The discussions follow community outrage from a guest speaker appearance by influencer Ben Azoulay at the Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) Jewish club on Feb. 17. In 2008, Azoulay, then 18, faced allegations of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

According to a civil lawsuit filed by the alleged victim in 2011 and public records reviewed by the Courier, Azoulay “admitted his guilt in open court and was convicted on the charge of violating Penal Code Section 288a(b)(1), oral copulation with a minor.” 

Azoulay has been highly controversial due to his posts that degrade women, encourage young people to do poorly in school and, in at least one post, appear to make light of the allegations leveled against him.

According to a district spokesperson, the visit was coordinated by a student-run club and approved at the BHHS site level, a protocol in accordance with the California Education Code. Superintendent Alex Cherniss later decried Azoulay’s talk, calling his views “abhorrent,” and said he would not have been allowed to appear if the district or principal knew of the talk ahead of time.

Board Member Amanda Stern apologized to the community for Azoulay’s appearance on April 14.

“I personally offer apologies to anyone in the community who was triggered by the visit from Ben Azoulay,” she said. “To students, parents and staff who have been victims of assault, I understand how upsetting this was … We cannot underestimate how damaging it is when someone comes to our campus and says, ‘I can’t lie. I was an F student.’ And then you have a student who happened to film it with everyone clapping.”

Board President Judy Manouchehri also apologized for Azoulay’s appearance.

“I really do want to acknowledge that we had a speaker that came through one of our student clubs not too long ago, and it was triggering and disappointing for a lot of our community members and I want to acknowledge that,” she said.

Assistant Superintendent Dustin Seemann proposed changes to district Policy 6145.8, the district’s visitor and assembly policy, that would require a vetting process and a final approval for each guest by the respective school’s principal, and prohibit guests from distributing any food that does not comply with board policy.

“The Superintendent or designee shall develop a comprehensive vetting process for all non-staff speakers/presenters, which must include a background check for criminal convictions, restraining orders, and any public record of conduct inconsistent with district values or missions. It is scheduled at minimum 15 school days in advance to allow for adjustment of academic schedule and provide families with information on assembly,” the proposed amendment read.

Seemann clarified that club events fall under the definition of an assembly. 

“What we’re trying to say as a group is, at minimum, we are getting names submitted to us 15 days in advance. Within that, we are ensuring that all of this has been followed through. Someone isn’t just invited off the street. They have gone through Raptor [Technologies school safety software],” he added.

Manouchehri said it was important to provide school principals with an objective standard that aligns with federal standards, which regulate limitations that school boards can impose on student organizations.

“I looked at some of the policy and I’m worried that the subjectiveness could get us into trouble with students’ rights,” she said. “This would inhibit the clubs. Dr. Seemann is categorizing a club as a special event. I just want to put this out here for everybody, this is not my opinion, but it appears to be federal law. Let’s look into it as a group so we can make sure we’re not overreaching.”

Board Member Rachelle Marcus argued that guest speakers should be scheduled outside of normal school hours to minimize instructional disruption, while Stern added it is important to enforce a policy that students don’t record guest speakers, as fallout from Azoulay’s appearance affected the district’s reputation.

Stern also claimed that district administrators should be able to make judgment calls about whether speakers are fit to speak to students.

“It took 20 seconds if you Google the person’s name to see absolutely abhorrent media,” Stern said. “This particular guy was legally okay to be on the campus, but that doesn’t matter because he wasn’t a good fit.”

Board Member Russell Stuart challenged the phrase “public record” in the proposed amendment, arguing that a guest’s social media posts should not be considered when deciding if they are fit to appear on campus and criticized Stern’s proposed policy changes.

“Dr. Stern, according to you, I’m not a good fit either, which you made a public statement that I should never have been allowed on campus, I should never have been allowed to speak to kids and that I was a dangerous person,” he said. “According to [the amended policy], I would be blocked from coming on campus. We cannot include opinion.”

Stern previously criticized Stuart for speaking about mental health at a BHHS boys’ mental health club, claiming he was not qualified, and also criticized his social media posts, including one that read, “Cheers to my haters! Be patient. So much more is coming.”

The last amendment would mandate all cellphones and recording devices to be powered off during assemblies and students and guests would be prohibited from recording or taking photographs.

The board will review an official proposal of an amended guest and assembly policy at a later date.  

The post Heated Guest Policy Discussion at BHUSD Board Meeting appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Competing against top teams from across the region, MorTorq was selected to join an alliance with Team 687 (California Academy of Mathematics & Science) and Team 2073 (Pleasant Grove High School).

“This result reflects the work our students have put in all season,” said Robotics Teacher/Coach John Castle. “From one competition to the next, they continue to grow, collaborate, and represent Beverly Hills High School with focus and determination.”

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges students to design, build, and compete with industrial-sized robots in a fast-paced, team-based environment that emphasizes engineering, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

The post BHHS MorTorq Robotics Team Takes Second Place in Competition appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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.”  

The post Good Shepherd Catholic School to be Reviewed for Register of Historic Properties 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.

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.  

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The event attracted more than 200 guests and featured a keynote address by Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, the co-founder of OPI Nails, as well as a performance by “American Idol” finalist Olivia Soli, artwork by Reyhan Gulses Demircioglu and speeches by local officials including Mayor Sharona Nazarian. 

The evening was organized to celebrate women’s empowerment, leadership and philanthropy and bring together local professionals.

Guests began the evening with a cocktail hour held in The Maybourne’s foyer featuring Champagne, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment from a jazz pianist. Demircioglu’s work was displayed and, speaking with the Courier, the artist explained how her pieces align with the unity the evening sought to promote. 

“My work explores the depths of human experience, the visible and the invisible parts of who we are,” she said. “I believe art functions as a universal language that unites people, like those cultures in a shared human condition…[my characters] don’t represent a fixed individual, and they blend in abstraction. They’re all about emotions, memories and inner worlds we all share.” 

After guests took their seats in the ballroom, Soli opened the evening with a rendition of “The Greatest Love of All.” 

“I thought this song was fitting for today’s event, because it talks about having love within yourself,” she said. “And truly the greatest love you’ll ever have in your life comes from yourself, before you can love anybody else.”

Following the performance, Nazarian shared some words with the crowd. 

“The obstacles that we face [as women] are exactly what gives us the strength to move forward with determination,” she said. “They are what drive us to change those challenges into passion and possibility. And each of you remarkable ladies here tonight represent that …we see other women in other parts of the world that are really struggling right now, and how wonderful that we live in a free nation, that we are able to speak up and we are able to live freely, and we pray that they also see freedom very soon, especially our sisters in the Middle East. And we also know that when someone cannot find their voice, we work together and we lend them ours.”

Weiss-Fischmann then delivered her keynote address, telling the audience about her journey from the child of Hungarian Holocaust survivors to the head of a highly successful international beauty brand. 

After emigrating to America in 1969 with her family, Weiss-Fischmann said that she first experienced, “freedom, choice and possibilities unlike anything I’d known before” upon arriving in the new country. Working in the garment manufacturing business in New York, she developed her taste for entrepreneurship. 

“When clothing production surpassed the weekly scheduled amount, I would sell the extra clothes to employees and suddenly find money in my pocket for the weekend,” she said. “The freedom that came with having these extra funds cemented for me the desire to take control of my own destiny.”

OPI began as a dental supply company, and Weiss-Fischmann quickly realized that dentures and artificial nail extensions have “very similar chemistry,” she said. 

“We saw an opening in the market and seized it,” she said. 

The company began dropping off nail supplies up and down Ventura Boulevard and launched its nail endeavor from there. 

“The lesson here is to take the opportunities that come your way and to make decisions,” said Weiss-Fischmann. “You will lose so many opportunities if you can’t make a choice and make one quickly. Deliberating about something for too long, second-guessing yourself after making a choice, is time that could be spent on more worthwhile work that will advance your business.”

Weiss-Fischmann stressed the importance of trusting your instincts in business even when others around you don’t agree. She also emphasized having patience and taking time to do things the right way, noting that some of the brand’s most popular shades, including Alpine Snow, Dutch Tulips and Kyoto Pearl took time and dedication to create.  

Addressing the question of gender imbalance in many American households, Weiss-Fischmann said that finding equilibrium relies on having help and being kind to those around you. 

“I feel confident saying that, while maybe you can find some balance, you can’t do everything,” she said. “Along with the support system at home, align yourself with help at work. It’s just as important. There’s often an expectation placed on women in charge, that they need to be cutthroat to be competitive. But that’s not true. I’ve always found that being nice, being humble and listening to people has served me well. Instead of pushing others down to get to the top, inspire them and bring them along on their journey.” 

The main event was followed by a post-reception on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the city.  

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“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.

Schools are selected for the California Distinguished Schools Program based on performance indicators from the California School Dashboard, including academic achievement, student progress, school climate indicators, and high participation in statewide assessments. To qualify, schools must meet rigorous statewide accountability standards, including at least 95 percent participation in state assessments and strong indicators in areas such as student achievement, attendance, and school climate.

The California Department of Education will formally recognize BVMS at the California School Recognition Program Awards Ceremony on April 24 in Anaheim.  

The post Beverly Vista Named a 2026 California Distinguished School appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

 Davidson is well known in the Los Angeles performing arts community from her prior role as president and CEO of the Los Angeles Master Chorale at The Music Center from 2015 to 2023. During her tenue, she introduced an international touring model, produced major recordings, and guided the Chorale through the pandemic, securing over $2 million in federal and local support. Davidson also increased contributed revenue by 48% in four years, led a successful strategic planning process, negotiated key labor agreements and advanced a comprehensive rebranding that repositioned the organization.

 Immediately prior to joining The Wallis, Davidson was Executive Director of the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., from 2023 until the present. Under her leadership, the NSO returned to international touring, released several acclaimed recordings and expanded innovative community and educational initiatives. Davidson spearheaded an endowment campaign, securing $25 million in gifts and pledges, and delivered a substantial increase in classical subscription sales while overseeing programming.

 “The arts are where a community sees itself, and where it imagines what’s possible next. I’m honored to join the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Arts at this pivotal moment. Together, we will build on its strong artistic foundation, attract world-class talent, and ensure that The Wallis remains a premier destination for exceptional and inspiring work. I’m excited to partner with our artists, audiences, and supporters to propel The Wallis into its next era as a national leader in bold creativity and big ideas,” said Davidson.

 Daphna Nazarian, the chair of The Wallis Board of Directors, noted, “We are thrilled to welcome Jean Davidson as the new Executive Director and CEO of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. She brings exceptional vision, strategic insight and a distinguished record of leadership that will elevate our organization and strengthen our community.”

Nazarian continued, “As a dynamic and accomplished leader, she offers a powerful and timely perspective aligned with our mission to uplift and inspire through the arts. The Wallis stands as a vital, cultural anchor where creativity fosters connection and understanding, and I am confident in her upcoming stewardship to guide us into our next chapter. Together we embrace a forward vision grounded in stability and excellence.”

 Davidson succeeds Robert van Leer, who departed to assume his new position as the Performing Arts Program Director of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Christine Bernardi Weil is the interim managing director and Coy Middlebrook is acting chief programming officer of The Wallis.  

The post Davidson Named Executive Director and CEO of The Wallis appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Bailey’s championship pedigree is nearly unmatched in California football in his more than 30-year career. As the founding coach at Yorba Linda High School, he led the team to two California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section championships. In his career that also included stints at Esperanza High School and El Dorado High School, he amassed 179 wins, 18 playoff appearances, 11 league titles and four CIF championships.

Beverly Hills went 0-9 last fall and has not had a winning season since 2010, a span that includes five winless seasons.

The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education approved Bailey’s appointment on Feb. 24 with a starting salary of $205,656. As a former UCLA offensive lineman, Bailey told the Courier he was excited about the prospect of transforming a program.

“I love a challenge,” Bailey said. “I went to college in this area at UCLA and that kind of stuff is pretty, pretty awesome about the school. It’s well known, it’s a great community, and I’m just excited to be a part of it.”

Bailey said he hopes to start a lower-level junior varsity team as part of his plans to revitalize the district’s football program. He emphasized that establishing a culture that the whole school can take part in will be key to bringing winning football back to Beverly.

“Football is a game of hard work, and that kind of stuff is going to be a big part of what our program is going to be about,” Bailey said. “We’re going to prepare the kids physically and mentally with technique and all those kinds of things to help prepare them for a season. … I’m big on discipline. And I’ll be honest, my philosophy has always been that I want to create a good human, a disciplined human and the byproduct of that is we win a lot of football games.”

Bailey previously worked with BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss, who formerly served as the superintendent at Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. He also has a past connection with Athletic Director Steve Lawson from their time together at El Dorado.

“This is a defining moment for our athletic program and for our community,” Cherniss said. “Coach Bailey’s track record speaks for itself. He builds cultures rooted in discipline, preparation and integrity. His leadership will elevate our football program and strengthen every athletic team on our campus. This reflects our commitment to educational excellence in every arena.”

Bailey emphasized that the best coaches adapt to the players and system they have. As a former offensive lineman, he wants to build the team’s strategy on physicality, discipline and consistency.

“My philosophy has always been stance alignment, get off,” Bailey said. “So, if you can get a good stance, you can get lined correctly and come off the ball correctly, you’re in a position to win. You won’t always win, but you’re in that position at least. If we have some good structure with our team, and they’re where they’re supposed to be, and make it hard for the other team, usually good things happen.”

As the district’s Director of Strength and Conditioning, Bailey will tailor programs for students districtwide to safely train with weights, utilizing the district’s facilities to develop a program that benefits physical and mental strength for every student in the district. Building on school pride and tradition, Bailey also said he wants to take the atmosphere of BHHS football games to the next level.

“When you have a strong football team, it sets the tempo for the whole year,” he said. “I’ve always been a school-first guy with cheer and other programs and the bands, and things like that to make it fun. I would love to make high school games more like a college game, where everybody’s into it with cheers and traditions. Obviously, I’m going to have to embrace some of the original traditions and then maybe make some of our own.”

Bailey’s appointment comes at an exciting time for BHHS’s facilities as the new Konheim Athletic Building is set to be completed in early 2027, complete with three full-size combination basketball and volleyball courts, a wrestling room, fitness center, bleachers, weight training facilities, locker rooms and offices. Following the building’s completion, the district will gear up to start construction on a new south side athletic field, complete with stadium seating and a track.  

The post BHHS Shakes Up Football Program With Jeff Bailey Hire appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The speaker, Ben Azoulay, is a social media personality who, in 2008, faced allegations of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. Azoulay was 18 at the time.  

According to a civil lawsuit filed by the alleged victim in 2011 and public records reviewed by the Courier, Azoulay “admitted his guilt in open court and was convicted on the charge of violating Penal Code Section 288a(b)(1), oral copulation with a minor.” 

In a video posted to his Instagram account last fall, Azoulay addressed the allegations. He said that he took a plea deal and denied that a sexual assault occurred. He stated that he was “held in jail … for 30 days.”  

Azoulay has been highly controversial due to his posts that often degrade women, encourage young people to do poorly in school and, in at least one post, appear to directly address and make light of the allegations of rape levied against him. 

On Feb. 17, the same day he spoke to BHHS students, Azoulay posted a video to his Instagram describing the benefits of young people discontinuing their education. 

“I was a high school dropout, but I also got kicked out of 17 schools in total,” Azoulay says. “I don’t believe in school. So, if you don’t want school? No problem. You’re not going to use it later on in life.”

In another video posted to his Instagram account in January, Azoulay states that women do not have rights if they remove their clothing.

“When a woman removes her clothes, she thinks she now has rights, and she could do with her body whatever she wants. She’s actually being stripped of her rights … a woman is very easy to manipulate.” 

According to a spokesperson from the district, the visit was coordinated by a student-run club and approved at the BHHS site level, a protocol that is in accordance with the California Education Code.

“The visit was not organized, directed, or approved by the Board of Education … consistent with established campus visitor protocols, the guest’s identification was verified through the district’s visitor management process prior to entry,” the spokesperson said in an email. “The individual cleared all required checks, including confirmation that the individual is not listed on the registered sex offender database. Student-run clubs operate as student-initiated activities rather than district-sponsored programs. As with all campus guests, the district applies standard visitor management, supervision, and safety protocols in accordance with Education Code and district procedures.”

Rabbi Daniel Illulian, who has been referred to as the “spiritual advisor” to the Israel Club, which sponsored the talk, shed some light on the process leading up to the event. 

Illulian described himself to the Courier as “the rabbi of Beverly Hills High School” and “a spiritual mentor of every student.” He  noted that he is on campus “every single day with a prayer stand.”

According to Illulian, Azoulay’s appearance came about after club students heard about him from their friends  and obtained his number. 

“He spoke in the valley a week before and the students spoke to him,” said Illulian. 

Illulian acknowledged that he was uncomfortable when he heard the allegations against Azoulay.  

“I did hear of alleged stories … and I reached out to him,” he said. “I asked him directly about being convicted. He said he was not convicted. He said he was cleared. I looked it up online as well and did not see any convictions. I did let the president of the club know about this and I let the school decide about whether to have him speak.” 

Illulian added that once Azoulay was confirmed as a speaker, he provided “some guidelines to him about what to say and what not to say.” 

“For example,” said Illulian, “I told him, ‘No foul words, nothing inappropriate for students.’” 

According to Illulian, Azoulay “really inspired the kids.” 

“The school teacher who was there was very satisfied and impressed with his words. Many kids were, too. He spoke about the importance of saying ‘no’ to drugs. He also spoke about his own difficult life and all the challenges he went through. His father was not in his life. He inspired the boys to never give up and to push. His speech was actually incredible,” said Illulian. 

That sentiment was not shared by a number of district parents who spoke out at the Feb. 24 BHUSD Board meeting. 

Community member Tamar Seff suggested that parents look at Azoulay’s social media presence. 

“[Ben] Azoulay, he’s misogynistic,” she said. “Hopefully, the kids don’t know what that means, but if their teachers are really good, they do. And he’s very problematic.”

District parent Michael Carrick said that he would like to see an apology from the district. 

“I want to know how that person got on campus,” he said. “I want to know why there’s been no apology … he is not a person that should be in front of our boys, our impressionable young boys. It truly disturbs me.” 

District parent Jackie Kruger was forced to leave the meeting after trying to speak about the incident. During public comment, Kruger attempted to make a statement about Azoulay’s talk. As Kruger began to speak, Board President Judy Manouchehri interrupted her, stating that Kruger’s comment was being made at the incorrect time and that she should wait to make it until later in the meeting. As Kruger continued to quote directly from the civil complaint against Azoulay, BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss told her, “This is not appropriate … please stop,” and echoed Manouchehri’s statement that the comment should be held until later. 

The dialogue between Manouchehri, Cherniss and Kruger continued to escalate until Kruger was approached by two security guards who escorted her out. During the escalation, Board Member Russell Stuart stood up from the dais and called Kruger “disgusting.” 

Speaking to the Courier after the meeting, Kruger said she was not permitted to return to the meeting or finish her comment. 

“Security told me that either Cherniss or Manouchehri said I was to be ejected from the building for the remainder of the night,” she said. 

Later that evening, Kruger, who is an attorney, sent Manouchehri, Cherniss, Stuart and district counsel a demand to cure, alleging violations of the Ralph M. Brown Act, the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment and state tort law. 

She also demanded the adoption of a written remedial policy, mandatory training for all board members and Cherniss, the preservation of audio and video recordings of the meeting and permission to deliver her full remarks at the next board meeting

In a Feb. 26 statement to the Courier, Superintendent Alex Cherniss denounced Azoulay’s talk. 

“Some of the views espoused by this man, which I’ve seen on social are abhorrent,” he said. “Had the principal or district known ahead of time, he would have never been approved to speak to this student club.”

Similarly, a statement received from Manouchehri close to press time on Feb. 26 noted, “Beverly Hills Unified School District supports student engagement and exposure to diverse viewpoints. That said, the speaker who presented at last week’s student-run event did not reflect the level of judgment, appropriateness, or alignment with our community’s values that we expect on our campuses. As Board President, I am deeply disappointed that this oversight occurred. Moving forward, we will implement a more rigorous vetting process to ensure all speakers uphold the standards and responsibilities inherent in addressing our students.”

The post BHUSD Community Responds to Controversial Speaker appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

District 32 includes parts of the San Fernando Valley, West Los Angeles and the area directly north of Beverly Hills.

Sherman was first elected to Congress in 1997 and has played a significant role in key legislation protecting consumers and promoting fiscal responsibility. He was among the leaders to form the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2010, protecting consumers from hidden and exorbitant fees. He went on to limit companies that reward corporate CEOs multimillion- dollar bonuses for poor performances and protect families’ retirement funds and college savings. Sherman has served on the Financial Services and Foreign Affairs committees in the House since his election in 1997, and intermittently on the Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Sherman was the first member of Congress to introduce articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump in 2017. Recently, Sherman has been a staunch and vocal critic of the president, focusing on his immigration enforcement throughout the U.S., including Los Angeles, and his response to the Palisades Fire. Sherman has voted against every bill funding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) under the Trump administration, including a Feb. 3 bill that ended a partial government shutdown.

If reelected, Sherman hopes to continue advocating for climate solutions in the wake of the Palisades Fire, supporting higher housing loans for homebuyers, limiting the power of artificial intelligence and bolstering middle-class families.

Sherman faces nine challengers in the June election, including former White House policy analyst Jake Levine and film producer Larry Thompson. Candidates looking to unseat Sherman claim it is time for a new generation in Congress and that long-term incumbents should step aside. The two candidates with the most votes in the June primary will face each other in the November 2026 general election.

A Southern California native, Sherman lives in the San Fernando Valley with his wife and three daughters.

In an exclusive interview, the Courier spoke with Sherman about his career in Congress, key issues facing the constituents of District 32 and how he plans to address them.

BHC: You have a long history in Congress, working to support legislation including the Affordable Care Act, the Consumer Protection Act and safeguarding Social Security and Medicare. What specific accomplishments prove that you deserve another term in Congress?

Sherman: Co-sponsoring the bill that created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and all of the protections of Dodd-Frank for a financial system that was near collapse in 2008 and the Affordable Care Act, those have got to be very high on the list.

I’m taking the lead in Congress on trying to make sure that artificial intelligence does not become more than it is now. Now it’s a very powerful tool, but AI could also become its own creature, and we are spending trillions of dollars to make AI more powerful. We are spending, as far as I can tell, nothing to try to make sure that AI is not ambitious and self-aware and capable of determining its own objectives.

BHC: What do you view as the most important issues affecting the constituents of Congressional District 32? How do you plan to continue to advocate for these issues?

Sherman: On housing, I’m taking the lead in making sure that Fannie and Freddie conforming loans can now go up above a million dollars. Without having these two government agencies accept mortgages, in most of my district, if you couldn’t get a qualifying loan that Fannie and Freddie will guarantee, most people wouldn’t qualify for a loan.

BHC: Your recent speeches and actions in Congress have centered on the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Why is this a unique moment in American history and why is it important to demonstrate opposition?

Sherman: [Trump] got elected saying that he was going to go after the worst of the worst and drug kingpins. You know where you don’t find drug kingpins? In the parking lot at Home Depot. Michael Corleone does not want 200 bucks to spend a day cleaning out your garage.

I’m an old tax guy, so this is particularly important to me. If you file your income tax return, you put your Social Security number on it. If you’re undocumented, you can’t get a Social Security number, so instead, you put on the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). [Trump] is pushing the [Internal Revenue Service] to give him a list of everyone who filed using a TIN and without a Social Security number. So, is he going after the worst of the worst? No, he’s going after taxpayers by definition. So, nobody in this country, or very few people in this country elected him to go after people who have lived in the San Fernando Valley for 10, 20 and 30 years, and that’s why I haven’t just joined the demonstrations. I’ve led congressional delegations to detention facilities, and I’ve testified before immigration judges, which is an unusual thing for a congressman to do. And of course, I voted against every bill that has funded ICE under this administration, and I’ll be voting against another one tomorrow.

BHC: What do you view as the most important measures to take going forward to prevent the destruction from future disasters such as the Palisades Fire?

Sherman: We have to build back better. State law already requires the 2008 Building Code for our fire prone areas to be used, so we will build back better. We clearly need to prepare to move huge amounts of water up that hill.

A year ago in January, we had 100 mph winds, but with global warming, we may see that again. We had 100 fires. They put out 98 of them, but we certainly remember the two they didn’t put out quickly. So, we have to build back better. I’ve been able to secure funds for brush clearance in the Santa Monica Mountains, and over the years, have gotten funds for the Los Angeles Police Department.

BHC: Can you tell me about your support for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, especially as we’re seeing residents in Bel Air and Beverly Hills reluctant to support a project that is set to be so expensive and disruptive?

Sherman: They went with the most expensive option, which is the $24 billion option, and we’ve got to get half of that money from Washington. This will be one of the most expensive transit developments in the country. Certainly, the need is obvious. Every one of your readers has been on the 405 freeway. We don’t have that many UCLA students living in the Valley, but I think once this is built, we will get a lot more than we have currently. Though, there are an awful lot of people who work at [Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center], who live in the Valley. The station at UCLA will be halfway between the hospital and Bruin Walk and serve both the hospital and the rest of the university, and it will get you from Ventura Boulevard to Bruin Walk in under seven minutes. And that’s incredible. I’ve been on the 405 and it’s taken seven minutes to go seven car lengths.

BHC: Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles are home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran. How do you hope to support people currently protesting for freedom in Iran and the community here in LA?

Sherman: I have been a strong advocate for democracy in Iran for decades. I have crafted legislation that has imposed sanctions on some of those in the regime with blood on their hands.

Everybody in the Iranian American community wants an end to this regime and wants democracy. There is considerable dispute as to exactly who they would support, but what Trump has done is he stopped broadcasting in Farsi into Iran, and that’s insane. What we need now is every kind of communication. People in Shiraz need to know what’s happening in Isfahan and they need to know that democracy is available, and that a non-nuclear, democratic Iran would be getting a lot of trade and aid from the United States.

BHC: Discussion around the race for District 32 and other districts around the country is centered on young candidates with big ideas and little experience believing it’s time to unseat incumbents who have been in Congress for generations. Why should Southern Californians on the West Side, the Valley and Ventura County elect you for your 16th Congressional term?

Sherman: Think of everything that Nancy Pelosi has accomplished over the last 15, 16 years, including the Affordable Care Act. Think of everything that Bernie Sanders has accomplished over the last 15, 16 years. They did all that when they were longer in the tooth than I am now, both in terms of years on the planet and years in Congress. While I cannot promise that I can, in the next two years, do what Nancy Pelosi did in the first years of her speakership, I can say that she demonstrated that experience is valuable in Congress, and we need a mix of younger and older members. We have members in their 20s and members quite a bit older than I am. I served in Congress when I was in my 40s. I’m doing a better job now than I did then. And I was filled with all the passions of middle-aged youth back then, and I’m simply more effective now. I’ve been doing it longer. I know what I’m doing.

The post Brad Sherman Seeks Reelection to 16th Congressional Term appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The DLA was rolled out at Horace Mann and El Rodeo Elementary Schools with one kindergarten class and one first-grade class at Horace Mann, and one kindergarten class and two first grade classes at El Rodeo.

According to Horace Mann Assistant Principal Adrienne Kim, who together with El Rodeo Assistant Principal William Cameron gave a presentation to the board, first grade students enrolled in the program are “building Spanish literacy skills at the expected rate for a first-year immersion program, and the instructional approach is working.” 

Kinder students in the program have shown “a consistent performance across sites, which tells us that our launch implementation is aligned,” she said.  

Student progress is being evaluated through a combination of i-Ready, classroom assessments and teacher evaluations.  

Addressing some parent concerns, Assistant Superintendent Dustin Seemann spoke about the program’s “90-10” approach, in which 90% of core subject instruction is done in Spanish and 10% is done in English. As students enter middle school, instruction will shift to a 50-50 model, he said. 

“We spent the weekend at a DLA conference this past weekend at San Diego State, and everything and every session we sat through consistently doubled down on the fact that a 90-10 model within the first two years, as we move into a 50-50, those students … do outperform their English-only students by the time that they hit middle school,” he said. 

In advance of the presentation given by Kim and Cameron, a group of first graders enrolled in the DLA program performed a poem, “El Puente,” in both English and Spanish and a story, “Isabel Ayuda,” in Spanish.  

The board initially discussed the idea for the DLA in May 2025 and gave administrators the green light to bring the idea to fruition at that time. At that board meeting, Seemann noted that it seemed to be the right time to implement the idea since BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss had spearheaded similar projects in other districts, and the idea had the support of the board. 

Curriculum was vetted by district personnel, and teachers were recruited as students were simultaneously enrolled. Students in the program are instructed using the same state-approved curriculum as those in English-only classes. 

BHUSD additionally partnered with TNTP, a nonprofit educational consultation organization, to launch the DLA. 

At the Jan. 27 board meeting, Cherniss expressed his enthusiasm about the DLA. 

“This program will forever change the Beverly Hills Unified School District,” he said. “We each and every year will grow this program to where we are going to have fluent students in Spanish beginning by the time they get to middle school. So, I couldn’t be happier with the progress. I can tell you we’ve already started enrollment for next year, and we’re on our way to two full classes, one at each school already … it’s a huge win for our district that we put in place in very short time.”

Speaking in Spanish, Board Member Amanda Stern thanked the teachers and Cherniss, and said that she wanted to practice her own Spanish as she was once a student in a bilingual program as well. She additionally stated that she was very impressed with all the children. 

“It was a turning point for us to see [the program] because it was one of the most distinct programs we’ve had in a long time,” she said. 

Board Member Rachelle Marcus, who taught in the district for more than 50 years, also voiced her appreciation for the teachers, students and parents who have participated in the DLA so far. 

“I hope that we’re able to keep up with the need and the demand so that we can find the people to continue the program, because I see it’s wonderful, and I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “I’m just thinking to myself, they’re going to get to sixth grade, and my goodness, are Spanish classes going to have to be AP at that point? Because they’re going to be so super ready. And I’m glad that we’ve got the program in. It’s been very popular, and I’m glad to see it’s continuing on.”

According to Seemann, registration recently opened for current transitional Kindergarten students whose families wish to enroll them in the program for the next school year.  

The post BHUSD Spanish Immersion Program Shows Progress appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

With nearly 1,200 seats, the newly renovated auditorium features state-of-the-art theatrical technology, including a multistory lighting catwalk, speakers, security cameras and ADA-accessible features. The theater is complete with an orchestra, balcony and a motorized orchestra pit that can be assembled or disassembled for any given performance. The facility also offers new dressing rooms, a green room and an engineering space for students to work on set construction while preserving the theater’s façade.

The renovation was funded over many years through local bond measures and was overseen by Executive Director of Maintenance, Operations and Construction Will Karrat and management firm Fonder-Solari.

Members of the Beverly Hills City Council, BHUSD Board of Education, parents, students, teachers, Parent Teacher Student Association leadership and Beverly Hills Education Foundation Board members came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the opening night performance of Dance Company 2026.

“This reopening is the result of years of thoughtful planning and commitment to our students and community and of course, thank you to every community member here tonight,” said BHUSD Board of Education President Judy Manouchehri. “Your presence reflects how deeply this district, and these spaces matter to Beverly Hills. This reopening also represents something larger: it marks yet another accomplishment in BHUSD’s ongoing investment in world-class facilities for our students in our community.”

The reopened theater will not only serve as a performance space for the school’s music, theater and dance programs, but will finally serve as a place for the full school to gather for assemblies. The theater’s technology will help support the school’s theater tech pathway, where students learn lighting design, sound design and stagecraft. The auditorium will also help facilitate a hands-on approach with school shows, where students will build sets for each production.

The auditorium’s stage was named after real estate agent Michael Libow, a BHHS alumnus, who donated the stage through the Beverly Hills Education Foundation.

“If somebody is a new parent coming into the Beverly Hills community, they will now be proud to call this their high school,” Libow said. “This is something that we can all be proud of in this community, and it brings people together.”

Students were at the forefront of every part of the theater’s reopening. A BHHS string quartet serenaded guests while Culinary Arts students prepared and served hors d’oeuvres. The main performance was led by the BHHS Advanced Dance Theatre Group, a group of 20 dancers who marked the theater’s first artistic performance with rousing and inspiring contemporary dance.

“It’ll elevate the quality of what we do. When you have great events like this, great venues like this, amazing kids will want to come here because of our dance, theater and arts, and it’s going to elevate all of our arts programs,” BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss said. “I think what we have here is the best of the best. And any parent that brings their kid here would say, ‘Hey, I want my kid to go here.’”

The auditorium had its soft opening on Jan. 27, when it hosted an assembly of five Holocaust survivors for Holocaust Remembrance Day. The student body gathered for the first time in one space to hear the stories of the survivors.

The Peters Auditorium reopening coincides with other major campus construction projects, including the renovated Salter Family Theatre, six new tennis courts, a new softball field, classroom and performance spaces in the B3 and B4 buildings and the Grand Lawn, which is set to reopen in the coming months.

“Tonight marks more than the reopening of a theater—it marks the fulfillment of a promise,” Manouchehri said. “A promise that every student deserves a space that honors their talent, amplifies their voice and reflects their worth. Through the unwavering commitment of this district, that promise has been kept, creating a comprehensive home for arts education and performance within BHUSD.” 

The post Beverly Hills High Celebrates Peters Auditorium Reopening appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“This tour reflects the heart of what makes Beverly Hills Unified special,” said Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss. “Our high school students are inspiring the next generation, building connections across campuses, and showing younger learners what is possible when creativity and opportunity come together.”

The BHHS Dance Company will take the stage in its home venue, the K.L. Peters Auditorium at Beverly Hills High School beginning Jan. 28, marking the return of dance performances to the historic space. 

The post BHHS Dance Company Tours District Schools 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.

Founded by brothers Dr. Rodney Raanan and Dr. Justin Raanan, The Giving A Smile Foundation partners professional dentists with dental students to provide life-changing care to people in need at no cost. The inaugural gala directly supported the creation of a permanent clinic for the foundation.

In their opening speech, the brothers dedicated their work to the inspiration of their parents.

“Can you believe that a dream we had 12 years ago has grown into this beautiful foundation we have today filled with incredible individuals that donate their time, their generosity, to really make a difference in these kids’ lives,” said Dr. Rodney Raanan. “The foundation has already helped over 4,000 people all across L.A. and will continue to grow. This foundation is not only just an organization. It’s really our family story.”

“In addition to building our first standalone year-round dental clinic, The Giving A Smile Foundation is raising funds to launch two fully equipped mobile dental units that will bring free, high-quality care directly into underserved communities,” added Dr. Justin Raanan. “These mobile clinics will allow us to reach children and young adults where they are, removing barriers to treatment and expanding our impact across Los Angeles.”

The event, hosted by actor Kelsey Grammer and featuring a performance by Grammy-winning singer Robin Thicke, brought together the Beverly Hills community and included a live auction to raise funds for the life-changing work of the Raanan brothers.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian was presented with the Humanitarian Leadership Award. Additionally, talent agent Lorrie Bartlett was given the Guiding Light Award, Boys and Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley CEO JR Dzubak received the Visionary Impact Award, and All Greater Good Foundation President Dr. Katja Van Herle was awarded the Healing Hands Award.

