth, the first of which will occur on June 19, 2026; an increase of $170 per month in deferred compensation; and an additional 24 hours of administrative leave, increasing by 12 hours each in 2026 and 2027. 

Salary increases and deferred compensation will be applied retroactively as of July 1. 

The agreement will also require all employees in the BHPMA to live within 150 miles of the BHPD headquarters. Employees who do not meet that requirement as of July 1 are exempt. 

“That’s to ensure that if there’s an emergency, that people who live farther away, they can get back and provide public safety to this community as quickly as possible,” said Brown. 

The new agreement went into effect on July 1 and will expire on June 30, 2029.

In other business, the council approved a ban on short-term rentals in the city, which will go into effect on Sept. 5. 

The ordinance amends the Beverly Hills Municipal Code (BHMC) to prohibit single-family properties and multifamily residences in the city from being leased for fewer than 12 consecutive months. 

Councilmembers have stated in the past that the intent of the new regulation is to deter the use of short-term rentals for loud parties, increase available housing in the area, and encourage residents who would commit to living in the city for the long term to move in. 

The ordinance applies to all residential zones, including accessory dwelling units as well as features on the property such as tennis courts and swimming pools. A penalty fee structure was also added to the BHMC to provide the city with a mechanism for enforcement. 

During discussion of this topic at the council’s July 1 meeting, several residents expressed their support for an exemption for single-family homes that are designated as historic landmarks, noting that income generated by short-term rentals in those cases is often used to cover costs related to required property maintenance. 

According to Chloe Chen, a principal planner in the city’s Community Development Department, the city’s Planning Commission will review a potential carve-out for such properties at its Sept. 11 meeting, and the Cultural Heritage Commission will conduct a Study Session on the issue at its Sept. 3 meeting. 

The post Council Approves Agreement with Police Management Association appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In a back-and-forth that began with a message from the president of the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association (BHPOA) and most recently featured a formal response from City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey, both sides lobbed conflicting numbers and accounts of the current state of the city’s police department. 

The BHPOA is the official union representing the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD). All sworn officers, except the Chief of Police, are members.

The primary issues being debated are BHPD salaries, recruitment and department staffing.

On Aug. 2, BHPOA President Christian Bond sent a message to registered voters in Beverly Hills saying that the city’s safety is threatened due to low police staffing numbers. He additionally stated that officers are leaving the BHPD because of low pay. 

“Experienced officers are leaving for other local departments for $30k, $50k, and even $90k raises, pay bumps, and recruitment signing bonuses,” he wrote. 

Speaking to the Courier, Bond reiterated that sentiment. 

“We’re losing officers at an unprecedented amount,” he said. “I’ve been in Beverly Hills over 18 years. Never have I seen officers laterally … going back to LAPD, going to Santa Monica, Inglewood, Torrance … I’ve talked to City Council. They’re like, ‘What could we do to get officers to stay?’ I said, ‘The only thing you can is pay. You need to pay us.'”

On a website set up by the BHPOA, the association identified the Inglewood Police Department, the Santa Monica Police Department and the Irvine Police Department as entities that pay more than the BHPD. 

Speaking at the City Council meeting on Aug. 5, Hunt-Coffey disputed claims that BHPD officers make less than those in nearby cities. 

Comparing base pay as well as benefits and bonuses to other local municipalities, Hunt-Coffey said that while BHPD may not pay the most, it is providing a salary that is on par with other cities. 

“We’re very competitive,” she said. “We’re not the very top, but we’re certainly not the very bottom.” 

With regards to staffing, the BHPOA and the city present conflicting numbers. BHPOA claims that the department is staffed at 131 deployable officers out of a potential 154, leaving 23 vacant positions. In her remarks, however, Hunt-Coffey said that the city has 13 vacant positions out of 154. 

The back-and-forth comes as tensions have risen between the two negotiating parties and within the department. In June, the BHPOA issued a vote of no confidence in Police Chief Mark Stainbrook, citing concerns including an alleged lack of investment in the growth and retention of sworn personnel, a “misrepresentation of current staffing levels to City Council” and the “retention of personnel who do not meet required training standards.” 

In July, an attorney representing the BHPOA issued a cease-and-desist letter to Stainbrook, alleging that he “engaged in a course of conduct intended to intimidate, discredit, and retaliate against President Bond” following the vote of no confidence. 

Hunt-Coffey did not address the vote of no confidence or the cease-and-desist letter in her remarks at the Aug. 5 meeting; however, Stainbrook was present to deliver remarks about the need for a signing bonus to attract more officers. 

“Recruitment remains a challenge,” he said. “It’s challenging times … we have future challenges for getting more personnel, needing more personnel, including two Metro station openings in the next two years, the 2026 FIFA games and the 2028 Olympics. So, this proposal [for a signing bonus] strengthens our recruitment efforts for hiring.” 

The council approved the signing bonus, which will offer $35,000 to officers who do not have previous experience and $45,000 to those who do. 

Speaking to the Courier, Bond said he is not in favor of the bonuses and would prefer to see that money go towards longevity pay or increases in cost-of-living compensation. 

“I’m completely against signing bonuses,” he said. “It’s going to bring people in, they’re going to collect this bonus, and then they’re going to the next city that has a signing bonus … you’re taking away money from officers that could be paid here, now.”

Following the vote on signing bonuses, Mayor Sharona Nazarian emphasized the city’s commitment to safety. 

“I want to assure the community that our number one priority is the safety and security of our residents, businesses and visitors … our police officers are the backbone of the community, and we value and appreciate them tremendously,” she said.  

The post Tension Builds Between Police Officers and City Representatives appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The commission’s discussion, which was continued from its May 1 and June 10 meetings, focused primarily on issues that have slowed progress on the project since its inception. Those issues include how much traffic the project will generate in the neighborhood and how much additional noise it will cause, both during construction and upon completion. 

Following more than three hours of discussion, Commissioners Terri Kaplan and Gary Ross said they could support the project based on the information they had, and Chair Jeff Wolfe and Vice Chair Lou Milkowski said they needed more information before they could cast a vote. 

Milkowski stated that he would like more updated data about how the project will impact traffic in the area, taking into account how rideshare services such as Uber and Waymo would affect the situation. 

“I would be hesitant to vote at this point in time,” said Milkowski. “I would like to see more data … I would like to delay a vote.” 

Wolfe requested additional information about how the project’s commercial space will be distributed between retail, restaurants and office space; how noise from construction might be better mitigated; and assurance that regulations around amplified noise in neighborhood districts will be made clear to future residents of the new buildings. 

“This is a very complicated and large project … there’s some additional things that I want to make sure are incorporated into this and then we’ll want one more bite of the apple at another meeting,” he said. 

Plans for the 9600 Wilshire Blvd. project were initially submitted to the city in 2022. If approved, it will include the construction of two six-story mixed-use residential structures and two commercial buildings, one six stories and the other seven stories. The commercial buildings would feature a spa, retail space, boutique hotel, membership club and office space. 

As part of the project, the existing Saks Fifth Avenue Women’s building would be redeveloped through a rehabilitation and adaptive reuse plan. 

Some residents have spoken out against the project at previous public hearings, particularly those who live in the southwest neighborhood of Beverly Hills, which would be heavily impacted by the development. 

Their concerns have primarily focused on the height of the buildings, traffic implications and noise related to construction, which is expected to take approximately five years. 

At the July 24 meeting, southwest Beverly Hills resident Ken Goldman reiterated concerns regarding traffic, density and street closures that he has voiced in the past.

“You’ve heard from dozens of southwest residents opposed to this project, which will have a long-lasting effect on the quality of our residential life,” he said. “You have our written comments … I hope you will take our concerns into account.” 

Representatives from four local trade unions also restated their ongoing opposition to the project, including IBEW Local 11, which represents electrical workers; United Association (UA) Local 250, which represents steamfitters; UA Plumbers Local 78; and Ironworkers Local 433. 

“We are here to show continued opposition to this project as we represent the hardworking men and women in the construction industry,” said Mike Costagin of IBEW Local Union 11. “I am disappointed that the applicant has failed to reach out and make a strong commitment to the practice of sound development practices. This applicant should make commitments to the skilled and trained workforce.” 

In response, Douglas Adams, senior vice president of development for Saks Global, said that it is “premature” to begin discussions with construction-related trade unions as they have not hired a general contractor and do not yet have a final project approved. 

“We believe a project of this scale and this quality will require lots of union participation on the project, and at the right time, when we have a contractor on board and a project approved, we will sit down with them and work things out,” he said. 

Commissioners will continue their consideration of the issue at their August 15 meeting. 

The post Saks Fifth Avenue Development Moves Closer to Approval appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The event was the most recent installment of Spotlight with Sharona, Nazarian’s mayoral initiative to highlight the work of small businesses in the city. 

At the event, Nazarian emphasized the ways in which bringing people together at locations such as Gravitas underscores the work she hopes to do during her year-long mayoral term. 

“My theme for this year is unity,” she said. “It’s bringing our community together, and that’s from all walks of life. It doesn’t just mean for the residents, it means for the businesses, it means for our cultures, it means for all aspects. And so, I’m so excited to be able to celebrate tonight by bringing our businesses together.”

Guests enjoyed charcuterie, drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the club’s front room, which features a full bar as well as 375 temperature-controlled wine lockers. The lockers are located in the Vault, which was converted from the former Wells Fargo vaults in the same location. 

The club occupies two floors on North Camden Drive. In addition to the front room, private conference rooms, a podcast studio and a members-only lounge, it features a large open-air garden dining area with a retractable roof and heated floor. 

As a nod to the city, the floor’s tiles in the garden area map out Beverly Hills. 

The club also offers perks such as chauffeur services, a private elevator entrance, private dining booths with individualized service and more. 

Seth Glassman, a managing partner at Gravitas, said that he and founding owner Brandon Steven have had a very good experience setting up shop in Beverly Hills and were thrilled to host the event. 

“This is really special,” said Glassman. “The mayor has been so good to us, and the city itself and everyone that we’ve dealt with has been really, really great to us … we’ve had a tremendous first year, and that couldn’t have been possible without the city’s help and getting through all the processes that it takes to get here.” 

Glassman noted that he and Steven saw the members-only club sector surging elsewhere and were surprised to discover that Beverly Hills did not have any such businesses. 

“You’re talking about a half-mile radius with some of the best retail, some of the best hotels, the best everything,” he said. “So, we felt like if we did it right in the middle of the Golden Triangle, people would be very receptive to it. It’s been great so far, and we’re at the greatest part now because we see the members coming in and enjoying the space, utilizing the space and all our amenities and offerings.” 

During her remarks, Nazarian highlighted several other upcoming events. National Night Out, an annual event promoting community and safety, will take place on Aug. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Coffee and Beats, hosted by the city’s young adult group, will be held on Aug. 10 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature music by DJ Anton Khabbaz and coffee from Alfred’s Coffee.  

Nazarian also spoke about the importance of sustaining and nurturing local businesses as the fabric of a successful city. 

“We recognize the importance of the business community, because we also recognize that it’s a cycle—when our businesses succeed, we succeed, and we are able to support our quality of life,” she said. “That’s what our goal is. We want to make sure to support you in every way that we can.”

The next Spotlight with Sharona will take place on Sept. 10 on South Beverly Drive and will feature businesses along several blocks.   

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Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno was this year’s headline act, whose soulful bilingual repertoire wove together Latin, blues, folk, and Americana seamlessly. Moreno drew one of the largest crowds of the day and had the audience singing along and swaying to every note. 

Hundreds of people gathered at the Canon stage to see a returning fan favorite act, the Kooban Ensemble, known for their mystical and folkloric Iranian music. Sponsored by the Farhang Foundation, the show featured Melieka Fathi performing classical Iranian dances. Before the Kooban Ensemble’s performance, Mayor Sharona Nazarian warmly welcomed everyone who came out. “Beverly Hills is a globally recognized community, and our goal is to celebrate unity,” Nazarian said.

Famous for their viral renditions of the national anthem at L.A. Kings games, members of the Korean Senior Community Center Los Angeles Harmonica Ensemble enchanted listeners with nostalgic melodies, and their colorful traditional Korean hanboks captivated onlookers. A Filipino‑American a cappella ensemble, the Filharmonic; bassist and composer Luca Alemanno, who reimagined cinematic scores by Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota; and Israeli singer-songwriter LALA Tamar, known for merging Moroccan soul with Brazilian beats, were among some of the other musical performances.

While dance company Versa Style delivered a high-energy fusion of hip hop and contemporary choreography, the Danza Azteca troupe donned feathered headdresses, beaded garments, and ankle rattles for a show that blended Mexican ceremonial practices with dance and music. 

Rounding out the program, Debbie Allen Dance Academy showed beginners how to move to the rhythm of the beat, and girls from Everybody Dance L.A. gave the community a salsa lesson, where attendees learned basics like the salsa step, step touch, the grapevine, and jazz hands. At a stage on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Canon Drive, the Asian American improv troupe Cold Tofu captivated kids of all ages with improvisational storytelling throughout the day. 

“Today has been a celebration of diversity, creativity, and community,” Karla Gordy Bristol, Chair of the Arts and Culture Commission, told the crowd. “It gives context and meaning to the richness of all cultures and what makes us all so special.”

In addition to contributing to the artistic lineup, consuls general from Bulgaria, Italy, Senegal, Trinidad, and Tobago attended the festival. Gastronomic offerings reflected the day’s cultural diversity, with food trucks from Chef Mojdeh Eghbal’s with gourmet Iranian street fare, Indonesian fusion from StopBye Café, deli fare from the Deli Doctor, and classic pastas from LA LA Lasagna. Nearby, Kinrose Creamery served ice cream inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, and a candy stand from Kandi, which specializes in Swedish sweets. 

“The Arts and Culture Commission is truly committed to bringing programs to you, our community, and neighboring cities that forwardly celebrate cultural diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging,” Bristol added. “Festival Beverly Hills shines a light on this incredible diversity, honoring the traditions of people from their respective homelands through art, music, dance, and communities.”  

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The letter, obtained by the Courier follows a vote of no confidence in Stainbrook that was issued by members of the POA in June. The cease and desist letter alleges that Stainbrook retaliated against POA President Christian Bond in the wake of the vote.

POA members include all BHPD sworn personnel, including officers, sergeants, lieutenants and captains. The chief of police is not a member.

According to the letter, sent on July 18 by the attorney for the POA Stuart D. Adams of the Adams Legal Group, Stainbrook “engaged in a course of conduct intended to intimidate, discredit, and retaliate against President Bond for fulfilling his protected duties as an elected union representative.”

The letter states that Stainbrook’s actions include “circulating false rumors and defamatory statements” within the police department alleging that Bond “orchestrated” the no confidence vote and that he engaged in communications with Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Dr. Alex Cherniss to “disseminate false and damaging information, in what appears to be a tortious interference with a prospective economic advantage with a post-retirement employment opportunity.” (Bond’s wife is an employee of BHUSD.)

The letter further accuses Stainbrook of “engaging in retaliatory conduct that has created a hostile work environment and has had a chilling effect on the willingness of POA members to engage in protected labor activity”. 

These actions, the letter goes on to allege, are violative of both state and federal law. Should the behavior persist, the letter states that the POA is prepared to pursue all available legal remedies, “including injunctive relief and civil damages.” 

In addition to demanding that Stainbrook cease and desist for the above conduct, the letter directs him to preserve all communications related to the vote of no confidence and any communications related to Bond and POA activity. 

In a statement, Keith Sterling, Beverly Hills’ deputy city manager, confirmed that the city has received the letter. He noted that “some of the items that the POA has raised through their vote of no confidence have been part of the negotiations between the city and the POA. Others address the relationship between Chief Stainbrook and Association members.”

Sterling added, “Chief Stainbrook and the City Manager have developed a plan to address the concerns raised by the POA Board not specific to the negotiations. These include improving communication within the department and enhancing hiring efforts. The Chief has been meeting with individual police officers to keep lines of communication open and solicit feedback and will be presenting additional recruitment strategies to the City Council in the coming weeks. As the City remains in active negotiations with the POA, the remaining items will be addressed through that process.” 

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The decision was made by the Beverly Hills Planning Commission at its July 10 meeting following a discussion about what is required of the organization given its status as owners of the building. 

Chabad of North Beverly Hills purchased the property at 9145 Wilshire Blvd. in 2017. It was designated as a historic landmark building in 2014. 

The designation was given because the building was designed by Millard Sheets, an architect described in a city staff report as “one of the most prominent figures in the Southern California art and design community.” Sheets is included on the city of Beverly Hills List of Master Architects.  

The building was constructed for the Ahmanson Bank & Trust Company in 1959. Among its character-defining features are two monumental mosaics along the Wilshire facade, Italian marble cladding, ceramic-fired gold tiles and stained glass. 

Upon purchasing the property, Chabad was required by Beverly Hills Municipal Code to provide 174 parking spaces. 

According to Menachem Mendel Shusterman, a rabbi for the congregation who spoke at the July 10 meeting, that number of parking spaces would not be possible for the organization to create at the Wilshire location. Shusterman said Chabad was advised that the best way to bypass the parking requirement was to obtain a Historic Incentive Permit, (HIP), which they did in 2019. 

Under the HIP, the organization became responsible for engaging in restoration and rehabilitation of the building.

Shusterman said at the Planning Commission meeting that the organization has since come to understand how expensive the rehabilitation and restoration would be under the HIP. As such, he came before the commission to ask if there is another way for Chabad to be relieved of the requirement to provide 174 parking spaces, and to effectively revoke the HIP. 

Among his arguments were that many churches and temples in the city do not provide as many parking spaces, and that because the congregation is Orthodox, they do not typically drive to synagogue because of religious tenets. 

City staff wrote in a report and stated at the July 10 meeting that Chabad has not provided the city with materials required by the HIP, including a timeline of work, a detailed scope of work and an updated set of project plans outlining the proposed work.

Referring to the report, Commissioner Myra Demeter said that the organization did not fulfill its obligation to provide a plan for rehabilitation and restoration as outlined in the HIP, despite having understood the obligation since 2019. 