“The Giving A Smile Foundation does something profoundly important. They restore dignity and confidence,” Nazarian said. “They do it quietly, consistently and with a level of professionalism that strengthens the very fabric of our community. In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion, it’s refreshing to be with people who actually take action and make a difference.”

Nazarian also commended the foundation for transforming the lives of children in the city.

“When these kids first walk in, they often hide their smile. You can see how much of their confidence has taken a hit. But after treatment, everything changes,” she said. “Their shoulders lift up; their eyes brighten, and that first real smile feels like sunshine. Fixing teeth is a science. Restoring the confidence is a miracle. They remind us that access, mentorship and compassion aren’t extras. They are essential. And given how many people fear going to the dentist, the fact that so many look forward to walking into your offices might actually qualify as another small miracle.”

The evening represented the best of Beverly Hills and people using their talents to give back to the community, Nazarian said.

“As mayor of Beverly Hills, my theme for this year is unity. And evenings like this illustrate what unity looks like when it’s lived rather than merely spoken. It’s professionals using their skills to serve. It’s organizations creating pathways for people who have been overlooked, and let’s be honest, in Beverly Hills, unity is easy to spot. It’s that magical moment when residents, visitors and even our most opinionated neighbors all agree on one thing in our spectacular city, helping our next generation.” 

The post The Giving A Smile Foundation Sparkles at Beverly Hills Gala appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Mayor Sharona Nazarian announced the winners of the Gingerbread House Contest, and Councilmember Mary Wells presented the gift baskets to the winners. In the adult category, the first, second and third place winners were Alana Rodriguez, Roxanne Lechrivain

and Kira Kosove, respectively. In the youth category, the winners were Clifford Hughes, Emily Schlecter and Quinn Schiller.

The post Craft Fair and Gingerbread House Contest Draws Hundreds appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“It’s so beautiful,” BHHS Theater Director Samantha Howard told the Courier. “It’s just such a unique, cool space now. I’m beyond thrilled; it’s gorgeous.”  

The theater is located in the high school’s Building 3 (B3) and has been under renovation since 2019 as part of a larger construction project to upgrade multiple buildings on campus. Funded through local bond measures, the renovations at BHHS, including the work done on the Salter Theatre, are being overseen by management firm Fonder-Solari, which took over from Team Concept Development Services in 2022. Design was spearheaded by the DLR Group. 

The theater was named in 1991 for the family of the late Maxwell and Janet Salter. Maxwell served two terms as the mayor of Beverly Hills. 

According to the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD), upgrades to the Salter Theatre included the installation of modernized equipment such as industry-leading audio-visual technology, performance-grade sound and lighting systems, a redesigned backstage area and enhanced safety features. 

The stage floor was also made level with the ground floor, and seating was rearranged to create a more comfortable space for audience members and performers alike. The theater can now seat approximately 125 people. 

In addition to plays, the theater will host dance showcases, guest speakers and more.  

During construction, students who previously used the Salter Theatre for rehearsals and performances relocated to various sites on campus and in the community. Some shows were staged at Horace Mann Elementary School, and BHUSD also contracted with the Saban Theatre. 

Howard expressed her excitement at having a home stage so students can practice in the same place that they will perform without having to move around. 

“The trucking back and forth has been so hard to do, along with designing for an off-site space and rehearsing off-site and then trying to translate that in the kids’ minds and bodies onto a new performance space,” she said. 

Howard noted that students in all specializations will see their education “dramatically improved” by the renovations. Learners studying theater tech will have access to “state-of-the-art sound equipment and consoles that we really didn’t have a place to set up before,” she said. 

Faculty is also considering creating a light lab where those pupils can practice using the equipment with lower stakes. 

For actors, Howard emphasized the confidence that comes with performing in a familiar space as well as the possibility for instruction on techniques such as developing a stage voice without using a microphone. 

“I’ve been making do, but I think this will start to show a big difference in their vocal work,” she said. 

For the performance of “Little Women,” which ran from Nov. 13 through 15 and Nov. 20 through 22, Howard was able to make the most of the new space. She describes the stage as a “modified thrust,” referencing a stage that extends into the audience on three sides. 

“I tend to utilize all the space I can,” Howard said. “So, for Little Women, we had a set that was a little bit more of a traditional setup, further upstage. But then we were using the [Salter], and it was a way to connect with the audience differently. I also used the aisle around the stage as the exterior scene locations, which was very cool.”

BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss voiced his pride in the professionalism on display at the performances of “Little Women.”

“The BHHS production of Little Women is a shining example of the passion, discipline and creativity that define our performing arts program,” said. “Our students brought this classic story to life with extraordinary heart and talent, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team onstage and behind the scenes.”

Calling the performance “amazing,” BHUSD Board of Education President Rachelle Marcus expressed her enthusiasm for the work that went into every aspect of the show. 

“Little Women was beautifully done from start to finish,” she said. “Every part of the production: acting, set design, lighting and costumes was created by our students. It was moving, professional and a true example of the incredible talent we have in BHUSD.” 

The next performance scheduled for the Salter Theatre is a production of “The Pliant Girls” in April, which will be student-designed and produced.  

The post Renovated Salter Family Theatre Reopens to Rave Reviews at BHHS appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Coming off a second-round loss last season against Silverado High School in the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division 7 playoffs to cap off an 11-12-1 record, the Normans are looking to compete at the top of the table in the 2025-26 campaign.

Coach Emilio Lari, in his third year as head coach of the program, said his current squad of players has been developing together for years.

“This will be my third year as head coach at BHHS, and what makes it meaningful is watching our long-term development model take shape,” Lari said. “Our current senior class was the very first group we began building at Beverly Vista Middle School (BVMS), and seeing their growth from sixth grade to varsity soccer has been incredibly rewarding. With a unified coaching staff across BVMS and BHHS, we’ve built a connected system that focuses not only on technical development, but on character, culture and life lessons. Our mission is to develop talented players, but more importantly, to develop exceptional people.”

Due to CIF realignment last season, Santa Monica, Culver City and Lawndale high schools rejoined Beverly’s division, upping the competition level on a weekly basis.

“We fought our way into the postseason again, meeting expectations in league play. While we’re proud of reaching the second round of CIF for the second straight year, falling short of advancing further was motivating,” Lari said. “Before I took over, the program had never advanced past the first round. Now, we’ve made back-to-back second-round appearances. That progress shows we’re close, and it’s fueled the belief that this year’s group can break through and make a deeper run.”

Lari said he is relying on the returning top players from last season, Noah Mussry and Noam Baruch, as well as this year’s captains to lead the team.

“[Mussry] drives our attack with relentlessness, aggressive pressing and creativity. He’ll continue to be a focal point in leading the front line and setting the tone with his work rate,” Lari said. “Noam Baruch leads through his composure. He draws pressure, yet consistently finds outlets and creates attacks with intelligence and vision. His calmness allows the entire team to play with clarity and confidence in possession.”

“Our captains, Nico Vallejo, Levi Sasson and Jesse Painter, will lead not only through ability but passion,” Lari added. “Each brings a different leadership quality, but together they set the emotional tone of our squad. Their standard of effort, accountability and love for the game is contagious. We believe this team is successful because of its passion. Talent wins games; passion and unity win seasons.”

To make that deeper run into the playoffs, Beverly players take part in a rigorous preseason program designed to help players meet the highest fitness levels while learning to play together cohesively.

“Every athlete must pass program-wide fitness standards, including the mile run, beep test and Man U test,” Lari said. “Once teams are formed, our focus shifts to shape, tactical intelligence, decision-making and culture. We schedule friendlies and scrimmages against teams of varying difficulties. Some matches we expect to win, others push us against top-division competition to build mental toughness. The objective is simple: enter the season cohesive, disciplined, fit and fearless.”

Though the Normans have started 1-2 on the season, with losses to New West Charter High School and Windward School, Lari said he was encouraged by the team’s tactical style in a dominant 7-0 win against Verbum Dei Jesuit High School and during a preseason scrimmage against Crossroads High School. He added that the team was not at full strength during the season-opening loss to New West due to CIF restrictions.

“We play a team-based, possession-oriented style built around movement, involvement and patience,” Lari said. “Instead of relying on one or two individuals, we emphasize collective play and trust in every line of our formation. Our base structure is a 4-3-3, but we’re flexible and adjust based on personnel and opposition.”

Lari emphasized that his team’s fluidity is their strength and relies most on the midfield to set the tempo.

“We build out of the back and look to progress through the midfield, which operates as the engine of our system,” he said. “The goal is to control tempo, stretch the field, and create high-percentage scoring opportunities through combination play, not just direct balls forward.”

Beyond building a cohesive system, Lari said that Beverly’s advantage is investing in players since they were young through a program that begins in middle school and retains the same players until they graduate high school. This sense of cohesion and togetherness, Lari said, is what will allow the team to compete against top programs like Santa Monica and Culver City, and make a deep playoff run.

“Beverly Hills soccer is unique because it’s a true community program. We develop players through a linear pathway, middle school to high school, allowing us to strengthen fundamentals, identity and culture from a young age,” he said. “Our players compete for the school and for the city, but more importantly, they compete for each other. We’ve earned league title contention and reached the second round of CIF in back-to-back seasons, yet we stay humble. We don’t rely on attention or spotlight; our drive comes from the family within the program and the standard we hold ourselves to.” 

The post ‘Sky Is the Limit’ for BHHS Men’s Soccer appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

An outdoor Craft Village will feature craft-making stations. Additional activities include carolers, puppet shows, a tree maze and story time with librarians from the Beverly Hills Public Library. 

Additionally, the Greystone Gala Family Dance will take place on Dec. 13 from 6-9 p.m. The event will feature dinner, dancing, games, and photos and is designed for kindergarteners to third-graders, and members of their family. Tickets are $125 per couple and $65 for additional family members. For more information and to register for the Gala Family Dance, visit beverlyhills.org/csevents. 

The post Holiday Events Set for Greystone appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Daphna Nazarian, Wallis Board Chair, said, “Robert’s vision, dedication and his belief in a collaborative arts community has broadened our core mission. We are deeply grateful for Robert’s strong leadership and the many contributions he has made during his time with us. His decades of experience expanding access to the arts and breaking down barriers and divides across genres made him a great fit to set the stage and foundation for our organization as we embarked on the second decade in the history, growth and evolution of the Wallis Annenberg Performing Arts Center.”
 

During van Leer’s tenure at The Wallis, he established a new template for the programming.  In a short time, The Wallis became the region’s most important home for a number of widely regarded performing arts companies based in Southern California. Van Leer also brought and/or continued relationships with LA Opera led by Christopher Koelsch, Sebastian Paul and Marybelle Musco President and CEO, that had a triumph with the world premiere of Beth Morrison Projects’ HILDEGARD; Pacific Jazz Orchestra founded by Chris Walden, National Theatre Live, Seth Rudetsky, the new Scott Dunn Orchestra performing the music of classic Hollywood film composers, Film Independent, MUSE/IQUE led by Artistic Director Rachael Worby, the ASCAP Musical Theatre program with composer lyricist Stephen Schwartz, and performances by the Colburn School, among others.
 

Van Leer led the team of 50 at The Wallis in presenting more than 140 productions, with over 150 curtains each season. This provided audiences and education program participants with an advanced access to the arts, and expanded programming that integrate legacy art forms with contemporary ones.
  

The post Van Leer To Leave Position at The Wallis 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.

Coming off a 13-15 campaign in the 2024-2025 season and a loss in the opening round of the California Interscholastic Federation Division 2A championship, Beverly is looking to bounce back under the leadership of Verdi. Prior to becoming head coach, Verdi served as the junior varsity coach for the last 16 seasons and also graduated from BHHS in 1999. Verdi takes over the program from Jarvis Turner, who served as head basketball coach for 15 years.

“I’m excited to get to work with these young men every day. Being a part of this program for the last 16 seasons, now as varsity head coach, means a lot to me personally,” Verdi said. “My biggest focus is culture, how we train, how we treat each other, how we carry ourselves. I want us to compete with effort and discipline, but also grow as teammates and people. We’re going to build something that lasts by focusing on the details and doing things the right way.”

The Normans will be led by captains Sasha Emrani and Max Simantob, seniors who play guard and forward, respectively. Verdi said the number of boys who try out for the program—which fields a varsity, junior varsity and freshman/sophomore team—is one of the strengths of the program.

“This program carries a legacy,” he said. “There’s pride in being part of something with history, and that motivates our players to rise to the moment. We had over 50 boys come out this year, which shows how much it means to be part of this team. That kind of energy is something we don’t take for granted.”

While coming off a solid season, Verdi said he hopes the team will take the next step this year.

“The focus is on improving communication, staying mentally sharp in key moments and developing stronger team chemistry,” he said. “We want to be more consistent, and that comes from trusting the process and doing the little things every day.”

Beyond working together as a team, Verdi is trusting his seniors to lead by example.

“I’m looking at our seniors to lead, not just in points or stats, but in how they show up for practice, how they support younger guys, and how they carry the standard. Leadership is about consistency and being dependable. That’s what I expect from them,” he added.

Athletic Director Steve Lawson said he believes that Verdi is the right person for the job at this moment.

“I’m excited that we have someone who truly understands what it means to be a Norman,” Lawson said. “Adam Verdi grew up in this program, he played here, coached here and he knows our students. He brings heart, consistency and a real love for the school. I think he’s the right person to build something meaningful with relationships and culture. My hope is that the program becomes a place where student-athletes thrive on the court and in their lives beyond high school.”

The basketball season is an opportunity for the school and the community together and the boys will need that support throughout the year, Lawson added.

“I want to encourage everyone, parents, students, alumni, neighbors, to come out and support our Normans,” he said. “When our athletes feel the energy of the community behind them, they rise to the occasion. It’s not just a game, it’s a moment we share.”

The boys will also be featured in new Nike gear after BHUSD approved a five-year agreement with that will provide the district with Nike-branded apparel at a discounted price.

“When our students walk into a gym or onto a field, how they carry themselves matters,” Lawson said. “Looking the part builds confidence. It shows that we take pride in who we are and what we represent. This partnership helps us reflect the excellence we expect from our students. It unites our programs, elevates our presence and reminds every athlete that they belong to something bigger. We are here to compete at the highest level, and we should look like it.”

One game that will rally both the school and the community is the annual rivalry game against Santa Monica High School.

“That game carries weight. There’s history and emotion in a matchup like that,” Verdi said. “As a player, those games meant everything. Now, as a coach, I see it as a chance to measure our toughness and composure. A win would mean more than just a score, it would show that we’re building something strong together.”

But more than growing together as a team, Verdi said he hopes his players will take away lessons they can apply to their lives outside of basketball from playing together.

“I want these guys to learn how to show up, even when it’s hard. I want them to understand what it means to be dependable, to communicate, to support one another,” he said. “Those lessons go way beyond basketball. Whether they win a championship or not, they’ll remember how it felt to be part of a team that held them to a higher standard.”

Beverly Hills will kick off the 2025-26 season with a Nov. 18 home game against Blair High School. 

The post Beverly Hills Basketball Returns with a New Coach and a New Look 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.

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.

This is the most money raised in a single fundraising event for Maple Counseling Center, according to Board Member Noelle Batista. 

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist and KTLA Anchor Lu Parker, the event honored Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton with the Judy Briskin Spirit of Community Award for his bravery and leadership during crises, and Board Member Monica Berkett Dragoon with the Heart of Gold Award for her commitment to the mental well-being of children. 

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, a former intern and board member of the center, congratulated both award recipients. 

“What really hasn’t changed over the years is the exceptional quality of service at the Maple Counseling Center provides to our community and the kind of people who care about this organization, people like all of you who are here, and of course Greg [Barton],” said Nazarian. “He’s one of those rare people who doesn’t just talk about service, he lives it.”

Event attendees also heard speeches from keynote speaker Ally Walker, an actress and director, Deniz Himmetoglu, a client of the center and Varina Bleil, the center’s CEO.

Over 50 years ago, the Maple Counseling Center was founded on Maple Drive in response to concern over increasing substance use, but now provides critical mental health services and psychiatric help to over 7,700 individuals annually throughout Los Angeles and beyond. The center has since grown to be of service to anyone needing mental health support in the state of California, made possible through tele-health. Just last year, Maple Counseling opened its new community mental health clinic in Mid City LA, which includes the Briskin|Wilder Welcome Center, a “free concierge service” providing mental health needs assessments and case management to find appropriate care that fits clients’ budgets and insurance.

Rex Wilder, co-founder of the Briskin|Wilder Welcome Center and son of Judy Briskin, announced that his family covered the entire cost of the event to ensure all the proceeds go to the center. “It would be a shame to have any money that you are all donating have to go to the overhead,” said Wilder. “And to that end, our family has decided to cover every cost of the event.” 

“If there’s one takeaway for everyone to remember, it’s that Maple is here for people who don’t know where else to turn. This is a place that meets you wherever you are in your mental health journey,” said Wilder. 

This year in particular has been emotionally challenging for the Los Angeles community, especially after January blazes devastated the towns of Altadena and the Pacific Palisades. 

“[This year] has tested our community in ways that I, from my stance, are sort of unimaginable in terms of the psychological healing,” said Bleil. “We all have been witness to the LA wildfires that devastated communities and separated neighbors from neighbors, and it’s left a deep emotional scar for many people.”

In response, Maple Counseling quickly mobilized, bringing counseling and crisis response through MapleMobile directly to communities and shelters, an art therapy program to support children and families and free therapy to fire-affected individuals through a partnership with the Palisades Community Renewal Center.  

“From helping spearhead new programming for underprivileged youth receiving resources for the first time to creating support for those who recently lost their homes during the devastating LA fires, I am most proud of our ability to help those who are struggling regardless of their ability to pay,” said Dragoon. 

Barton praised Maple’s rapid response as what “real service looks like.”  

“Over this past year, we have faced moments that have tested us—wildfires, loss and uncertainty,” said Barton. “What stands out to me is how this community always comes together. In Beverly Hills, when there is a need, people show up. Whether it’s your neighbors or organizations like Maple. They all step forward, and that strength and unity are what makes this city so special.”

The center maintains a close-knit relationship with the Beverly Hills community, partnering with the Beverly Hills Unified School District to offer individual and group counseling services to students at the high school.

Now, Maple Counseling is turning its attention toward new initiatives, including: a crisis response team supporting Beverly Hills first responders, a psychological first aid program for alumni therapists to assist communities during crises, a bilingual Spanish-English community clinic, a “community circle” program teaching social-emotional learning in elementary schools and a Youth Ambassadors Board for high school students to promote mental well-being among their peers.

Himmetoglu, a client of Maple for over a year, attested to the center’s impact on his life. Upon a “nightmarish coming of age,” as Himmetoglu described, Maple entered his life when asking for help became one of two options left. 

“Maple is a team of people who care about me when I don’t, hold up a light for me when I lose direction, and keep me grounded even at those times where I might actually get to take it slow,” said Himmetoglu.  

The post Maple Counseling Center Raises $1 Million At ‘Tea and Tequila’ Fundraiser appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

This prestigious recognition places the two among the top high school scholars nationwide, representing less than one percent of all graduating seniors across the country. Both students were honored at last month’s BHUSD Board of Education meeting, where they received official certificates of recognition from district leaders and their principal.

Both students began their educational journey at Horace Mann Elementary, continued through Beverly Vista Middle School, and then on the BHHS. 

“We are incredibly proud of Ezra and Xander for earning this national distinction,” said Dr. Dustin Seemann, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services. “Their hard work, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance represent the very best of BHUSD students.”

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise through outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT exam. Semi-Finalists now move forward in the competition for National Merit Finalist standing and the opportunity to earn scholarships sponsored by colleges, corporations, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  

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“Our football team continues to show up for this school with dedication and pride,” said BHHS Principal Loan Sriruksa. “Homecoming gave us the chance to recognize their commitment, especially our seniors, who lead with integrity and represent what it means to be part of BHHS Athletics.”

The event also served as an opportunity to acknowledge the city of Beverly Hills for its continued support of BHUSD schools. The presence of School Resource Officers at every home game, the Beverly Hills Fire Department’s onsite support, and the engagement of city leaders all contributed to a meaningful event. Additionally, the BHHS mascot was projected onto the Beverly Hills City Hall as a special salute to the school that evening. 

Attendees included Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss, Board of Education Members Rachelle Marcus, Judy Manouchehri and Russell Stuart, as well as City Councilmember Mary Wells, who previously served on the BHUSD Board of Education.

“This night was about our students,” said Dr. Cherniss. “It was about showing them that they are supported, seen, and celebrated by an entire city that believes in them. That’s the heart of our community and the promise of Educational Excellence.”  

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The crowd stretched the length of the park from Roxbury Drive to Spalding Drive along Olympic Boulevard. Attendees from across the greater Los Angeles area came out to demonstrate against President Donald Trump for acting, as they believe, as an authoritarian monarch. Protesters held signs that read “The power of the people is greater than the people in power,” “I love democracy” and “No king but Billie Jean King.” Chants of “Show me what democracy looks like. This is what democracy looks like” and “Hey, hey. Ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go” rang out from the crowd. Drummers and other musicians played along to the call and response.

The protest was part of a nationwide movement that saw crowds turn out for around 2,600 rallies over the weekend, including 30 held in L.A. County. The rally was the third mass protest organized in Beverly Hills against the Trump administration since the president retook office, said Gay Abrams, one of the event’s organizers.

“We had over 3,000 people who were so happy to be there,” Abrams said. “They came to voice their concerns about what’s happening in this country, and to stand up to what we see is an authoritarian regime and an attack on our Constitution, on our rights, an attack on our decency and our democracy, an attack on immigrants. … Everyone in this country at some point is related to an immigrant, and I think a lot of the people who were there are just very disheartened by what we see with the ICE attacks and the threatening and people being arrested and pulled from the street by masked men without due process. It’s so indecent. It’s so un-American.”

Beverly Hills Vice Mayor Craig Corman and Councilmember Mary Wells attended the rally.
“I was happy to come out and support so many of our residents as they exercised their constitutional right to peacefully protest. I believe last Saturday’s demonstrations across the country and around the globe drew critical attention to recent actions by the current administration that all of us should find deeply concerning,” Corman told the Courier. 

Around 20 counter protesters, including local students, were present at different points throughout the protest. However, Abrams said that the organizers and officers from the Beverly Hills Police Department deescalated any conflicts that arose.

The protests come in the wake of mass Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids carried out by the Trump administration in L.A. County, the deployment of federal troops in major cities across the U.S., federal funding cuts, government layoffs, the rollback of vaccine requirements, health care cuts, and a plethora of other federal policies.

“If there were one thing that we objected to, that would be a luxury that we don’t have,” said Andrea Grossman, a longtime Beverly Hills resident and co-organizer of the rally. “There are thousands of things—whether it’s the decimation of our public institutions, the decimation of our health regulators. There are a thousand different crises.”

However, Grossman also said it gave her hope to see such a large presence and outpouring of support at the protest.

“It was a really diverse crowd coming together,” she added. “You had people from all sorts of ethnic groups, all sorts of ages. … People showed up to say, ‘This is not the America that I want to see for my future.’”

Abrams said that the administration’s policies echo dark chapters of history.

“The playbook is an old playbook of dictatorship, and it’s frightening,” she said. “For residents in Beverly Hills who share the same values as I do, I think that this rally was very important to them that they feel supported in their concerns, their fear and their anger.”

The “No Kings” protest ultimately gave her the hope that the movement in Beverly Hills is growing, Abrams said, adding that the first rally she organized in April was attended by about 120 people.

“We are building momentum, and we’re not going to stop,” she said. “We’re going to peacefully and nonviolently continue to resist this authoritarian regime, authoritarian administration, and we’re going to continue to do it in Beverly Hills.” 

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This free event is presented by the city of Beverly Hills Community Services Department, with community partner, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. To get more information about the event, and to register for the Pumpkin Contest, please visit www.beverlyhills.org/farmersmarket.

The post Fall Funtastic Harvest Festival and Dia de los Muertos Celebration Will Take Place on Oct. 26 at Farmers’ Market appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The new field provides BVMS with a regulation-sized athletic facility where students can train and compete. The upgraded space includes new turf, modern safety features, and an improved layout designed for performance and play.

“This field is a shining example of what happens when a community comes together to support its schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss. “The students of BVMS now have a space that reflects the strength of their school spirit and the district’s commitment to excellence.” 

The post Beverly Vista Middle School Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Athletic Field appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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. 

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“GSBH remains the only Catholic school in Beverly Hills and since 1930, has stood as a beacon of faith, learning, and community spirit—weathering the storms of history and emerging ever stronger. Through the turmoil of the Great Depression, the darkness of World War II, the founding of global institutions like the United Nations, the tense days of the Cold War, the digital revolution brought by the Internet, the heartbreak of 9/11, and countless other pivotal moments, our school has remained steadfast in its mission,” reads the school’s website.

Good Shepherd Catholic School started in 1930 by the Holy Cross Sisters, who were stewards of both the school and the parish, which celebrated its centennial in 2023. The church received a historical landmark designation the same year, which was facilitated by former Cultural Heritage Commissioner Kimberly Vinokur Reiss. 

“I think that the churches are a fundamental part of the history of our city,” said Reiss, on the school’s 95th anniversary. 

What allows Good Shepherd to continue for 95 years? “Faith as the foundation,” says Christine Redlin, the marketing and outreach specialist for the school.

“For nearly a century, our school has been the cornerstone of faith, learning, and community here in Beverly Hills … we celebrate our students and our families in a way that we highlight our faith, our learning and our existence in this wonderful community,” said Principal Lisa Widmann, who’s been with Good Shepherd for over 25 years. 

Widmann described the relationship between the city and the school as strong and something she is fortunate to have. She said they are “all part of this wonderful Beverly Hills family,” and that the city is very supportive of how they educate their students. Father Ed Benioff, pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd, spoke to the interfaith connections with other religious institutions and with members of the council who are Jewish, especially during residents’ heightened concerns about antisemitism and religious intolerance. He also mentioned the exchange of facilities between Sinai Temple in West Los Angeles and his strong relationship with Rabbi Erez Sherman. 

“We really appreciate the support of the city, because sometimes, church and state, we are a religious school. In my time here, in 10 years, I’ve received nothing but support and goodwill,” expressed Benioff. 

Beverly Hills City Council formally recognized Good Shepherd’s 95 years at its meeting on Sept. 30. 

“Congratulations on behalf of myself and my colleagues on the Beverly Hills City Council. We’re absolutely delighted, and we appreciate the number of years and dedication you have given to our most important citizens, our young people,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. 

Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who represents Beverly Hills, also weighed in on the school’s enduring legacy. “For nearly a century, Good Shepherd has been much more than a school—it is a cornerstone of Beverly Hills, embodying the spirit of faith, compassion, and commitment to service that defines our community. This incredible milestone is a testament to the dedication of its teachers, families, and alumni who have nurtured generations with love and excellence. I am excited to celebrate not only its rich history, but the enduring impact Good Shepherd continues to have on shaping compassionate leaders and uplifting our community.”

Both the church and the school have been attended by a variety of notable alumni, including California’s 37th Governor, Joseph Graham “Gray” Davis Jr., who served from 1999 to 2003.

“When my family moved to California, the first school I attended was Good Shepherd, and it was one of the best,” Davis told the Courier.  

The post Good Shepherd Catholic School Turns 95 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Students in the academy will rotate through a group of Beverly Hills’ most iconic luxury hotels, engaging in hands-on, immersive learning experiences across industries including hospitality, culinary arts, business, media, engineering, and more.

BHUSD Career Technical Education Coordinator Cindy Dubin described the curriculum for the Courier. “In addition to the monthly rotations to the six hotels, our participants also attend monthly workshops on our BHHS campus, exploring a continuum of career exploration programming.  Our students are learning about storytelling, branding, and resume building from top-notch human resource professionals right here in our own community.  We are so fortunate to have such generous and enthusiastic industry leaders supporting our public education,” Dubin said.

“Career Academy is a powerful example of how we connect classroom learning with authentic industry experience,” said BHHS Principal Loan Sriruksa. “Our students are not just visiting hotels; they are working alongside professionals in some of the most renowned hospitality institutions in the world.”

BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss sees the program as a positive example of community-student investment.  He added, “The partnership between BHHS and Beverly Hills’ hospitality leaders provides a level of access, mentorship, and opportunity that is truly extraordinary” 

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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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Within two days of the reported incident, the group StopAntisemitism named an individual it claims to be the perpetrator. The group stated that it has handed over relevant information to the BHPD. As of press time, however, the BHPD could not confirm that this individual is in fact a suspect. 

The swastika, which had been on the sidewalk for an unknown period of time, was removed immediately upon discovery.

Video footage of the incident reviewed by the Courier shows a male individual dressed in burgundy sweats, a white T-shirt, black backpack and black cap cross Whittier Drive and walk on the sidewalk along Wilshire Boulevard. He is carrying what appears to be a canvas tote bag in his hand. He stops for a moment to speak to an unhoused individual, and then proceeds to draw on the sidewalk with a black marker before jaywalking across Wilshire Boulevard.

A statement released on Sept. 22 by the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) described the incident as “a deeply troubling act of hate” which it condemned “in the strongest possible terms.”

The statement continued, “This hateful symbol was visible just steps away from a campus where students, staff, and families arrive to learn and feel safe. Antisemitism is not abstract, it is real, and it continues to show up in ways that are meant to intimidate. We want to be clear: hate of any kind is not acceptable.”

Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss noted, “Our district will act with transparency, responsibility, and care when hate harms our community. Your safety is our top priority.”

This is a developing story which will be updated as the facts unfold.  

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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.

“At BHHS, we believe in living each day with intention, academically, socially, and emotionally,” she said. “Back to School Night allows us to strengthen the connections that make that possible and set the tone for a positive, productive year,” said BHHS Principal Loan Srisraka.   

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“Through the swift and professional actions of our officers, the Beverly Hills Police Department successfully apprehended the burglary suspect before additional harm could occur,” Stainbrook said in a message to the Courier. “This arrest reflects our steadfast commitment to safeguarding the community and serves as a clear message that anyone who seeks to victimize our residents will be held accountable without delay.” 

The incident occurred on Aug. 22 just past midnight, according to a representative for the department. Police were called to the 100 block of Copley Place after Richie’s security system was activated. 

Richie was home at the time of the attempted break-in. Officers searched the surrounding area and arrested a suspect, 38-year-old Michael John Bond, for residential burglary near Wilshire Boulevard and Beverly Glen. 

BHPD could not confirm whether any items were taken from Richie’s home. 

Representatives for Richie declined to comment on the incident. 

Richie, who is known for his decades-long career in the music industry, began his path to fame with the Motown group Commodores. The four-time Grammy Award winner is known for hit singles including “Endless Love,” “Hello” and “We Are the World.” 

Days after the break-in, Richie confirmed that he will return to the televised singing competition “American Idol” as a judge for its upcoming ninth season. He has served in the role since 2018. 

Richie has long touted the benefits of living in Beverly Hills. Speaking to the Courier in 2021, he reflected on the ways in which the community enriches the lives of residents. 

“In Beverly Hills, we have … just about every imaginable walk of life,” he said. “It’s all religions and all cultures. It’s this incredible community of people. The world is in conflict, but we live in Beverly Hills where everyone is from wherever.”

The investigation into the break-in is ongoing. 

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Fabian has authored 26 books. On Aug. 4, she shared her story with the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills. 

“I’m truly honored to be invited to be your speaker today,” she told members of the club. “The story I want to tell you is not easy, but it has obviously a very positive ending.”

Fabian’s story begins at dawn when she was four years old. Jolted awake by banging on the door, she and her mother and sister stalled as others in their building were led outside by the Nazis. When the banging stopped, a neighbor informed Fabian’s family that he told the Nazis Fabian’s family had already left their apartment. 

“He said, ‘I’m the one who told the Nazi that you had left already. That’s why they stopped banging on your door,’” Fabian said. “So, he saved our lives.” 

From there, the family went to a safe house, and within days, they fled to a friend’s house who worked as a doctor. He was able to secure spaces for Fabian and her sister in a hospital, pretending to be sick children, while their mother went to get false papers. Those papers would identify them as Christians. 

At first, the plan worked; Fabian and her sister stayed in hospital beds entertaining one another with stories. But by the third day, the Nazis came for all the children in the hospital. 

“We put our shoes on, went downstairs, all of us, sick, young, older, didn’t matter,” said Fabian. “We were lined up against the wall of the building outside the building with Nazi officers in there. We knew they were Nazis because they wore their black uniforms and boots … when all the kids were out of the building, they were told to start walking. 

“And as we started to walk, it was pitch dark. It also started to rain. So, we walked and walked through the city and getting more and more wet. And finally, I said to my sister, ‘I can’t carry my briefcase anymore. I’m too tired. I’m just going to sit down over here and rest.’ She said, ‘Don’t you dare.’ She picked up my briefcase and said, ‘I’ll carry it for a while.’ We also knew that the kids who sat down—we heard what sounded like bangs—and we figured it must have been gunshots. And we figured the kids who sat down were shot.”

The children were herded into another building, but once again, Fabian and her sister were rescued at the last minute. The following morning, a man dressed in a Nazi uniform came to the door calling their names. 

At first, Fabian said, she didn’t want to go. 

“I said to my sister, ‘He’s wearing a Nazi uniform, he’s going to kill us. Let’s not go. He doesn’t know where we are,’” she said. “And my sister said, ‘Don’t be stupid. We’re the only ones he’s calling. Get up and let’s go.’” 

The choice was the right one. The man in the Nazi uniform was an actor, commissioned by the same friend who set the children up in the hospital. After leading them through the streets of Budapest, he took them into a building where they reunited with their mother. 

“My mother was there, and this always makes me feel like crying,” Fabian said. “My mother looked, hugged us, and then she went outside and notified this young Nazi that we were with her, and he left.” 

Fabian and her sister were given new birth certificates with Christian names. Her mother made them memorize them as well as the Christian version of the Lord’s Prayer. 

Fabian stayed in Hungary with her family until 1956, when they moved to America. She had a prodigious career as a photojournalist and has shared her story widely.  

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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.    

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A city of Beverly Hills spokesperson described the fire as “small” and “contained primarily within the ventilation duct system with minimal damage to the restaurant.” The spokesperson added that the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. 

Chef Evan Funke provided this statement to the Courier regarding the incident at his eponymous establishment:

“To our cherished guests and friends,

Last night, a fire occurred in the upper portion of our exhaust system, the cause of which is still unknown. We’re relieved to share that all building safety systems functioned exactly as designed.

Thanks to the calm cooperation of everyone present, our staff and guests were evacuated swiftly and safely. Our deepest gratitude to the Beverly Hills Fire Department for their rapid response and expert handling of the situation.

To our guests with reservations this week, our team will be reaching out personally to arrange alternative accommodations at either Felix or Mother Wolf. We’re truly grateful for your patience and understanding as we work diligently to repair and restore the affected areas. 

We can’t wait to host you all very soon. 

All love and pasta.

EF”

The tri-level Funke opened in 2023 to great acclaim, with an emphasis on hand-crafted regional pasta dishes. Like its fellow Evan Funke-helmed outposts, it is a favorite of celebrities, food critics and even royalty. Earlier this month, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, posted a photo of her birthday dinner at the restaurant. She noted, “The culinary mastery of @evanfunke and his team is in the top five meals in my life.” 