“You had an obligation, you did not fulfill your obligation,” Demeter said. “You were told repeatedly; you had interaction with the staff, and then you were given a chance to come now and present something, and you presented the same exact thing with no deviation.”

In response, Shusterman reiterated that he and other leaders of his organization did not realize how costly the rehabilitation and restoration process would be.  

“I understand that we obligated ourselves,” he said. “We didn’t realize it was going to get to that point where a tile of one foot by one-and-a-half feet is going to cost $3,300.” 

Commission Chair Jeff Wolfe said that he believes the issue boils down to a misunderstanding. 

“Somehow, because of the path this took, there is this linkage between the requirement to do the [restoration and rehabilitation] work and the parking as it relates to the permit,” he said. “The miscommunication is that the link doesn’t actually exist.” 

The commission voted to maintain the existing requirement for Chabad to provide a detailed rehabilitation and restoration plan. 

The issue will be brought back to the commission at its November meeting with the understanding that Shusterman will convey the decision to his congregation and return with a plan that includes the missing pieces of information.  

The post Chabad Must Submit Additional Plans for Ahmanson Bank Building appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Earlier this year, residents reported a number of car crashes on Benedict Canyon Drive, some of which resulted in property damage to their homes. Jessie Holzer Carpenter, transportation planner at the city’s Public Works Department, said that Benedict Canyon Drive’s wide, single travel lanes in both directions may contribute to excessive speeding and increased crash risk as well as cause confusion on the number of lanes actually available on the street. She reported that speed surveys on Benedict Canyon indicate that the 85th percentile speed is 42 miles per hour, which is 20% higher than the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour.

To address these concerns, the Public Works Department consulted with the Beverly Hills Police Department to develop a lane striping plan. This would add painted edge lines between travel lanes and parking lanes to deter excessive speeding but does not reduce the number of travel lanes or on-street parking spaces. The edge lines would create 11-foot travel lanes and 9-foot parking lanes. Carpenter added that the cost of lane striping is approximately $5,000 to install as part of the pavement marking project. 

Carpenter reported that the plan is approved by the city’s police and fire departments and supported by the Traffic and Parking Commission. 

Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook agreed that speeding is an issue on Benedict Canyon, but also expressed concerns about the flow of traffic if the safety improvements are implemented.  

Mayor Sharona Nazarian addressed the root of the safety issues, which include speeding on Benedict Canyon during non-peak hours and the confusion its wide lanes cause. 

“I think that even though [Benedict Canyon Drive] is a single lane, people understand it to be two lanes,” said Nazarian.

“I do think that during the high-traffic times, the striping would merely be showing what the law is—that there’s not two lanes,” Councilmember Lester Friedman noted.

Vice Mayor John Mirisch said he would support adding a right-turn lane on Tower Road, which was suggested by some residents at the June 5 Traffic and Parking Commission meeting.

Following the council’s direction on the project, Nazarian concluded the discussion by indicating the intent to revisit the matter at a future meeting, potentially after Public Works has had an opportunity to evaluate additional safety enhancements, such as a right-turn lane on Tower Road. 

The post City Council Gives Direction on Proposed Benedict Canyon Drive Project appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Formed in 1996, Team Beverly Hills provides residents with a hands-on look at the operations of local government.  The program features a variety of class sessions and includes interactive experiences with many departments. Program participants explore the behind-the-scenes operations of the city including Public Works, Emergency Management, Information Technology, Community Services and Public Safety. More than 800 residents have completed Team Beverly Hills and over 70% of all current elected officials and City Commissioners are Team BH alumni.

The Team Beverly Hills program will select 50 residents (30 appointed by the City Council, 18 selected by a random lottery, and two selected by the Beverly Hills Unified School District) for its upcoming class. Five representatives from the city’s business community (appointed by the City Council) will also be selected for the program, which kicks off later this year.

To learn more about Team Beverly Hills and fill out an application online, visit beverlyhills.org/teambeverlyhills or by emailing teambh@beverlyhills.org. 

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The ordinance, in addition to banning new synthetic turf in front yards, would have adopted a 15-year phase-out period for existing permitted front yard turf. It would not have banned synthetic turf in non-front yard areas, such as side, street side or rear yards. Current city regulations under the Beverly Hills Municipal Code require residential front yards to be landscaped primarily with live plants. However, in 2015, the city allowed synthetic turf in front yards as a water conservation measure during drought conditions.

Assistant Director of Community Development Masa Alkire presented several alternatives to synthetic turf in front yards, including the installation of various native and drought-tolerant plants, which can be adapted to several landscaping styles.

Melanie Taylor, president and CEO of the Synthetic Turf Council, spoke against the ordinance and presented several environmental benefits of synthetic turf, such as reducing the use of various chemicals like pesticides and herbicides.

Mayor Sharona Nazarian said she understands wanting to preserve the garden quality of Beverly Hills residential neighborhoods, but said that “Right now, it’s important that we use high-quality turf.”

“I do think it’s important to maintain that high quality, so code enforcement would be important,” said Nazarian, referring to existing synthetic turf regulations in the city. 

Councilmember Craig Corman, who worked on the ordinance while serving on the Planning Commission, noted, “Artificial turf was originally banned in Beverly Hills in the front yard due to aesthetics, but is that really the concern now? We haven’t heard any complaints about the look of artificial turf in front yards.” He added, “The environmental health effects question is something of a mixed bag.”

Additionally, in his report on Closed Session items presented during the meeting, City Attorney Laurence Wiener announced Beverly Hills’ decision to intervene, along with the city of Los Angeles and several other cities, in litigation against unconstitutional activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The vote was 4-1 with Councilmember John Mirisch dissenting.

“While the city of Beverly Hills supports enforcement of the law, we stand against any unconstitutional immigration enforcement actions. We are deeply concerned by allegations that federal agents have targeted individuals based solely on race or ethnicity, conducted raids and arrests without probable cause, and used excessive force. As a diverse community including many immigrants, we join the motion to intervene,” stated Nazarian, representing the council’s decision.

Mirisch explained that while he supported the mayor’s statement, he voted against intervention, citing that the ACLU had “devolved into an antisemitic institution.”

During the Regular Meeting, the City Council also voted 4-1 to adopt the draft ordinance banning short-term rentals that was initially agreed upon at the July 1 Regular Meeting. Mirisch voted against adopting the ordinance.  

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Prior to Hochman’s remarks, three-time former Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold, M.D., was sworn in as Rotary President before a crowd that included Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. 

Addressing Rotary members, Gold expressed his enthusiasm to begin his new role. 

“This club has a great reputation, and it’s because of everything that you guys do,” he said. “I’m very excited to be the president.”

The First Seven Months 

Hochman began his remarks by discussing actions he’s taken since being sworn into office. Among his first steps, he said, was working to reestablish trust with prosecutors, law enforcement and victims.

“I came into office on December third, and there were a lot of dysfunctional problems that were in the criminal justice system that needed to be fixed as quickly as possible,” he said. 

Hochman said that among his prosecutors, 98% voted to support the recall of George Gascón, the previous district attorney. 

“This was not a happy group,” said Hochman. “And basically, part of the reason they weren’t happy was that on [Gascón’s] first day in office, he went ahead and passed nine special directives that said that certain crimes and certain criminals would no longer be prosecuted.”

Those special directives, said Hochman, applied to sentencing for certain juveniles, gang enhancements and some gun enhancements. 

Hochman told members of the Rotary Club that he rescinded all nine special directives with the intent that prosecutors would understand that he wanted to rebuild trust. 

“[These prosecutors] bring, collectively, thousands of years of prosecutorial experience to the job,” he said. “And what I said is, look, I’m going to go ahead and allow you to now use the tools that you would always use. Use them smartly, use them with common sense, use them better than you’ve ever used them before. But I will start with trusting your discretion.”

The Hard Middle 

Gascón was known as a progressive prosecutor whose political philosophy aligned with decarceration, or putting fewer people in prison. Hochman noted that in rescinding Gascón’s directives, he was not moving towards the other end of the spectrum—which, he said, would be “mass incarceration”—but rather to what he described as “the hard middle.” 

“What we’re going to do is go back to an approach that had been used for prosecutors and law enforcement for decades,” he said. “I call it the hard work middle or just the hard middle approach. And what that approach is, it said we’re going to look at each case individually. No more blanket policies. 

“We’re going to look at the individual defendant and their background, the crime committed and the impact on the victim to determine who the true threats are to our public safety.”

Six Priority Areas 

Since taking office, Hochman has identified six priority areas. Those include fentanyl poisoning, homeless crime, human trafficking, hate crimes, residential burglary and organized retail theft. 

Fentanyl poisoning, Hochman said, was identified because of its sheer scope. 

“There will be more people between the ages of 18 and 45 killed by fentanyl than anything else,” he said.

Organized retail theft includes smash and grabs, as well as ongoing operations that target particular shops. 

To that end, Hochman has implemented Proposition 36, which allows repeat offenders to be charged with a felony rather than a misdemeanor. 

“You won’t be caught and released,” he said of those offenders. “You’ll actually have to go and be booked through the system and held on bail … to date—I checked the numbers—we have 1,200 felony prosecutions that have been brought under Proposition 36.”

ICE Update

During the Q&A following his remarks, Hochman was asked about his office’s response to recent federal deportation efforts. 

“The DA’s office and local law enforcement are not part of federal civil immigration enforcement,” Hochman responded. “They don’t call us up ahead of time and tell us what they’re doing, nor do we reach out to them. They go ahead and pick and choose how and where they’re going to engage in this immigration enforcement and don’t engage us at all.”

Hochman added that local law enforcement was still being affected by federal actions. Citing the protests that took place recently in downtown L.A. in response to ICE raids, Hochman said that L.A. officers ended up being responsible for “prevent[ing] a riot.” 

“[Local] law enforcement was then in charge of dealing with legitimate protests involving not just hundreds of people or thousands of people or tens of thousands of people, but literally hundreds of thousands of people who wanted to legitimately protest,” he said, adding that among those protesters was a small minority who used the moment as an opportunity to commit crimes. 

“Local law enforcement is still in a bit of a bind because they’re not coordinating with the federal government, the federal government’s not coordinating with them,” he said. 

The post L.A. District Attorney Nathan Hochman Speaks to Rotary Club appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“It is a privilege and an honor to be part of this community, and I am really blessed to have this opportunity to contribute,” Nissenbaum told the Courier. 

Hailing from Israel and Canada, Nissenbaum attended university in upstate New York for hotel management. He worked in the luxury hospitality business in New York City and Miami before finally landing in Beverly Hills. Since 2007, he has led one of the city’s preeminent hotels, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, as its general manager, overseeing its day-to-day operations. Previously, the hotelier served in various leadership positions in hotel management, including regional vice president of operations for Omni Hotels, where he managed the performance of nine hotel properties. 

Nissenbaum says that the “deeply rooted” spirit of the Beverly Hills community and its local businesses has left an impression on him and his approach to leadership through his 17 years as the general manager at The Peninsula. 

“It’s a small village. You get to know everyone. The support I’ve experienced, both personally and professionally, has been extraordinary,” Nissenbaum told the Courier. “I will do everything that I can to help, assist, and promote the businesses in Beverly Hills.”

Some of his goals for the Chamber include removing barriers for businesses that limit growth and productivity and making it more efficient for the city to both welcome new businesses and support existing ones—whether small, large, and/or family-owned. 

His approach to entrepreneurship in the city focuses on the quieter, less outwardly visible support for businesses. Instead, he’s keen on the behind-the-scenes work where the real magic happens—something that goes “beyond sound bites and hashtags.”

“We all know that our businesses are more than storefronts—they are the lifeblood of our city, woven into the very fabric of Beverly Hills,” said Nissenbaum. “They reflect the drive, diversity and values that make this community as special as it is.”  

The post Offer Nissenbaum Named Chamber Board Chair appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Many showed up wearing The Smokin’ Cobras T-shirts, and the band played high-energy fan favorites like Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart,” Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll,” Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose,” and Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti.” 

“Welcome to our Beverly Canon Gardens concerts in the park,” Mayor Sharona Nazarian told the crowd. “This month is about enjoying our parks. We have so many different activities and so many different programs … I love that we see everybody dancing, enjoying this beautiful space. We have 8,700 acres of parks in the city of Beverly Hills. Isn’t that amazing?”

The free event drew crowds of adults, children, and seniors who came together to enjoy music, food, and each other’s company on the festive summer night. 

“Beverly Hills is always one of the absolute highlight shows of our year,” The Smokin’ Cobras told the Courier. “The people are amazing. We play all over the world, and nobody rocks any harder than our brothers and sisters in Beverly Hills … dancing feet and beautiful smiling faces of all ages as far as the eye can see. What a blessing.” 

With palm-lined walkways, trickling fountains, and a lively atmosphere, Beverly Canon Gardens perfectly embodies why parks make life better. This celebration is just one of many happenings throughout July that highlight the value of the city’s 15 public parks and open spaces in fostering wellness, connection, and joy. As part of the programming, residents can also pick up a free California State Parks vehicle day-use pass at the Beverly Hills Public Library, available while supplies last. 

The next event will be a “Clueless”-themed Family Bingo Night at Roxbury Park on July 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more, visit https://www.beverlyhills.org/1400/Parks-Make-Life-Better-Month-July-Activi. 

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In June, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) released a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) of five proposed routes, known as alternatives, for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project. 

The route chosen will run north and south from Van Nuys to West L.A. alongside the 405 Freeway. Two proposed alternatives are for monorail transit, and three are for heavy rail transit.  

The cost to build the project is currently estimated to be between $15.4 billion and $24.4 billion.

The release of the DEIR drew mixed reactions. 

Steve Sann, a spokesperson for STC4All, a coalition that supports the implementation of the project, expressed his enthusiasm for the latest development. 

“The fact that the draft EIR is now out [is] a major milestone in this project,” he said. “We’ve been waiting three years.” 

Fred Rosen is a resident of Bel Air, a neighborhood under which some of the proposed alternatives would require tunneling. Rosen alleged that Metro’s cost estimates are incorrect and that the department has been “deceitful” in its dealings with the public, particularly Bel Air residents. 

“This project starts to get developed 11 years ago—no one calls us, no one talks to us,” said Rosen, who has been advocating against the project for at least four years. “We wake up one morning and discover that three or four of these routes are under our community … Metro [has] no interest in being transparent with the public.”

According to Metro, the 405 Freeway between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside is one of the most congested corridors in the country, with over 400,000 trips taken by drivers each weekday. That number is expected to grow approximately 24% by 2057.

Metro estimates that the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, when complete, could attract approximately 63,000 to 124,000 daily riders and reduce the number of miles traveled by automobile by between 342,000 and 775,000 daily. 

Plans for the project began in earnest in 2016 when L.A. voters approved Measure M. 

The ballot initiative funded various transportation improvements throughout the county, including the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, for which $9.5 billion was identified. 

Metro issued a request for proposals in 2019, and in 2021, six potential alternatives were developed. One was removed from consideration in 2023. 

Alternatives 1 and 3 would utilize driverless monorails traveling largely above ground. Alternative 1 proposes an electric bus connecting the monorail to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Alternative 3 proposes an underground train connecting the Getty Center and Wilshire Boulevard. 

Alternatives 4 and 5 feature driverless heavy rail transit, and the routes are largely underground with some aboveground segments. Alternative 6 proposes driver-operated heavy rail transit with all underground travel. 

In the DEIR, Metro found that while all alternatives would have some significant and unavoidable environmental impacts, Alternative 1 would have the fewest. 

The DEIR also reports that all five alternatives would cause elevated nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide emissions, as well as an increase in noise, during construction. All alternatives would conflict in some ways with local land use plans. 

According to Mallory Mead, a spokesperson for Metro, the city is currently “agnostic” about which version it approves. 

“The environmental impact report … requires that we look deeply into all of these alternatives before we determine any specific project we want to take further,” Mead told the Courier. “We’re putting [all of the alternatives] up against each other to go through and look at the relative merits and benefits of each.”

Sann said STC4All hasn’t identified a single alternative that they support, but that whichever version Metro chooses, the group would like to see one with an on-campus UCLA station and a “direct, seamless connection” to the Wilshire D Line (Purple Line) subway station.

“The only one that completely fails the test is horrible, terrible, worst of all possible options, Alternative 1,” he said. 

Rosen said he and other residents of Bel Air will continue to fight against the project. 

“We’ll do what’s necessary to protect our community,” he said. 

Metro has now entered into a 90-day public comment period, during which residents and stakeholders can submit feedback online, by phone, by mail or in person at a public information session. Those sessions will be held throughout July and August. 

The public comment period will close on Aug. 30. 

The post Draft EIR Released for Sepulveda Transit Corridor appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

By having an open, public discussion about the new budget, which was approved at the City Council June 17 Regular Meeting, Nazarian hopes the community will gain a greater understanding of the city’s finances. Topics included the city’s various tax revenues, services supported by the General Fund and pensions for city employees. 

Muir began by discussing the city’s singular financial profile. Given the size of Beverly Hills, the city has a relatively strong tax base, allowing for a variety of “world-class services.” He provided some quick statistics about the city’s financial stability regarding its property taxes, relative to other cities in Los Angeles County. 

“Many residents may not realize just how unique our city’s finance position is,” said Nazarian. 

For example, Muir stated that out of the 88 incorporated cities in Los Angeles County, Beverly Hills is a midsized city, but ranks fourth in terms of taxable value of those properties. Additionally, because of Beverly Hills’ position as a destination spot for high-end retail and luxury auto sales, sales tax is also a significant source of revenue.

Nazarian then spoke with Muir about the various services the city provides and where that funding comes from. Comparing the city’s budget to a checking account, Nazarian directed Muir to talk about the city’s General Fund, which finances departments such as police, fire, and recreation and parks. Eighty percent of the revenue that goes toward the general fund, Muir explained, comes from the “big four” taxes: property tax, business tax, Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and sales tax.
Nazarian asked Muir how TOT and sales tax, paid largely by visitors, help residents enjoy their everyday quality of life. Muir explained that the city’s world-famous hotels and retail corridors are not just “cultural assets” but “financial engines.” The TOT, which is placed on guests of short-term rentals, such as hotels, is paid for almost entirely by visitors to the city, Muir said. The combined tax revenue, paid mostly by visitors, amounts to approximately $91 million per year.  