A spokesperson for Funke told the Courier that they hope to have the doors open again as soon as possible. 

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As a student-athlete, Dominique helped lead the girls basketball team to a CIF championship in 2017 and 2018. She went on to play Division I hockey at Harvard University, earning recognition as both a standout athlete and leader. In 2024, she joined the PWHL’s Minnesota team, where she played a pivotal role in winning the league’s national championship and raising the Walter Cup.

Dominique returned to the BHHS campus this summer, bringing the Walter Cup back to the community where her journey began. She reconnected with coaches and students, serving as a living example of the power of passion, perseverance, and preparation.

“Dominique embodies the very best of BHUSD,” said Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss. “Her journey is a powerful reminder to our students that excellence is not just a goal, but a mindset. When you combine talent with character and grit, anything is possible. We are proud to celebrate her accomplishments and the inspiration she brings to our entire district.” 

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After the occupants fled on foot, the BHPD was able to apprehend and arrest two of them. According to BHPD spokesperson Lt. Kevin Orth, the BHPD is still investigating to determine if there are additional outstanding suspects.

Arrested were Ahmeen Stevenson, 18, and Armon Brinson, 22, both of Oakland. They were charged with Vehicle Code section 2800.2(a)-fleeing or eluding a pursuing police officer and Penal Code section 148(a)(1)- resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer in the performance of duties. Additionally, said Orth, Stevenson had an outstanding felony warrant. 

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“Our commitment to educational excellence begins long before the first day of school,” said Cherniss. “We use this time to come together as a leadership team to align our vision, sharpen our goals, and prepare to support every student, every day.”

The retreat included sessions on academic planning, instructional leadership, and operational readiness, ensuring that every school is set up for success this fall.

“Although school’s out, our leadership team is all in,” said Cherniss. “We are energized, united, and ready to make this year one of the best yet.” 

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Annenberg was dedicated to expanding access to arts and education and was devoted to animal and environmental rights. Her many contributions to L.A. include the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills (“The Wallis”), the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica and the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center in Exposition Park. 

Through the Annenberg Foundation, she contributed more than $75 million to The Wallis.

“Wallis Annenberg was a force for good whose generosity and vision helped shape our city and beyond,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian in a statement. “Her commitment to the arts brought us The Wallis, a vibrant cultural landmark that has become a cornerstone of our community … Her legacy lives on in the countless lives and communities she touched.”

“It is with a profound sense of loss that we express our condolences on the passing of Wallis Annenberg,” said Robert van Leer, The Wallis’ executive director and CEO in a statement. “Wallis believed wholeheartedly in the capacity of the arts to unite people from all walks of life and believed that those connections could bring about meaningful change. In honoring her memory, we commit to continuing her work by championing diverse voices and nurturing the next generation of artists and audiences.”

In 2026, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills will become the world’s largest wildlife crossing, spanning 10 lanes of the 101 Freeway. Annenberg and her family’s Annenberg Foundation donated $26 million to the National Wildlife Federation to support the project’s construction. 

The crossing will allow animals such as mountain lions to pass over the freeway safely. In recent years, a number of animals have been killed attempting to traverse the busy thoroughfare from the adjacent Santa Monica Mountains. 

“Wallis Annenberg’s vision for wildlife conservation inspired millions of people across California and around the world,” said Collin O’Mara, the president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation in a statement. “Her generosity and the work of the Annenberg Foundation is helping build the world’s largest wildlife crossing, reigniting interest in what she called ‘environmental rejuvenation,’ and showing how people and wildlife can thrive together.”

Wallis Annenberg was born in Philadelphia in 1939, then moved to Washington, D.C., at age 10 following her parents’ divorce. She married neurosurgeon Seth Weingarten after attending Pine Manor College and, briefly, Columbia University. The couple divorced in 1975 after moving together to L.A. with their children. 

Annenberg’s father, Walter H. Annenberg, built a media empire, publishing such titles as TV Guide and Seventeen magazine. He sold the company to Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation in 1988 and went on to establish the Annenberg Foundation. 

Wallis Annenberg served on the foundation’s board and as its vice president beginning in 2002 following the death of her father. She became chairwoman and president of the foundation in 2009 after the death of her stepmother, Leonore Annenberg.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement that Wallis Annenberg “deeply believed in supporting the American right to the pursuit of happiness.” 

“She was always determined to find new ways to help people achieve a better, more joyful quality of life, and above all else, to help people connect with each other,” he said. “Wallis believed in community—in supporting innovators who could create and scale environments that helped all in it … California is better for all that she did, and for her enormous heart and unbelievable generosity.”

In addition to her work in the arts, education and the environment, Annenberg created Wallis Annenberg PetSpace in Playa Vista, which opened in 2017 and provides animal adoption and veterinary services as well as education. She also founded Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, a low-cost, high-quality community space for active older adults that opened in 2022. 

Annenberg donated millions to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and in 2022, she was awarded the National Humanities Medal by the White House. 

“Los Angeles has lost one of its most generous, curious and determined civic leaders, and we join our city in remembering Wallis Annenberg for her philanthropic spirit and tenacious commitment to improving lives,” said Edythe Broad, co-founder of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation in a statement. “May her memory be a blessing.”

Annenberg was known for changing and evolving, and for holding herself to the highest possible standards. Speaking to the Courier in 2019, she said that she was constantly working on being the best version of herself. 

“To paraphrase FDR, my biggest fear is not conquering my fears,” she said. “I see life as a journey toward being completely comfortable with who you are, and what you do. A journey toward oneself, really. And if you can truly be yourself, then what is there to fear?”

Annenberg is survived by four children and five grandchildren. 

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The discussion is part of an update to the RPC work plan, Large Park Signage & Rules, that was affirmed by City Council as a priority for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The work plan aligns with one of the city’s budget goals to enhance its green space and public facilities, including its parks. 

Currently, the RPC has concentrated its efforts on safety improvements to La Cienega Park and Roxbury Memorial Park by reviewing current signage styles, current and suggested new park rules, and relevant municipal code sections. 

The initial work done to improve park safety messaging started in March 2024, when the Large Park Signage Ad Hoc Committee met to review existing park signs and rules, identify rule enforcement challenges and map potential signage locations. 

During discussion, Commissioner Amie Sherry presented several suggestions to enhance park signage effectiveness. These include adding relevant phone numbers on the park signs, such as Text BH, so that visitors can directly seek assistance if needed. She also emphasized the importance of incorporating visual icons and QR codes highlighting key points on park signs for greater legibility and understanding of rules and regulations. RPC Chair Deborah Termeie suggested that QR codes can also link to events at the park.

Beyond traditional park sign improvements, Sherry proposed posting park maps where visitors can efficiently locate areas such as the community center, pickleball courts, sports fields, and bathrooms. 

Commissioner Tara Riceberg agreed with Sherry’s suggestions, emphasizing the value of icons for visitors who may not speak English. Additionally, Riceberg advocated for prioritizing safety-related information by positioning those bullet points at the top of all signage. These safety measures, for example, include regulations on operating bicycles and keeping pets on a leash. Termeie added that safety measures on signs should specifically include where automated external defibrillators are in the park. 

However, RPC Vice Chair JR Dzubak raised an important counterpoint, cautioning that excessive rules and regulations may inadvertently discourage people from visiting and enjoying the parks. Sherry acknowledged the concern, noting that Beverly Hills has many young residents eager to use the park for activities like soccer during summer break. 

“As we look at these rules, we also want to look at how can we make our city and our parks safe but recreationally open to having fun,” said Sherry, who suggested that some lawn bowling courts could be repurposed for soccer. “We need to do a little bit better to get kids off their screens, people out of their houses, and to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful weather. In a lot of ways, we’re dissuading that.” 

The next RPC work plan item discussed was the update of digital signage at park community centers, identified as a key initiative to enhance communication, engagement and visibility among visitors across city recreation facilities. Commissioners agreed that the digital signs should be more visible to those passing by the community centers and should include photographs from past park events to showcase engagement. 

Finally, Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse gave an update on the Pickleball Pilot Program, which was similarly approved in the budget by City Council for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The update, regarding where the courts will be striped for pickleball, will also be considered by City Council at its Aug. 5 meeting. 

The Recreation Services Managers will integrate the commissioners’ suggestions brought forth during discussion into the work plan.  

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During public comment, several individuals spoke about their concerns regarding a newly implemented Standards-Based Educational Instruction policy, which was passed unanimously at the board’s July 16 meeting. 

Board Member Amanda Stern excused herself shortly after the meeting began because she was not feeling well. Stern later sent a message to Board President Rachelle Marcus, which Marcus read aloud, indicating that “all tests indicate [Stern is] okay.”

The newly drafted BHUSD social media policy was first presented to the board at its April 15 meeting. BHUSD does not currently have a policy governing its official social media accounts. 

The draft presented on July 22 included oversight rules, prohibited content, staff expectations and more. 

Under the policy, prohibited content would include political endorsements or partisan messaging; the unapproved promotion of commercial products and/or services; confidential student information; graphic, violent or sensitive material; personal opinions or commentary; and explicit AI content or other misuse. 

Board members agreed that students’ social media accounts should not be tagged, which they defined as mentioning the student’s social media handle. 

However, the board agreed that naming students—not tagging them—was acceptable as long as their guardians signed the media release form. 

Colby Gilardian, BHUSD’s public information officer, noted that posts spotlighting student accomplishments often get a lot of traction.  

“The ones that do the most well are the ones where we highlight our students,” he said. “The college decision series was a big one, excellence in action, sports games recaps, stuff like that where it’s really student-centered.” 

The policy will come back before the board for another reading at a future meeting. 

In other business, the board agreed to continue the development and implementation of a new committee, called the BHUSD BRIDGE Committee (Building Relationships to Inspire Development & Growth for Everyone). 

The idea for the committee was brought by Board Member Russell Stuart and was first discussed at the board’s May 13 meeting. On July 22, Stuart said that some changes had been made to the proposal since their last discussion. 

Primarily, those changes involve narrowing the BRIDGE committee’s focus to collaboration between local businesses and students, in which students would be given the opportunity to intern at local businesses and those businesses in turn could potentially work in some capacity with BHUSD. 

“The BRIDGE concept that I brought several months ago [proposed] a very vast, large, all-encompassing community involvement … I wanted to kind of change it into an idea where it is really, truly focusing on finding opportunities for our students,” he said. 

“A lot more businesses are going to want to do business with us if we open up that door and let them know that we’re more positive to those kinds of opportunities,” Stuart added. 

Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss will discuss the proposal with BHUSD Assistant Superintendent, Education Services Dr. Dustin Seeman and the Chamber of Commerce. 

During public comment, three individuals spoke against a new policy related to Standards-Based Instructional Education. 

The policy, which was brought by Board Member Sigalie Sabag, imposes limits on how teachers handle controversial issues in the classroom and tightens expectations that they do not deviate from their curriculum. 

Among those who spoke was Judith Chan, the Vocal Music teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School. Chan has taught in the district for nearly 25 years. 

Upon bringing the policy for review by the board, Sabag cited an incident that took place in Chan’s class as an example of why the policy needed to be implemented. 

Without naming Chan, Sabag stated at the June 24 board meeting that a music teacher “wasn’t teaching music; she was only teaching about protesting. That’s all she was teaching.”

At the July 22 meeting, Chan said she was there to address Sabag’s “reference to me in particular, her false allegations against me.” 

According to Chan, the incident Sabag referenced occurred in 2022 around the time of Black History Month and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. Chan taught the song “We Shall Overcome,” which she said is “a standard,” and her class watched a short cartoon video about King. 

A student then asked what civil rights movements are. Chan said she asked the class for their responses. One student mentioned the story of Rosa Parks, and another mentioned the Black Lives Matter movement. They briefly discussed what civil rights are, Chan said, then “moved on to other music activities.” 

Chan said that following that routine incident, Sabag, who was not yet a member of the board, stated during the public comment period of a board meeting that Chan “took it upon herself to teach her kids about Black Lives Matter and racism during her whole class.” In a written complaint, according to Chan, Sabag wrote that Chan “put teaching music aside in order to indoctrinate the students with [Chan’s] beliefs.” 

Sabag refused to meet with Chan in person, Chan said, despite a human resources request that she do so. 

Chan said that the district investigated the incident and “found all the claims [Sabag] had against me were unsubstantiated.” 

“So, Mr. Stuart, when you asked her in the meeting what happened to the music teacher,” Chan said, “I was surprised that she did not volunteer to give you the information that I was cleared from any wrongdoing.” 

The policy went into effect on July 16 following the board’s vote.   

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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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“If you want to learn what it really takes to become a filmmaker, this is the class,” said Newman. “From story development to editing, set experience to post-production, students will have the chance to work on real projects, meet real professionals, and take their skills beyond the classroom.”

Newman has directed feature films including “Fanboys,” “Barely Lethal” and “1Up,” and has produced content for Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Hasbro Studios. He is also the co-author of multiple New York Times bestselling books and currently serves as executive producer on an upcoming “Dungeons & Dragons” documentary. His current projects will serve as entry points for BHUSD students to gain exposure, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities in the creative arts.

Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss described Newman’s hiring as “a game-changing moment” for the district.

“Kyle brings the highest level of expertise and credibility. He is here to help our students build real careers, not just classroom projects,” said Cherniss. “This is a perfect example of how BHUSD blends academic rigor with career readiness. We’re proud to support a program that sets students up for meaningful success.”

Newman is already developing a new slate of programming for BHUSD’s broadcast platforms, which will include both student-produced content and district features, soon to be available on streaming platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku.

“Students in this program won’t just be learning, they’ll be creating,” said Newman. “We’re building something real, together.” 

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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. 

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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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The policy, which was introduced by Board Member Sigalie Sabag, imposes limits on how teachers handle controversial issues in the classroom and tightens expectations that they do not deviate from their curriculum. 

Board President Rachelle Marcus and Board Member Amanda Stern opposed the policy at the beginning of the discussion period. Stern said she could not approve a policy that includes, as the original draft did, language stating that “Staff members with firsthand knowledge of potential violations are encouraged to report concerns promptly.” 

Saying the language was a “nonstarter” for her, Stern had strong words about its implications. 

“Please, guys, we are better than that, and we need to evolve,” she said. “That is going backwards, and there’s just no way to sugarcoat that … we have seen from the letters we’ve gotten, from the educators we’ve heard from, that is actually insulting.”

Marcus, who attended the meeting virtually, said the district already has a policy addressing the handling of controversial topics in the classroom. That policy was reviewed two-and-a-half years ago, Marcus said, calling the newly proposed policy “unwarranted and dangerous.” 

“Mrs. Sabag wants to limit all instruction in the classroom to curriculum only, leaving no room for discussion on any and all discussable topics which might be controversial, or even more,” said Marcus. “We are tying the hands of our teachers by limiting them to what the curriculum mandates they teach and teach only … before we adopt this, we should take a step back and see if it is really necessary.”

During public comment, several BHUSD teachers spoke against the policy. Other educators were present in the audience wearing shirts bearing the name of the Beverly Hills Education Association, the union that represents teachers in the district. 

Hannah Croft, a seventh grade English teacher at Beverly Vista Middle School, echoed some of the concerns expressed by Marcus and Stern. 

“The language of this supposed standards-based instruction policy does not actually reflect standards-based instruction, which I know well,” Croft said. “Instead, this proposed change demands teachers limit their scope of instruction, and by extension, limit student skills and ability to learn. The meticulously chosen and intentionally vague language of this proposed instructional change does not have student success at its heart. Instead, this proposed change actively inhibits the learning, growth and success of every child in this district.”

Over the course of a two-and-a-half-hour discussion, the board reviewed the policy sentence by sentence. Among the changes made was the deletion of the language Stern flagged regarding staff reporting one another. 

The board also added language stating that, “Educators are encouraged to have meaningful dialogue among students to foster educational objectives.” 

The new policy will go into effect immediately. 

In other news, the board approved the hiring of a new principal at Beverly Hills High School. Loan Sriruksa previously served as the principal of Esperanza High School in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District and has also held multiple administrative roles in the Garden Grove Unified School District.  

At the July 16 meeting, Sriruksa expressed her enthusiasm to start her new position. 

“I’m fully committed to continuing the legacy of high expectations for all students, while also fostering an environment where every person feels cared for, seen and supported,” she said. “I believe every student deserves not just a premium education, but a school experience that nurtures their whole self … Our school’s motto, ‘Today Well Lived,’ is one I hold close. It reflects the kind of school community I hope to lead.”

In a statement, BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss voiced his confidence in Sriruksa.

“Loan Sriruksa brings a focused, experienced, and results-oriented leadership style to BHHS,” he said. “Her track record reflects exactly what we expect in Beverly Hills; strategic thinking, high expectations, and a clear drive for academic excellence.”  

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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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One of the most anticipated celebrations is the debut of “The Clueless Suite” at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, where guests can immerse themselves in Cher’s lavishly stylish world. The limited-time luxury experience, available from July 12 through Sept. 1, was created in collaboration with Paramount Pictures, “Clueless” costume designer Mona May, and Bloomingdale’s. 

The suite is decorated with stills from the movie, behind-the-scenes pictures provided by Paramount, and framed photos of Paul Rudd on the nightstand. It features yellow plaid upholstery, fluffy accent pillows, and an interactive “digital closet” display that brings Cher’s outfit-selecting computer to life.

“We just wanted this to be like Cher and Dionne invited you to come for a sleepover and stay the weekend,” interior designer Jordan Hackworth told the Courier. “We have the ultimate girly amenities, a game night area, and the most luscious pure silk bedding. We just wanted to really make a fantasy out of it, like what is Cher doing in 2025? We took a lot of inspiration from the movie, and it’s all done with a wink and a nudge. Nothing is taken too seriously. But we wanted to blend high fashion with Beverly Hills and make it girly and sweet.” 

The closet is meant to be like an extension of Cher’s, complete with a wardrobe inspired by the movie and curated by Bloomingdale’s and costume designer May. The whole experience is shoppable, and the booking comes with a custom garment, a $100 gift card to Bloomingdale’s, plus a VIP personal styling service at the department store. And because Cher never relied on mirrors, there’s also a Polaroid camera to photograph your looks before deciding on the perfect one. The suite also comes with a white Jeep Wrangler convertible to cruise around the city in, and beauty treatments fit for a Noxzema commercial.

“The boas, the pink and the yellow, the Mary Janes … it’s all kind of updated and current, and you can get inspired and have fun with colored clothes,” May told the Courier. “It’s basically about inspiring girls … As an artist, it’s incredible to be recognized 30 years later and have some of your work live forever. The sleepless nights, the stress, it was all worth it.”

From “CH” monogrammed bathrobes to a copy of Covert Bailey’s “The New Fit or Fat,” every inch is a nod to the film’s most memorable moments. The vanity is filled with colorful accessories, fuzzy pens, and copies of Cher’s report card, because convincing teachers to change your grades every other semester is no small feat. 

The 30th anniversary celebrations culminate in a festival at La Cienega Park on July 19, where Mayor Sharona Nazarian will officially proclaim the date as “Clueless Day.” Produced with Street Food Cinema, the ticketed event will include food trucks themed photo installations, a DJ, and an alfresco screening of the movie. 

Beyond the suite, other “Clueless”-themed events in Beverly Hills include a special July 10 Concert on Canon featuring “AS IF!”, a ’90s tribute band at the Beverly Canon Gardens, an outdoor screening of the movie at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Aug. 6, a Cher-themed spa package and special dessert at The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, which runs from July 15 to Aug. 15.

To learn more, visit https://lovebeverlyhills.com/articles/view/beverly-hills-celebrates-clueless-30th-anniversary. 

As if you’d want to miss it.  

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“Our job is to fill the voids that we see,” Nazarian told the Courier. “We’ve never done a Fourth of July celebration, so this was one of my initiatives that I wanted to launch … we did Memorial Day, we’re doing the Fourth of July, we’re going to do Veterans Day. We want to be able to bring the community together in all different ways.” 

In a shaded section of the park behind the library, six booths were set up. Several offered snacks and water; several offered information about parks and city services, and one was set up by the Boys and Girls Club with a sign reading “Kindness is Free.” 

Near the booths, small children played in a grassy area outfitted with oversized Connect Four, Tetris and cornhole games. Niki Dickman, 30, was in attendance with her family, including her 18-month-old son. Dickman said that she heard the event from her backyard and decided to come see what was going on. 

“It’s great,” she said of the occasion. “It’s one of the perks of living in Beverly Hills. [I love] seeing the community come together.”  

Close to a DJ booth playing dance hits that encouraged participants to get up and move, residents Lorraine Ross, 86, and Marvin Taff, 91, enjoyed the event’s sights and sounds. 

“We love coming to Roxbury Park,” said Ross, a 32-year resident of the city. “It’s an environment [where] you feel younger and playful and happy, most importantly. It makes us happy to come here … the music inspires me.” 

Many Beverly Hills police officers and firefighters were in attendance, and Ross noted that she appreciated having the opportunity to thank them for their service. 

“They’re the ones that protect us,” she said. “We all feel gratified for what Beverly Hills offers us, living here as residents.” 

The event was part of the city’s “Parks Make Life Better” initiative, a series of activities taking place throughout July. The initiative kicked off on July 3 with Concerts on Canon, and will feature a Family Bingo Night on July 11, a Senior Luau on July 21, a live performance of Julius Caesar and more. 

In addition to celebrating national holidays, Nazarian’s mayoral initiatives include a focus on seniors and young people, spotlighting small businesses, improving safety measures and uniting the city. 

Resident Cynthia Hajjar, 51, said events like the Fourth of July picnic do just that. 

“It is important to try to find the time for these kinds of community events,” she said. “Our community is our wealth, and we’re very grateful to our City Council and Mayor for organizing gatherings like these … these events unite us.” 

Shahla Bonyadi, 70, who is originally from Iran, became a U.S. citizen just days before the picnic. She said she saw a stark difference between the accessibility of elected officials in Beverly Hills and in Tehran. 

Noting that her favorite part of the day was speaking directly with Nazarian, Bonyadi said that communicating one-on-one with a government representative would not have been possible in her country of origin.

“[Nazarian] is very sweet, she is very kind,” Bonyadi said. “She participated and talked to the people like a normal person. In our country, the mayor — you shouldn’t touch him, always bodyguards, security, and you can’t talk or say your problems about the city. I love this.” 

This kind of togetherness and unity is what Nazarian hopes to promote during her mayorship. 

“Beverly Hills is such a large community, and there’s so many different pockets that many don’t even know about,” she told the Courier. “It warms my heart to see that we are touching all the aspects of Beverly Hills that make our community so fantastic. We are bringing our seniors together; we see little kids waving their flags; we’re in the park enjoying our green space and coming together as a community. I love it. I really love it.”  

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Of the 325 lots, the 1988 Bellville Sassoon floral day dress, known as the “caring dress,” was the most anticipated, selling for $520,000. The blue crepe-de-chine knee-length dress is decorated with pastel flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and blue, with a gathering at the waistline. 

“She was seen photographed in it in Brazil when she went to a children’s hospital,” Michael Amato, a fashion specialist at Julien’s, told the Courier. “She wore it because she loved it, and it was very comforting because kids actually felt a little less intimidated because it was so soft and tactile.” The princess was photographed wearing the dress in public at least seven times, often during official visits to hospitals. 

Renae Plant, an Australian native and founder and curator of The Princess Diana Museum, submitted the winning bid for the caring dress. Plant told People magazine that she and her husband took out a fourth mortgage on their home to get the dress. 

Other standout pieces in the auction included a 1981 John Boyd pink straw archer-style hat, worn for her honeymoon send-off in 1981, and a 1986 Catherine Walker evening gown with cream silk crepe embroidered falcons, made custom for her to wear during the 1986 Gulf Tour. The hat went for $26,000, and the falcon dress for $455,000. 

According to Beverly Hills-based Julien’s Auctions, this marked the largest collection of her iconic wardrobe ever assembled for auction. A portion of the sales from Princess Diana items will benefit Muscular Dystrophy UK.  

Last December, Princess Diana’s 1985 Jacques Azagury evening dress made history at the Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies’ Hollywood Legends sale, going for $1,148,080. 

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Garner Holt Productions is known for creating the lifelike animatronic figures featured in iconic attractions like Disneyland, including classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Hall of Presidents. Their Education Through Imagination initiative offers makerspace consultation, design, installation, and training grounded in real-world applications of engineering, design, coding, and storytelling.

The visit was an opportunity for BHUSD leadership to explore how programs like Garner Holt can inform and inspire future learning environments.

“We were inspired by how technology and storytelling come together to spark curiosity and creativity,” said BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss. “This experience deepened our understanding of how BHUSD might thoughtfully design future academic programs that integrate immersive, high-impact learning aligned with our commitment to Educational Excellence.” 

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Nissenbaum succeeds Bobbe Joy Dawson, owner of Bobbe Joy Makeup Studio, who served a 12-month term as board chair.

“It’s been my great pleasure to serve as only the seventh woman of the board of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce,” Dawson said. “It’s also an honor that I got to meet so many incredible people, community leaders and members of the Beverly Hills community, who continue to support the chamber and this very, very special city.”

Prior to being appointed board chair, Dawson was a member of the board of directors for 10 years and served on its executive committee for six. As the new board chair, Nissenbaum brings nearly 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently as the general manager of The Peninsula Beverly Hills. 

“Tonight, I stand here as someone who is not just proud to serve, but extremely grateful to belong. I feel deeply blessed to be part of such a strong and vibrant network,” Nissenbaum said.

Both Nissenbaum and Dawson were recognized with certificates for their service to the Beverly Hills community.

The summer event brought together chamber members for an evening of tastings from local eateries, cocktails, and an opportunity to network with fellow business professionals in the city. The chamber touts the event as its “biggest networking event of the year.”

“This is an event that honors all of our members,” said Chamber President and CEO Todd Johnson.

Among some of the featured businesses were Bacari Beverly Hills, Cantina Frida, Sweet Angeles, Torrey Pines Bank, and the Beverly Hilton.

One of the board members, Chris Rivielle, CEO of Plant Construction Company, spoke about his experience doing business in Beverly Hills. The company, based in San Francisco, has been renovating the Beverly Hilton.

“I’m very happy to be on this once-in-a-lifetime project,” Rivielle said. “I’m also proud to be a member of the board of the Chamber of Commerce, proud to be a resident of Beverly Hills, and proud to have Beverly Hills as home to our L.A. office.”

Johnson also formally recognized Pam Dodgen as Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year. Ambassadors represent the chamber to the public, informing the community about its programs, benefits, and services.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen her without a smile on her face. She’s kind and a really good person, and that’s what we hope to attract, not only in our city but for our chamber,” Johnson said.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian attended the event along with fellow Beverly Hills Councilmembers Lester Friedman and Craig Corman. 

“We understand the importance of the Chamber of Commerce. We understand the important role that you all play in making this city really shine,” Nazarian said.

The chamber offers varying levels of tiered membership for businesses, from basic to platinum. Based on the level of membership, the chamber helps members grow and increase visibility through its development, education, advocacy and cost-savings programs. More than 4,500 business professionals participate in the chamber’s 250 annual events and programs. The board of directors of the chamber consists of local business leaders who support and influence the chamber’s direction and strategies.

“We support our businesses. We understand that it’s a cycle. When you win, when you succeed, we succeed, and we are able to preserve that quality of life for our community. So, I encourage you all to eat, shop, live, work, and play in Beverly Hills,” Nazarian said. 

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Bloch’s 2024 Summer STYLE cover story entitled “Jay Leno and Bruce Meyer How They Became the Kings of Cars” garnered a third-place award in the category of “Lifestyle Feature-Print.”

Additionally, the Courier’s former staff writer Clara Harter earned a third-place award in the category of “Hard News-Print” for her story entitled “Local Pro-Palestinian Protests Elicit Strong Response.” In total, the Courier was a finalist in nine award categories.

The Southern California Journalism Awards are given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, the oldest and largest organization of its kind in Southern California. Each year, the organization honors journalistic excellence in print, radio, podcast, TV and online categories. This year’s winners were announced on June 22 at a ceremony at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. 

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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.” 

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Spearheaded by the BHUSD Communications Department, this partnership follows a successful district-led effort earlier this month to remove an anonymous Instagram account that was posting harmful content targeting BHHS students. The swift removal was made possible through direct collaboration between BHUSD and Instagram, setting a precedent for how our district can proactively safeguard student well-being in digital spaces.

As part of the program, all official BHUSD Instagram accounts now feature the official School Partner verification badge, distinguishing BHUSD as an early participant in this important national effort.

“With a platform as large as Instagram, this partnership equips BHUSD with real-time tools to help protect our students online,” said Dr. Alex Cherniss, Superintendent of Schools. “We are proud to be part of this initiative prioritizing student safety in digital spaces.”

Participating schools receive priority reporting access, real-time response updates, and direct platform support. Instagram also provides BHUSD with educational resources for students, families, and staff to promote safe and responsible social media use.

The Instagram School Partnership Program was developed in collaboration with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) to give educators more direct control in combating bullying and harmful online content. The program is currently open via waitlist to middle and high schools nationwide. BHUSD’s early inclusion reflects our proactive approach to communications and our commitment to creating a safe educational environment, both online and off. 

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This year’s program will spotlight Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno, whose bilingual Latin, Blues, Folk, and Americana songs earned her the 2024 Grammy. Also featured is Versa-Style Dance Company and the Filipino-American a cappella group, the Filharmonic. Adding to the lineup, the Korean Senior Community Center Los Angeles (KSCCLA) Harmonica Ensemble, a viral sensation from this past season’s LA King’s games, will perform.

“Festival Beverly Hills is more than an event, it’s a joyful celebration of who we are as a community,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “From music and dance to food and art, it’s a day where people from all parts of our city come alive through culture, connection, learning and pride. We’re bringing people together to celebrate the heart and soul of Beverly Hills, united in our diversity and inspired by what we can create together.”

Attendees can also enjoy returning Festival favorites from the Farhang Foundation, Kooban Ensemble and Chef Mojdeh Eghbal.
Family-friendly activities will include storytelling with the nation’s longest-running Asian-American improv troupe, Cold Tofu, along with origami-making workshops.  Kids can participate in dance classes by Everybody Dance LA, and experience LA Commons’ stunning large-scale backpack puppets. 

The Consular Corps of Los Angeles returns as a key partner. “Rhythm! Being part of a movement, brings joy, representing the Trinbagonian culture,” said Joan Chanman Forbes, of the Consulate of Trinidad and Tobago.  

The Italian consulate will feature bassist and jazz composer Luca Alemanno who will present an innovative take on the work of iconic Italian movie composers like Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota. The Senegalese consulate will showcase storytelling and fashion from the African nation.  

Additional performances include Dansa Azteca, Naruwan Taiko, Qing Wei Lion & Dragon Dance Cultural Troupe, and ZCC Brass Band.

For more information, visit beverlyhills.org/csevents. 

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The car show was attended by nearly 40,000 people and featured more than 100 cars, including vehicles from McLaren, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Pagani and Bentley.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian expressed her enthusiasm for the occasion. 

“This is an incredible day,” she told the Courier. “We’re so excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Concours d’Elegance. We have generations here celebrating together with their grandparents and their parents and their children. Everybody feels safe and celebrated.” 

Nazarian said it was hard to pick a favorite part of the day.

“I love seeing the vintage cars and I also love the supercars,” she said. “But most of all, I love seeing the families coming out and enjoying the day together.” 

The event drew attendees from all over Southern California as well as many Beverly Hills residents. Tracey Hannum, a local residential realtor, said she has attended the Concours several times. 

“I like the Aston Martins; that’s a good fantasy,” she said, adding with a laugh, “I don’t know much about cars—I just like the ones that are pretty and new!”

At a booth hosted by local Scouting Troop 110 of Beverly Hills, Amy Jacobs, whose husband is the troop’s scoutmaster, said the event is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year. 

“We help provide water for everybody here,” she said. “We make money for the troop, and it helps pay for tents and helps pay for kids who can’t pay for summer camp and for everything [that goes with scouting]. We’ve been doing it a lot of years, and I’ve been out here helping.”

In a statement, Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance founder Bruce Meyer said that while 30 years have gone by fast, he’s thrilled that the event has had a lasting impact on so many people of all ages.

“It’s incredible to know that we’ve created special experiences for generations of fathers and their families,” he said.  

Cars for the event are provided by individual owners, car manufacturers and other groups. Dana Williamson, the director of the collection at the Petersen Automotive Museum, has worked with Concours organizers for 12 years. 

For the past several events, Williamson said, he has collaborated closely with Meyer, who was a founding chairman of the Petersen and still serves on the museum’s board, to decide which of the museum’s cars to show.  

“I discuss it with Bruce; I ask him what he would like from our collection,” Williamson told the Courier. “Last year we brought a Bugatti; this year we brought a Delage. It’s great; it also gives the museum exposure.” 

Williamson said he hopes events like the Concours will teach younger generations that cars carry much more significance than a way to get from one place to another. 

“At the museum, we are really heavily into education,” he said. “We are trying to teach the younger people that cars aren’t just transportation. There’s such art and engineering and history involved.” 

At this year’s event, the Best in Show Award was given to Richard and Boni Losee for their 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster. Marcy Hammerstein’s 1957 Ford Thunderbird won the  Mayor’s Award, Most Elegant, and Kip Cyprus’ 1925 Hispano Suiza Boattail open racer won the Chairman’s Award. 

The event also featured the public debut of the Lamborghini Temerario as well as a skills demonstration by the Beverly Hills Police Department Motor Unit.

Proceeds from the Concours were donated to the Beverly Hills Police Foundation and the Beverly Hills Fire Chiefs Fund.

Next year’s Concours d’Elegance will be held on June 21, 2026. 

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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.” 

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BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss, Board of Education President Rachelle Marcus, and Board Member Russell Stuart joined community members in supporting the citywide effort. The Beverly Hills Education Foundation (BHEF) led the event’s games and relays.

“This event was a great example of what makes Beverly Hills such a special place. It’s not just about services, it’s about people coming together to learn, support one another, and strengthen our community,” said Cherniss. “Even as summer begins, the work of keeping our families informed, connected, and prepared continues. I’m proud to represent BHUSD at events like these, where partnership and purpose come together.” 

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Each year, the club president (this year it is Fire Chief Greg Barton) selects the recipient. Dzubak was recognized for his exceptional dedication, leadership, and embodiment of Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self.”

The award includes a $10,000 charitable donation in the honoree’s name to a nonprofit of their choosing, jointly funded by Janis Black-Warner & Doug Warner ($5,000) and the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills ($5,000). This year’s celebration held particular significance as Stanley Black, 92, the philanthropist and award namesake, attended the event in person. 

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Born in the San Bernardino area, Foran and his wife, Carole, moved to the Beverly Hills flats in 1971 and have been there ever since. The couple raised four children, all of whom graduated from Beverly Hills High School. Now a retired physician, Foran practiced for 42 years as a vascular surgeon and served as chief of the vascular surgery division and kidney transplant service at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. 

In 1963, Foran opened a vascular surgery practice in Beverly Hills with his friend Dr. Richard Treiman. Today, the two remain close and play bridge together several times a week. “We were the first people to do pure vascular surgery in the L.A. area,” Foran said.