 Through continuous monitoring and strategic planning, the city can withstand fluctuations in different sources of tax revenue caused by trends such as a projected decline in international travel. 

Moving on to a discussion about property and sales tax, Nazarian directed Muir to explain how revenue from those taxes is divided to go to different municipalities. 

“It’s a common misconception that 100 percent of property tax goes to the city you live in,” Muir explained. “[Residents] may pay high taxes, but it doesn’t all come to the city of Beverly Hills.” Muir gave a breakdown of how much the city gets from each property tax or sales tax dollar in comparison to the state and county. 

Nazarian and Muir then discussed how those funds are used in the city. Beverly Hills spends 54% of its General Fund budget on public safety. In terms of total amount, Muir cited, the city’s budget for the police and fire department is the total budget for all of Culver City’s General Fund.

“We’re fortunate to have the revenue base we have. We dedicate a lot of it to public safety,” said Muir. 

Other significant investments the city makes include the upkeep and maintenance of parks, streets and sidewalks. Most recently, City Council approved $86.4 million in funding for the Capital Improvement Projects budget. This funding will, for example, go toward investment in streets, parking assets, sidewalks, public facilities such as city hall and bathrooms at parks. Some of the public infrastructure projects the city is working on this year include playground replacements at La Cienega Park, the reconstruction of Coldwater Canyon Drive and a new restroom at Will Rogers Park. 

The third “Straight Talk with Sharona” concluded with conversations about the CalPERS pension program for city employees and the city’s rainy-day funds. Muir explained that the pension cost for this fiscal year was $58 million across all city programs, with employees paying about $15 million and the city paying the rest.

Finally, Muir applauded the city’s proactive financial policies for emergencies, such as the policy of maintaining General Fund reserves of at least 40% of operating expenditures.

“Strong reserves and prudent financial management—that’s what allows the city to maintain the triple-A bond rating that we’re able to enjoy,” said Muir. 

The post Mayor Discusses City Finances in Third ‘Straight Talk with Sharona’ appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Senior Management Analyst Mandy Jiang presented SB 630 and H.R. 1048 to the council to seek a recommended position.

State Senate Bill 630, introduced by State Senator Ben Allen, originally increased the annual tax credit cap, seeking to modernize California industries’ tax and credit program, such as for film and television, to ensure that the state’s programs are competitive. The Legislative/Lobby Committee unanimously recommended supporting the bill in its original form, which was identical to another bill in the State Assembly (AB 1138). However, the bill has since been “gutted and amended”—a legislative tactic that entirely removes the bill’s original content and replaces it with different provisions. Now, the bill addresses oversight of state agencies regarding land management for the state park system.

Legislative liaison lobby members Vice Mayor John Mirisch and Councilmember Craig Corman both oppose SB 630 on the basis of “gut-and-amend” entirely. Mirisch called the legislative tactic “abhorrent,” “not transparent” and “an awful way to do business,” and accepts “gut-and-amend” only in extraordinary circumstances. Councilmember Corman agreed with the vice mayor’s stance on “gut-and-amend” and added that the revised bill appears to address an issue that is “not of much concern” to the city, shifting approval of certain leases from the Department of General Services instead to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Councilmember Mary Wells agreed with the lobby members’ feelings about “gut-and-amend,” but thinks SB 630 still has merit, and shouldn’t be rejected solely because of the opposed legislative tactic. Both Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Councilmember Lester Friedman took a neutral stance, agreeing that “gut-and-amend” is not a transparent way of legislating, and would’ve appreciated more information as to why the bill took this route.

The other legislation needing council direction was H.R. 1048—a federal bill titled the “DETERRENT Act,” which stands for Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions. The bill would require U.S. colleges and universities to report to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) any gift or dollar amount from a foreign country or entity of concern and from any foreign source not of concern valued at $50,000 or more. It would also require American colleges and universities to request waiver sign-offs for any contracts engaged with a foreign country or entity of concern and to report this to the DOE annually.

H.R. 1048, proposed by Representative Michelle Steel, recognizes foreign influence as a serious threat to national security, research, and students and sees this bill bringing transparency to foreign gift reporting for American colleges and universities.

Mirisch and Corman differed slightly on their stances on H.R. 1048. The vice mayor believes that this “level of scrutiny” is warranted, and that higher education institutions should be transparent and disclose all dealings with foreign entities.

However, though Corman agreed with the vice mayor on that premise, he stated that the DOE’s veto power over university and college contracts “strikes [him] as a form of censorship” and could create “political headwinds” to necessary research agreements. Additionally, he believes that if national security is the main concern of this bill, he’s not sure why the DOE should be making that call. The rest of the council, including Mayor Sharon Nazarian, align more closely with Corman’s stance and would support H.R. 1048 if amended.

The council approved the committee’s recommended positions on the other 10 bills, which Mirisch and Corman stated align with the city’s platform. 

The post Council Provides Direction on Pending Legislation appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Vice Mayor John Mirisch was the sole “no” vote. 

An initial vote on the issue was postponed in January due to a desire by the city to provide temporary housing to individuals affected by the wildfires. 

The regulations are intended to curb the use of short-term rentals for loud parties, encourage longer-term residents to move into the city and to increase the supply of available housing. 

“It’s really important that we create the stock of availability for people to either get into a home or get into an apartment, and I really see that as part of this,” said Councilmember Lester Friedman. “The state has come down really hard on cities because of lack of availability of rental units, and I really see this as part of that puzzle in making living spaces available.”

Councilmember Craig Corman noted that he sat on the Planning Commission when the original short-term stay ordinance was passed. 

“We were aware of the potential downsides of Airbnbs in the city, but we thought we’d give it a chance,” he said. “Obviously, we were wrong.”

During public comment, several residents expressed their desire for an exemption for single-family homes that are designated as historic landmarks. One owner of such a home, Deborah Blum, said she relies on income generated by renting her guest house to pay for costs related to maintaining her property. 

Blum requested that a historic caretaker exemption be added to the new ordinance. 

“We propose that landmark properties be permitted to rent guest houses for under 30 days, provided the owners maintain primary residence and direct oversight,” she said. “Yes, an exemption would be good for my  family; more importantly, it would be beneficial for the city too. Historic preservation drives tourism and economic growth.” 

The original ordinance brought before the council on July 1 proposed that single-family homes be prohibited from being leased for fewer than 12 months, and that multifamily units be prohibited from being leased for under six months. 

The council directed city staff to draft a new ordinance reflecting a uniform 12-month prohibition and proposed that the Planning Commission work to draft language for historic landmark exemptions. 

The ordinance will be brought back before the council at an upcoming meeting for a final vote. 

In other business, the council held a so-called “de novo” public hearing review of a new development at 55 La Cienega Drive. The Beverly Hills Planning Commission conditionally approved the project at their March 13 meeting. 

City Councilmembers were asked to consider the development as if hearing it for the first time.

The request for the de novo public hearing review was made by then Mayor Friedman and then Councilmember Mirisch on March 27. 

The proposed development is for the former site of The Stinking Rose restaurant. The proposal is for a seven-story mixed-use structure that will feature 140 residential units, including 11 very low-income and 11 moderate-income apartments. 

It will also feature a rooftop deck with an outdoor bar, pool, lounge and sun deck, and three levels of subterranean parking. 

An earlier iteration of the development was approved in 2023; however, in 2024, developer 55 Del Norte, LLC took advantage of new state laws that allow for an additional density bonus and reworked the proposal. 

The reworked proposal was conditionally approved in a 3-2 vote by the Planning Commission on March 13. 

At the July 1 City Council meeting, Mirisch and Friedman noted that they requested the de novo hearing because of the close vote taken by the Planning Commission. 

During discussion, councilmembers reiterated concerns that have previously been voiced by nearby residents, including the new development’s potential effect on parking and noise. However, the council conceded that because the development is in accordance with state law, they cannot deny it. 

“These are the moments that, you know, as a council, our hands are tied,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “There isn’t really all that much that we can do to support the residents except for the conditions that we’ve put into place. This project is by right, which means that, based on state mandates that have been placed on the city of Beverly Hills, we need to approve this project.” 

The development was approved in a 4-1 vote, with Mirisch being the sole “no” vote. 

In other business, the council approved several 2025-26 fiscal year budget items, including funding for the Rodeo Drive Holiday Decor and Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting and the Rodeo Drive Committee’s marketing plan. 

A maximum budget of $497,969 was granted to J. Ben Bourgeois Productions, Inc. for lighting, holiday decor and other services for the Rodeo Drive Holiday Decor and Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting. The company has provided these services to the city since 2019. This year’s proposed theme is “Enchanted Holiday Dreams on Rodeo Drive” and it will incorporate inspiration from the Nutcracker Ballet. 

The Rodeo Drive Committee will receive a maximum of $184,998 for marketing services, social media, website management and banner production intended to promote its retailers, hotels and property owners. 

The post City Moves Towards Banning Short-Term Rentals appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The effort, while dramatic, was not an emergency. Rather, it was part of a two-day training held on-site in advance of the building’s demolition, and the Courier was invited to observe. The hotel offered the structure to members of the Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) to practice fire mitigation and rescue operations on June 28 and 29—a rare opportunity for first responders to hone their skills in a real-world controlled environment. 