In 1964, Foran provided surgical access for the first vascular access surgery for dialysis in the Los Angeles area at what was then Mount Sinai Hospital. Revered in his field for his many accomplishments, Foran was also one of the doctors who started the kidney transplant program and performed the first kidney transplants at Cedars of Lebanon and at Mount Sinai Hospital before the medical center was built.

Since he retired in 2005, Foran has occupied his days working on his tennis game and plays regularly at the Beverly Hills Tennis Club.

The trophy he won is called the Gold Ball, and it’s the first one ever awarded in the 95-and-older division. “So, I’m the only one in the world who has that ball,” Foran said proudly. Foran played tennis at Colton High School in Colton, California, but noted that he didn’t make the team at UCLA, where he received his undergraduate degree. “I’m a rank-and-file tennis player and have been fortunate to live longer than a lot of the better players that I had to compete against,” Foran told the Courier. “I struggled for some 30 years in tournament tennis trying to achieve one of these, and I was very happy to win it.”

Foran used to belong to the American Medical Tennis Association, and he and his wife traveled extensively with fellow tennis-playing physicians to participate in tournaments against other doctors. “It was fun,” Foran said. “We met a lot of wonderful people and saw some beautiful tennis facilities around the world.” His favorite tournament destination was Karlovy Vary, a town in the Czech Republic. 

“My wife grew up in Beverly Hills, and she graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1951, so we have some roots in the community,” he added. “Having lived here for all these years, we’ve had many, many close friends here and neighbors on our street.” 

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Beverly Hills’ Avery Hand, Billie Dane, Chloe Meyer, Elle Shim, Jesse Sapadin and Willa Cross were among the 130 student ballerinas who danced in a total of eight performances over the weekend.  

“I love the Westside [Ballet] community and anything we do together,” said Meyer. She added that learning new dances “creates a new bonding experience which [she] always holds dear to [her] heart.”

“I feel like my teachers have really emphasized using my artistry and performing to my fullest,” said Shim, who danced in her seventh spring performance with Westside Ballet. “Having the feeling of always performing, even if it’s in class or rehearsal, has helped me dance to my fullest and tell a story with my movements.”

The Saturday evening gala kicked off the spring showcase weekend with cocktails, performances and a light dinner.

New York City Ballet principals and esteemed Westside Ballet alumna Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia delivered a captivating performance of Jerome Robbins’ “Other Dances.” Westside Ballet also honored its former dancer, Andrew Veyette, who just marked the end of his 25-year career with New York City Ballet.

In between the five stunning performances on Saturday evening, Westside Ballet presented the Huntley Santa Monica Beach Community Arts Award to Los Angeles and Santa Monica first responders, many of whom were in the crowd. The honor was especially sentimental for Westside Ballet, since 55 of its dancers and staff, including owner Allegra Clegg, lost their homes in the Palisades and Eaton fires.

“The kids who lost their home still came to ballet, and they’re so happy to be performing because I think Westside [Ballet] is the glue for them,” Clegg told the Courier. “The community came together for them … so that’s how we look at Westside, besides being an incredible ballet school.”

A portion of the proceeds from the gala will go towards Westside Ballet’s Fire Relief Scholarship Fund, which will assist impacted families with tuition, performance fees and dance wear replacement costs.   

The post Six Local Ballerinas on Stage with Westside Ballet 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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Much of the session’s conversation centered on predicted deficits to the city’s General Fund, which are expected to occur from fiscal year 2026-27 through 2028-29.

According to city staff, the fund will face a deficit of $18.5 million in 2026-27, $20.1 million in 2027-28 and $5.4 million in 2028-29. 

In fiscal year 2025-26, the city expects a surplus of $1.7 million. 

City staff stressed the impact of the current domestic and international economic climate when it comes to financial planning, including inflation, escalating tariffs and local labor negotiations. 

“There is certainly more uncertainty this year than in the past couple of years, due to a number of factors,” said City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey. “We are facing years of some substantial deficit … this current fiscal year, we have begun taking steps to reduce costs. Those will accelerate next year.” 

Among the items on which city staff sought direction from the council was funding for the Next Night Street Festival. Organizers of the event, which is held annually, requested a total of $230,000 from the city to fund the one-night event. Of that funding, $80,000 was already in the budget, and the remaining $150,000 was requested as an enhancement to match the amount that was spent on Next Night in 2024. 

Several members of the public wrote in to express their support for the funding request, including members of the Next Beverly Hills Committee, which organizes the event. 

“Next Night has become a beloved annual tradition that brings together community members of all ages in a joyful, inclusive celebration,” wrote Ellen Labbé, the committee’s chair. “Over the years, we’ve thoughtfully refined and grown this event, and it continues to reflect the spirit and vibrancy of our city … I respectfully urge council to accept this funding request.”

After hearing from staff about the expected budget shortfalls as well as the comparative costs of other events put on by the city, Mayor Sharona Nazarian, Vice Mayor John Mirisch and Councilmember Craig Corman requested that funding for Next Night be potentially allocated elsewhere. 

“I agree that it’s a great community builder, but I do think that it’s been taken out of proportion,” said Nazarian. “We just got a number that’s alarming. We spend only, only, only $51,000 for 12 weeks of summer programming that includes our seniors and our families with children … for us to spend $230,000, plus staff overtime, I just don’t know if that’s enough of a bang for our buck.”

Corman reiterated Nazarian’s sentiment that the event has grown exponentially in recent years.  

“When you look at the budget for [Next Night], historically it started out as a much smaller event,” he said. “It grew, and then it grew pretty significantly a couple of years ago … I like the event, I think a lot of people in the community like the event, but it is expensive. It’s $230,000 that we don’t need to spend.” 

Councilmembers Mary Wells and Lester Friedman expressed support for the event; however Wells noted that it could be scaled back. 

“It is a huge community-building event, and so I don’t think it should go away entirely … perhaps you can combine it or make it smaller,” she said. 

At the Study Session, councilmembers also expressed their support for the addition of six community service officers and related equipment and vehicles for increased security at the upcoming La Cienega Metro Station, as well as funding for a nexus study to establish development impact fees to address community impacts caused by new development.

Nazarian ended the June 5 Study Session by challenging city staff to “think outside of the box.” 

“We need to make sure to move forward with caution in the years ahead … we don’t want to just keep funding the same projects year after year without any questions,” she said. “We want to make sure that every project is justified, it’s necessary, it’s timely and it also aligns with our community’s needs and priorities.” 

The council will review the operating and capital improvement budgets once more on June 17 for final approval. 

The post Next Night Street Festival Put on Hiatus appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I’m personally sad to see the old Nate ‘n Al’s building go by,” said Commissioner Lou Milkowski, “but I understand this is good progress for our city and for the area.” 

The building that currently houses Nate ‘n Al’s was constructed in the 1920s, and the restaurant’s founders, Al Mendelson and Nate Rimer, first opened the eatery’s doors in 1945. Since then, it’s become a favorite spot among locals and film and television heavy hitters.

The restaurant was sold by the Mendelson family to Shelli and Irving Azoff in 2019, according to a statement released at the time of the sale. The Azoffs were customers of Nate ‘n Al’s for three decades. 

A Historic Resource Assessment of the building was prepared by Historic Resources Group (HRG), a historic preservation consulting firm, and reviewed by Ostashay & Associates Consulting, a consultant group for Beverly Hills. Both parties found that the property doesn’t qualify to be considered a historic resource. 

The HRG report further found that the building doesn’t meet the criteria to qualify for the National Register or California Register. 

The development proposal for 414 North Beverly Drive seeks to build a three-story commercial building with 14,448 net square feet of floor space without a specific tenant or commercial use in mind. According to a report prepared by city staff, the developer has said that a restaurant or retail would be the most likely future tenants. 

At the June 10 meeting, commissioners did not deliberate for long before approving the proposal. Most expressed their support of the project and their appreciation for the design. 

“I think you did a very good job of giving us a project that will fit in the neighborhood and comply with the requirements,” said Commissioner Myra Demeter.

Chair Terri Kaplan said that the development will constitute an upgrade to the block. 

“I’d like to join my colleagues in commending you on an attractive project that, in my opinion, will be an improvement to the streetscape in the area,” she said. “I wish you good luck with it.”

According to the staff report, the developer has said that the owners of Nate ’n Al’s are considering reopening elsewhere in Beverly Hills.

In other business, the commission discussed and heard feedback about a proposed development at 9600 Wilshire Blvd. for over four hours. The site currently houses the Saks Fifth Avenue Women’s Building and surrounding structures. The item was continued from the commission’s May 1 meeting.

The project, which was first submitted to Beverly Hills in 2022, would include two new mixed-use residential structures and two new commercial buildings featuring a boutique hotel, spa, membership club, retail space and office space. 

The existing Saks Fifth Avenue Women’s building would also be redeveloped as part of the project, through a rehabilitation and adaptive reuse plan. 

Thirteen members of the public spoke against the project and several more wrote or called in. Their concerns focused heavily on the impact on traffic in the area and noise related to construction, which is expected to take approximately five years. 

Many residents who spoke against the project live in the southwest neighborhood of Beverly Hills, which would be most heavily impacted, and some have accused representatives from developer Saks Global of not listening to their concerns.  

Douglas Adams, Senior Vice President of Development for Saks Global, said that in addition to the nine meetings referenced by Gottlieb, representatives have held over 250 meetings with residents of the city. 

“We’ve been working on this project for almost 10 years, trying to come up with a mix of uses that generate sufficient returns to support the adaptive reuse, much needed housing, fit in with the adjacent neighborhood and provided catalyst for Wilshire Boulevard,” Adams said. 

Commissioners will continue their consideration of the issue at their July 24 meeting.  

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In addition to firefighting and providing emergency services, the BHFA offers several community outreach programs, such as Stop the Burn and the Fire Extinguisher Program. 

As host for the evening, comedian Adam Carolla kept the atmosphere invigorating while honoring the hard work done by the Beverly Hills firefighters. Led by auctioneer Chuck Dukas, the evening event auctioned luxury vacations, experiences, items such as VIP tickets to a Dodgers game, an all-inclusive six-night safari, and a party with the Beverly Hills firefighters. The funds raised will go to the BHFA Medical Retirement Fund, which helps provide healthcare coverage to retired members and their spouses. 

Attendees enjoyed light refreshments, a three-course dinner, and an opportunity to show their support for the firefighters who keep their community safe every day.

“Our firefighters work tirelessly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, spending roughly one-third of their lives on the job,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, who was joined by fellow members of City Council. “When others run away from danger, they are courageously running towards it.”

Out of over 30,000 fire departments worldwide, the Beverly Hills Fire Department is one of 124 that are both Class 1 and internationally accredited. They are one of only four fire departments in California to have both feats. 

“As an organization, we strive to deliver exceptional customer service and exceed the expectation of the community,” Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton affirmed. 

Beverly Hills Fire Captain Ernie Carol was honored with the Felix Rothchild Firefighter of the Year Award for his exceptional leadership and initiative. Presenting Carol with the award, Barton spoke to his impact both within and beyond the fire department.

But honoring firefighters at the annual Backdraft Ball meant something a little bit different this year. On Jan. 7, when the Palisades fire struck just miles away, Beverly Hills firefighters rushed to the front lines to assist the Los Angeles Fire Department in battling the deadly blazes, which became part of some of the deadliest wildfires in L.A. history. The evening paid tribute to those on the frontlines, showing a video of Beverly Hills firefighters sharing their experiences from Jan. 7. 

As a nod to BHFD’s deep ties to the community, Barton honored Reggie Sully with the Judie Fenton Community & Volunteer Excellence Award for his dedication to saving pets and helping displaced families during the Palisades fire. Sully helped Palisades families locate missing jewelry and family heirlooms, and even arranged for cadaver dogs to locate one family’s urn.

Similarly, BHFA President Bruno Palmieri spoke at length about the organization’s consistent commitment of “doing what is right” for the community. 

“We serve a world-class city, and what makes it even more special is a world-class community that serves us and supports us,” Palmieri told the crowd. “Time and time again, you all stepped up—each and every one of you who supported us. You show us we’re not just your first responders, but we’re your neighbors, we’re your friends, we’re your family—and we never take that for granted.”

One of the yearly community engagement programs is the Donald Reynolds Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association Scholarship Fund, which awards students with college scholarships. Honoring the memory of Donald Reynolds, who shared a deep bond with BHFD, his wife, Jeanne S. Marks, established the fund to support the children of active BHFA members in pursuing their educational aspirations.

This year, eight students were awarded scholarships and recognized at the Backdraft Ball: Ashley Gardy, Dane Hillis, Hannah Hillis, Sophia Mack, Mia Maher, Conner Morrow, Toring Stanley, and Corbin Stanley.

The evening wrapped up with an acknowledgment to the Beverly Hills firefighters and members of the community in attendance, followed by lively entertainment and dancing.  

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As the nearly 310 graduating students walked onto the football field sporting their college of choice on their graduation caps, they enthusiastically waved to a sea of BHHS friends and family. The BHHS Band performed a rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance” as students took their seats. 

BHHS Principal Drew Stewart opened the commencement ceremony by welcoming attendees and the graduating class. Stewart, who joined the BHHS community nearly eight years ago as a teacher, announced his departure as principal in early May. He celebrated the class of 2025’s hard work, dedication, and commitment, and recognized the BHUSD staff and board members for their support. 

“These students represent everything we hope for in our graduates,” said Stewart. “You, Beverly, are very fortunate to have the support of the entire community. Graduates, there are many here who believe in you and advocate on your behalf.”

Attendees at the ceremony included BHUSD board members and President Rachelle Marcus, BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss, Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Beverly Hills City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey.

In alignment with the commencement’s theme, Marcus celebrated the class of 2025 as “the stars of our future” in her address. Entitled “The Stars, the Ground and the Tent,” Marcus’ speech equated the stars with the students’ goals, the ground with their beliefs and the tent with the people who have supported their futures. 

Graduating seniors faced challenges during their time at BHHS. As freshmen, the class of 2025 adjusted to a new campus and various bell schedule changes during the middle of the pandemic. Additionally, a demonstration that took place in the wake of the 2024 presidential election became a source of controversy, resulting in litigation and allegations of racial harassment. This past semester, the district underwent several leadership and staff changes. 

Nonetheless, BHHS seniors applauded their classmates for persisting and making it to graduation day.

“We dream big,” said Student Body President Sabrina Niku. “But we’ve also had to stay grounded, adapt and figure things out. No matter what came our way, we landed on our feet, and we did it together.”

In between speeches delivered by seniors Sarah Zhang, Aunaleah Ellis and Ruby Matenko-Lowenstein, attendees enjoyed live musical performances by the BHHS Symphony Orchestra and BHHS Madrigals. 

“It’s clear to me that no matter what we do, we’ve embraced this idea of being noble. And now, we have become our own unique set of stars to navigate by. And the ground is what keeps us steady—the foundation built by our family, friends, and community,” said Zhang.

“The greatest gift we can give to each other is each other,” Ellis told students.

Matenko-Lowenstein reflected on the bells students would hear throughout the school day indicating a moment of transition. “Up until now, we, the class of 2025, have been a collective unit, all hearing the same bell at the same times—bells that were helping us along to where we were supposed to go next, up until our very last day at Beverly. As we officially leave this era of our life behind, we will not hear these bells together anymore. Each of us will be on our own individual paths moving forward.” 

The post Beverly Hills High School Class of 2025 Celebrates Graduation appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The board also approved the implementation of a Spanish dual language program in the city’s elementary schools. 

“I think this is the most exciting, phenomenal, amazing board meeting I have attended in the past two-and-a-half years,” said Board Vice President Judy Manouchehri of the two new initiatives. 

In a presentation about the proposed restructuring of the College and Career Counseling Center, Dr. Dustin Seemann, the district’s assistant superintendent, education services, articulated the need for more counselors at the high school level. 

Currently, the College and Career Center employs five academic counselors, one college counselor and two wellness counselors. Seemann recommended transitioning that structure to four freshman and sophomore transition and academic counselors, four junior and senior academic and college counselors, one wellness counselor and one director of counseling. 

“[Our] recommendation is increasing opportunity, access and exposure for our school counseling program, specifically starting at [Beverly Hills High School],” he said, adding, “We are really coming to you and making a recommendation to redesign the way that we have seen our school counseling program functions at the high school.” 

The counselors focusing on freshmen and sophomores would be responsible for meeting with incoming eighth-grade families, collaborating with teachers and parents, and guiding students through the transition to high school. 

“That team, I kind of jokingly called it our hug,” Seemann said. “It is the team that is welcoming and transitioning all of our families, not just the students but all of our families, parents, all of our stakeholders, into the high school.” 

The counselors focusing on juniors and seniors would meet individually with second-semester sophomores, liaise with college admissions representatives and guide students and parents through the college testing and application process. 

The board approved the request unanimously. 

“When they evaluate you for a Distinguished School or a Blue Ribbon School, and also U.S. News & World Report, one of the metrics is those who not only applied to four-year schools but were accepted and matriculate,” said Board Member Dr. Amanda Stern. “So, it definitely is in our best interest to fortify the supports for that.” 

Seemann also conducted a presentation to inform the board about progress on implementing a Spanish dual language program in the city’s elementary schools. The program, which would be called the Dual Language Academy, would be introduced in one kindergarten classroom and one first-grade classroom at both El Rodeo and Horace Mann Elementary Schools in the fall. 

The program would follow a one-way immersion structure, meaning the majority of students enrolled would be native English speakers learning Spanish. 

The board approved the initiative with enthusiasm. 

“I wholeheartedly support this,” said Manouchehri. “I believe this is another game changer for our district.”

The district will hold a dual enrollment parent meeting on June 11 to answer questions about the program from the community. 

At the board meeting, Board President Rachelle Marcus debuted a new video series called “Mrs. Marcus Meets.” In it, Marcus meets with teachers and staff throughout the district to highlight their work. 

According to a statement from the district, the series aims to showcase BHUSD’s core values of excellence, integrity, wellness, inclusion, safety and community.

The first episode features Marcus in conversation with Beverly Vista Middle School (BVMS) Musical Theatre teacher Dr. Fred Pinto. The two discuss how Pinto knew he wanted to work with kids, the school’s recent performance of “The Addams Family” and what he enjoys about working at BVMS. 

New episodes will continue to air throughout the year. 

In other business, the board approved educational technology tools for the 2025-26 school year, including such products as iReady, BrainPOP and Classtime. The approval followed a discussion in which several board members expressed concern that the district is moving toward more screen time for students rather than less. 

“Is there something we can do, because we’re really trying to get away from screen time for the K, 1 through 2 and 2 through 3,” said Board Member Sigalie Sabag. 

Seemann noted that the tools have been carefully vetted by school administrators and staff.

“My answer would be, I’m making the recommendation to purchase [these tools],” he said, later adding, “I can promise you we are not plugging and playing students.” 

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The cohort of this year’s Off the Chart award recipients work in a wide variety of medical branches, from oncology to neonatal care, and occupy various positions including nurse coordinator and nurse practitioner. 

Award recipient Laura Alfonso Guerra, an inpatient oncology nurse navigator from UCLA Health, said that receiving the award was “an unexpected honor.”

“To be included amongst so many people that are so passionate and caring about the nursing profession is really such an honor and privilege,” Guerra told the Courier. “It really does inspire you and make you reignited into the nursing profession and the reason why we all started to be nurses in the first place.” 

Guerra entered the nursing profession 13 years ago, saying she always liked helping people and nursing just suited her personality. Working in oncology, she noticed the need for patients to receive support as they transition from the hospital to outpatient clinics. 

Executive Director of Off the Chart, Rachel Barchie, highlighted additional stories of some of the award recipients, including those who entered the profession through unconventional paths. One nurse left school to become a caregiver, eventually navigating her way through the healthcare system as an immigrant who only spoke Spanish. Another nurse, motivated by his upbringing with his grandparents in Taiwan, entered the field of behavioral health to serve the particular needs of the Chinese American elderly community. 

By sharing nurses’ stories and experiences, Off the Chart hopes to “bring increased visibility and attention to nursing expertise,” said Barchie. 

The Off the Chart campaign began in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the global need for nurses was increasingly becoming more urgent despite a declining workforce. This especially concerned Co-Founder of Off the Chart, Victoria Mann Simms, who experienced the extraordinary care of nurses when her father fell ill nearly 30 years ago.

Through recognizing nurses excelling in their field, Off the Chart aims to shine a light on their often under-recognized work in hopes of reversing the declining workforce trend. 

Johnese Spisso, President of UCLA Health and a registered nurse herself, spoke with Mann Simms and Nurse Economist Shawna Butler about a 2025 report from the International Council of Nurses. The report cited a chronic underinvestment in the nursing workforce and thus, investing in nurses would yield a greater return on investment, healthier populations, and a stronger local economy as a result. 

Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Off the Chart’s health system partners faced extraordinary challenges this year, particularly when mammoth wildfires devastated parts of Los Angeles in January. 

For example, City of Hope had to relocate their infusion centers due to wildfire smoke but continued to provide infusions to cancer patients. Nurse practitioner and award recipient from Keck Medicine of USC, Jacquelyn Kauilani-Paige, continued to provide support to patients, despite losing her home during the wildfire. UCLA Health’s Lindsay Calac, also an award recipient, worked to devise new plans for patient transfers during emergency situations, such as the wildfires. A fraction of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s staff was forced to evacuate or lost their homes.

“It’s been heavy on our minds, and people are still recovering or still homeless,” Cedars-Sinai Chief Nursing Executive, David Marshall, told the Courier. “It makes it a little sweeter this year to have this recognition.” 

Despite these challenges, the campaign’s health system partners continued to make their partnership with Off the Chart a priority. 

“We’re hoping that people will open their minds and open their thoughts to the importance of nurses,” Mann Simms told the Courier. “We rely on them for lots of stuff and we don’t realize it. They’re very overlooked.”

“Our goal is to move nurses from invisible to invaluable,” said Mann Simms. 

The post Off the Chart Recognizes Nurses with $10,000 Awards appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The 2025 summer line-up:

June 5: Upstream (Reggae, Steel Drum, Soca, Calypso)

June 12: Country nation (Country)

June 19: Forward Motion Band (Funk, R&B, Jazz) 

June 26: The Funky Warhols (Disco Tribute) 

July 3: Smokin’ Cobras (Rockin’ Oldies) 

July 10: As If (90’s Tribute) 

July 17: No concert

July 24: Joyce Partise (Brazilian bossa nova)

July 31: Neon Nation (80’s Tribute)

Aug. 7 : Rod Lightning and the Thunderbolts of Love (Classic Rock Tribute)

Aug. 14: Leslie Paul & the Latin Soul Band (Salsa/Latin Jazz)

Aug. 21: The Tokens (Doo-Wop/Pop)

For more information about Concerts on Canon and the bands, visit beverlyhills.org/csevents or call 310-285-1000.  

The post Concerts on Canon Summer Season Begins June 5 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

At a second-floor room in City Hall, Beverly Hills Fire Chief Gregory Barton and Assistant Fire Chief – Fire Marshal Trevor Richmond presented information to nearly a dozen attendees about how the maps were created and what they will mean for residents.

The new maps, which classify fire hazard severity zones throughout the state, were released by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) on March 24. 

The maps designate regions throughout the state as moderate, high or very high fire hazard severity zones. The new VHFHSZ areas in Beverly Hills are primarily located south of Sunset Boulevard in residential blocks stretching south to Lomitas and Elevado Avenues. 

Residents whose property is located in VHFHSZ must adhere to state laws that govern maintenance in the areas immediately around their homes, such as the reduction of intense fuel within 5 feet of the building and managing vegetation up to 100 feet from the building.

To create the new maps, Cal Fire used updated systems that account more accurately for wind patterns that might blowembers into urban areas. Beverly Hills’ new classifications reflect that increased predicting ability.  

Mayor Sharona Nazarian opened the May 28 information session, emphasizing in a brief speech that the maps were developed by state officials, not city officials. Nazarian said that because of Beverly Hills’ exceptional fire department and emergency response plans, she does not believe that the city should have been subject to a one-size-fits-all mapping process.

“We’ve tried to be an advocate for our residents,” she said. “We’ve gone to Sacramento; I myself have met with various lawmakers to try to be a voice for our community … Our fire department is class one, internationally recognized; they have a less than four-minute response time, which is unheard of in any other city. These are things that, unfortunately, the state doesn’t recognize, and they’ve lumped everybody into the same mapping.”

Nazarian encouraged residents to reach out to their elected officials to “let them know that this is unacceptable.” 

Barton reiterated Nazarian’s stance, stressing that there is little elected officials in Beverly Hills can do to push back against the new classifications. 

“We don’t have a lot of say in what we’re going to do … but I think it’s important to realize that because of the [City] Council, because of the community and what we provide to the city and to the community itself, you’re very well protected,” he said. 

Richmond noted that fire officials’ goal is not to enforce the code in a punitive manner, but to educate and protect the community. 

“It’s an opportunity for us as a city to really look at things that we can do in the community to reduce risk,” he said. 

All properties that are newly located in the VHFHSZ will now require annual brush inspections. Residents who own those properties will receive mailers on how to maintain defensible space and will be visited by fire officials who will help assess “what brush clearance looks like for you,” Richmond said.

“If I walk around your home and I find a woodpile against the side of your house, and I’m afraid that an ember’s going to land in that and then catch that woodpile on fire, and catch your eaves on fire and your attics on fire, and then we’re off to the races,” he said, “I’m going to tell you to pull that wood pile away from the home.” 

Questions were raised by attendees about how the new regulations will affect insurance rates, what to do about neighbors who do not adequately clear brush and whether an increased campaign by residents might influence state lawmakers on this issue.  

The post Fire Officials Hold Education Campaign for Wildfire Zoning Maps appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

This group of students holds a special place in the school’s history. They were in kindergarten when the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly changed the world, and virtual learning, mask mandates and social distancing became part of their early education. The class of 2025 is also the first to graduate from the school since reconfiguration in 2019 when all students were relocated to Hawthorne Elementary School during the construction of the new campus. 

“This year is the year of firsts,” Principal Sarah Kaber said. “You were the first to decorate these brand-new walls with butterflies from the Butterfly Project, a bright symbol of transformation. And today, you are the first students to be promoted from this auditorium, standing at the threshold to your next big adventure. Today, we look back not just at what’s behind us, but as far as you all have come. Each of you has grown in knowledge and character and confidence, and today, we honor every part of your story, your struggles, your successes, your friendship, and your growth.”

The ceremony also included fifth graders singing the school’s alma mater, remarks from teachers, and speeches by several students who shared memories and reflected on their journey over the last five years. 

“Can you believe we started as sweet, adorable kindergarteners who were scared of the dark, and now we have become the shining light for those who come after us?” Julia Razi said. “In the past years, we’ve learned a lot. From reading “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss to writing five-paragraph essays about climate change, from adding two plus two to multiplying fractions, from learning to color in between the lines to sculpting a ceramic butterfly.”

“COVID made school weird and hard at times, but it also showed us how strong we are,” Theodore Benyamin said. “We learned to adapt, to be flexible, and to keep going even when things didn’t go perfectly, like when Zoom froze because the Wi-Fi went out, and it made us look like we were frozen in space. If that wasn’t enough change, we also moved from Hawthorne to this new, beautiful campus, El Rodeo.”

Students paid homage to their time at Hawthorne, highlighting carnivals, Pajamarama, Halloween parades, and movie nights, as well as the cherished experiences that shaped their time at El Rodeo, which included an overnight field trip in the Santa Monica Mountains, dance parties, and a multicultural day. 

As cameras flashed and the 106 students were awarded their certificates, it was clear that this wasn’t just a graduation—it was truly a milestone. Moving on to Beverly Vista Middle School, these fifth graders leave behind not only a legacy of resilience but also a foundation for future classes to build upon. 

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The balmy evening marked the start of summer in Beverly Hills, as both residents and tourists alike crowded around the gardens to watch the performance. Several audience members made an evening of the event, bringing chairs, blankets and picnics to the grassy area outside The Maybourne Beverly Hills, with seats filling up quickly. However, this didn’t stop a full turnout, as many more guests joined the crowd, choosing to stand throughout the whole performance. Brief intermissions by a six-piece jazz ensemble featuring two cellists, a saxophonist and a drummer allowed Zahra to rest her vocal cords between songs, with the jazz band performing classic hits such as “Just the Two of Us” and “Isn’t She Wonderful?”

A proud Beverly Hills native and Beverly Hills High School alumna, Zahra has been singing professionally since the age of 12 and now pursues opera full time after studying in Italy under legendary soprano Barbara Frittoli. Zahra, who won the 2015 Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight Award and was a finalist for the 2022 Rai Radio’s “Voice in Barcaccia” international opera competition, has performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Royce Hall and the Saban Theatre with ensembles including The Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, Burbank Philharmonic, Southeast Symphony, The Dream Orchestra and LA Opera. 

Heralded as “the rising star of the opera world” and “a promising young opera singer” by the Los Angeles Times, Zahra is renowned for her impressive vocal range and distinctive voice that captures both the softness and strength of the operatic tones she delivers. At the age of 16, she performed at the Beverly Hills Centennial, and with her Californian roots clearly close to her heart, Zahra returned to the stage in Beverly Hills once again for this event, generously providing the concert free of charge in her hometown. 

It’s safe to say that Zahra, who is currently studying with celebrity voice teacher Bill Schuman in New York, wowed the audience with her operatic renditions. Speaking to the Courier during the concert, one attendee, Sarah Golding, said, “It’s wonderful to see a young person singing opera. That’s not something you see very often; [Zahra] has a beautiful voice, she’s very talented and it’s great to see so much of the community out to support her today.”

Taking a bow after performing, Zahra graciously received several lavish bouquets of flowers from spectators as the concert came to a close with rapturous applause around 7:15 p.m. Her next concert will be held on June 13 at St. Monica’s Church in Santa Monica, where Zahra will be joined by the world-renowned Dream Orchestra conducted by Daniel Suk. 

The post Soprano Golda Zahra Performs at Beverly Canon Gardens appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I’m an alum; I’m really excited to give back to the school that gave me so much,” he told the Courier. “A lot of our alumni feel the same way.” 

To meet that goal, Gilardian has focused his work on showcasing the district’s wins and accomplishments. Those have included informing the community about where Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) seniors are heading for college and celebrating successful events on BHUSD campuses. 

Most recently, Gilardian has developed a social media series in which BHUSD alumni are paired with current middle and high school students who share the same career interests for a filmed conversation. 

So far, he said, the conversations have been inspiring. 

“You can see that on-camera chemistry,” he said. “You can feel it.”

The idea for the series came to Gilardian as soon as he started his current position. Noticing that the news coming out of BHUSD tended to focus on the negative rather than the positive, he decided to work to change that. 

“It’s very important to talk about [problems]; that’s critical and needs our attention,” he said. “But our students are winning every single day. That’s been my goal, to showcase their wins. Students are one of our most important constituents.” 

To identify student participants for the social media series, Gilardian said he relies on administrative staff at the schools. 

“Our high school and middle school administrative teams know our kids so well,” he said. “They know their interests … I will say, ‘Hey, I have an alumnus’ [in a certain field], and they will say, ‘I have the perfect student for you.’”

On the alumni side, Gilardian consults the extensive network of the BHHS Alumni Association. The district’s graduates keep in close touch, and many have gone into exciting fields after graduating. 

“For the alumni who stay in touch, the network is very strong,” said Gilardian. 

Many alumni want to give back but don’t know how. For people who fall into that group, teaming up for a conversation with an existing student can provide the perfect opportunity. 

The episodes are filmed at BHHS, and for many former students, it’s a trip down memory lane. 

“We are trying to find an iconic part of campus that represents what [the student and alumni] both went through,” Gilardian said. 

The first episode of the social media series, which Gilardian expects will air in the next week or two, was filmed on the high school’s second-floor patio. The episode features BHHS student Gunnar Walmsley and alumna Antonia Carlotta. 

Carlotta is a film historian and the great-grandniece of Carl Laemmle, the film producer and co-founder of Universal Studios. She runs a YouTube channel, Universally Me, in which she delves into her family’s history and the history of the film industry in general. 

Walmsley is on the broadcast media pathway at BHHS. When the two spoke, Walmsley was “beyond excited and passionate about the topic,” said Gilardian. 

Going forward, Gilardian hopes the series will serve not only to connect alumni and students and showcase BHHS graduates’ accomplishments, but also to bring the community together. 

“The schools, in my opinion, are the center of the city,” he said. “We want to strengthen that connection, that bond.” 

For now, student participants in the social media series are limited to middle school and high school, but Gilardian hopes to film as many episodes as possible and could see a future in which the opportunity is opened up to younger students who may be interested. 

Episodes will air on BHUSD’s website, YouTube channel, Instagram and Facebook. Alumni who are interested in participating can email alumni@bhusd.org.  

The post BHUSD Social Media Series Pairs Alumni and Students in Conversation appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The council expressed enthusiasm for the exhibition and its contribution to the vibrant arts culture in Beverly Hills, voting to approve the proposed exhibition at the evening’s Regular Meeting.

The Great Elephant Migration is an ongoing, traveling art exhibition delivered by Elephant Family USA, a UK-based charity that works to protect wildlife through creativity and storytelling. 

Launched in July 2024 in Newport, Rhode Island, the exhibition has made its way from the East to the West Coast, with stops in New York City, Miami Beach and Houston.  

The exhibition publicly displays 100 Iife-sized Indian elephant sculptures, often in urban areas, promoting the coexistence between humans and wildlife. Each sculpture is based on a real elephant roaming through the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, India. The sculptures were created by The Real Elephant Collective, a group of 200 Indigenous artisans from the Tamil Nadu region, who live close to and navigate space with those real elephants. 

The elephants will be displayed along six blocks of Beverly Gardens Park from late June to early August 2025. An on-site manager and volunteers will be present during daytime operating hours to welcome guests and provide information about the exhibition. 

Co-founders of the exhibition, Ruth Ganesh and Fiona Humphrey, presented their organization’s mission, decision to choose Beverly Hills, previous installations in different cities, and logistics surrounding the exhibition’s delivery. 

“Why Beverly Hills? You’re so famous, everybody wants to come here, but perhaps your less famous residents are the answer to that question–your bobcats, your mountain lions, your coyotes–who are about to be part of the world’s greatest wildlife story, which is of course the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing,” said Ganesh. 

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a vegetated overpass designed to facilitate the safe passage of wildlife across the U.S. 101 Freeway. The crossing is currently under construction and slated to open in 2026.

Humphrey gave assurances that Elephant Family USA is committed to free transportation of the sculptures to and from Beverly Hills, free installation and deinstallation of the exhibition, free rental charges for the exhibition, and for covering the costs for overnight security and  necessary irrigation replacement. 

The council also heard a presentation from the city’s Director of Finance, Jeff Muir, introducing the formation of a Community Facilities District (CFD) to help finance eligible public improvements necessitated by the One Beverly Hills project.

The aim of the presentation was to provide the council with an explanation of what a CFD is and its connection to the One Beverly Hills project.

A CFD is a special financing district that allows municipal government agencies to fund public improvements and infrastructure. Property owners within the CFD boundaries would pay a special tax in addition to regular property taxes. The formation of a CFD is a public process governed by state law that typically takes three to six months. The process would be initiated by the City Council and then approved by a two-thirds vote by property owners who lie within the proposed CFD boundaries. If the CFD is approved, a Notice of Special Tax Lien is recorded, which formally establishes the CFD and the property owners’ special tax obligations. 

CFDs typically fund public “backbone infrastructure,” such as street improvements, park maintenance and sewer improvements. 

After developers of the One Beverly Hills project expressed a request to pursue a CFD in 2024, the city assembled a team of financial advisors and legal professionals to assist in navigating the formation of the CFD. 

Councilmembers expressed the need to make information about CFDs as widely available to the public as possible, such as the risks and benefits to both property owners and the city. 

Additional items at the Study Session included an update from the Traffic and Parking Commission, which recommended Beverly Hills resident Michael Karric to replace outgoing Commissioner Sharon Ignarro. City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey also asked the council to review and provide direction on different City Commission priorities for the 2025-26 fiscal year.  

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The group, Promoting Alternatives to Unhealthy Screen Exposure (PAUSE), began meeting formally this school year. Dr. Rashelle Hakak, a clinical psychologist and founding member of PAUSE, said the idea to organize came when she and other members recognized the pervasive parental concern about screen time, both in and out of school.

“It was basically a bunch of parents who wanted change, and so we just started meeting,” she said. “We kind of created a checklist of what we wanted to get done.”

The group’s goals include encouraging parents not to provide their children with smartphones before eighth grade, developing a comprehensive understanding of how screens are used in BHUSD classrooms and pushing for change where necessary. 

PAUSE has signed a pledge with Wait Until 8th, a national campaign encouraging school communities to commit to not giving students smartphones until eighth grade. 

In terms of getting a clear picture of how screens—including iPads, tablets and laptops—are used in classrooms, Hakak said that PAUSE hopes to work closely with BHUSD officials.  

“We’re really trying to implement change and work more closely with the school district in a positive way,” she said. 

Dr. Dustin Seemann, the district’s assistant superintendent, education services said BHUSD officials share these goals. 

“My work with PAUSE is really around ensuring that we’re protecting our students’ social-emotional health and making sure that we are allowing them an environment in education to be able to focus on their academics,” he said. 

According to Seemann, Beverly Hills elementary school students spend an approximate average of 30 minutes per week on i-Ready, an online reading and math program that offers personalized instruction and diagnostics. Students receive approximately 1,590 minutes of instruction per week in total. 

“One of the myths when we launched i-Ready as an assessment diagnostic tool for differentiated learning [was that students] were always plugged in,” he said. “It’s actually incorrect … it’s really only 30 minutes in the week.”

Seemann also said that the program provides benefits to students who may be at different levels of reading and math. The technology is able to offer students a chance, for example, to read the same story or passage in class but at different levels. 

“Our kids don’t know that one kid may be reading at a higher level than the other kid,” he said. “They just know that they’re reading the same story … the differentiation piece has really been a game changer for education, period.” 

Some parents with PAUSE disagree about the positive effects of screens. Speaking at the BHUSD Board’s May 13 meeting, Dr. Jane Tavyev Asher, a child neurologist and founding member of PAUSE, said that neurological research has shown a connection between handwriting and reading capabilities that deteriorates if students use laptops or tablets instead. 

“If you type the information, it does not connect the same structures in the brain together as it does if you write it,” she said. “I really urge you … to please not have any iPads in the classroom at all at those young ages … definitely not in pre-K, not in K, not in first grade.”

There has been recent concern as well among parents over what students are able to access on their school-issued computers. Also speaking at the May 13 board meeting, Dr. Pantea Farhadi, a BHUSD parent, said her 8-year-old son was “exposed to sexual content” online. 

“His teacher placed him out of the classroom unattended with an iPad,” she said. 

Seemann said he was aware of the incident, which occurred when the student viewed a Wikipedia page with a graphic illustration, and that officials addressed it immediately. 

“As soon as we realized that was a potential threat, we were able to shut that [page] off and close it off from the student elementary devices,” he said. “We will consistently put student safety at the forefront of the conversation.”

Hakak said this type of incident speaks to a disconnect between the district office and the classrooms. 

“I don’t think they’re fully aware that the children, during any free time, that they’re allowed to be on their computers,” she said. “They’re unsupervised on a screen.” 

The post Parents Seek to Reduce Screen Time at BHUSD Elementary Schools appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

As the city of Los Angeles stands, people are now in rebuild mode. Even if you were not directly affected by the fires, you were affected. People have come together in unity, and through this shared grieving process, a renewed sense of love and respect has emerged for this extraordinary city and for all that live here. It feels like the younger generation is stepping up with inspiration and the needed energy to help get their lost communities and homes back. This is true of a group of older generations as well, but we are also seeing many in later life stages using this tragedy to downsize or change geographics, maybe even to an unknown area. Some feel if they have to start over and cannot have their known safety and familiarity, then they want to completely start fresh. Or, they may decide to preemptively make lifestyle shifts to align with retirement plans they had been considering for the years to come. Some people are even leaving the city altogether to be closer to family or try a new chapter. It seems like human nature makes these changes and jumps into action, and it comes into fruition in different ways for different people as we are witnessing.

Through it all, we have seen remarkable resilience — both in humanity and the overall market. Over two dozen homes sold for $20 million or more in Q1 2025 just after the January fires, and 310 homes sold for between $5 million and 11 million. Right now, it still seems insurance has helped place many of the displaced families. In the next several months we will see another uptick in sales as these fire victims will need to make permanent moves and decisions once they see that the rebuilding of these devastated areas is projected to take at least five years to completely rebound.

Where are the buyers settling in is another question I’m often asked. Many buyers have migrated to areas like Los Feliz, the Valley, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Some went into rentals in beach areas like Manhattan and Laguna Beach. Brentwood was the initial beneficiary of post-fire relocations, but the demand for homes has since spread citywide, reshaping both pricing and inventory across all of Los Angeles. The one thing that rings true for all the fire victims and non-fire victims alike is that the “Three Ds” have now turned into the “Four Ds” of what drives the real estate market: death, debt, divorce and now disaster. We will see a rebound from this disaster like every drastic fall. Whether it’s a financial crisis or just a cyclical change, “What goes down must come up.” In a metropolis as great as the special Los Angeles, one of the greatest cities in the world, we are sure to see a market recovery, and also some may regret not getting involved in the opportunity that arose from the destruction.

So … how is the real estate market in Los Angeles? Resilient, active, and full of heart. Despite the major setback, the market remains strong—driven by deep community ties and an unwavering belief in the city’s future. Sales are down just 3% since the fires, a remarkable indicator of stability given the scale of destruction. Leases, new acquisitions and re-trades are fueling activity, and momentum is building as buyers, developers and displaced families work to restore these neighborhoods—one lot, one family and one project at a time.

It’s been just four months since the tragedy, yet homeowners are securing insurance, properties are changing hands, and permits are being pulled. While questions remain about what, where, and how to rebuild, progress is well underway. We will all wish we bought in 2025. History is being written in real time—by those committed to seeing Los Angeles rise again. 

Specializing in high-end real estate, Rayni Romito Williams has established a remarkable record with more than $17.1 billion total career sales with her partner and husband, Branden Williams. Her in-depth knowledge of market trends and luxury inventory, paired with her energetic and confident disposition, has made her one of the nation’s top-producing female agents.

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Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 in 2023 and emerged from a financial restructuring process last September, but the company has continued to face significant challenges. According to a May 5 letter addressed to pharmacy benefit managers from Owen McMahon, Group Vice President of Enterprise Pharmaceutical Purchasing at Rite Aid, “These challenges have only intensified as a result of the rapidly evolving retail and healthcare landscapes in which Rite Aid operates.” 

On that same day, the chain once again filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Many locations will be shuttered nationwide, but the Canon Drive location was not listed in its recent store closure list as of a May 9 filing. 

Zach Zalben, a commercial real estate developer who owns many pharmacy locations, tells the Courier that the Canon Drive location is likely in the 10 ten highest pharmacy sales (rumored to be in the $25 million range) of any retail pharmacy in the United States.  

The property on which Rite Aid sits is owned by the Charles Company, a West Hollywood-based commercial and residential real estate development firm run by Mark and Arman Gabay. The 24,553-square-foot brick structure was built in 1967 as a retail pharmacy and a Crown Books, for those who remember. According to documents reviewed by the Courier, Rite Aid’s lease expires at the end of 2025, with an option to extend for an additional five years. 

 “If they don’t have that many years left on the lease, what will happen is that the landlord will be the one who really has the opportunity to call the shots,” commercial real estate agent Richard Rizika told the Courier. “What often happens is someone will come in, like a CVS or Walgreens, and say, ‘I agree to go ahead and take that over, as long as you give me the time to negotiate with the landlord to get a longer lease term.’”

“I think the landlord and the creditors of Rite Aid should come up with a collaboration where both the fee simple owner and the leaseholder, Rite Aid, win,” another prominent Beverly Hills developer told the Courier. “It probably should involve the developer just paying Rite Aid to walk away from their below-market lease so they can put a worthwhile development there. I think they’re keeping the Canon location in the near term, and because it’s such a good lease and such a good store, I think this is one of very few Rite Aids that survive.”

Rite Aid has notified customers that most of the stores slated for closure will stay open for at least the next few months.  With many of their locations, Rite Aid is looking to sell its prescriptions, pharmacy front-end inventory, and other assets to new owners. For the time being, they will continue to offer pharmacy services, but the company stated it is working to ensure a “smooth transfer of customer prescriptions to other pharmacies.”
Rite Aid has not responded to requests for an official comment about the Canon Drive location. But, “Alice,” a shift supervisor at the location who did not want to provide her last name, told the Courier, “It’s a roller coaster …“We know that they’re all closing but we don’t know exactly when.” 

The post Beverly Hills Rite Aid Not Listed Among Bankruptcy Closures appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

More than 200 artists will display their works along four blocks of the park from Rodeo Dive to Rexford Drive. The biannual event is held every May and October and draws thousands to Beverly Hills. 

Artists will showcase their work in 10 categories including painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, drawing, watercolor, traditional printmaking, photography and digital art, jewelry and more.  In addition to the art, the event will include gourmet food trucks, a beer and wine garden and a Creative Zone. 

Featured artists this year include Serhii Fomichov, from Ukraine, who creates small to large-scale sculptures using glass; Alex Paul, classically trained in Italy, who creates graphite drawings and first-time jewelry-maker Zhan Zhan.

The show’s newest partner, Los Angeles Printmaking Society (LAPS), a national nonprofit dedicated to the encouragement of printmaking and the artists who make prints, will feature four demonstrating artists at their booth in front of the Lily Pond in Beverly Gardens Park.    

Additionally, Stacy Nalapraya, a Los Angeles-based chalk artist, will be demonstrating her work near the food trucks on Saturday. 

Artists’ demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.  For a full schedule of demonstrations and Creative Zone activities, visit beverlyhills.org/artshow.   

The post Beverly Hills Art Show Taking Place This Weekend appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

She helped lead the Academic Decathlon team to the state level, earned top medals across subjects and conducted award-winning science research focused on food preservation. She also worked to expand sustainability efforts through City Greens, BHHS’s hydroponic gardening initiative.

In addition to her academic achievements, Kruger completed a Russian immersion program in Latvia, tutored elementary school students and served an internship at the Beverly Hills City Manager’s Office under Nancy Hunt-Coffey. 

“Karina is one of the most talented interns we have had. Her research and analytical skills are excellent. I have taught at the graduate level at both UCLA and USC and I believe that her work rivaled that of my graduate students,” Hunt-Coffey told the Courier.   

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The sisters were presented with the Trailblazer Award by Samuel L. Jackson. “Everyone in this room knows Wendy,” Jackson said. “When it comes to needing help or information or a doctor … Wendy is the first call to make.” Goldberg is a New York Times bestselling author and philanthropist who also worked as a creative partner with her late husband, film and television producer Leonard Goldberg. Her son John Mirisch is presently the vice mayor of Beverly Hills.

“I can’t imagine my life without her,” Jackson said when introducing Howard. “She’s been my agent, friend, consigliere, someone who is to high-stakes blackjack what Superman is to hero comics. She’s been my hero for at least 30 years.” A revered agent in the industry, Howard has represented Jackson for decades. Her client list also includes the likes of Michael Keaton, James Spader, Goldie Hawn, Diane Lane, Christopher Walken, Michael Caine, and more. 

The sisters then sat down for a fireside chat moderated by their longtime friend, Judge Judy Sheindlin. “I came to Hollywood at the tender age of 52,” Sheindlin said. “If anyone had suggested to me that 30 years later, I would be standing here celebrating these two fabulous women, I would have said, ‘What are you smoking?’” Having met Howard 27 years ago, Sheindlin described her as the most gifted agent in Hollywood and Goldberg as a philanthropic mountain climber. 

“Women’s Guild, you have my supreme admiration for all that you do,” Howard said. She went on to praise the level of care at Cedars-Sinai hospital, which she witnessed firsthand this year, after her husband had been hospitalized on two occasions. “I was moved by the kindness and the enthusiasm shown by your staff. David loves talking to people, and no matter what someone’s job was, he ended up having a conversation with them … Everyone put such energy and joy into their work.”

When Sheindlin asked Goldberg why she gives so much of her time and energy to the Women’s Guild, she responded matter-of-factly: “If one is privileged and has the wherewithal to do it, you do it.” 

In addition to having some of Hollywood’s biggest names present, the luncheon was emceed by “Entertainment Tonight” host Nischelle Turner. Just outside the Crystal Ballroom, an Elysewalker pop-up boutique was also set up for the event, and 10% of the proceeds went to the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai. Since its inception, the Women’s Guild has raised over $70 million for Cedars-Sinai. 

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More than 100 people had gathered at Beverly Gardens Park on the 27th to celebrate President Donald Trump and encourage voters to leave the Democratic Party. Organized by a group called the #WalkAway Foundation, the rally also featured a speech from former U.S. Attorney General nominee and former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who lauded President Trump’s policies and decried the Democratic Party.

The rally, which was called the “American Restoration Tour,” began in West Hollywood around 1 p.m. The 40 or so Trump supporters were outnumbered by about 80 counter-protesters outside the Pavilions supermarket. Rally participants held signs that said “#WalkAway from the Left” while counter-protesters held signs that said, “No kings, no Nazis, no fascists,” and “Make America gay again.” Rally participants began marching down Santa Monica Boulevard toward Beverly Hills around 1:30 p.m., where counter-protesters followed them, chanting “No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA” and “You are Nazis” to the #WalkAway participants. The rally remained mostly peaceful, despite protesters on both sides verbally confronting each other along the march route.

The march was led by Brandon Straka, the founder of #WalkAway, who was pardoned by President Trump after being convicted of a misdemeanor for disorderly conduct during his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

The marchers arrived at Beverly Gardens Park around 2 p.m., where a larger crowd gathered to hear speakers while carrying Trump flags, Israeli flags and flags that said, “Don’t tread on me,” as well as “Jesus is King.” During his speech, Gaetz called on people to leave the Democratic Party, which he said had “turned what was paradise over to the homeless and illegal aliens,” in reference to California.

“If you come to our side, we will welcome you with a patriotic embrace,” he said during the speech. “We will give you an opportunity to be prosperous and successful. We want gas and energy to be affordable for people. We want groceries to be attainable.”

After Gaetz spoke, Shiva Bagheri, the president of the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally and a former candidate for both Beverly Hills City Council and the California State Assembly, gave a speech in which she blamed the media, the left and public education for creating a “mass psychosis” in the U.S.

Roman Drake, a Beverly Hills resident who attended the rally and has been active in the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally group, said the turnout made him proud to be a resident of Beverly Hills. Drake added that he likes what President Trump has done in his first 100 days in office and believes the economy will start booming and gas prices will begin to decrease over the summer.

“We all love America. We’re really happy that Trump won, and we love coming together,” he said. 

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Edan On, who was a Beverly Hills High School senior during the May 30, 2024, attack, was charged with alleged assault and battery and brandishing a deadly weapon, LA City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced in an April 25 press release. On was recorded striking pro-Palestine protesters at UCLA with a long white pole while wearing a white face mask during an attack by counter-protesters on the encampment, which also included setting off fireworks and releasing irritant gases against the protesters gathered in Dickson Plaza. On was initially arrested in May after CNN published an investigation that revealed his involvement in the attack and was later released on bail.

George Gascón, the Los Angeles District Attorney at the time of the encampment, announced in June 2024 that his office would not charge On with a felony, and instead referred On’s case to the City Attorney’s Office for a potential misdemeanor. Gascón said that his office could not determine that On’s actions resulted in an injury against the victim or that he was working in collaboration with others. 

The announcement of On’s charges came in a release stating that the City Attorney had decided not to file criminal charges on most arrests made during the encampment. The office received more than 300 arrest referrals related to protests on both UCLA and USC’s campuses during April and May 2024. The UCLA Police Department referred 245 arrests to her office from protests on campus during May. 

In addition to On, the only other person criminally charged was 31-year-old Matthew Katz. He faces charges of assault and battery, false imprisonment and human trafficking and resisting arrest. Three other individuals will face hearings with the City Attorney for their conduct during protests at both UCLA and USC’s campuses.

“Most of these cases were declined for evidentiary reasons or due to a university’s failure or inability to assist in identification or other information needed for prosecution. Both universities were also the scene of arrests for criminal conduct that compromised the safety of other individuals or the public, for which other filing decisions, including criminal charges, have been made,” Soto’s office said in the press release. 

The post Former Beverly High Student Charged for UCLA Encampment Attack appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The suit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on April 25 by Natonda “Bella” Ivory and Jarvis Turner. Both plaintiffs are Black. 

“Schools ought to be teaching tolerance and equality,” Bradley Gage, the attorney representing Ivory and Turner, told the Courier, “not tolerating prejudice and inequality.”

According to the complaint, Turner, who worked as a basketball coach and Sports Marketing/Business and Finance teacher beginning in 2010, first alerted district officials to his concern about discrimination when a student made a racist social media post in 2018. 

The following year, he received an email to his school account calling him a “n—–.” After receiving a “nonchalant” response from his supervisor, former BHUSD Executive Director of Athletics Tim Ellis, Turner filed a police report with the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD). 

Turner also claims in the complaint that he received calls from students on his cell phone using “racial epithets” and in-person verbal mistreatment from parents who used “derogatory racial stereotypes,” and that the police were called on him when he was in the gym coaching the basketball team.

Ivory, who worked at the school from 2020 until 2025, alleges in the suit that after starting her tenure at BHHS as an Introduction to Fashion instructor and co-teacher of costume design, she was subject to ongoing discrimination and harassment. 

In February 2022, after a cafeteria employee allegedly cursed at her and refused to serve her, then-Assistant Principal Torray Johnson told Ivory that because of her race, she “needed to be quiet, meek, passive, and compliant with white counterparts,” according to the complaint.

The situation escalated throughout 2023 and 2024 and reached a climax on Nov. 5, 2024. According to the complaint, a group of students celebrating the election of President Trump marched to Ivory’s classroom chanting “f— Kamala” and banged on the door, where Ivory was meeting with members of the Black Student Union. 

According to the suit, teachers, security guards, the principal and the vice principal watched the situation unfold and did not intervene. Ivory was later told by BHHS Principal Drew Stewart that the students’ actions were protected by the First Amendment, which is why they were not asked to disperse. 

The suit further claims that in February 2025, a BHHS student announced to a classroom that she hated Ivory and wanted to stab her, and no action was taken by district officials. 

Ivory resigned this spring. 

Representatives from BHUSD declined to comment on the case.

The district is also facing another, separate lawsuit filed in January 2024 by Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Laura Collins-Williams, who is still employed by the district. The complaint alleges that Collins-Williams, who is Black, was discriminated against for her race, age and gender, and that she faced a hostile work environment as well as retaliation. 

On April 21, 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 judge saw what we saw,” Anita Edwards, an attorney for Collins-Williams, told the Courier. “That they didn’t do what they were supposed to do in producing documents. I’m happy we are able to move forward and get the rest of the information we need to pursue our case.” 

An attorney representing BHUSD in the Collins-Williams case did not respond to requests for comment. 

Collins-Williams’ lawsuit was recently given a trial date of May 26, 2026. 

The post Lawsuit Alleges Black Teachers Threatened, Called Racial Slurs at BHHS appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In honoring Annenberg at the event, Disney CEO Bob Iger said, “She has all of the values of a good CEO. She’s relentlessly optimistic, which informs her innovative giving. And when the fires hit Altadena and the Palisades in January, Wallis and her team provided grants for supplies and emergency equipment for the firefighters.

Dominic Ng, Chairman and CEO of East West Bank, was named the first recipient of The Wallis Icon Award, for his leadership in philanthropy. The event was hosted by Jane Fonda. Rufus Wainwright, Kristen Bell, Katharine McPhee and David Foster and Jon Batiste performed. 

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Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation, the annual rally marked an observation of Genocide Remembrance Day, enacted by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022. LAUSD schools also had the day off, allowing for a children’s chorus to lead the crowd in Armenia’s national anthem, “Mer Hayrenik” (Our Fatherland). 

More than 200,000 Armenians live in Los Angeles, the largest such community outside of the nation itself.

“We are still experiencing genocide today in Artsakh,” said Haig Minasian, a fourth-generation Armenian American and chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation “Shant” Student Association, alluding to an Azerbaijani military offensive that forcefully displaced ethnic Armenians. “Without that justice from 100 years ago, this genocide has continued unsolved.”

Minasian, who also addressed the crowd, told the Courier that although the United States has recognized the atrocities, economic and military alliances with genocide-denying countries create obstacles to change. All speakers stood under a “110 Years of Armenian Resilience” sign, a reference to the Ottoman Empire’s estimated 1.5 million killings during the early stages of World War I.

Prior to the speeches, some attendees gathered on the sidewalks, chanting “open your eyes to Turkey’s lies,” and waving red, blue and orange flags. Others displayed hats, pins and bracelets. A plane circling overhead carried a banner reading “GENOCIDE IGNORED IS GENOCIDE REPEATED.”

“It’s a first step, a step that goes along with hundreds of other initiatives and community work,” Minasian said.  

The post Rally Marking Armenian Genocide Held in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I think that we have so much to offer her in the community, and I really wanted to be able to highlight the various businesses,” Nazarian told the Courier. “We are facing certain economic restraints in the coming years, and so I really wanted to find ways to support the local businesses while also highlighting the various programs that we have throughout the city. So, we’re going to be doing programs that also include the southeast part of town, including South Beverly Drive, and different areas that people may not normally visit.”

“I have a lot of interest from not only businesses, but also community members, residents and visitors,” Nazarian added. “So, I think it’s a really great way to unify the community as we build a safer, stronger and more united Beverly Hills.”

Novikov, which opened in 2024, features a mix of Italian-Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a warm and upscale setting. With Italian marble floors and a market-style display of artisanal pastas and colorful fruits and vegetables, including asparagus, apples, melons, tomatoes and bell peppers arranged in woven baskets, the space has a rustic and elegant aesthetic.

Originally from London, the restaurant has locations in Moscow, Miami, Doha, Istanbul, Dubai, Ibiza and more. “I’ve been to many Novikov’s, and this one is by far the best, in my opinion,” Nazarian told the crowd. While popular menu items include the tuna tartar and the truffle pizza, the mayor’s favorite dish is the Greek salad. 

According to city officials, the event sold out in one day. “It’s quite humbling, and it’s very exciting, and I’m so grateful to Novikov for opening their doors for the very first one,” Nazarian told the Courier. “I really enjoy being able to support all our local businesses. So, we’ll go to as many as we can and visit them, just to open the door and allow the community in.”

The next “Spotlight with Sharona” will be held in six weeks.  

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The session began with Recreation Supervisor Norma Mower’s ArtWalk series presentation. 

She described alterations to the program, relaunched in March with a registration fee, scheduling changes and city-branded merchandise.

“The department is trying to pull any remnant items from other programs to identify what worked well, as well as what didn’t get picked up,” Mower said. “There was a lot of evaluation taking place.”

Senior Recreation Supervisor Paul Paolone spoke about the Spring Beverly Hills Art Show, scheduled for May 17 and 18. Paolone began by listing some demographics about the 235 exhibitors, including 51 first-time participants. He noted that 12 different states are represented, as well as France and Mexico.

Paolone also outlined new and revamped event features. Responding to Vice Chair Pamela Beck’s questions about the expanded creative area and other topics, the supervisor assured that staff could handle event setup scaling into the street without overburdening nearby parking areas.

The meeting continued with Paolone’s status recap of the Fine Arts Fund before moving on to Assistant Director of Community Services Patty Acuña’s report about Yayoi Kusama’s “Hymn of Life: Tulips” sculpture. The restored work represents Kusama’s first American public art commission and the panel’s first commissioned piece.

Acuña described the status of the restoration process, which involves detailed work on the curved flower heads of the sculpture. The project is exceeding the original two-week time estimates, she noted. 

Recreation Service Manager Matthew Brown followed with feedback about Festival Beverly Hills from the Arts and Culture Council Liaisons, Vice Mayor John Mirisch and Councilmember Mary Wells. To deliver on Mirisch’s and Wells’ vision of the multicultural event, Brown is prepared to recommend an appropriation request at a City Council meeting for an additional $18,000 (on top of the allocated $47,000) in infrastructural funding to match last year’s scale.

If approved, according to Brown, the $18,000 would come from the Transient Occupancy Tax.

“To capitalize on the success of the [2023] event, we expanded the scale,” Brown said, pointing to last year’s 20 cultures represented across three stages. He cited an attendance estimate of 3,000 people, calling the space “lively and energetic.”

The meeting became similarly energetic during discussion of the proposed Arts and Culture Commission Award. Brown began with a procedural overview of qualifications and guidelines, drawing comparisons to awards already being bestowed by the Recreation and Parks Commission and Human Relations Commission, and recommended that this new honor be similarly announced at a regular meeting.

There was a contentious discussion as to the merits of such an awards program, leading Commission Chair Karla Gordy Bristol to call for a short recess of proceedings. 

The commission continued to debate award logistics after reconvening. Brown acknowledged he had more information on staff involvement and other specifics not listed in the report and suggested a return in May for a follow-up and vote.

As the session reached its denouement, the manager’s report and chair’s report also touched upon other upcoming celebrations, including a preview of Jewish American Heritage Month and a report on the upcoming UNESCO World Art Day, 

As always, a lot [is] happening in the city,” Bristol said.  

The post Art Show, Art Works and Awards on Commission Agenda appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Talent Show Results included first place winner, Back in Autumn Band, featuring Morgan Stern, Jake Rubel, Cooper Fink, and Hannah Thurston. Alina Sansyzbay came in second place and Remy Javidzad was awarded third place and the People’s Choice Award.

“The Talent Show is a great example of students leading with purpose and passion,” said BHHS Assistant Principal Kim Decatrel. “It’s inspiring to see them out on stage, taking a risk to share their talents. Enthusiastic and supportive audience participation centered the bonds between Normans and warmed the hearts of all in attendance.”

This year’s event not only highlighted student performance but also celebrated collaboration across campuses.  

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“This event was about helping students take the next step with confidence,” said BHHS Principal Drew Stewart. “We want every student to feel informed, inspired, and supported as they look ahead to life after high school.”

The fair included a wide variety of institutions, including public and private universities, liberal arts colleges, and out-of-state schools. College representatives were available throughout the day to answer questions, provide materials, and support students on their journey toward higher education. 

The post BHHS Hosts College Fair Featuring Over 50 Colleges and Universities appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Chief Mark G. Stainbrook said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

The BHPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. Funding for impaired driving enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

The post BHPD Will Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint April 11 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

As in prior years, a lavish selection of food and drink was available, including offerings from Drago Catering & Special Events, Beverly Hills Cookies and Pompadour Beverly Hills.

“The mayor is, if you will, the team leader. We’re all on the same team and our goal is to do what is best and right for our residents. I look forward to supporting Sharon’s initiatives,” the newly sworn-in Vice Mayor John Mirisch told the Courier. 

Former Mayor Julian Gold, M.D., served as mayor from 2023 to 2024. He said that the event is an “opportunity to celebrate the mayor who is leaving that seat for a job well done in the past. And to hear what our incoming mayor has to say. What kinds of things that they want to bring forward to the community. It’s always great. Always fun. Always well attended. It’s a very good community thing.”

Many at the reception expressed excitement about Nazarian becoming the first Iranian American woman to hold the office of mayor in Beverly Hills. Mojgan Yaghouvzadh stood with a group of several women discussing the future with Nazarian at the helm. She told the Courier, “It is nice to see not just a Persian, but also a woman being the mayor of Beverly Hills … I hope that all women, all girls, who think they might not be able to be what they want to be will pursue it now.”

Yaghouvzadh said she was optimistic about Nazarian at the helm of Beverly Hills city politics. 

“She gave a very beautiful speech, and we were just looking forward to have her as our mayor. And hopefully she can accomplish all the things that she wanted and promised [attendees]. I’m sure she will.”

Jimmy Sedghi attended the installation with his family. He shared Yaghouvzadh’s optimism, and told the Courier, “It is unbelievably good to have such an energetic, knowledgeable young lady to be the mayor of Beverly Hills.” 

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The suit names UCLA, the University of California Regents, officials working for UCLA’s Police Department (UCPD), the California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Police Department and more than 20 individual defendants. It was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. The lawsuit’s 12 causes of action include civil rights violations, assault, battery and false arrest. It seeks compensatory damages, statutory damages of $25,000 for each claim, trebling of compensatory damages, punitive damages, costs of litigation and attorneys’ fees.

According to the lawsuit, the encampment erected on the UCLA campus was a protest against “Israeli state actions in Gaza.” On April 30, a large group of masked counter-protesters launched fireworks into the camp, hurled racial epithets, beat protesters with large sticks and sprayed chemical irritants, resulting in multiple injuries. 

In a press release, the plaintiffs announced that they had filed the civil rights lawsuit against “numerous mob attackers, three police agencies, and the university—because those three nights deprived the plaintiffs of their rights to assemble, speak, learn, and organize freely and safely and left many with life-altering injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Dina Chehata, the Civil Rights Managing Attorney for the Greater Los Angeles area office of CAIR, said the over 30 plaintiffs were each “injured in a different way.” She added, “A lot of our plaintiffs were directly injured by these thugs that came onto campus and beat them viciously.”

Chehata also said that “UCLA holds some of the liability for letting that attack go on. People have to remember this attack that went on for at least four hours, with UCPD standing right there and witnessing calls and pleas of help to UCLA.”

Two of the defendants named in the suit are described as Beverly Hills residents. Defendant Edan On was a student at Beverly Hills High School at the time of the attack. The lawsuit also names Isaac Bokhoor, who plaintiffs claim is a Beverly Hills resident and owner of Angel City Jewelers. He is accused in the suit of “repeatedly smashing” plaintiff Thistle Boosinger’s hand, “breaking it and severing a nerve in her finger.” 

The Courier reached out to several of the individual defendants named in the suit, but none returned requests for comment.

Rachel Zaentz, Senior Director of Strategic and Critical Communications for the University of California’s Office of the President, emailed a statement to the Courier that said, “We were recently notified of the suit, and we are currently gathering additional information. We want to be clear: the University of California unequivocally rejects all forms of hate, harassment, and discrimination. Violence of any kind has no place at UC.   

We have instituted systemwide reforms to promote safety and combat harassment and discrimination on our campuses. Our focus remains to maintain a UC that is safe and welcoming to all.”

Another lawsuit, filed by a group of Jewish students and a Jewish professor at UCLA, alleges that the university knowingly acted in concert with or allowed members of the protest encampment to prevent the Jewish students from accessing a central campus space. The newly created Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism announced on March 17 that the Justice Department has filed a statement of interest in the case. 

The post New Lawsuit Filed Regarding UCLA Protests appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

It was only fitting, therefore, that the third annual “Women Who Shine Gala,” orchestrated by Beverly Hills Chamber’s Women’s Business Network, took place at the iconic “Pink Palace” on March 26. 

“It was a woman in business,” Sherry Andrus, a member of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and owner of the Epiphany Boutique, told the sold-out crowd at the Crystal Ballroom. “And tonight, we honor her [Anderson’s] legacy as we celebrate women in business, women who shine, and women in our community because women like her really forged the path for the rest of us who are here celebrating tonight.” 

The gala featured keynote speaker Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), who has raised over $204 million for programs tackling education, health care, homelessness, and social justice, and Dania Ramirez, an actress and producer best known for her roles in the drama series “Devious Maids” and Netflix’s “Sweet Tooth.” 

This year, the Women’s Business Network partnered with the 3-2-1 Empower organization, which supports female victims of human trafficking worldwide by providing them with education and vocational training to help survivors heal and rebuild their lives. Founder of 3-2-1 Empower, Ramona Braganza, emphasized that the exploitation of women is not only happening in countries on the other side of the globe but also in our own backyard. According to law enforcement, over a recent seven-day period, over 500 arrests were made related to human trafficking in California. Of those arrests, 230 were made right here in Los Angeles County. 

Funds raised at the gala would support their work in aiding victims of trafficking, as well as helping local charities with wildfire relief efforts. 

For the keynote address, Whiteman was interviewed by Erika Martin, a certified broadcast meteorologist. Whiteman discussed her career journey and commitment to philanthropy. “My career is really built on—yes—the foundational economics degree and manner of management organization, but also doing the hard, hard work and being pointed out in rooms or being picked and chosen to be the next person in various roles,” Whiteman said. “And I took risks in many instances, whether that was to shift careers or position or to do something that I had never done before.”

A Spelman alumna and former VP at the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Whiteman has been at the helm of the LADF for the past 12 years, winning the 2020 ESPN Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year award.

Whiteman’s advice to younger entrepreneurs and leaders is to take risks and put in the work. 

“Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m a believer in hard work, she said. “I just don’t think there’s any other way.” She also underscored the importance of having mentors who act with honesty and integrity, who she said helped guide her in her career. 

The evening’s second keynote speaker, Ramirez, is also known for making history for her role in ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” where she played the first Latina Cinderella. Ramirez told the crowd exactly how she defines success: with the five pillars of belief, hard work, conquering fear, perseverance and service. 

When Ramirez moved to Los Angeles, she noticed meeting a lot of people who were making a lot of money, but many were sad, she said. “I asked myself, ‘What is success?’ It’s not just financial stability. It’s not just getting married and having babies. It’s about service, and I got to a place in my life where I looked at myself and I said, ‘How can I serve?’”

Overwhelmingly, that theme was the dominant one of the evening: success is about service.  

The post Success and Service a Key Theme of ‘Women Who Shine Gala’ appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Created in 1975 by the founder of CBS, William S. Paley, The Paley Center has been operating in New York City for the past 50 years. Known for its respected programming, the center spearheads conversation about the cultural, creative and social significance of media. 

“The Paley Center was created to provide a place where the public could go to watch television. This was in the days before streaming, VHS, or even DVDs,” Paley Center Guest Services Manager Gary Browning told the Courier. “If your favorite show went off the air, you’d never see it again.” Originally called The Museum of Television and Radio, the organization changed its name in 2007 to reflect the evolving nature of media in the 21st century. “We wanted something more all-encompassing that could include other forms of media, such as games and podcasts,” Browning said.