“Normally, it is very difficult for fire departments to have buildings available to use, especially one as large as The Beverly Hilton,” said BHFD Assistant Fire Chief Dean Zipperman in an email to the Courier. “These partnerships, although not frequent, are highly rewarding.” 

The training came in the final weeks before the destruction of the hotel’s Oasis Building, which began on June 30. The structure is being torn down as part of the construction of One Beverly Hills. 

In a statement to the Courier, David Ecija, the general manager of The Beverly Hilton, said the hotel was thrilled to lend out the building in its final days. 

“We’re proud to offer our space to the Beverly Hills Fire Department for this important training,” Ecija said. “Supporting our city’s first responders reflects The Beverly Hilton’s enduring commitment to service and civic partnership. For over 70 years, the hotel has stood as a community cornerstone, and we’re honored to continue that legacy in meaningful ways.” 

According to Zipperman, 54 fire personnel of all ranks took part in the training over two days. Participants practiced maneuvers they may need to execute during an emergency, such as pulling fire hose lines, putting up aerial and ground ladders, flowing water and utilizing search techniques. 

Firefighters took turns performing the exercises in small groups, with each team running drills for between 20 and 30 minutes at a time. All were dressed in full firefighting gear despite the heat.  

“Our members were able to [work] in various areas as directed by the drill incident commander to allow every firefighter to practice real scenario tasks … as they would be doing on an emergency scene,” said Zipperman. 

He added that the most challenging fire BHFD could face would be a “multi-story habitational occupied building.”

The opportunity was presented to BHFD as construction continues on One Beverly Hills, a 17.5-acre development at the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards. The project, which is being led by Cain International alongside OKO Group, will include two residential towers, a new Aman hotel, boutiques and casual dining, along with 10 acres of open space. The Beverly Hilton is being renovated as part of the development. 

Ground was broken for One Beverly Hills in February 2024, and construction is expected to be completed in 2028. 

Larry Green, the head of development and managing director for Cain International, told the Courier that the training was emblematic of the development’s commitment to the city. 

“This moment marks an important milestone in the evolution of One Beverly Hills,” he said. “It is especially fitting to offer the space for such an invaluable training—this project has always been rooted in a deep respect for Beverly Hills, and we’re proud to support the city’s continued leadership in safety and preparedness as we move into the future together.” 

As the training progressed throughout the day, firefighters were provided lunch, water and snacks by hotel staff, and utilized the building’s indoors to cool off as teams alternated their participation in drills.  

Zipperman noted that the opportunity allowed the department to “become more proficient as a team to accomplish the mission of saving lives and property.”

“No matter how many fires a city may encounter, each one poses a different challenge,” he said, adding, “This truly is what community-based partnerships are.” 

The post BHFD Trains at The Beverly Hilton Before Tower Demolition appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The decision was made by the Beverly Hills City Council Liaison/Traffic & Parking Commission Committee at its June 24 meeting, during which commissioners and councilmembers approved a proposed update to the Beverly Hills Municipal Code. 

The proposal will now go before the entire City Council. 

The update, which was described as “timel[y]” in a staff report, will apply to new developments that provide a reduced number of on-site parking spaces than would otherwise be required by the city’s code because they have availed themselves of parking reductions or exemptions in state law.

Residents of those developments would be prohibited from obtaining preferential and overnight parking permits. 

Additionally, the property managers, owners or other representatives of those projects would be required to notify future residents of the restriction in writing and obtain a signed acknowledgment from the would-be inhabitant. 

Councilmember Lester Friedman, who serves as a liaison on the committee, said at the meeting that the the update was being considered, in part, due to California’s stated premise that residents who live near public transportation do not need as much parking. 

“The reason that this is being considered is to be in concert with what the state has told us is necessary; that is, that people are not going to be needing as much parking since they’re near a high transit zone area,” he said. “Personally, I think that premise is a faulty premise, but that is what the state of California has told us, and, of course, we need to be in concert with what those in Sacramento have said.” 

Friedman added that the update would also serve to prevent a problem for residents in neighborhoods where developers have provided less parking for their buildings’ inhabitants. 

“We don’t want to have the situation in our city where the residents who aren’t building suffer because there is overcrowding of vehicles,” Friedman said. “So … if a landowner or developer decides that they don’t think that they can be in compliance with the requirements that the Beverly Hills code has, it’s not going to be a burden upon the residents who have nothing to do with that project.” 

The prohibition will also apply to developers who use reductions to upgrade or remodel in a way that causes them to become ineligible for the permits. In those scenarios, existing parking permit holders would be allowed to keep the number of permits they already have have; however, they would not be allowed to obtain more.  

A concern was raised by Hadar Geller, vice chairperson of the Traffic and Parking Commission over the possibility of the prohibition being applied to landlords of smaller properties who seek to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Under the proposed update, those individuals would be subject to the prohibition on parking permits. 

“It feels very punitive to the owner,” she said. “He’s adding value to his property by adding this ADU, but now he’s losing value on his units.” 

Councilmember Craig Corman, who serves as a liaison on the committee, suggested that there may be room to tweak the regulations for such property owners. 

“I think it’s worth a discussion whether the addition of a single ADU should trigger the prohibition … because I think the projects the council were thinking about the most were not individual units being added to underparked duplexes or single buildings,” he said. “It was the construction of many new units.” 

The committee decided to move forward with the provision with some small changes, and at the same time, requested that staff refine language surrounding how the update would affect ADUs. The latter issue will be brought back for further discussion.  

The post Parking Permit Prohibitions Move Forward appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The proposal was brought forth by Board Member Sigalie Sabag. 

Sabag sought to make clear, she said, that teachers are not to introduce controversial issues that do not pertain to the subject they are teaching. 

“This is a policy that we don’t have that needs to be implemented,” said Sabag, adding, “If you have a curriculum like, let’s say health, and you are teaching regarding gender or teaching any which way, this policy tells you how to go about it responsibly.”

The draft policy brought forward by Sabag defined controversial issues as including topics such as religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and geopolitical conflicts.

It identified courses such as history, civics, government, geography and economics as classes that may warrant the discussion of such issues. 

The proposed policy further identified mathematics, English, science, physical education, world languages, the arts and technical electives as courses in which “teachers must refrain from introducing political, ideological, or personal commentary unrelated to approved instructional goals.”

Under the proposal, other staff members would be encouraged to report violations of the policy. 

In elaborating on her point, Sabag described an incident in which a BHUSD music teacher showed a film about protesting. 

“In this circumstance … she wasn’t teaching music; she was only teaching about protesting,” Sabag said. “That’s all she was teaching. She is not teaching according to her class. You teach according to your curriculum and class.” 

During public comment, Katherine Warren, the president of the Beverly Hills Education Association (BHEA), the union that represents the city’s public school teachers, requested that the item be tabled. Warren said the collective bargaining agreement already has guidelines for teaching controversial issues, and that document takes precedence over board policies. 

“If the board wishes to revise or clarify language related to controversial issues, the appropriate venue for that discussion is the bargaining table,” she said. “BHEA requests that the agenda item … be tabled and brought to the bargaining team for any changes in language.”

Board Member Amanda Stern spoke at length against the proposed changes. Expressing a conviction that teachers should be able to instruct students in critical thinking, analytical thinking and how to compose an argument, Stern said educators need the freedom to “think out loud and show their reasoning.” 

“We don’t want robots for teachers,” she said. “We want people that we trust … if we want a machine to just give feedback and a binary response, we can move in that direction. Sadly, I feel that the schools in 30 years may well be that way because of the environment and regulations such as these.”

Agreeing with Sabag that violations “must be disciplined and enforced,” Stern went on to note that “I stop short of trying to censor some of the activity that makes classrooms stimulating and fun and speaks to these very standards.”

Stern added that the policy proposed by Sabag seems to contradict itself with respect to its purported disdain for bringing partisan politics into the school setting. 

“When I look at this new policy … it’s talking about not introducing [issues] along partisan lines, but it seems to me that this policy itself, I want to say it’s a playbook from some ideology that is partisan based,” she said. 

Stern and Sabag agreed to collaborate on the policy before further board discussion.

In other district news, Career Technical Education instructor and Media Director Romeo Carey has announced his retirement. 

In a message sent to the KBEV community, district representatives lauded Carey’s achievements during his more than two decades of teaching at BHUSD. 

“Romeo Carey’s dedication to student learning, media excellence, and public service has left a mark that will be felt for generations,” said BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss. “We thank him for his unparalleled contributions and wish him the very best in his next chapter.”

Carey was at the center of a controversy beginning in December 2024, when he was placed on paid administrative leave for reasons that were not disclosed to the community. Stakeholders, including students, parents and former students, expressed their outrage for months during public comment at board meetings. 

Carey was reinstated in March. 

In the same statement released by the district, Carey reiterated his mission and his hope for the future. 

“My duty as a mentor was to instill the idea that the pillar of a free and open society is a free press that acts as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable and informing the community about public affairs,” he said. “To my students who boldly took on their duty as broadcast journalists by holding truth to power, I will forever be indebted to their tenacity and courage.” 