The public can now access the Paley Center’s permanent media collection, The Paley Archive, at the Beverly Hills Public Library. The space features 18 stations where visitors can use the computers and headsets to peruse and watch a collection of 160,000 titles of television, radio programs and advertisements covering over a century of media history. The collection covers many genres, including comedy, drama, news, sports, politics, performing arts, reality, animation, children’s television and documentary. It also contains particularly notable moments in media history, such as the first broadcast hour of MTV and the infamous “War of the Worlds” broadcast. Alongside the public space, the archive at the library also has a private Scholars Room, which is for the exclusive use of Paley members and can be reserved in advance.

Director of Communications Teresa Brady told the Courier that the location of the new archive was particularly important for The Paley Center. “This library is such a cultural hub and we’re so proud to be a part of it in the community. We’ve always produced programming in Los Angeles, so it’s also wonderful to have a home for the archive here too.”

Located in the former “Teen Zone” of the library, the Paley Archive’s space has been completely remodeled and redesigned and displays a collection of original Al Hirschfield character paintings. The archive is open to everyone and is free to use. Browning is excited to welcome visitors, telling the Courier, “Interacting with people and sharing our love of TV … I could talk about it all day long!”

In addition to the archive, Paley will also hold in-person events for the community, including the acclaimed “Conversations with the Paley Curators” monthly series. “This series is put together by our Paley curators. We just launched it in New York. It’s been a great success and now we’re going to be bringing it to the archive at the Beverly Hills Public Library as well,” Brady said. “A Paley curator will be here to talk about topics such as Stevie Wonder or Elvis’ 90th birthday … we are also planning one for the 50th history of Wonder Woman.”

For families, the Paley Archive will hold a series of weekend story time sessions exclusive to The Beverly Hills Public Library called “From Story Time to Screen Time.” The first of these will be in April, covering Eric Carle’s ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar.’ Children will be able to read the book before watching a screening of the animated series through the archive. Arts and crafts relating to the book will also be offered.

The Paley Archive will also host “PaleyFest” on March 21-29. This is an in-person experience at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Episodes from several popular television shows will be screened, followed by a chance for the audience to ask questions through moderated discussions with the cast and creators. For some shows that will soon be off air, such as “Cobra Kai” and “The Handmaid’s Tale,” PaleyFest offers one of the last chances for the show cast to interact with fans. 

The Paley Archive will follow the same hours of operation as the Beverly Hills Public Library. 

The post The Paley Archive Opens at Beverly Hills Public Library appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Those interested are encouraged to take part in the city’s Request for Proposal (RFP) process, submitting their conceptual ideas as well as additional information to support the design. Work will be chosen based on the design, project approach and prior experience. The RFP application will be open through May 16, 2025.

To help facilitate the design process, the city is also actively recruiting professional/ technical advisors to be part of an Advisory Committee that will work closely with city staff to ultimately present a chosen design to City Council for approval. 

As part of the selection process, the public will also be given an opportunity to present feedback on designs. 

The Committee will consist of Mayor Friedman, Vice Mayor Nazarian, five Council-appointed members and two to three technical/professional advisors. Committee appointments will be for a one-year term on a volunteer, non-paid basis. 

To apply for the Advisory Committee before its deadline of April 4, 2025, visit beverlyhills.org/applyforacommission or contact the City Clerk’s office at 310-285-2400. 

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Founded in 1985 by the late Dr. Richard Grossman and the late actor and burn survivor McLean Stevenson, the CBF provides child burn survivors and their families with comprehensive healing and psychological support for recovery from burn trauma up to the age of 18 years old. The CBF also runs several prevention and education programs, including a permanent “Fire! Science & Safety” exhibit at the California Science Center, which brings the message of burn safety to over 400,000 children per year. In 1996, a volunteer group called The Council of Children’s Burn Foundation was established by Carol Mancino. The Council works to support the foundation’s fundraising and community outreach initiatives, including holding the Giving New Hope Benefit each year.

The benefit began with a silent auction follwed by dinner led by CBF Board of Trustees Member and former NBC4 weathercaster, Fritz Coleman. Past honorees of the Giving New Hope award joined Coleman on stage to celebrate 30 years of Giving New Hope, including Beverly Hills Fire Chief Gregory Barton. 

The Giving New Hope 2025 award was then presented to Barbara and Charles Pratt, Jr. The Pratts are dedicated philanthropists with a long history of serving the CBF. 

Executive Director of the CBF, Kirstin Clink, then shared some statistics about the CBF’s impact over the past year. In 2024, there was a 22% increase in outreach, allowing the CBF to provide service to over 164,000 children and their families. 

“This growth is attributed to three decades of compassion and generosity,” Clink said. 

Founding President of the Council, Carol Mancino, was next to address the audience, presenting the Spirit of Humanity award to Wallis Annenberg. 

“Wallis is a world-renowned philanthropist and champion of children’s causes. She is a passionate advocate for social justice and community development, exemplifying her mission to uplift underserved populations and foster a brighter future for all children,” Mancino said.

Annenberg has been a vital advocate for burn prevention and recovery through her support of the CBF since its inception. Annenberg’s granddaughter Lily Annenberg accepted the award on behalf of her grandmother, and a prerecorded video of Wallis was played.

“I wish I could be with you in person tonight to accept your wonderful Spirit of Humanity award, but I wanted to send this message to tell you why it means so much to me,” Wallis said. “Imagine having to wake up in the morning and take a deep breath before looking in the mirror. Imagine wondering if other people will really see you for who you are, deep down inside. That’s what this work is about. That’s who we’re trying to heal. As a parent, grandparent and someone who’s felt like an outsider myself at times … someone who believes very deeply that no child should be left out or left behind, the work of the CBF couldn’t be more critical or viable.” 

Annenberg ended the video by announcing a $500,000 donation to the CBF as her “honor and privilege” to continue to support the Foundation’s mission of healing and empowering children and preventing the trauma of burns. 

A particular highlight of the evening was the live auction, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund. Beverly Hills Fire Chief Gregory Barton, who is an active member of the CBF Board and was the recipient of the 2024 Giving New Hope Award, shared details of the first live auction experience with guests. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Barton said. The experience includes a VIP tour of the Beverly Hills Fire Station for up to six people, meetings with the firefighters and a private fire engine ride along Rodeo Drive. In a surprise twist, two bidders were awarded the experience, each with a winning bid of $3,750. 

Another meaningful auction item was a piece of artwork created by Los Angeles mural and graffiti artist Man One alongside members of the CBF’s Teen Support Group. The art piece features handmade panels conceived and created by the CBF teens. The winning bidder generously donated the painting back to the CBF to keep and allow the children to see their hard work in person. 

The evening was attended by a number of community leaders, including Rick Caruso and members of the Beverly Hills Fire Department.

The post Children’s Burn Foundation Hosts 30th Giving New Hope Benefit appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Schwartz has been deeply engaged with The Foundation for 25 years, actively contributing financial acumen and strategic expertise to its grantmaking initiatives and investment management. He has served in multiple leadership capacities, including on Foundation grants, executive and finance committees. As a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in venture capital and business leadership, Schwartz brings an experience that will strengthen The Foundation’s focus on innovative philanthropy and impactful grantmaking.

“For many years, The Foundation has been a trusted partner in my family’s philanthropy,” said Schwartz. “It is an honor to step into this role and help guide an organization that is deeply committed to strengthening the Jewish community in Los Angeles and the community at large. Having been involved in The Foundation’s grantmaking and financial stewardship for more than two decades, I look forward to continuing to grow The Foundation and expand its impact throughout our community and in Israel.”

Schwartz and his wife, Lisa, a city of Beverly Hills Commissioner, are strongly committed to tikkun olam, the Jewish value of repairing the world. Together, they support numerous charitable initiatives, spanning Jewish causes, Israeli organizations, and broader community endeavors. 

Aaron Lerner, president and CEO of The Foundation, welcomed Schwartz’s appointment, stating, “Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit, strategic vision, and deep commitment to philanthropy make him an exceptional lay leader for The Foundation’s next chapter. His expertise in financial stewardship and community engagement will help propel our mission forward, ensuring that we continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact in our Jewish community and beyond.”

The Foundation, which has been at the forefront of Jewish philanthropy in Los Angeles for more than 70 years, distributed over $200 million in grants in 2024 to more than 3,600 nonprofits locally, nationally, and in Israel. Under Schwartz’s leadership, the organization plans to further its mission of empowering Jewish philanthropists and strengthening the community. 

The post Mark Schwartz Appointed Chair of Jewish Community Foundation LA Board appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Led by professional docents, the guided tours are designed to engage visitors of all ages in the rich stories and artistic significance of the sculptures that enhance the park. At the conclusion of each tour, participants will receive a special keepsake to commemorate their experience.

Location:  Beverly Gardens Park, 1300 Park Way, Beverly Hills

Dates:  March 9, 23, April 13, 27

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Tickets: $10

 For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.beverlyhills.org/csevents. 

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District leaders, cabinet members, fellow principals, family, and colleagues surprised Kaber with the announcement during El Rodeo Elementary’s weekly assembly. “Sarah Kaber is an extraordinary leader who has transformed El Rodeo Elementary School into a model of Educational Excellence,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy. “Her unwavering dedication to student achievement, innovative approach to instruction and steadfast commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture make her truly deserving of this honor. It is a privilege to work alongside such an inspiring leader,” he said. 

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The mutual-aid relief organization helps families impacted by the fires ravaging the Los Angeles area in January by pairing them with vetted volunteers who come in Tuesday through Saturday and shop from a curated selection of new and lightly used items based on specific requests and notes from their assigned family. 

Launched by Aidan Cullen, co-founder of the creative networking platform Nova, Pair and Care is managed by 24LA, a wildfire relief project founded by Los Angeles natives Kenyan Armitage and Malin Smith. With the help of donations from more than 70 brands and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, 24LA x Pair and Care has been able to help over 1,000 families rebuild by offering a personalized boutique shopping experience. Through Nova, Cullen was able to enlist the help of brands like Puma, Adidas, Skims, Miaou, I.Am.Gia, Saje, Clinique and Goop to donate goods that would then be packed and delivered to people who had lost everything. “After seeing a lot of friends who wanted to help but didn’t know where to put their energy and hearing of so many families who required assistance and weren’t getting what they needed, we decided, because we know so many brands, let’s see if we can get them to donate stuff,” Cullen told the Courier. Recently, Pair and Care partnered with the LAROI Foundation, a nonprofit started by singer-songwriter The Kid LAROI, to collect donations of instruments, musical equipment, cameras, art supplies and more for creatives who lost everything in the fires.

Individuals impacted by the fires sign up by filling out an intake form located on the Pair and Care Instagram page and are then matched with two volunteers and connected via text message. Once volunteers are assigned to a family, they come into the warehouse in Hollywood and pack a suitcase for them based on their likes and needs. To provide ongoing support, volunteers often make two shopping trips for one family. The system is designed so volunteers can help those in need by communicating directly and then hand-delivering specific items they want. The warehouse space in Hollywood is divided into sections based on age and gender, with over 100 racks of clothing organized by size and style, with a separate area for shoes and personal care stocked with products from Murad, Humanrace, Verb, Starface, Crown Affair and more. Volunteers can choose from a selection of On running sneakers, eyelet SEA dresses, Puma tracksuits, Burton sweatshirts, Steve Madden children’s shoes, Honeydew pajamas and racks of vintage T-shirts. 

For Julia Phelan’s family, the temporary stay in Beverly Hills has been made a little brighter, thanks to Pair and Care. 

“I didn’t want to get anything for me or my husband because we can find our own things, but it’s kind of a fun thing for a 16-year-old to get a surprise care package,” Phelan told the Courier. “Right now, we’re just trying to find those small moments of some little ray of sunshine coming from somewhere. So, it just served as one of those.” 

She added, “I had some folks reach out to ask for my son’s shoe sizes and if I thought he would like red shoes or green shoes, and things like that. He was delighted with what he got.” 

At the end of the month, Pair and Care will transition to a biweekly pop-up in West LA. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Smith and Armitage told the Courier. “As we move forward with 24LA x Pair and Care, we hope to address each person’s evolving and specialized needs.” To learn more, volunteer or donate, visit https://www.instagram.com/pair_and_care/ or follow @pair_and_care or @24laproject on Instagram. 

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On Feb 5, Sures’ home was the target of a protest in the early morning. Video on social media shows protesters holding large banners reading “disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest,” and “Jonathan Sures, you will pay until you see your final day.” Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived there while protesters chanted, and some officers carried “less lethal” munitions.

Red handprints were reportedly left on Sures’ garage door at some point during the protest. According to a statement by UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk, “Individuals surrounded the vehicle of a Sures family member and prevented that family member’s free movement.” 

The student organizations, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine (GSJP) were suspended based on a review of initial reports about the groups’ involvement in the incident, said Frenk’s statement. 

After the protest, SJP released a now-deleted statement on Instagram that the protest was due to the UC’s Board of Regents not working with pro-Palestinian demonstrators to divest funding and investment from Israel. It read in part that university officials “have repeatedly kicked us out of their meetings, canceled forums for public comment, and criminalized our attempts to protest investment policies. We have taken our issues straight to the Regents because they have systematically militarized our campus in response. Over the last eight months, Jay Sures has led the UC’s efforts in suppressing pro-Palestine speech and expression on campus, including through increased militarization and draconian [time, place and manner] policies.”

Sures is Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Beverly Hills-based United Talent Agency, which represents the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). On Feb 5, SJP and GSJP made a statement via social media condemning Sures’ work with the ADL as well his work as a board member of the Los Angeles Police Foundation, Los Alamos National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The post also stated that Sures “is one of the unelected officials responsible for protecting UC investments in genocide and weapons manufacturing.” 

Several days after the protest, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles (JFEDLA) released an open letter signed by hundreds of entertainment professionals, celebrities and Jewish religious leaders. Signatories included Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL. The letter calls for “law enforcement and university officials to fully investigate this hateful incident and ensure that all those responsible are held accountable.” It continues, “Furthermore, we urge local elected officials and university leadership to unequivocally condemn the protesters’ unlawful and antisemitic actions and reaffirm their commitment to protecting the safety and dignity of all individuals and groups, including the Jewish community.”

Frenk announced the suspensions on Feb 12. An open letter to the Bruin community said in part, “The Office of Student Conduct is undertaking the standard process for addressing potential violations of UCLA’s student group conduct code. It is conducting an administrative review, and this suspension will remain in effect during the review. If these reports prove true as part of this review, disciplinary action may be taken.”

UCLA’s suspension of SJP follows the same action taken at UC Santa Cruz, UC Irvine and UC San Diego. SJP chapters have also been suspended by several other universities across the country. During this suspension, the organizations cannot reserve space for meetings on campus or apply for funding for the student club. 

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The City of Beverly Hills Teen Advisory Committee, a program for local sixth through twelfth graders run by the city’s Parks and Recreation Division, heard from a panel of professionals in the music, legal, media and design fields during the afternoon event. They participated in breakout sessions on networking and learned about best practices when it comes to writing college essays. 

The event, Teen Development Day, took place in several rooms at the community center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. More than a dozen students attended, many sporting maroon TAC T-shirts and sweatshirts promoting their group. 

During the panel, four professionals spoke about topics ranging from how they got their start in their industries to how they built confidence along the way. Several spoke about the importance of learning from mistakes and finding mentors along the way. (Disclosure: this Courier writer was one of the panelists.) 

Students asked questions about the challenges and rewards of panelists’ work, and about specific situations they may have faced and how they handled them.

Following the panel, students took turns getting professional headshots taken by a photographer. 

In a breakout session focused on networking led by Lisa Crespo, the city’s community services senior recreation supervisor, the teens watched part of a TED Talk by organizational psychologist David Burkus in which he discussed ways to reframe the concept. 

“We need to redefine networking,” he said in the video. “Networking is not really something you do. A network’s not something you have, it’s not about meeting strangers. In fact, the best definition is probably that it’s about understanding the network that’s already around you and acting accordingly. I like to think of it as, it’s about knowing who’s a friend, and who’s a friend of a friend.” 

The students paired up to do confidence mapping, an exercise in which they identified three good qualities about themselves. They were then asked to use those qualities to craft a way to introduce themselves to potential employers. 

“Think of it as an elevator pitch for yourself,” said Crespo. 

Some of the elevator pitches included teens noting that they are, “charming when I want to be,” “open-minded to new ideas,” and a “good listener.” 

In the college essay breakout session, students learned the difference between supplemental essays and personal statements. They brainstormed ideas for their own potential essays and reviewed samples. 

Malik Diggs, the city’s recreation supervisor, led the session. 

“The goal was to plant the idea that their current experiences as freshmen, sophomores and juniors can one day be a topic,” he wrote in an email, “so the ability to articulate and story tell while conveying a message is important.” 

TAC meets monthly at the community center. Participants must live or go to school in Beverly Hills. They are required to apply for the program, which offers an emphasis on leadership training and youth empowerment. 

Students who become members of the group come up with ideas for activities and programming for teens, with the objective of engaging them in municipal and community decision-making. Past events have included donation drives, holiday gift-wrapping for seniors, a field day and a silent disco. 

According to Crespo, this was the first professional development day these teens organized. The event was their idea, developed during a brainstorming session that considered what experiences and learning opportunities would be most beneficial to young people in the community. 

“Teen Development Day was an invaluable experience, giving practical insights into students’ academic and professional futures,” Crespo told the Courier. “The panel discussion provided real-world advice from industry professionals, while the development workshops helped students gain confidence in networking strategies, and tips on crafting compelling college application essays. Teens left feeling inspired, empowered and excited for the future ahead.”  

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When searching the suspects’ residences in the city of Los Angeles, BHPD Detectives seized stolen property from the burglaries, including firearms, jewelry and other luxury items. They also seized evidence that may connect the suspects to the crimes, including clothing, cell phones and signal jammers.

Arrested were Joaquin Vergara-Contreras, 29; Juan Antonio Silva Loaeza, 43; Elias Moncada Reyes, 30; and Leidy Dayana Manrique, 30. All were charged with at least one count of residential burglary. Matias Jesus Soto-Barraza, 22, was taken into custody during the joint operation by the Glendale Police Department. Manrique was also charged with two counts of receiving stolen property. Reyes had an outstanding residential burglary warrant out of Pasadena. 

A conviction of first-degree residential burglary can result in a state prison sentence of two, four or six years, while a person convicted of second-degree residential burglary may face up to one year in a county jail. 

Detectives have linked this criminal ring to several residential burglaries across California, including Beverly Hills, Glendale, San Marino, Los Angeles and Burbank. 

The BHPD have been searching for suspects involved in multiple residential burglaries across Oakhurst Drive, Sierra Drive and Rodeo Drive on Sept. 18. It is unclear at present whether the arrests are linked to those incidents. 

The BHPD and Glendale Police Department are actively following up on leads and other crimes the suspects may have been involved in. 

Anyone with information regarding this case can contact the BHPD at 310-550-4951.  

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The Heart of the Hills event came about when Beverly Hills Fire Chief Gregory Barton (who is the president of Rotary) asked Appointed Board Member JR Dzubak to bring together a team and organize a fire relief project. The team swiftly stepped up to help.

The event, which ran from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. outside Fire Station 1, exemplified the commitment of Beverly Hills residents to supporting neighboring communities in need.

“We take care of our families, friends, neighbors and people in general. Rotary hearts are big ones,” Rotary Immediate Past President Lillian Raffel told the Courier.

She added, “We are thrilled with the amount of goods we got. So many Rotarians and community members donated needed items. We had a large truck filled.” 

While some items will be distributed to various centers supporting fire-affected areas, Palisades-Malibu Fire Relief, Third Space at Cross Creek will receive the bulk of the items.

“We reached out to them, and they identified what was needed the most,” Raffel said.

The event also served as an opportunity for Beverly Hills residents to thank firefighters for their tireless work in supporting neighboring fire departments on the front lines.

Raffel credits the success of the event to Dzubak’s exceptional organizational skills and Barton’s generosity in opening the firehouse for Rotary donation events.

“Chief Barton has the kindest heart. The firefighters, paramedics and other staff were all so helpful, too. It was an amazing day,” Raffel said. “Rotary’s motto of ‘service above self’ shone through.”

Rotary is still accepting monetary donations to support fire relief efforts at www.bhrotary.org.  

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As the fires which started on Jan. 7 escalated in both size and number, the number of Los Angeles residents who lost their homes continued to grow. By Jan. 16, over 170,000 people were placed under evacuation order or warning from the destructive wildfires. As a result, several displaced residents flocked to safety in our city’s hotels, and they were graciously welcomed.

“I always say one thing, this hotel is iconic, not just for its history but because of the people that work here and the experience they create. Whether you’re a superstar in Hollywood or somebody unknown—you are all stars for us. And that’s the beauty of this hotel,” David Ecija, general manager of the Beverly Hilton told the Courier.

Frederic Zemmour, general manager of L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, said, “When the fires started, a lot of people were in emergency mode, and hotels were their first thought. So, we saw an uptick in demand.”

Leslie Lefkowitz, communications representative from The Beverly Hills Hotel, noted, “Many of our guests and employees have experienced unimaginable loss and our primary focus is to provide the best care possible for everyone staying with us and working at the hotel.”

A statement to the Courier from the Peninsula read, “The Peninsula Beverly Hills remains in full operation and is available to those who have been affected by fires. We continue to extend our heartfelt care to our guests who have been impacted by the fires, and our thoughts are with everyone in our beloved community during this tragedy.”

For many residents, these hotels have quickly become a home away from home, with hotels making much-needed accommodations in this unique situation.

Ecija said, “I’m really proud of our team. They’re pretty amazing in how they’ve organized things.” 

Shortly after hosting the Golden Globes, the Beverly Hilton adapted seamlessly to the needs of displaced guests. They set up a private office area for people busy taking calls with insurance companies as they attempt to rebuild their lives, as well as a recreational area and movie theater complete with a popcorn machine and a putting green for children. 

“We have a lot of pets staying here now too, so we offer complimentary food for cats and dogs and have set up an area where people can take their dogs for a walk,” Ecija said. 

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills has made extra accommodations for guests, too. A spokesperson from the hotel told the Courier, “We’ve taken steps to offer amenities and services to help our guests feel at home with us, including waiving pet fees to ensure furry friends can stay comfortably by their side, as well as added amenities including phone chargers, extra linens and toiletries.”   

L’Ermitage has also seen an increase in the number of pets staying at the hotel. “It was easy for us to accommodate them—we have dog beds, dog bowls and dog treats. We also like to find out the names of the pets and gift a handkerchief with their name on it as a souvenir of the hotel,” Zemmour said. “The goal throughout the hotel is to make sure that everyone feels at home and try to help our guests as much as possible.”

While some guests have left the hotel for second homes in Palm Springs, Arizona or Florida, others are unsure how long their stay will last. 

“We’re taking it day-by-day,” Zemmour said. “We have some people that are going to be here two weeks, some that are going to be here a month, and some that just don’t know.”

Alongside housing displaced residents, the hotels of Beverly Hills have also undertaken a variety of measures to support the wider community during this time.

“Whether welcoming firefighters who have been working tirelessly in our communities, taking part in a variety of food and clothing drive initiatives, or donating meals to emergency response workers, The Beverly Hills Hotel will continue our efforts to support those in need as we navigate these very trying times,” said Lefkowitz.
A spokesperson for the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills said, “Our commitment extends beyond our in-house guests, as we are engaging in activities to donate essential items for affected communities including baby formula, diapers, toiletries and non-perishable food. In addition to these efforts, Hilton and The Hilton Global Foundation are also supporting first responders heroically fighting fires in the Los Angeles area with contributions to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the International Fire Fighters Association Foundation.” 

The Beverly Hilton donated 1,000 dental kits and over 3,000 toiletry items to the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills and Beverly Hills Fire Department’s Heart of the Hills donation event on Jan. 19. They have also been collecting daily donations for children’s clothing, toys, personal hygiene products, pet food and canned food from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the hotel’s Wilshire Boulevard entrance on 9876 Wilshire Blvd.

“We donated all the clothes that we received—more than 60 big boxes—plus toys, games, and so much more to the fire department,” Ecija said.

Since 2022, L’Ermitage Beverly Hills has charged a Community Impact Fee equal to 1% of the total of each booking. These accrued fees are then donated to an organization of choice by the hotel each year. On Jan. 10, L’Ermitage decided to donate $35,000 of Community Impact funds to World Central Kitchen to support in their fire relief efforts.

The Maybourne Beverly Hills is also running a daily donation drive for toiletries, canned food, toys, games, pet necessities and other essentials. Donations are accepted every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the hotel’s location on 225 N. Canon Drive. 

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The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by law firms Arias Sanguinetti and the DiPietro Law Firm on Dec. 27. The case is filed against Brock alongside institutional defendants Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and two private health clinics where Brock was also employed, Beverly Hills OB-GYN and Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center.

This case follows two prior lawsuits that recounted similar experiences from 60 of Brock’s former patients, bringing the total number of women suing Brock to 167. 

Anthony T. DiPietro of the DiPietro Law Firm, told the Courier, “We’re currently reviewing dozens more and expect to be filing additional cases in the next few weeks.”

The complaints allege that despite his position as a trusted and respected doctor, Brock routinely sexually assaulted and harassed these patients, all women, with accusations spanning four decades. 

In the most recent complaint, plaintiffs allege a list of sexual violations, including repeated and unwarranted pap smears, breast exams and vaginal or rectal exams, alongside making inappropriate, invasive and sexual remarks during appointments.

Furthermore, Brock reportedly denied patients Cesarean sections and instead performed dangerous vaginal birth procedures, often using risky vacuum extractions which caused injury to both mother and baby. The lawsuit details, “Brock was known to be such a menace by Cedars-Sinai staff members, that neonatal intensive care unit personnel referred to infants who arrived in the NICU with cracked skulls as “Brock Babies.” 

According to the complaint, the misconduct committed by Brock was enabled, known, covered up and actively concealed by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. 

“Cedars has known about Brock’s misconduct for decades,” DiPietro said, “But instead of firing him, reporting him to the State Medical Board or law enforcement, the only thing they did was conceal Brock’s abuse from the public, the press and the very patients who were entrusting Cedars with their healthcare.” 

The lawsuit alleges that Cedars-Sinai “actively and deliberately” concealed Brock’s behavior from other unsuspecting patients as they continued to employ Brock until his “quiet” suspension in August 2024. 

When asked for comment, a spokesperson for Cedars-Sinai said, “The type of behavior alleged about Dr. Barry Brock is counter to Cedars-Sinai’s core values and the trust we strive to earn every day with our patients. Dr. Brock no longer has privileges to practice medicine at Cedars-Sinai, and we have reported this matter to the California Medical Board. We recognize the legal process must now take its course, and we remain committed to Cedars-Sinai’s sacred healing mission and serving our community.

The Courier reached out to Brock’s attorney, Tracy Green, who did not respond to a request for comment. 

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The Rotary Club of Beverly Hills will host “Heart of The Hills,” a fire relief drop-off center on Jan. 19. They are requesting toiletries, first aid supplies and new children’s, men’s and women’s pajamas, undergarments and socks. All donations will go directly to first responders and evacuees. The drop-off will take place from 1 – 4 p.m. at Fire Station 1, located at 445 N. Rexford Dr. 

Rotary Club member JR Dzubak told the Courier, “We have an opportunity as a community to come together to make an impact as a collective. We want to make a difference as we do in Rotary because Rotary is about service above self and people of action, and now we’re engaging the entire city of Beverly Hills to take action. That is why it’s important for everyone to participate in the heart of the hills.”

A number of other organizations are also accepting donations to support those affected by the wildfires. Dream Center is offering emergency shelter to those evacuated in the Palisades and Eaton Canyon Fires. Friends in Deed is a nonprofit organization that has opened a Bad Weather Shelter amid the fires and is in need of donations. Direct Relief’s California Fire Relief is also welcoming donations—they provide N-95 masks, medicine and resources to healthcare agencies and first responders in areas affected by wildfires.
A full list of organizations providing supplies, shelter and support to wildfire victims can be found on the city’s website at https://beverlyhills.org/1514/Donation-Information.  

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Former Mayor Julian Gold, M.D., introduced Nathanson, noting that the ambassador’s term coincided with the start of the current Russian-Ukrainian conflict. 

“He had lots to do with strengthening the relationship between Norway and the United States and achieving significant milestones in many of the military sorts of cooperations that we created,” said Gold. 

Gold noted that the ambassador had earned “enormous accolades” for his accomplishments, which include the founding of Falcon Cable TV and serving as Vice Chairman of Charter Communications. Nathanson served as Chairman of the United States Agency for Global Media during the Clinton-Gore and Bush-Cheney Administrations; Representative to the Board of Governors of the East-West Center in Honolulu; Co-Chairman of the Pacific Council on International Policy; and Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a long-standing Trustee of the Aspen Institute.

He was also familiar to the audience. Nathanson and his wife lived in Beverly Hills for 19 years, and two of his children graduated from Beverly Hills High School. His company, Mapleton Investments, is based in Beverly Hills, granting him, in Gold’s words, the status of “Beverlyhillsian.” 

“I’d like to tell you about my experiences as a U.S. ambassador for the last almost two years and a little bit about Norway in general, because I find most Americans don’t know a lot about Norway, and it’s a fascinating country,” Nathanson began. 

Norway, explained Nathanson, is small but mighty. Though its population is only 5.5 million, Norway holds critical importance on the geopolitical front for several reasons.  Foremost among them is its border with Russia. 

“The second fleet of Russia is based across from Norway in Siberia, across from the Norwegian city of Kirkenes. And in addition to that, Russia does all its testing of its weapons in that part of the world. So, the United States and Norway are very close in sharing intelligence about what the Russians are doing. And Norway was an original member of NATO as the United States. But one of our most important achievements as the U.S. ambassador, along with the other U.S. ambassadors in the Nordic countries, was to get Sweden and Finland to join NATO, which we’re very happy that occurred,” said Nathanson.

Norway, he noted, is the richest country in Europe, with a government sovereign fund of $1.7 trillion. It is also a relatively new country, only gaining independence from Sweden in 1905. The country is 98% English-speaking. 

Between 1880 and 1930, one million Norwegians settled in the United States. Many ended up in Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas, as well as Seattle because of its shipping industry. 

The current King of Norway happens to be staunchly pro-American. 

“When I first presented my credentials to the King of Norway, he said to me, ‘Let me tell you a story.’ Now, he’s 88 years old today, and he said the Nazis invaded Norway. Norway was neutral, but the Nazis and Hitler wanted oil, gas, iron ore, and shipping of steel from Sweden. The ports were in Norway.  So, Hitler invaded Norway and stationed 250,000 Nazi troops in Norway. The current king’s grandfather and his father fled to England to lead the resistance. But his mother, who was the Crown Princess Martha at the time, went to the United States with the current king and his two sisters. Where did they stay? In the White House with President Roosevelt. The current king was 5 years old and they lived there until he was 10 years old. In the last year or so, they moved to a home in Maryland. But the United States was the home for the royal family in Norway. And if any of you have seen the PBS series, ‘Atlantic Crossing,’ it is about the Norwegians living in Washington and about Roosevelt. Martha is very important historically because she was one of the many people who pushed Roosevelt into entering World War II. And that has been very well documented,” said Nathanson. 

In 1969, the country’s fate changed dramatically after Exxon and Mobil discovered oil on Norway’s continental shelf. The Norwegian government agreed to allow the extraction of its natural resources in exchange for, among other things, 50 percent of the profits. 

The wealth of the country funds its famous socialism. 

“It is a very socialistic country, even though it’s a democracy, even though there are more billionaires per capita in Norway than in the United States. They have free healthcare, free medicine, free education through Ph.D. or medical school,” Nathanson said. 

The government also pays 25 % of all expenses of the country’s 250 daily newspapers. 

“They feel a free press, an active press is in the best interest of a democracy,” he said.

Nathanson added, “There’s no student debt, there is no homelessness. There is almost no crime in Norway now; it’s a cashless society. Everything’s done with credit cards. So that may have something to do with it.”

On the other hand, the system is not utopian. 

Nathanson relayed the story of his wife wanting a particular type of eye drop not on the approved government list. The price quoted was $700. 

“You don’t have much choice. The government picks the medicine and it’s only one brand, and you either have to take that brand, it doesn’t cost you anything, but if you want another brand or you want to go to your own specialist, you have to go to Germany or England to see a doctor there. So, it’s not a perfect system, but there is no poverty. There’s a huge middle class in Norway. Now, I must say, I always felt when we lived in Beverly Hills, they had great police and fire and emergency responders. They have that in Norway as well, but it’s throughout the country. It’s not just in one area of the city or another area. And Oslo, a metro area, has nearly a million people now. It’s very green. They have electric cars. Seventy percent of all cars and trucks are electric,” said Nathanson. 

He then touched on the country’s relationship with firearms. 

“Norwegians are avid hunters. Most Norwegians own rifles and hunt, even though there’s very little violent crime in Norway with firearms, because they use a system where when a boy or girl becomes 16 and they want to own a rifle, they have to go to training and then they have to join a club that does gun safety.”

As for the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Nathanson noted, “Norway is the biggest provider of aid and military assistance to Ukraine. And that was a first, because Norway has always provided aid throughout the world to countries because of its great wealth, but they haven’t provided military aid. They made an exception because of Ukraine. And I gave an address at a conference when I first arrived. I compared Hitler’s invasion of Norway in April 1940 to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Well, the Russian ambassador immediately attacked me on all of the services. And we spent the next day on the front lines of Russia and Norway. Shortly thereafter, as you know, Finland joined and later Sweden joined NATO, and today they have a united front against Russian aggression. So, this was a very, very important step of what was going on.”

Toward the end of his remarks, Nathanson spoke of Norway as a gateway to one of the last frontiers on earth, the Arctic. 

“As the ice is melting, not only Russia, but China is extremely interested in the polar route from China, and this is very important for Norway. And with the help of the Secretary of State Tony Blinken, we got permission from the State Department to open an American Presence Post in Tromso, the largest Norwegian city in the Arctic. And we now have American State Department people, a very small office up there, but to focus on the Arctic, not only because the Russians are there and all the Russian weapon testing is there, but because of the melting of all of the glaciers. They’re melting four times faster than anywhere else on Earth,” said Nathanson.

He urged the audience to visit Norway and the Arctic in particular. 

“The northernmost city in the world near the North Pole is Longyearbyen, which is in Norway, and it’s the closest city to the North Pole. It only has 2,500 people. But it’s very, very interesting to see because you see the glaciers. And in addition to that, the seed vault is there. They actually take the seeds of all crops of all food, and they put the seeds in a permafrost in the ice in caves in Norway in case there’s a disaster and they have to regrow the plants.”

Nathanson then came full circle from his tales of the Arctic, back home to Beverly Hills. 

He described one of his last official acts as ambassador. 

“I had the great honor to pick the career State Department diplomat who would be the DCM (Deputy Chief of Mission), the number two person at the embassy. And when there’s no ambassador, the DCM runs the embassy. They are the chargé d’affaires. And I chose, as I know, all of you would’ve chosen, an outstanding young man named Eric Meyer from Beverly Hills. He is now running everything, doing a much better job than I ever could, and I am so proud of Eric and his father and brother [Bruce and Evan Meyer] are right here, and I’m so proud of him.” 