The post BHUSD Board Discusses New Restrictions on Teaching ‘Controversial Topics’ appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

BHPD officers quickly located the vehicle within Beverly Hills city limits. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to yield, prompting a pursuit. The suspect vehicle eventually became disabled near the intersection of Beverly Drive and Rexford Drive. Four occupants then fled on foot.

Officers immediately apprehended three of the individuals a short distance away. A coordinated containment and search effort led to the successful location and arrest of the fourth suspect in a nearby residential yard shortly afterward.

There were no reported injuries during the incident. All four suspects are now in custody, and the case remains under investigation.

The Beverly Hills Police Department credits the effectiveness of its ALPR system, along with the rapid and professional response of its officers, for the safe and successful resolution of the incident.

“This incident is another clear example of how our police officers acted swiftly and decisively, supported by our civilian professional staff, to ensure the suspects were taken into custody without harm to the community,” said Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “I am proud of our Department’s continued commitment to proactive policing and public safety.” 

The post BHPD Arrest Robbery Suspects appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcome. 

“DuPont was heartened by the court’s ruling on the city’s motion for attorney’s fees,” said Jessica Corpuz, an attorney representing DuPont. “DuPont continues to believe that rationality and common sense will ultimately prevail in this case.”

Keith Sterling, Beverly Hills’ deputy city manager, said the city is happy to receive the partial amount. 

“We are pleased to be reimbursed for a portion of our costs,” he said. 

The legal battle between DuPont and Beverly Hills began in 2023. The clinic, which provides reproductive health care services including abortion up to 32 weeks and six days, was slated to open a location in the city in October 2023. 

DuPont was swiftly met with opposition, however, when the Los Angeles chapter of an anti-abortion group began protesting at the clinic’s future location on Wilshire Boulevard. 

Protesters soon showed up at Beverly Hills City Council meetings, urging officials to deny permits to DuPont. 

The clinic received a letter in June 2023 from landlord Douglas Emmett stating that its lease was being canceled due to DuPont’s failure to disclose that “the primary focus of tenant’s practice would be providing abortions for abnormal and high-risk pregnancies.”

DuPont filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the city of Beverly Hills and various city officials in October 2023, and the city followed with an “anti-SLAPP motion” in February 2024, seeking to strike numerous allegations in DuPont’s complaint. 

That anti-SLAPP motion was granted in December 2024, and this February, the city put forth the request for attorney’s fees, arguing that they are entitled to them as the prevailing party in the anti-SLAPP case. 

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Shultz, who oversaw the request for attorney’s fees, submitted his final decision on June 20. In it, he found that the work performed and reported by the city, which the city claimed was done by three partners and two attorneys at the law firm Tucker Ellis, LLP, was “excessive, inefficient, and duplicative.”

Shultz wrote that “name partners were doing work that could have been done by lower-billing attorneys, and that all the attorneys were doing work that could have been done by paralegals.”

Shultz also found that the hours spent on tasks performed by the attorneys were “unreasonable,” and that some of the hourly rates billed by both partners and attorneys, which ranged from $460 to $825, were unreasonable and unsupported based on standard rates in the region. 

DuPont is still involved in litigation with the city. Following the decision granting the city’s anti-SLAPP motion, the clinic filed an appeal, which is still pending.  

“DuPont maintains that the court’s ruling on the anti-SLAPP was wrongly decided and is currently seeking a reversal of that ruling on appeal,” said Corpuz. 

In May, the clinic filed a second lawsuit against the city alleging, in part, that the city played a role in the cancellation of DuPont’s lease. 

According to that complaint, the city denied the clinic’s building permits and conducted a “hostile pressure campaign … under the guise of public safety leading to the termination of DuPont’s Lease.” 

The post Court Orders DuPont to Pay Attorney’s Fees to City appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Although exact statistics are not available, by most estimates, the Iranian population of Beverly Hills accounts for approximately 20% of residents. The majority of that group is also Jewish, placing their loyalties at the center of the conflict. 

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian is among them. Nazarian has shared her immigrant story widely; as a child, she and her family fled Iran to escape religious persecution brought on by the Iranian Revolution. For a brief period of time, they lived in Israel. 

Speaking with the Courier, Nazarian discussed the effects of the recent conflict on her constituents and herself. 

“It’s a very emotional time,” she said. “There’s a lot of anxiety and concerns, and a lot of hope. It’s like, all parts of me, right? I feel divided, but I also feel the weight of these moments. I’m trying to approach it with compassion and a sense of responsibility to represent all parts of our community.”

The current war began on June 12, when Israel launched an air campaign against Iran that kicked off a series of retaliatory actions by both countries. 

Israel’s actions targeted Iran’s nuclear program, military infrastructure and key leadership, according to the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for the Study of War. 

The United States entered the conflict on June 21, when President Donald Trump ordered the bombing of three nuclear targets in Iran. 

As of press time, Iran and Israel were adhering to a ceasefire agreement, and the U.S. has indicated that it does not plan to strike again.

Many Iranian Jewish residents of Beverly Hills have family in the region at the center of the conflict, Nazarian said. 

“I’ve heard a lot of concern,” she said. “[Residents] have deep concern for their loved ones who are abroad or in the diaspora. They’re concerned about their safety and the uncertainty that affects them. Many are feeling very vulnerable and heartbroken.”

Nazarian declined to discuss the specifics of the conflict with the Courier, but she briefly addressed the situation at the Beverly Hills City Council’s June 17 meeting.

“The Iranian people have suffered deeply under a regime that has isolated them from the world and placed them in harm’s way,” she said at the meeting. “A nuclear-armed Iranian regime would pose a grave danger not only to Israel and the region but to the entire world. Israel’s action, though difficult, reflects a preemptive effort to prevent a potential catastrophe.”

As a result of the conflict—and an ongoing increase in antisemitism—Beverly Hills is increasing security. Although there have been no reported threats, Nazarian said that the Beverly Hills Police Department has been closely monitoring the situation and has increased patrols in key areas, including houses of worship. 

Officers are making use of the Real Time Watch Center, which employs cameras, license plate readers and drones to monitor activity throughout the city. 

“The Real Time Watch Center gives us the ability to track and respond to activity in real time, which is a gift, and it’s one of the many tools that our police department is utilizing to be proactive,” said Nazarian. “Our officers are highly engaged, and they’re in close contact with regional and federal partners. The goal is to keep our community safe while also reassuring residents that we’re paying attention and ready to act if needed.”

As the conflict’s outcome remains uncertain, Nazarian emphasized the importance of togetherness. 

“My heart is with everyone, all of our brothers and sisters who are in the region, people who are worried, grieving or waiting for clarity,” she said. “I believe there’s strength in our community, and in the importance of staying connected to each other. And as mayor, I want to continue to listen, to lead thoughtfully and to work with our partners to ensure a safer, stronger and more united Beverly Hills.” 

The post Mayor Nazarian Reacts to Conflict in Iran appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, the council voted 4-1 to adopt the budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with Vice Mayor John Mirisch voting against it. 

The $662 million budget is a $10.4 million increase from the previous fiscal year. It includes 27 areas of budget enhancements, totaling $13.2 million across all funds, which were determined necessary to support the needs of the community and City Council. The budget enhancements entail $7.8 million in one-time costs, such as $4.5 million for private security, and $5.4 million in recurring costs, such as $2 million in the General Fund and $0.9 million for annual tree maintenance services. 

The updated budget emphasizes investments in public safety, such as a public safety kiosk in preparation for the new Wilshire/La Cienega Metro station, dedicated police staff in that facility, and advanced security technologies aimed at enhancing community safety. 

The City Council also voted to delay public hearing of Rabbi Ruben Milikan’s appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to approve a Density Bonus permit for an eight-story multifamily residential building. The project is located on a dual jurisdiction property in both Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. While the hearing for the appeal was originally scheduled for June 17, Rabbi Milikan requested the hearing be postponed to a future date, which staff recommended to allow for timely processing of the housing application. 

“I think it would be justice for the seniors of the community … if we bring on all the mistakes that exist in this document that they have,” said the appellant, referring to the housing application. Many senior citizens currently occupy 412 N. Oakhurst.

Farhad Novian, an attorney who spoke on behalf of Rabbi Milikan, told the council, “We hereby request that this hearing not be held now, but rather, in 60 to 90 days. There are people that are affected—seniors of your community that are affected by these decisions, and we should give them more time to consider what’s going on.” 

A representative for the housing project, Avi Stieglitz, said that they do not want to extend the hearing beyond this date. “From our perspective, this is one of the issues with building affordable and any sort of housing in California—these types of delays,” said Stieglitz.

After Rabbi Milikan collapsed shortly after speaking, sending the meeting into a brief recess, Mayor Nazarian and the rest of the council agreed to postpone the hearing to Aug. 5. 

Moving forward with other items on the agenda, the council voted to extend the city’s interim urgency ordinance relating to the implementation of the state law SB 9 to May 2026. The additional time allows city staff to further study ways to develop permanent SB 9 housing regulations, which includes updating the city’s existing regulations to align with more recent state legislation, notably SB 450. Given the severity of the L.A. wildfires in January, the extended time allows for staff to review proposed SB 9 projects that lie within the city’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and the limited evacuation routes available, which Principal Planner Chloe Chen said could “present an adverse impact to public health and safety.”