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The Sunset Fire broke out around 6 p.m. on Jan. 8 on the 2300 block of Solar Drive and soon encompassed 43 acres, according to Cal Fire. Evacuations were ordered between Laurel Canyon Boulevard on the west, Mulholland Drive on the north, the 101 Freeway on the east and Hollywood Boulevard on the south. 

An evacuation warning was in place for areas north of Sunset Boulevard and east of Coldwater Canyon Drive, which encompasses parts of Beverly Hills.

All of those evacuation orders were lifted by the morning of Jan. 9. A statement from the city of Beverly Hills indicated, “As of approximately 7:30 a.m., the city of L.A. lifted its voluntary evacuation order that impacted the area north of Sunset and east of Coldwater Canyon Dr. related to the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills. The Beverly Hills Fire Department continues to work closely with its neighboring partners and is monitoring any updates that could impact Beverly Hills.” 

The Palisades Fire was first reported on Jan. 7 in the area of Piedra Morada and Monte Hermoso drives. Unrelenting Santa Ana winds have continued to propel the fire, which has burned more than 20,000 acres and destroyed or damaged more than 5,000 structures. One fatality has been reported in Malibu as a result of the fire. As of press time, the Palisades Fire continues to burn with 0% containment. 

“It is safe to say that the Palisades Fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley at a Jan. 9 press conference. During that conference, L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna indicated that at least 20 arrests had been made for suspicion of looting. Also present was L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who warned that looters will be prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law. 

“Not since the 1990s when Los Angeles was hit with the fires, the flood, the earthquake and the riots have I seen such disaster in our city,” said Hochman. “But like back then, Los Angeles has true grit, it has resilience.”

Mandatory evacuation orders were still in place as of Jan. 9 across Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and Malibu. Schools in the central and eastern part of Los Angeles Unified School District were closed on Jan. 8. All LAUSD schools were closed Jan. 9 and will remain closed Jan. 10. All school campuses in the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District were closed Jan. 8 and 9. Schools in the Beverly Hills Unified School District were closed on Jan. 9.

Road closures have effectively blocked all of the Pacific Coast Highway between the Santa Monica Freeway and Topanga Canyon. Historic and iconic structures that have been reported damaged or destroyed by the Palisades Fire include the Reel Inn, Cholada Thai, the Will Rogers historic ranch house and the Topanga Ranch Motel.

Further east, a fire in Altadena, which is being called the Eaton Fire, also continued to burn as of Jan. 9. Five people have been reported dead from the blaze, which had burned almost 14,000 acres and was 0% contained as of press time. As of Jan. 9, the blaze was also approaching dangerously close to the vital transmission towers set up at Mt. Wilson.

More than 32,500 residents were placed under evacuation orders in regions close to the Eaton Fire, including parts of Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Glendale and Altadena. Erratic winds grounded aerial firefighting assets, and ground crews were unable to keep pace with the flames’ advance overnight. Firefighting aircraft were able to resume flights on Jan. 8. 

As a result of the fire, classes were canceled Jan. 8 and 9 for schools in the Pasadena, Glendale, Alhambra, South Pasadena, San Marino, La Cañada, Burbank, Arcadia and Monrovia Unified School Districts.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that in addition to the five fatalities, there were “a number of significant injuries” due to the Eaton Fire. He also said that roughly 1,000 structures had been “damaged or destroyed.” Among the structures destroyed was the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center. 

In Sylmar, the Hurst Fire has burned more than 850 acres with 10% containment as of press time. Evacuations were ordered for the area north of the 210 Freeway from Roxford Street to the 5 Freeway and 14 Freeway split, according to the LAFD.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, whose Third District includes Beverly Hills, has issued frequent notifications to constituents. “There are now four major fires in the County and three in the Third District: The Palisades, Hurst, and Sunset Fires. The Red Flag warning will remain in place through 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10,” Horvath said in one communique. 

She also joined the ranks of those in the line of fire, literally, after receiving an evacuation warning for her own residence. 

The ongoing fires have thrown a wrench into Hollywood’s awards season, with some events postponed or altered. 

The 30th annual Critics Choice Awards ceremony, which was scheduled for Jan. 12 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, was postponed until Jan. 26. The American Film Institute’s annual AFI Awards luncheon that had been scheduled for Jan. 10 at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills was also postponed. No new date was immediately announced.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that in light of the Southern California wildfires, the nomination voting period for the Oscars that began Jan. 8 and was scheduled to end Jan. 12 has been extended until Jan. 14. The Oscar nominations announcement that had been scheduled for Jan. 17 was pushed back to Jan. 19.

The wildfires are set to be the costliest in United States history, analysts said on Jan. 9, as the initial estimates of damage from the infernos soared. Total economic losses from the fires are now pegged at close to $50 billion, double the previous estimate. 

The post Historic Fires Sweep Southland appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“While many participants came from career technical education pathways such as fashion, journalism, TV production and audio media production, others applied because they were eager to explore areas they may not typically have access to,” said Rebecca Starkins, Executive Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives for the Beverly Hills Unified School District. 

“I didn’t realize prior to this day that there was a great amount of work done behind the scenes to create a polished and seemingly effortless show day,” said Aunaleah Ellis, a 12th-grade student at BHHS. “The Beverly Hilton was a beautiful hotel, and it was amazing how it was transformed for the ‘Hollywood’s Party of the Year,’ the 2025 Golden Globes. I loved seeing the different roles in the production and the individuals focused on their work. It was inspiring to see the production staff work together to create this beautiful event.”

With support from Golden Globes executives, city personnel, crew and celebrities, students developed their talents and gained invaluable insight into journalism, event production, fashion design, marketing, and public relations. 

On the first day of the program, 22 students were selected to participate in the ‘Golden Globes Insider’ portion and tour the Beverly Hilton Hotel as it was being transformed. The group had the chance to see how the red carpet was constructed, tour interview booths and media trailers, and learn the technical elements of producing a globally broadcast event. According to the Golden Globes, the 82nd annual awards show ratings surpassed 10 million viewers and had 40 million social media interactions. 

On the second day of the program, nine BHHS students had the chance to interview key behind-the-scenes players, including Rick Pizante, Senior Vice President of Dick Clark Productions, Helen Hoehne, Golden Globes President, and Sam Kim, Hotel Manager of the Beverly Hilton. Additional interviewees included Golden Globes Executive Producer and Showrunner Glenn Weiss, Golden Globes Head Engineer David Crivelli, Golden Globes Art Director and Red-Carpet Designer Zeya Maurer and more.

The program culminated on the day of the Golden Globes, where six BHHS students, dressed in black tie, were strategically placed on the red carpet to attract the attention of celebrities and conduct interviews on the scene. Students spoke with over 30 Hollywood stars, including Kerry Washington, Nicole Kidman, Adam Sandler, Glenn Close and Jennifer Coolidge. 

“She was so open and genuine,” BHHS student Nora Nikfarjam said regarding her interview with Glenn Close. “She talked about the importance of perseverance in a creative career, and I’ll never forget her saying that failure is just another step toward success.” 

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The fear, confusion, and numbness we’re experiencing are natural responses to such an intense crisis. Our brains are simply not equipped to handle something of this magnitude all at once. These emotional responses—feeling disconnected, uncertain, or in disbelief—serve as a protective shield to help us cope with immediate danger. It’s OK if you’re not thinking clearly or feeling detached; it’s normal to feel this way when your body is in survival mode. It can be challenging to get your nervous system out of the state of hyperarousal.  Here are some steps you can take.  

1. Get to Safety

Above all, your safety—and the safety of those around you—must be the highest priority. If you are in an evacuation zone, follow the instructions of local authorities immediately. Fire spreads unpredictably and quickly, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Whether you’re heading to a shelter, a friend’s home, or a family member’s house, the key is to get to safety as soon as possible. Once you’re safe, find a secure, calm space to sit, breathe, and work on regaining your bearings. If you are not currently under evacuation orders, pack a bag with essentials and have it by your door. 

2. Stay Connected to Friends, Family and Neighbors

Connection is our lifeline in times of crisis. Reach out to those you care about via text, phone calls or social media. Knowing that others are thinking of you and offering support can significantly ease feelings of isolation and anxiety. Consider creating a communication plan with family and friends—perhaps having one point of contact outside the area to check in on everyone. Reach out to neighbors, even if you don’t know them well—sometimes, a simple “How are you doing?” can offer profound comfort.

3. Stay Informed, but Take Breaks From the News

While staying informed is crucial, constant exposure to distressing updates can heighten anxiety. Limit your news intake and check reliable sources (such as emergency services and official city updates) at regular intervals. It’s OK to step away from the media to focus on self-care and remember that your mental health is just as important as staying updated on the fire’s progression.

4. Avoid Alcohol, Marijuana or Other Numbing Substances

In stressful times, some people may turn to substances to numb their emotions. However, using alcohol or drugs to cope can actually worsen the situation. Alcohol interferes with sleep and hinders your body’s ability to process trauma, which you need to heal. It’s important to acknowledge the fear and pain you’re feeling, and if necessary, reach out to someone who can offer support.

5. Take Care of Your Children

Children process trauma differently from adults. They may not fully understand the situation, which can leave them feeling confused or scared. Provide reassurance and stability during this uncertain time. Try to maintain familiar routines and let them know that you are there for them. It’s also important to validate their feelings—if they are frightened, acknowledge their fears. Be patient if they show signs of regression, such as wanting to stay close to you or having trouble sleeping. If possible, explain the situation in simple terms, emphasizing that they are safe.

6. Care for Your Pets

Pets, too, are impacted by the stress of the situation. Animals are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions, so if you’re anxious, they may feel that way as well. Keep them close and provide comforting items like their favorite blanket or toy. If you need to evacuate, be sure to bring a pet carrier, leash, food and water to ensure they are safe and comfortable during the journey.

7. Avoid Major Decisions Right Now

In a crisis, our brains are flooded with stress hormones, which can impair our ability to make clear decisions. For now, avoid making major choices that can wait. It’s OK not to have all the answers right away. If you must make a decision, try to do so with the support of a loved one or trusted community member. Take things one step at a time—focus on the essentials and move forward carefully and calmly.

8. Sleep: Your Brain’s First Line of Defense

Sleep might feel elusive right now, with adrenaline and anxiety running high. But it’s essential to give your body and mind time to recover. If you can, find a quiet, dark space to rest. Even if you can’t fall asleep immediately, simply lying down and closing your eyes allows your body to process the stress. If you’re struggling to sleep due to anxiety, deep breathing exercises or meditation can help calm your nervous system. If sleeplessness continues, consider seeking professional help, as short-term medication may be helpful in managing overwhelming stress. And if you’re not eating, that’s OK for a short time as cortisol dampens our appetite—but address it if it persists for more than a couple of days.

9. Get Help When You Need It

Mental health experts are available to offer support during this trying time. Professionals trained in trauma care can help you process your feelings and navigate through this crisis. If you or someone you know is affected by a fire in Los Angeles and needs counseling, you can reach out to the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 for 24/7 crisis support. You can also text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 to connect with a trained counselor. Dial 211 to access information and referrals for emergency services, including mental health support. Local resources for the Beverly Hills community include the Maple Counseling Center, which can be reached at 310-271-9999.

The situation we face in Los Angeles is tragic and unprecedented. By taking small steps, staying connected, and showing kindness to ourselves and others, we will get through it. The road to healing will take time, but remember that even in the darkest moments, we are designed to be resilient. Together, we will rise from this crisis and rebuild our community to the vibrant place we love. The fire will be extinguished shortly, but the spirit of our community will never be. 

The post Navigating the LA Fires: How to Stay Safe and Supported appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Formerly known as the Beverly Hills Community Garden, the West Los Angeles-based organization increased the number of schools they work with, raised substantial funds through development efforts and strengthened their ties to the local and national community. 

Hydroponic farming allows plants to grow in a liquid solution instead of in soil, allowing for growth year-round and indoors. The practice uses less water than traditional farming, and often allows plants to grow more quickly. 

“We really feel that growing food [hydroponically] on a big scale in cities is the future of where our food is going to have to come from,” says Jen Levy, City Green’s founder and executive director. “We can’t really rely on the land anymore, and water continues to be an issue everywhere. So, the more people we can educate, the better.”

As part of their widespread education programming, City Greens works closely with Beverly Hills Unified School District, where Levy offers classes and workshops for students. 

In 2024, the organization strengthened its program at Beverly Vista Middle School. The school has one hydroponic tower, and Levy teaches sustainable growth practices to sixth-grade science classes.

At Beverly Hills High School, Levy works with students in Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Placement Human Geography and Environmental Science, as well as the special needs program. The school has five hydroponic towers, and in 2024, students began taking a more active role in tending them. 

“One thing that we added this year [was] a City Greens Club at the high school that the students are running, along with one teacher,” Levy says. “For the first time, the students are taking part in the maintenance and the planting and the seeding of what goes into each hydroponic tower.” 

In addition to its work in Beverly Hills, City Greens offers education programs at Los Angeles schools, including Temple Israel of Hollywood, Brentwood School, Crescenta Valley High School, Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic School and Middleton Elementary School. Outside of Los Angeles, City Greens has programs in Beachwood, Ohio and Maui, Hawaii. 

Both the Ohio and Maui programs use food grown in their hydroponic towers for school lunch. 

“Everything they grow in the towers goes directly into their salad bar and their hot lunch program,” says Levy. 

Levy notes that the City Greens program in Maui has also helped the community reach its goal of increased sustainability following the 2023 wildfires that damaged large swaths of the island. 

“After [the fires], they really wanted to start establishing and building an on-campus garden, and to figure out how to grow their own food and teach the students about that,” says Levy. “I go every few months to do some education with those students, and I also meet with those teachers virtually to help with the maintenance and any questions or updates they have.”

In addition to its ongoing work with schools, City Greens this year established a partnership with Gro iQ, a company that offers, in part, high-quality sensors that can accurately test hydroponic growth elements such as light, heat and carbon dioxide.  

“The sensors that they have are significantly more comprehensive than what we’re already using,” says Levy. “We’re trying to figure out how to be as precise and accurate as possible with our growth cycles, and they’re helping us do that.”

Locally, City Greens has also donated a hydroponic container to the Beverly Hills Fire Department station on Rexford Drive, which uses some of the plants produced therein for their cooking. 

Having a container at the fire station is “a way for people to see the difference between locally grown hydroponic food versus non-hydroponic local food,” says Levy. 

Local organizations and groups supporting City Greens include the city of Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills Education Foundation, We Benefit Children, Beverly Hills Rotary Club and the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles. 

The post Building Sustainable Gardens, One Tower at a Time appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Both men were arrested by investigators with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Los Angeles. They face up to 20 years in prison for each of the conspiracy and wire fraud counts, and five years on the stalking count.

According to the indictment, from May 2021 to May 2024, the defendants sponsored several NFT and other digital asset projects and then promoted them. They then are alleged to have made materially false and misleading statements regarding the projects being launched and provided false and misleading project “roadmaps” detailing plans for the assets they never intended to fulfill.

Both men pled guilty and were released on $200,000 bail. A trial date is set for Feb. 11. 

The post Beverly Hills Resident Indicted in Cryptocurrency Scheme 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, visit beverlyhills.org/goldenglobes.

Curb lane closures will begin on North Santa Monica Boulevard at 10 p.m. on Dec. 29 and continue through 5 p.m. on Jan. 8. Full sidewalk and street closures will begin at 9 p.m. on Jan. 3 and continue through 5 a.m. on Jan. 6. 

Lane reductions will begin on Wilshire Boulevard at 9 p.m. on Jan 4. Full lane closures will begin at 5 a.m. on Jan. 5 and continue through 5 a.m. on Jan. 6. 

Additionally, limited closures will be in effect on select streets from 5 a.m. on Jan. 5 through 5 a.m. on Jan. 6. Parking will also be completely restricted during that time period on portions of Whittier Drive, Carmelita Avenue, Elevado Avenue, Trenton Drive, Walden Drive and Lomitas Avenue. 

Residents without permit parking can obtain a parking exemption by contacting the city’s Parking Exemption Line at 310-285-2548 or online at beverlyhills.org/parkingexemptions.

For questions and concerns before the day of the event, call the askBH Customer Service line at 310-285-1000 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday–Friday and the after-hours Golden Globes Hotline that will be active on Jan. 5 from 2 p.m.– 8 p.m. at 310-550-4680.  

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Our brains are designed to keep us alive, and evolution has shaped us to be on high alert for potential dangers—this is known as the “negativity bias.” Our ancestors lived in environments filled with threats, from predators to food scarcity. Being attuned to danger helped them stay alive. A rustling in the bushes might have been the wind—or it might have been a lurking predator. Those who erred on the side of caution were more likely to survive and pass on their genes.

Today, our surroundings have drastically changed, but our brains remain wired in much the same way. We no longer face saber-toothed tigers, but our brains are still primed to focus on threats and negative events, and the news takes advantage of this natural tendency. This bias means that negative experiences and emotions tend to be processed differently than positive ones. We might receive a dozen compliments, but it’s that one criticism that lingers in our mind. This tendency can create a mental environment where stress, anxiety and worry dominate.

The good news is that while our brains have this inherent bias, they are also incredibly adaptable. Thanks to a concept known as neuroplasticity, we can reshape our neural  pathways over time. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections. It allows us to navigate our changing environment, learn new skills, alter our thought patterns and recover from brain injuries.

By consciously shifting our focus from the negative to the positive, we can counterbalance the brain’s natural inclination toward fear. This process doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or adopting a blind optimism, but rather, it means cultivating a mindset that is open to noticing and appreciating the good moments when they occur. In doing so, we can gradually tip the scales in favor of joy and well-being. Some call it “pragmatic optimism,” or a humorous friend describes herself as a “terminal optimist.” 

Anchoring joy involves deliberately focusing on positive experiences and allowing ourselves to fully absorb them. It’s about making a habit of noticing small moments of pleasure—a warm cup of coffee in the morning, the sound of laughter, a beautiful sunset—and giving those moments the attention they deserve. By doing this, we can train our brains to linger on positive emotions rather than allowing them to pass by unnoticed.

Here are a few ways to start anchoring joy in your life:

1. Savor the Small Moments: Instead of rushing through your day, take time to pause and truly experience the positive moments. When something pleasant happens, like enjoying a good meal or hearing your favorite song, take a few extra seconds or minutes to lean in. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let yourself feel the joy in that moment.

2. Practice Gratitude: Each day, make a habit of writing down three things you are grateful for. These don’t have to be major events—simple things like a kind word from a friend or a sunny day can be enough. By focusing on what you’re grateful for, you are training your brain to notice the positive aspects of your life. Making this part of your nightly ritual can also prime your brain for more positive dreams.  

3. Mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to simply observe your surroundings without judgment. Focus on the sensation of the sun on your skin, the smell of fresh flowers or the sound of birds chirping. This practice helps ground you in the present moment and appreciate the beauty that is often overlooked. You can reinforce these pleasant moments anytime you wish by closing your eyes and reviewing them in your mind’s eye. 

4. Celebrate All Wins: Don’t wait for big achievements to feel proud or happy. Acknowledge and celebrate the small wins in your life as well, whether it’s completing a task at home or work, making it through a difficult conversation, making the wise food choice or sticking to your exercise routine. By recognizing these moments, you reinforce a sense of accomplishment and positivity.

5. Plan Activities That Will Create Joy: While this may seem obvious, often times we get so caught up in day-to-day responsibilities we forget to make time for joy. Reflect on what makes you most joyful and try to integrate more of it into your routine. It can be something as simple as 10 minutes of comedy during your day or something complicated like a dinner party or vacation.  

6. Active Recall: Sharing joyful experiences with a family member, friend or journal reinforces these positive memories. Take photos of joyful moments and put them on your mantel as a visual reminder.  Buying a souvenir serves the same productive purpose so bring something home from the next joyful outing. It doesn’t need to be anything expensive just something to jog your memory. So, next time you go to a theatre or concert, grab that T-shirt and invest a few more dollars in savoring the experience. 

Anchoring joy is not only beneficial for our own well-being but also has a ripple effect on those around us. We tend to approach others with more kindness and understanding, creating a more positive atmosphere in our relationships and communities. The old phrase “When we smile, the whole world smiles with us” is scientifically accurate. We have mirror neurons in our brain that mimic what we see, so our smile directly impacts others. Thus, your practice can transform not just your emotional well-being but also your families, friends and co-workers as well. 

It’s important to remember that anchoring joy is not about achieving a constant state of bliss. Life will always have its ups and downs, and moments of sadness or frustration are a natural part of the human experience. Anchoring joy is about creating a mental habit that helps us weather the storms of life with a bit more grace.

For those of us living in a world that often seems to prioritize productivity and speed, anchoring joy can be a powerful reminder to slow down and appreciate the present. It is a way of saying to ourselves, “This moment matters. This feeling of contentment, however small, is worth holding onto.” And over time, as we continue to anchor these moments, we may find that joy becomes a more natural and lasting presence in our lives.

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

Thich Nhat Hanh  

The post Anchoring Joy for the New Year appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In a statement, United States Attorney Martin Estrada said, “This defendant took part in a blatant assault on a store operating in daylight hours, believing he could rob and intimidate others with impunity. Now, he will serve a lengthy sentence in federal prison. Our office and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate these sorts of brazen attacks on our community.”

Vernon was charged along with two other adults and one minor. The indictment describes the group driving together in three different vehicles from Long Beach to Beverly Hills before the robbery. Vernon’s cell phone fell out of his sweatpants pocket while he was committing the robbery and left it behind. According to an affidavit previously filed in this case, the phone was later recovered by law enforcement.

The group made off with approximately 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings and 20 watches, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. 

After the robbery, the group ran out of the store and left behind a vehicle which had been reported stolen in Long Beach four days before the robbery. According to court documents, one of Vernon’s accomplices posted various pictures of large stacks of money and a message praising his “robbery gang,” just two days after the robbery.

Peter Sedghi, the CEO of Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills, described the events on the day of the robbery for the Courier. “I was sitting in my office, and we have special glass.” He described loud sounds coming from the robbery, “sledgehammers hitting the glass, it sounded like gunshots. I hit the burglar alarm, I told my employees to hit the floor, and I grabbed my gun. One of my employees that sits up front told me, ‘Pete, shoot them! Pete, shoot them!’ They saw me with the gun and started running.”

Vernon faced a statutory maximum of 20 years in federal prison. Deshon Bell, a co-defendant, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery and is serving a federal prison sentence of one year and one day. Another co-defendant, Ladell Tharpe, pleaded guilty on Sept. 30 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and will have a sentencing hearing on Jan. 6, 2025.

Both the FBI and the Beverly Hills Police Department investigated the robbery. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Kevin B. Reidy of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted the case.

Previously, a Beverly Hills Police Department spokesman told the Courier, “If you commit a crime in the city of Beverly Hills, we are going to exhaust all leads until we have you in custody and then we will make sure you answer up to charges either on the state or federal level.” He then added, “Once we started working with our federal partners, the decision was made to seek federal charges. In the past we have had great results on the federal level.”

For his part, Sedghi said that he wanted more time in jail for the robbers. “I think he should have gotten more time. A lot more, for what they did to us not just financially but mentally. He caused emotional damage to my employees.”

The store is open now, but Sedghi says after the robbery they had to close for more than a month. “We had to shut down for a while, do inventory, fix broken glass, the windows. It was tough in the beginning.” 

The post Defendant Sentenced in Jewelry Story Robbery appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“We’ve been doing 12 shows a day, and every show is a new chance to engage with the audience,” said Alex Evans, a puppeteer with the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. In front of a grey velvet curtain, the puppet cast included a ballerina, a dog shuffling across the stage and a polar bear ice-skating—much to the delight of the children. “It’s a heartwarming opportunity for kids to interact with the puppets,” Evans explained. “You have kids who are initially intimidated and then warm up to it. It’s a wonderful holiday experience. It’s great to see the whole family out together.”

Ella and Adam St. Amand attended the event with their child and were charmed by the performance. “It’s a lot of fun and interactive,” Ella St. Amand said. “Kids are really paying lots of attention,” she noted, observing the mesmerized audience.

In the crafting village, children had the chance to make festive items, such as watermelon crowns for Yalda and snowman popsicle sticks. The craft tables showcased holiday traditions from various cultures, including Feliz Navidad and Umoja-themed bracelets for Kwanzaa. The Beverly Hills Fire Department’s Spark of Love hosted a toy drive and collected unwrapped toys.

Nami, the beloved Beverly Hills Police Department support dog, appeared at the event dressed as Santa Claus. “Nami is here as part of the police department to bring comfort, support and joy to all the families and kids coming to Holidays at Greystone,” said Nami’s handler, Jackie Lynn. “Yesterday, we had a child who was having a rough time. He came over, started petting her and calmed down. He was able to enjoy the rest of the event.”

Greystone Mansion was adorned with decorations from multiple cultures. Rooms were dedicated to Feliz Navidad, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, with a special dreidel game for children. Carolers in traditional Victorian attire sang holiday favorites at the mansion’s entrance and accepted visitors’ song requests. “It’s about bringing holiday cheer,” said caroler Melissa Clein. “It’s nice to see people smile.”

Inside the mansion, children had the opportunity to meet Elsa and Anna from “Frozen,” dressed in elaborate costumes with a winter wonderland backdrop. “We ask them for their names; we sign little autograph cards, trying to give them an immersive experience,” said Marcelina Kalet, who portrayed Elsa. “Some of the teens and even young adults who were 8 or 10 when the film came out still recognize us,” Kalet continued. “We still see the magic in their eyes. They still see us as part of their childhood era.”

In the storytelling room, Andy Leinbach, manager of the children’s department at the Beverly Hills Public Library, led children through storytime. “We have a selection of Hanukkah, Christmas and winter-themed stories,” Leinbach said. “The highlight for me is definitely seeing the kids’ grins when they really connect with a story.”

In the Santa Claus room, children posed with Santa and marveled at an elaborate gingerbread house in the kitchen. Dressed as Mrs. Claus, Christine Mazanec described the event as an overwhelming success. “We’re making gingerbread cookies, and there are gingerbread houses. It’s a great experience,” she said. “It smells like cookies, and there’s just this warm, friendly feeling.” Mazanec joked that her mother’s maiden name is Claus, so playing the cheery character was her family legacy. A letter-writing station allowed children to send their holiday wishes to Santa. Miguel Garcia, dressed as Santa Claus, agreed that the event was the highlight of his holiday season. 

The post Holidays at Greystone Bring Festive Cheer appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The innovative first piece, a world premiere, was called “Mayday,” choreographed to the music of Buddy Holly, the rock ‘n’ roller who led the way in the rockabilly style with hits like “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue,” just a few of the songs choreographed by Trey McIntyre. Both a playful homage to Holly’s music and an ominous reminder of his death in a plane crash at the age of 22, McIntyre makes full use of the company’s strengths. In unisex croptop gray suits, Holly nerdy horn-rimmed glasses, slapping rhythm on their bare stomachs, they moved in sync, flowingly to the music as they undulated in and out of formation, constantly followed by a toy airplane, manned by each dancer at various points in the piece, as a constant reminder of what will come. The smooth back-and-forth movements of elbows, legs, heads, arms, perfectly matched to the beats of the various songs, has you smiling from the beginning until the climax. This is choreography that highlights the range and training of the various dancers, with Chandler Davidson and his blonde buzzcut leaping and pirouetting gracefully with his seamless athleticism. Joan Rodriguez, ballet-trained in Cuba, was another standout. His extension and leaps were breathtaking. Katie Garcia, easily melds the worlds of ballet and modern, capturing the stage in her solos. Choreographer McIntyre made full use of each dancer’s specialized training. 

“I Forgot the Start,” choreographed by Matthew Neenan, was a poetic ode to love using the music of Sinéad O’Connor among others. The dancers were very good, coupling and uncoupling as the music by the various artists suggested, and that was, to a certain extent, the point of the piece with its theme of love and the loss thereof.

“Incense Burning on a Saturday Morning: The Maestro,” the final performance of the evening, sent the company out on a high note. It wasn’t so much the choreography by Juel D. Lane that excelled but, instead, it was the design of the composition that set it apart from almost anything you have seen or will see in the future. Lane was attempting to portray artist Ernie Barnes, a Los Angeleno, in his studio and it was the innovative lighting and video design that propelled this piece off the stage and into the audience. Opening on a single dancer, Ty Morrison as Barnes, in his studio, wielding a brush as he feigns painting on a canvas. As his hands move across that canvas, the glass-like scrim between the audience and him fills with the brushstrokes he is making to breathtaking effect. He continues filling the canvas and concurrently the scrim as his muse arrives in the form of dancer Alana Jones, voguing for the painter. Enter the corps, portraying both the wildly primary-colored paints and, eventually, the vibrant dancers swirling, leaping and surrounding the two as the artist’s vision is realized and we see Barnes’ most famous painting, “The Sugar Shack” take shape with the model and the paints becoming one with the characters on the canvas. The wildly free, yet coordinated undulating motions of the “paints” energizes the choreography and helps tell an enrapturing story.

This night was particularly celebratory as Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett introduced each choreographer, sitting in the audience among those who would soon become their rabid fans. The enthusiasm of this crowd, many of whom had never before heard of BodyTraffic, built with each number, ending with standing ovations for the dancers and the choreographer, brought to the stage for a bow with the performers. 

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The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) hosted the event, which Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman chaired. The gala marked the beginning of a three-day conference that included remarks from Peter Paltchik, the Israeli Olympic bronze medalist in Judo, Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, and others who shared their insight on the fight against intolerance. The evening included an interactive art installation with cartoon comic panels inspired by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, as well as virtual reality programming from NGO ISRAEL-is, where guests were able to immerse themselves in the stories and experiences of five survivors of the Oct. 7 massacre. 

Summit panelists on Dec. 12 included Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook and Mayor Friedman. The Courier’s Dec. 20 issue will contain a full report of the summit programming. 

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The Courier visited the team as it practiced this week at the gym at Sinai Temple. 

It’s a bittersweet moment, as the teammates have been scattered across Israel after their homes were destroyed on Oct. 7. With the help of Sinai Temple and Rabbi Erez Sherman, who is hosting the boys for a one-week visit, the team now has another chance to rekindle their friendships on the court. On the evening of Dec. 4, the team attended a Los Angeles Clippers game, where Bilanski was honored as a community hero alongside Rabbi Sherman.

Throughout their stay in the Southland, the team played various scrimmages with local teams and met with basketball professionals, including Angel McCoughtry, a WNBA player and two-time Olympian who was moved by the boys’ uplifted spirits. “I was in awe. If no one told me what those boys had been through, I wouldn’t have known. Our problems are what we make of them—just to see the smiles on their faces. Playing sports gets you through anything in your life. It will keep you out of trouble,” McCoughtry told the Courier. 

Sherman explained that his enthusiasm for the project stems from his passion for Judaism, Israel, and sports. With the help of Project 24 Israel, which was formed after Oct. 7, Sherman came up with the idea of bringing the teenage boys to Los Angeles. “I saw that they did something similar with other kids from the southern border of Gaza about six months ago,” he said. “This organization asked the kids, ‘What’s your magic power?’ The kids said, ‘Basketball.’ So, we fundraised and brought them to Los Angeles. Every day, they do something basketball-related and practice because they haven’t been a team for over a year.”

The team’s reunion has been supported by the Los Angeles sports community. “I watched this last week as the generosity of the sports community in Los Angeles has been incredible—donating tickets, experiences, meals,” said Sherman.

Many of the boys lost family members, friends, and their communities on Oct. 7. For the past year, they have been scattered across the country, unable to practice together until now. “This is the first time the 15 of these boys have been together as a unit,” Sherman noted. “I’ve just watched the last 24 hours. The organization told me the magic would happen. I didn’t understand that until I’ve witnessed the magic happening.”

Shoham Cohen, one of the team members, has been living in a hotel by the Dead Sea since the Oct. 7 attacks. He lost a best friend that day and has since lived in a state of precarity, with his home destroyed. He explains that distance forced him to quit the team, but the warm welcome from the Los Angeles sports community has been exciting. “They’re waiting for us. They want to see us, to hear us. So, it’s cool,” he said with a smile.

Ran Gold, the team’s coach, was at a bachelor party when the events of Oct. 7 began. He soon discovered that while his family was safe, his neighbors had been killed. He describes a feeling of guilt for not being there to mentor the boys over the past year. A few days after the attacks, he reached out to the team. “I sent them a message and told them something to give them motivation and power,” he said.

“I have a feeling of letting them down that I haven’t been with them for the last year,” Gold explained. The reunion has been emotional. “There are kids who need it, need to hold on to this group to give them power. There are people, like me, who need to understand that this chapter is over.”

Gold believes basketball provides the boys with valuable life lessons. “This game is about becoming a stronger person, even when you lose, how to handle it, and even when you win, how to handle it without being a show-off,” he said. The trip also gave the boys an opportunity to process the trauma of Oct. 7. “We are talking about what happened on the 7th. Every kid has his own story—losing family members, losing friends,” Gold said.

Bilanski stresses the therapeutic power of basketball. “I play the game when I need to shoot, when I need to breathe. We talk about our stories and our families.” He said that the boys’ mood and confidence have improved over the past few days. He observed that even the 15-hour flight from Israel was a heartwarming time for the boys to reconnect and bond. “This is what I need to do in my life. This is why God sent me. I kept trying to be in contact with all of them, but it was hard. Some were inland. Some were by the Dead Sea. Some were in Tel Aviv,” Bilanski said.

Sherman highlighted the significance of Bilanski being honored at the Clippers game. “It’s Jewish Heritage Night, but their coach will be honored as the Community Hero of the night. He’s standing on the court in front of 30,000 people, saying, ‘I’m here, we’re here, and basketball has brought me here.’” 

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The new Rolex Boutique opened to great fanfare on Dec. 4 at 312 N. Rodeo Drive. Operated by Gearys, the 6,200-square-foot building features a custom green twisted-glass façade designed to evoke the brand’s classic Oyster model.

“This project started a little over five years ago when Rolex wanted a bigger presence on Rodeo Drive,” Tom Blumenthal, President and CEO of Gearys, told the Courier. “My family has owned Gearys for over 65 of its 95 years. We’re well entrenched in this community, and this space was really just a perfect location. So, five years ago, the spark was lit.”

The new flagship took 3 years to design and 1.5 years to complete. Previously occupied by Dolce & Gabbana, the work plan included modifications to the exterior and the building of a third floor with a rooftop terrace.

Highlights of the new boutique include a stucco wall depicting the Los Angeles skyline, a green marble bar, green marble walls and a circular wood staircase connecting all three levels.

The second floor includes a cylindrical after-sales service area, where watchmakers are available to help clients with their timepieces. The third-floor rooftop is reserved for private events and to host VIP customers.

“It’s a wonderful partnership with Rolex that my family has had for over 25 years,” Blumenthal said. He added that the Rolex timepieces in highest demand are off-catalog, one-of-a-kind watches that are not available to the public and gem-set pieces.

 

In addition to a press conference, festivities included an evening event in which a portion of Rodeo Drive was closed off. City officials and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the newest addition to the famed street. Making a special appearance was tennis legend Roger Federer, who has long been associated with the brand.