SB 9, which took effect in 2022, requires local agencies to ministerially approve urban lot splits and development to two residential units per single-family residential lot, provided the projects meet certain criteria. SB 450 updates certain provisions of SB 9 and was passed in 2024. 

Other matters discussed at the meeting included the “No Kings” rally that took place in Beverly Hills, among other cities across the nation, this past weekend. Councilmember Lester Friedman applauded the city for conducting the demonstration in a safe manner. 

The post City Council Approves Budget appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The presentation by CBOC member Jasmine Yadgari and CBOC Vice Chair Marc Carrel at the board’s June 10 meeting covered actions taken in fiscal year 2023-24 with regard to Measure E, a $334 million bond initiative passed in 2008, and Measure BH, a $385 million bond initiative passed in 2018. 

The report also summarized the findings of an annual financial audit prepared by Christy White, Inc., and an annual performance audit prepared by Moss Adams, LLP. 

“Overall, the CBOC is very pleased,” said Yadgari. 

The management of the two bond measures was rocky for multiple years. Both were drafted to improve BHUSD facilities, including seismic retrofits, modernization and increased security. In 2017, Team Concept Development Services (TCDS), owned by Don Blake, was brought on to manage the bonds. 

Five years later, however, bond manager Fonder-Salari was hired to replace TCDS after the board and community members lost confidence in TCDS. TCDS had reported a budgetary shortfall estimated to be between $89 and $129 million, and stakeholders expressed concerns about a lack of transparency in the company’s operations. 

In their report to the board on June 10, the CBOC wrote that the new bond management team has made “monumental improvements in transparency, cost savings, and billing controls.” 

The committee noted that the budgetary shortfall has been reduced to approximately $7 million, and that BHUSD and Fonder-Salari have refined reports providing CBOC with line-by-line expenditures. 

“The improvements that have been made by Fonder-Salari in terms of the transparency, what they’ve been doing, how they’re handling things, the cost savings [have been] a dramatic improvement from the former manager,” Carrel told the Courier after the board meeting. “This report from the CBOC highlights that there’s very few issues since Fonder-Salari has taken over.” 

The committee requested that the financial and performance audits be made public. The board agreed; however it is not clear when or how that action will be taken. 

In other business, the board voted 4-1 to amend regulations that govern parental rights and responsibilities in the district.

The amendment will add language stating that administrative personnel should only be present in non-disciplinary parent-teacher meetings under “exceptional circumstances.” 

Board President Rachelle Marcus was the sole no vote. 

The idea for the amendment was first put forth by Board Member Sigalie Sabag in the board’s May 27 meeting. On June 10, Sabag reiterated her belief that parents should be allowed to form a relationship with their child’s teacher independent of an administrative presence. 

“The parent has a right to meet the [teacher] in the classroom like it’s always been for many years,” she said, later adding, “It’s not anything contentious, it’s not anything hostile.”

Sabag did not cite a specific incident that prompted her request for the change. 

The amendment was met with questions and some concern by Katherine Warren, the president of the Beverly Hills Education Association (BHEA)—the union that represents public school teachers in Beverly Hills—and Marcus. 

During public comment, Warren expressed the apprehension felt by some instructional staff. 

“Who has requested this change in policy?” Warren said. “Teachers? Administrators? Where did this come from? … If an administrator is not present, what recourse does a teacher have if a meeting becomes contentious?”

Marcus said that as a former teacher, the language struck her as restrictive and unfriendly. 

“I feel that the tone of this is very unwelcoming,” she said. “As a teacher … when I’m meeting a parent for the first time, if I want an administrator there, I should be allowed to do that … I find it almost offensive.” 

Much of their concern centered on a sentence in the proposed amendment which originally stated, “No administrative personnel shall be present unless warranted by exceptional circumstances.”

Following a discussion, the board agreed to change the sentence to read, “Administrative personnel shall be present only when warranted by exceptional circumstances.”  

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Officer Christian Bond, the president of BHPOA, told the Courier, “An overwhelming number of members of the association participated, and voted in favor of the vote of no confidence. We’re waiting on City Council to see what direction the city will go.”

The BHPOA’s membership is comprised of all BHPD sworn personnel, including officers, sergeants, lieutenants and captains. The chief of police is not a member. 

The vote was initiated after Bond sent an email to BHPOA members on June 6 listing 10 bullet-pointed concerns that had been brought to his attention by members. Several addressed an alleged lack of investment in the growth and retention of sworn personnel, including bypassing internal candidates for promotions and an overreliance on private security contractors.

Others included a “misrepresentation of current staffing levels to City Council” and the “retention of personnel who do not meet required training standards.” 

“This type of vote reflects serious concerns about morale, management decisions, departmental stability, and overall leadership,” the email states. “It is intended to bring attention to these issues and initiate accountability and change at the highest level of the department.”

In response to the vote,  Keith Sterling, the city’s deputy city manager, said in a statement that, “The safety and security of Beverly Hills is always the City Council’s top priority. We are currently in active labor negotiations with several bargaining units, including the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association.”

The statement continued, “We are proud that our Police Department has done an outstanding job of keeping the community safe and reducing crime over the last several years, despite the ongoing challenges faced throughout the region. The City Council is aware of the vote that was taken by the BHPOA. We take the issues raised by the BHPOA seriously and the City Manager is reviewing them with Chief Stainbrook.”

The Courier has also obtained a copy of an email response sent by Stainbrook to officers in which he directly addressed some of the concerns laid out in the vote of no confidence.

In the email, Stainbrook wrote, “[t]he City Manager, my Command Staff, HR, and I are always willing to meet with the [BH]POA Board in a ‘Meet and Confer'” and invited recipients to call him on his direct phone number. 

In regard to the allegation of a lack of investment in the growth and retention of sworn personnel, Stainbrook wrote, “I always want to hire and promote from within. It is my personal measure of success to see everyone here who wants to promote get promoted.”

Regarding the assertion that personnel who do not meet training standards are nevertheless retained, Stainbrook wrote, “All BHPD sworn personnel are selected and trained according to state law and the CA POST standards. I have not been briefed on any current sworn officer who does not meet those standards.”

And in addressing the concern that current staffing levels have been misrepresented to the Beverly Hills City Council, Stainbrook wrote, “I have worked closely with our Human Resources Department to accurately account for vacant positions … I keep the City Council, and the City Manager advised of current trends, recruitment/retention trends in the region, and the contracts that other POAs and cities have approved. I do not believe there have been any misrepresentations by me.”

In the week that has elapsed since the vote of no confidence, Bond has addressed speculation that the vote of no confidence was designed as a labor negotiation tactic by the union.

“The idea that this was a negotiating tactic is completely untrue … We did this for the membership. We checked the bylaws carefully. We used a secure platform,” he told the Courier.

Bond added that to his knowledge, this is the first vote of no confidence against a chief in the city’s history. He said Stainbrook “has been aware for the past year about the membership’s concerns and did not take action.”

“This was before labor negotiations were even in sight,” said Bond. “We met with the city manager at least three months ago to let her know that there was talk of a vote of no confidence. I told her I didn’t want to go that route, but we heard back nothing. Things did not change, and the membership was pressing for the vote of no confidence.” 

The post BHPOA Issues No Confidence Vote Against Chief Stainbrook appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

With City News Service  

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The city began considering the possibility of restriping the road after several residents submitted complaints detailing unsafe driving in the area, including speeding and dangerous passing maneuvers, that have resulted in car crashes and property damage.

City staff issued a report finding that the width of Benedict Canyon Drive may be contributing to the problem. 

The street is approximately 40 feet wide, with two travel lanes on each side that allow space for parking. Citing a 2023 investigation by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the staff report states that research has found “a correlation between wide travel lanes and excessive speed and increased crash risk.”

In response, the Public Works Department, in consultation with the Beverly Hills Police Department, developed a plan to paint edge lines between the travel and parking lanes, resulting in 11 feet for travel and 9 feet for parking on each side of the street. 

At the June 5 meeting, several residents spoke out against the project during the public comment period.

Colleen Rabin, who identified herself as having lived on Benedict Canyon for four decades, said her mailbox was hit by a speeding driver, causing bricks to fly through the air. She said she would prefer to see the city install speed humps, signals, drones or more surveillance. 

“Your plans to stripe Benedict seem simplistic,” she said. “This won’t stop drivers from racing along Benedict. They don’t care about lines. They just want to race; they want to get home quick.”

Brian Rodier, a resident of Summit Drive near Benedict Canyon, said the larger problem facing the street is traffic, which moves slowly during rush hour. Rodier said that striping the street would worsen the issue by eliminating the option of a passing lane to circumvent slow-moving cars. 

“If you do these markings, it is going to be a traffic nightmare,” he said. “You’re going to have bumper-to-bumper traffic that’s going to back up to Sunset, then it’s going to spill further down south. It’s going to be mayhem.”

Another resident of the area, Michael Dubelko, suggested that at the same time restriping is taking place, workers could create a dedicated right-turn lane at the intersection of Tower Road and Benedict Canyon. 

“It would increase safety and speed up traffic through that bottleneck,” he said.