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Oscar, Golden Globe and multi-Grammy award winning Lionel Richie was honored with the Hollywood Icon Award by Cedars-Sinai Chair of Neurosurgery Dr. Keith Black. And The Humanitarian Award was presented to Daniele and Arthur J. Ochoa. 

Women’s Guild has raised over $70 million for Cedars-Sinai. Their projects include the Women’s Guild Simulation Center for Advanced Clinical Skills; the Women’s Guild Lung Institute; the Saul and Joyce Brandman Breast Center-A Project of Women’s Guild; the Women’s Guild Endowed Chair in Gastroenterology, held by Dr. Shelly Lu; and the Women’s Guild Distinguished Chair in Neurology, held by Dr. Nancy Sicotte. They just completed a $10 million campaign for the Women’s Guild Neurology Project, whose efforts have propelled Cedars-Sinai to the forefront in treating Parkinson’s, ALS, Stroke, and Alzheimer’s, they have committed to raising another $5 million for Neurology; and Cedars-Sinai’s newest expansion, Guerin Children’s where they will endow a $5 million Distinguished Chair in Pediatrics to Shervin Rabizadeh, MD, MBA. 

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Patty Betancourt, special events and filming coordinator, presented the LA Marathon’s route, which spans from Dodger Stadium to Century City and passes by several Beverly Hills attractions. With 25,000 participants, the LA Marathon is one of the most well-attended races in Southern California. The route allows marathon participants to pass by Beverly Hills restaurants, shops and hotels. Betancourt explained that, with safety in mind, the marathon requires significant street closures while minimizing disruption to residents and businesses. Beverly Hills traffic control will be on-site throughout the day to manage traffic and ensure businesses remain accessible to patrons until the marathon concludes at 6 p.m. Letters of notification will be distributed to affected businesses.

“This is our 40th anniversary so it’s an exciting year for us,” said Murphy Reinschreiber, COO of the McCourt Foundation. “Our plan is not to grow the race this year, even though we have considerably more demand for the race than ever.”

Wells and Friedman voiced support for the marathon and approved the street closures to move forward to the full council. “I love this event, and I love that it’s in Beverly Hills. As a family, we’ve always gone out to cheer on the runners,” said Wells. She noted that the traffic detours should account for ongoing construction in Beverly Hills.

Friedman stressed the importance of informing residents on how to navigate the city during street closures. He suggested traffic control officers provide directional cards to drivers looking for alternate routes. “This is a great event. It’s a signature event for the city; I’m really looking forward to it,” he concluded.

The liaisons also heard a request from Vanity Fair regarding street and sidewalk closures for Oscar events on March 2, 2025. Additionally, Vanity Fair requested a three-year agreement from 2025 to 2028. Betancourt stated that the event, attended by celebrities, media and high-profile guests, requires street and sidewalk closures to ensure safety. Vanity Fair also requested a partial waiver of the street closure permit fee.

“We’ve had the Oscar party in Beverly Hills for nine years, and I would like to continue that. It’s been a great location. Not only do we have the event there, but we use a lot of the businesses and hotels in the surrounding area,” said Sarah Marks, director of special projects at Vanity Fair. She added that the high permit fees would make it difficult for Vanity Fair to continue hosting the event in Beverly Hills.

Wells spoke to support Vanity Fair’s relationship with the city. “I think it’s nice for us to have this event in Beverly Hills. It’s a great match from a profile standpoint and really elevates the city’s profile, which is exactly what we’re looking for,” said Wells.

Friedman supported Vanity Fair’s request for a fee waiver, recognizing the benefit to Beverly Hills from hosting such a high-profile event. “I think the benefit to the city is one that I would certainly be supportive of continuing the waiver, as long as we use the cost-of-living adjustment for each of the years, as we have in the past,” he said. The council discussed the importance of clear communication and coordination with local businesses to minimize inconvenience.

Marks emphasized Vanity Fair’s support of local businesses in Beverly Hills during the Academy Awards events. “We try to stick within Beverly Hills and use the restaurants and shops that we can find. We have more than 300 room nights at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.”

The approval requests for the LA Marathon and Vanity Fair’s Academy Awards Dinner and Post-Oscar Party will be forwarded to the full City Council for final consideration. 

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This week, as Katz prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday on Nov. 29, the local Beverly Hills resident spoke to the Courier over the phone to reflect on his life, from his harsh and harrowing childhood experience living through the Holocaust to starting a new life in Beverly Hills. 

Despite being 99 years old, Katz is still apt at remembering specific dates, from when he fought in Israel to when he moved to Southern California. 

He began our conversation by recounting that fateful day when he knew his life would never be the same. 

“One day I was in school, and the next day, I was out in nowhere,” Katz recalled. 

Katz was born to two Jewish Polish immigrants in Dortmund, Germany and was the oldest of three children. Up until  age 10, he lived a fairly normal life—until one night, he heard a knock on the door. It was the Gestapo informing Katz’s family that they were being deported, alongside other foreign Jewish families in Dortmund. They were given just one hour to pack before being sent away on a train to Poland. For a year, Katz and his family remained on the Polish border.

“For a year, they wouldn’t let us into the country. Just the border. No school, no nothing,” Katz recalled. 

After living on the Polish border, Katz’s parents made the difficult decision to separate their family by registering him and his brother for the Kindertransport. Too young to be sent away, their 3-year-old sister remained with Katz’s mother and father. His parents were later sent to the Warsaw Ghetto and died in 1941.

The Warsaw Ghetto was the largest of the Nazi ghettos. Adolf Hitler’s General Government established the ghetto in occupied Poland nearly a year after World War II broke out. Katz’s parents were among the approximately 400,000 who died in the Warsaw Ghetto. 

Katz and his brother were two of thousands of Jewish children rescued via the Kindertransport —a series of efforts led by the British to save children from Nazi-controlled territories during the nine-month outbreak leading up to World War II. Katz was sent to the south of England three months after his brother was sent to the north. In England, Katz lived in a children’s home, which he calls an orphanage because “no one ever saw their parents again.”

When he was old enough, Katz enlisted in the British army and fought in Italy. Three years later, he was finally reunited with his brother.

Soon after leaving the British army, Katz left the country because he was “worried about the state of the Jewish people” after his family died in the Holocaust. Katz decided to volunteer to serve in the Haganah, the Zionist military entity that integrated into the Israeli Defense Forces and led to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.

“It was a very, very bad war in Israel,” Katz said. “We were four people, and three were dead within a month and a half.” Katz fought in Israel for nearly a year.

But it wasn’t all dark —Katz met his wife, Shoshana, while serving in the Israeli army. The two were married for 65 years. They had a child, Steven, who still looks after Katz. 

In 1958, they obtained immigration affidavits from individuals in Boston, Massachusetts, decided to pack their bags and move to the United States.

“I did not know a soul when I came here. It was extremely courageous. I don’t know how I did it,” Katz said in disbelief. 

When Katz and his family immigrated, his son was 6 years old, and his wife had just lost a baby. He spoke about their move with incredulousness. 

But Katz didn’t prefer to talk about that part of his life as much. 

“The experience is best forgotten … I’m sorry I don’t have anything light to tell you,” Katz said with bits of his dry humor. 

Katz stated that his family prefers him not to share too many details about his earlier life, but that he would do it for the Courier, which he’s been reading for 50 years. 

Eventually, sunshine drew Katz, like many others, to Southern California. Before that, Katz grew up in harsh climates —first Germany, then Britain—before relocating to Boston in 1958 and finally Los Angeles in the 1960s.

Since then, Katz said he has been living a relatively straightforward life. He lived in West Los Angeles and then Beverly Hills, where he’s been residing in his current home on Palm Drive for over 50 years. He called himself an animal lover, stating he knows “all the dogs on his street.” 

He worked until he was 92 importing ball bearings for his company, Allied Bearing Sales. 

“It wasn’t great, but it paid the bills,” Katz humbly stated. Katz never attended university and was only ever trained to fight in war.

Though he missed the opportunity to attend university, Katz kept his mind active by reading a book a day and listening to lectures. 

Now, Katz lives a relatively nondescript, laid-back life, even opting to speak later in the day to give himself an extra hour of sleep. He does what he can to stay healthy. Despite not walking, seeing or hearing well, as Katz described, his days consist of daily exercise and neighborhood walks, including taking fitness classes from the Beverly Hills Roxbury Recreation Center. He is regularly visited by his son, Steven, his daughter-in-law and grandson, who live nearby. 

“Basically, I could complain, but I should not complain,” Katz joked. 

He also has a full-time caregiver, who makes sure Katz doesn’t miss a doctor’s appointment. 

“My son calls me twice a day to make sure I’m still breathing,” Katz stated affectionately. 

He doesn’t have that much family nearby— just his son and his wife and child as well as his nephew and his three daughters. 

Additionally, Katz’s synagogue continues to keep in touch with him by calling him, even after he stopped attending regularly. He says it’s because he tries to avoid any place with stairs. 

For his 100th birthday, Katz received a flag and a letter from his senator. Katz’s plans for the centenary of his birth consist of a doctor’s appointment, a small gathering hosted by his son, and a dinner with his nephew’s daughters.

Now that he’s older, Katz finds himself thinking about the past more often than he used to, stating that there’s no use in thinking about the future. 

“I’m not looking for it [the past], but it comes to me,” Katz said. “I’m not damaged in any way so it’s OK. I forgive anyone who’s ever slighted me.”

Katz often thinks back on his earlier life: his loving family, including his parents and two younger siblings, and the painful memories of being beaten up on his way home from school.

Despite the changes and challenges, Katz kept his sense of humor, stating that he still makes lots of bad jokes.

“I don’t recommend anyone to be born in 1924,” Katz jokingly stated. 

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“Providing pathways and academies at BHHS is essential to bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world career experiences,” Dr. Dustin Seemann, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services, told the Courier. “These programs offer students invaluable exposure to fields and industries that can’t be fully replicated within school walls, helping them make informed choices about their future. By immersing students in professional environments like our hospitality industry in Beverly Hills, we empower them to enter the college application process with clarity and confidence, equipped to pursue paths that align with their true interests and aspirations.”

The early success of the Career Academy is notable. One BHHS graduate who was enrolled in the program last year attended a job fair at L’Ermitage over the summer and was already familiar with the hiring staff. “They ended up hiring him out of high school, which was his dream, to work full time in the hospitality industry before going off to college,” Cindy Dubin, Coordinator of Career Technical Education at BHHS, told the Courier. 

“The host hotels are amazing,” Dubin told the Courier. The hotels feature a different department each month, ranging from food and beverage, business and marketing, finance, housekeeping, security, engineering and others. “So, it’s just to hear how people ended up doing what they’re doing, and if you’re dedicated, work hard and are open-minded, you just never know where your talents will bring you.”

After a representative from Les Roche, a leading hospitality school in Europe, came to speak to career classes at BHHS last year and learned about the new program, she wanted to get involved too. As a result, Les Roches offered one Career Academy student a scholarship to attend one of their teen business hotel hospitality programs over the summer in Switzerland and provided $1,000 toward airfare. “And now, because of that school doing it, other schools and colleges are hearing about it and wanting to support the program and encourage kids,” Dubin said. 

Students rotate so they can experience a workday at each of the hotels at least once. This year, the program features signature events for returning students. “I wanted to have something more enhanced for them, so I’ve asked the hotels to give us events. It can be an afternoon tea; it can be a wedding for 500, and they will take one to three students who can then come shadow or observe things in motion.” A few weeks ago, L’Ermitage had students working as lobby greeters for a ribbon cutting of their new restaurant, Costa Covo Osteria. 

Last year, three students had the opportunity to shadow staff at the Beverly Wilshire as they were setting up for conferences and banquets. 

Students in the Career Academy must wear a uniform that includes a black blazer with a logo and either black dress shoes, new white tennis shoes or clean black tennis shoes with no graphics. “If they show up at the bus and they’re not in the proper attire, they can’t go,” Dubin said. “There are just so many life lessons and it’s about being confident inside and out. This repetitive interaction with professionals is just such a direct way to help make that happen.” 

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Ganji first started seeing coyotes in her neighborhood about a month ago, and she wasn’t the only one. Over the past month, an uptick in coyote sightings in the flats has left many Beverly Hills residents fearful of leaving their homes. Primarily in the south of the city, the coyote sightings have prompted law enforcement to issue community warnings and best practices on how to stay safe, but the problem persists. Typically known to avoid people, residents have reported increasingly brazen coyotes that are unafraid to approach people and pets at any time of day or night. While the city of Beverly Hills does not remove or trap coyotes, officials work with the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures (ACWM) to manage wildlife encounters. 

In a WhatsApp group chat designated for zone six residents, neighbors share real-time coyote sightings and updates, “warning everybody it’s on Peck, it’s on Camden, it’s on Bedford,” said Ganji. “We think there are two that are living on our street.” As part of the Just in Case BH emergency preparedness plan, the city was divided into nine geographic zones, with zone six extending west of Beverly Drive and south of Wilshire Boulevard to the city boundary. 

“We call the police daily, and we’ve called animal control,” she said. “The coyote has not physically attacked anybody, but are we supposed to wait for it to attack us and then do something about it?”

Ganji grew up in Beverly Hills and has lived on South Bedford Drive for four years, but never have coyote sightings been a daily occurrence. “I feel like, as a neighborhood, we’re kind of at a standstill, and we don’t know what to do other than keep warning each other,” Ganji said. “We’re off of Olympic and Wilshire boulevards; there should not be coyotes here.”

According to several neighbors who contacted the Los Angeles County ACWM, an inspector from the Integrated Pest Management Division has been deployed to survey the area and then is expected to provide the city of Beverly Hills with an assessment. “I’m sure something is being done, but as a resident, I don’t know who’s really the right person to contact,” Ganji added.

Beverly Hills resident Mouna Forde told the Courier she was first approached by two coyotes about a month ago, around 4 a.m., while taking her Maltese dog outside. “I grabbed my dog in my hand, and one thing that surprised me was they weren’t scared,” Forde said. “They were coming towards me.”

Forde’s second encounter with a coyote was on Oct. 31, around 6:15 p.m., while she was walking her dog on South Roxbury Drive. “There were a lot of kids, noisy streets and lots of cars, and I turned my head, and it was behind me,” Forde said. “When I grabbed my dog from the floor, the coyote came towards me to attack my dog. I yelled and screamed, but it wasn’t scared.” According to Forde, the coyote cornered her in front of a parked car on her street, and she could not get by. After calling for help, her building manager came outside and chased the coyote away. “So now I have to walk my dog in the daytime with pepper spray, and it’s not enjoyable,” she told the Courier. “I don’t take her for walks anymore, and that’s so sad. I feel terrorized.”

Longtime resident Audrey Frantz was walking her small dog during the early evening of Oct. 24 when she realized a coyote had been trailing her. “Two ladies waiting at the Steak 48 valet said to me, ‘Pick up your dog, you’re being followed by a coyote,’” Frantz told the Courier. A few days later, she saw another coyote in the same neighborhood. “I was walking my dog next door to Steak 48 because there’s a little patch of grass there. I was with my neighbor, and she had her two little dogs. Then, all of a sudden, a big coyote came out of the bushes across the street on the west side of Roxbury and literally barged at us.” Frantz and her neighbor picked up their dogs and ran for safety inside the restaurant. 

Frantz lives on South Roxbury Drive and is one of many who no longer walks in the neighborhood. “I have too much anxiety, and I get constant text messages and phone calls from neighbors with coyote sightings during the day and night.”

“The community needs help, and people need to be able to walk in the neighborhood and feel safe,” Frantz added. “People are not walking their dogs in the neighborhood right now, and everybody is on edge.”

City officials urge people to keep pets indoors or in secure enclosures, not to leave any pet food outside, secure trash, and close crawl spaces to mitigate the threat of coyotes. To report a sighting, residents are encouraged to contact LA Animal Control at 310-207-3266. 

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Festivities also featured a spooky story time for children, presented by the Beverly Hills Public Library. And Giddy Up Ranch presented its popular petting zoo for children and parents, featuring miniature horses, an alpaca, chickens, and miniature pigs and goats.

In honor of Día de los Muertos, Shanah Youabian offered decorative skull face painting for children and adults. She learned face painting from YouTube tutorials and enjoys how her work allows her to engage with the community—both children and adults. Although Iranian, she appreciates the Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos. “They want to show that the living and dead are the same. They want to show their love to those who died,” Youabian said.

At an arts and crafts table, children learned to make traditional Mexican art, “papel picado,” using screen printing and stencils. The workshop was led by Self-Help Graphic & Art, a community arts center based in East Los Angeles. “In the Mexican culture, we tend to like using geometric shapes. We also use text, and we mainly use it to represent the Day of the Dead. We use a lot of different colors,” said Yaneli Delgado, a teacher at Self-Help Graphic & Art. “Participants have been using the names of their ancestors to whom they want to dedicate the stencil. Little kids are just using their imagination and creativity. It’s seen a lot in Mexico, and we want to make it open and accessible to everyone,” Delgado remarked.

Delgado went on to explain the communal aspect of Día de los Muertos. “People in Mexico take food, drinks and marigolds. Many people like to remove the petals from marigolds, leading the ancestors to the house or the cemetery. It’s a way to guide them to have a moment with their loved ones,” Delgado explained about the Mexican holiday. “We’ll have different objects that maybe our ancestors used; for example, if they’re a musician, we would place a guitar.”

The Pacifico Dance Company took the stage to perform festive Mexican folklore dances. The dances represented traditions from five Mexican states, ranging from Jalisco’s Mexican hat dance to the polka. “The attire included many different colors representative of nature,” said Cian Murillo, who provided educational commentary about each dance and its cultural significance. Dancers performed a variety of styles and costumes, showcasing the diversity of Mexican folklore dance.

Zarene Nuñez, one of the dancers in the company, explained that she has performed folklore ballet for almost 20 years. Besides entertaining, Nuñez argues that the performance enriches the community. “It gives them great exposure to other cultures and broadens their knowledge of the meaning behind folk dancing. Not only does folk dancing in Mexico have influences from Mexican culture, but it also incorporates influences from cultures around the world. It has Spanish influences throughout, as well as influences from the African diaspora. It’s a melting pot of culture,” Nuñez said.

In addition to the cultural festivities, another highlight of the day was the second annual pumpkin carving contest. Evan Doyle, the Farmers’ Market supervisor, announced the winners, who were selected by community vote, with adult and youth categories. The winners received market dollars to be spent at the Farmers’ Market. The first-place pumpkin carving award went to Grace Palmer, who created a pumpkin resembling a pufferfish. “After work for the past five days, I’ve been gluing candy corn on the pumpkin,” Palmer said about her artistic process. “I’ve been carving pumpkins with my dad ever since I was a little kid, so when I saw that they were having a contest, I figured I might as well enter.”

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“These are truly exceptional accomplishments made possible by the dedication of our outstanding educators, who work tirelessly to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence in our District,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy in a press release. “I am immensely proud of the BHHS community for their commitment to academic achievement and for fostering an environment where students can thrive and prepare for college success.”

The silver designation for college culture represents the fact that over 62% of BHHS students are enrolled in at least one AP course during their high school career. This is an improvement from last year’s 56%. The platinum award for college credit was awarded to BHHS for having the highest percentage of students earning a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, and the college optimization award recognizes BHHS for having the highest percentage of students who took five or more AP throughout their high school career.

At the awards ceremony, six students were given the National First-Generation Recognition, seven students were given the National Hispanic Recognition and one student was given the National African American Recognition. These honors were presented to students who demonstrated outstanding academic performance on the PSAT/NMSQT and AP exams. Five students were selected as National Semi-Finalists and have a chance at the $2,500 National Merit Scholarship that is awarded to one student in each state. These five students were also recognized at a school board meeting on Sept. 10.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students, whose hard work and dedication make them true ambassadors of Norman academic excellence,” said BHHS Principal Drew Stewart.

Amid all the celebrations, BHHS is also nearing the end of a seven-year journey to secure the RAMP designation from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). This comprehensive school counseling certification recognizes schools whose counseling programs closely align with the ASCA National Model. “Achieving the RAMP designation has been a long-term goal for our school, and it underscores the tireless work of our counseling team to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed in all aspects of their life,” said Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Dustin Seemann. 

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Launched more than 50 years ago as a small arts and crafts fair, the Beverly Hills Art Show now encompasses four blocks of Santa Monica Boulevard. It is held twice yearly, in May and October. For more information visit beverlyhills.org/artshow or call 310-285-1000. 

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“Our Fire Department’s Empowerment Camp is the perfect way to experience firsthand how important teamwork is when responding to emergencies,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman. “This intensive two-day course will open anyone’s eyes up to how hard our first responders work each and every day and will hopefully inspire those to choose that career path.”

The camp will be held in person at the Beverly Hills Fire Department at 445 N. Rexford Dr., Beverly Hills. 

“Hopefully, after spending time at our camp, we will inspire our next generation to join the ranks of the Beverly Hills Fire Department in the years ahead,” said Melissa Hillis, BHFD Fire Engineer.

Registration for residents and non-residents is free and has officially opened. To sign-up, visit beverlyhills.org/empowermentcamp. 

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A decade ago, Bosse and Nazarian met at the Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Lounge to discuss their shared excitement in creating a nonprofit together that would improve the lives of women and girls everywhere. 

“In my field of politics, I was often surrounded mostly by men. I have often felt the most motivated by other women whom I can learn from, be inspired by, and who are in different fields doing incredible things,” said Bosse.

Bosse said Nazarian also felt that women were “yearning for a sense of connection” and believed that bringing female changemakers from around the world would be inspiring. 

The organization now consists of a diverse group of more than 300 women from the Los Angeles area, committed to raising grant money for nonprofits. Since its founding, Visionary Women has donated more than $3 million in grants to over 240 nonprofits benefiting women and girls in areas such as emergency relief, the arts, economic empowerment, education and social services. The grants have gone to local nonprofits including the Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood, Upward Bound House, and Hope in a Suitcase, but also to crisis regions around the globe. Last year, Visionary Women raised $541,500 in grantmaking and benefitted 41 grantees. Additionally, in March 2023, the organization awarded its second annual Visionary Prize for Women’s Economic Empowerment to Shelley Omilàdè Bell, Founder and CEO of Black Girl Ventures. 

The organization hosts several salons throughout the year, including one in the fall and spring, as well as various members-only events. In the past, Visionary Women has hosted a Female Founders Salon and a Women in Design Salon. 

Visionary Women has also hosted several guests for its yearly International Women’s Day Summit, including Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, Former Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Madeline Albright. On Oct. 28, Visionary Women will host its Fall Salon with Venus Williams, who will discuss her new book, “STRIVE.” The event will take place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and all attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the book. 

“We are thrilled for Visionary Women’s upcoming salon celebrating the remarkable Venus Williams and her new book, ‘STRIVE,’” said Jennifer Bond and Shirin Yadegar, the salon co-chairs. “Venus embodies the very essence of resilience, ambition and empowerment that Visionary Women stands for. Her journey continues to inspire, and we are honored to share this special evening with such a trailblazer and our wonderful community in Beverly Hills.”

Thomas J. Blumenthal, president and CEO of Gearys Beverly Hills, has been one of the organization’s most high-profile community supporters. He echoes Bond and Yadegar’s enthusiasm for the Williams appearance.

“I am proud to support the contributions of women in all capacities. Visionary Women gives creative, visionary, changemakers a platform to support and inspire each other. This is how the future generation of women and men get to make a lasting impact on the future of our planet. It’s time to celebrate and collaborate!  Venus Williams is an excellent spokesperson for this mission. This event is not to be missed,” said Blumenthal.  

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The event was free to attend, and residents came and went at their own pace, some taking a stroll down the street and others making an evening of it. As the sunset, more people arrived, and the festival started to feel more like a giant block party. Parents helped their children to a slice of pizza and couples served themselves at a sidewalk taco station. City staff mingled with residents as they danced to ABBA tribute band, The Fabba Show. Beverly Hills Unified School District students caught up with teachers and staff at their schools’ booths and had a chance to connect outside of the classroom.

Festival Chair Tiffany Davis explained that the casualness of the festival sets it apart from other city events. “The energy at NEXT NIGHT is hard to describe, but there’s definitely a difference,” she told the Courier. “People enjoy multiple events in this city from the art show to National Night Out where you can see everyone’s enjoying themselves, but there’s something about NEXT NIGHT that is just on a different level of joyfulness.” She likened it to a small-town street festival, adding that, unlike other events, NEXT NIGHT is really meant for the community.

Young children enjoyed an excuse to run around outside, and many of them took part in the festival’s kid-friendly activities, including a mini-manicure booth, a sports court and a carousel. At the sports court, children shot hoops at the basketball booth and practiced their kicking skills at the soccer booth. Teens danced to live music by DJ Zen Freeman and shopped the many promotions businesses offered up and down the street. 

The event also provided a chance for members of the community to connect in a more casual setting as the city anticipates upcoming somber events, such as the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks. “It was a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, enjoy live music, delicious food, fun activities and share in the community spirit,” wrote Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian in an Instagram caption. “Events like NEXT NIGHT are such great community builders, and it was heartwarming to see everyone enjoying themselves.”

The Next Beverly Hills Committee was established in 2015 to engage the next generation of leaders through initiatives that address the lifestyle, economic, and civic needs of those in their 20s, 30s and 40s. 

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In August, two South American nationals were charged in a federal court for stealing a $1 million watch off the wrist of a man at the BLVD restaurant at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel. They were identified as “crime tourists” from Colombia and Venezuela. These theft groups come from several nations in South America and have stumped police officers across the United States because of their transitional nature, as BHPD Sergeant David Dimond explained. In Southern California, most of the groups come from Chile, Colombia and Venezuela. These groups typically consist of three to five individuals at a time and appear loosely organized, which makes it difficult for police to track them. They use cold plates from local car dealers who work with them, so they’re impossible to track by vehicle, and once the police get close to catching them, they flee to another county or state. There are no identifiable characteristics of these groups such as clothing or tattoos, but BHPD has gathered some common things to look out for.

In Beverly Hills, the most common crimes by these groups include pickpocketing and identity theft, vehicle burglary, organized retail crime, commercial burglary, residential burglary and jewelry heists. As Sgt. Dimond explained, pickpocketing most commonly occurs at restaurants, when a purse is left unattended. It’s less common for a burglar to take an entire purse, so it’s important to keep bags zipped or locked if possible. Most importantly, residents should be vigilant at all times. These groups often work together to distract a victim on one side of a vehicle while someone steals items through a door or window on the other side. Sgt. Dimond urged residents to look out for vehicles following them as well.

These theft groups often use female drivers or lookouts who seem less suspicious, so residents need to be aware of their surroundings. Members have been seen wearing athletic leisure clothing that makes it easy for them to climb walls or buildings, backpacks and medical face masks.

To avoid residential theft, Sgt. Dimond reminded the commission that Beverly Hills has a “no call too small” policy, and that residents should always trust their gut feeling if something feels off. Too often, he explained, a home alarm goes off while a resident is at dinner and that person dismisses the alert as a false alarm, assuming their pet triggered it, or an expected guest, and then they return home to find that they have been burglarized. He urged people to always send responders to their properties, even if it may be a false alarm. Other measures people can take to protect their homes include bolting safes to the ground, putting an air tag inside safes so that the police can track them before burglars crack them open, and not keeping safes in the master bedroom. It’s also important that residents avoid making their houses look vacant, especially when they’re on vacation. He suggested setting timers for lights to go on and off and having a trusted neighbor collect the mail.

BHPD Captain Max Subin provided a report on crime in the month of August. Residential theft increased by 67% with 10 reported burglaries as opposed to six in July. Police responded to 13 residential burglaries from Sept. 1 to Sept. 15. There was also a 48% increase in theft from motor vehicles from July to August and a 73% increase in petty theft.

In the coming months, BHPD is preparing for any crime that may arise regarding the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks and the election in November. “Oct. 7 is going to be a very challenging time, not for any intelligence that we know—there’s nothing that we know; nothing is happening— but it’s about being diligent,” said Subin. “It’s a tough time because it’s emotionally charged, but I also want everyone to remain diligent,” As he explained, residents need to be aware of their surroundings when they park their cars and enter their homes. Those who would like to reach out for a security assessment of their home or business can reach out to bfair@beverlyhills.org or aguvlekjian@beverlyhills.org. 

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The workshop on “Journaling for Self-Discovery & Manifestation” was one of almost 30 workshops and lectures taking place Sept. 22, during the Beverly Hills Day of Wellness at Roxbury Community Center. The workshops and lectures covered a wide range of beneficial topics by wellness experts, from stroke prevention to massage therapy to sound baths. Some sessions were interactive, like the journaling workshops, in which participants were asked to envision their ideal life and write about it. 

During the event, community members and wellness experts enthusiastically traded inspiring tips and resources to improve well-being individually and for the community. Miroserie noted that a celebration of wellness is well-suited for Beverly Hills, a community that is enthusiastic about self-care. “People are interested in self-discovery, evolving and spirituality,” she said.

Early in the day, Jaspal Insua led a “Sound Bath for Peace,” in which she took participants through various relaxation exercises punctuated by the sounds of rainsticks and drumbeats. “Sound baths help to deeply relax us. From the cell level, it promotes healing,” Insua explained. “When a cell is in stress, it is in survival mode. Cells are either happy or in danger. When you are relaxed, your body can start to repair cells.” On a neurological level, sound baths quiet and declutter the brain. Insua explains that participants often lose track of time and dose off during successful sessions, indicating that their brain was at rest.

In “Chakralicious, Energize your Spirit, Delight Your Senses,” participants were encouraged to imagine the color red cleansing their bodies while breathing deeply. “When your chakra is aligned, your power of creation will never cease to amaze you,” Eno, the chakra leader, said while pacing the room, beating on a drum. “There is nothing judgmental in this space,” he continued, prompting participants to ground themselves in their bodies. 

Later, Jodie Ann Foster, a physical therapist, led an exercise class to promote pelvic floor wellness. Foster owns the clinic “Pure Wellness,” which provides inclusive support to women with pelvic health issues. While they often treat prenatal and postnatal patients, the clients vary in age, from teenagers to seniors. 

The event had something to offer to every age group, including a workshop where children and teens could construct vision boards and dream catchers. At the Beverly Hills Police Department booth, to every dog lover’s delight, guests were greeted by the wagging tail of support K9 NAMI. 

In the parking lot, Cedars-Sinai hosted a blood drive, and there was an assortment of food trucks offering expectedly nourishing snacks like acai bowls and plant-based dishes. On this particularly sunny day, participants could participate in lawn bowling or Zumba.

In the courtyard, over 50 information booths—including sound baths, nutritionists and chiropractors—displayed resources about local businesses that support community wellness. The main stage featured choreographers leading community members in dance and aerobics throughout the event to an upbeat and energetic score. At the USC Keck School of Medicine booth, Ana Reyes, a clinical office coordinator, spoke to community members about the importance of stroke prevention. “It can happen to anyone at any age,” she explains. “We want to bring awareness to the signs and symptoms of strokes. Most importantly, to call 911.” 

In addition to physical health, there were booths dedicated to mental health advocacy, from grief support groups to suicide prevention. At one booth, CAST Treatment Centers on Doheny Drive provided resources on therapy and ways to get help when struggling with addiction and mental health crises. Beyond a rehabilitation center, the center offers individualized therapy and group therapy to tailor to each patient’s needs. 

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The property on North Roxbury is owned by StubHub co-founder Eric Baker and his wife Dr. Nicole Cooper Baker, who submitted the tree removal permit as part of their plans to construct a new home on the empty lot. The Planning Commission approved the permit on June 26 with conditions that crews plant three replacement trees that are at least 25 feet tall when planted and 70 feet tall when mature, and that these trees be planted before building permits are issued. 

On July 9, environmental attorney and Santa Monica City Council candidate Ellis Raskin appealed that decision on behalf of Maple Leaf Ventures, a local property management company. Raskin claimed the commission’s findings were not supported by evidence and would violate the California Environmental Act (CEQA), and that surrounding property owners received insufficient notice of the Planning Commission meeting. 

City Planner Masa Alkire recommended that the city deny the appeal, asserting that the Planning Commission’s decision was backed up by evidence and in accordance with CEQA. During the Sept. 17 council meeting, public commenters came out in support of the Bakers’ project, saying the appeal interfered with the city’s planning process and infringed on residents’ rights to develop their properties as allowed by city code. 

After listening to public commenters and questioning representatives of the applicant and appellant, the council agreed to uphold the Planning Commission’s approval.

“Being an attorney, I do believe that there is a right to an appeal, but not every case needs to be appealed,” Mayor Lester Friedman said. “I just don’t think this one needed an appeal, and I am really sorry for the delays that have occurred to the Bakers, and I hope the rest of the project goes smoothly for you.”  

Raskin, former chair of the Santa Monica Planning Commission, said that urban forests across the Los Angeles region have declined in recent years, and the loss of these mature trees would exacerbate that problem in Beverly Hills. 

He said that it would take roughly 15 years before the replacement trees reach the same height and provide the same ecological benefits as the trees currently standing.  

“What we’ve seen on a regionwide level throughout the L.A. area is that … mature trees provide things that are truly irreplaceable and can’t be met through replacement trees,” Raskin said. “They provide habitat in a way that immature replacement trees can’t provide. They provide shade cover; they provide soil retention.” 

Attorney Benjamin Hanelin, who represented the Bakers, said the trees the Bakers seek to replace—one London Plane and two Coastal Redwoods—have little ecological value in Beverly Hills. As nonnative species planted in the ‘90s, the trees have been competing for resources and impacting soil quality, he said. 

“These trees are less than 30 years old. They’re not old-growth trees. No general Shermans here,” Hanelin said. “The arborist report explains that these trees are an over planted monoculture.” 

He said that arborist Lisa Smith worked with landscaping design firm Christine London Ltd. to design a “landscape enhancement plan” that features climate-adapted species, reduces water usage and improves the city’s garden canopy.  

According to Smith’s report, the plan calls for a London Plane tree to be replaced by a Western Sycamore and two Coastal Redwoods to be replaced by Oak and Magnolia species. 

According to Alkire, the property had 44 trees at the time of the Planning Commission application, and though nine have already been removed and three are slated for removal, the Bakers plan to plant 31 new trees, bringing the total to 61 by the end of the project.  

He said that heritage trees are defined by the municipal code as any tree not listed on the city’s list of native trees and with a circumference of greater than 48 inches. 

Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian applauded the Bakers for their ecologically minded design, and she said that with their strong ties to Beverly Hills and young children, they are exactly the kind of family the city should encourage to stay.

“It’s not our job to tell people what to do on their property, and it’s not uncommon to remove trees when you have a new development,” she said.

Speaking before the council, Dr. Baker said she and her husband had worked closely with city staff and their building and design team to ensure the project was beneficial to the community and a home where she could raise her children. 

“Our property is a private residential lot, an empty lot at this stage, it is no different than any other lot in Beverly Hills, and we respectfully ask that it, and we the owners, be treated just the same as any other,” she said. “We are simply trying to build a home for our family … a home that we hope will remain in our family for generations.” 

The property at 1001 North Roxbury Drive was the subject of earlier controversy when the Bakers purchased the 10,000-square-foot house that previously stood there in 2020 and applied for a certificate of ineligibility, certifying the home does not have historic value and paving the way for its demolition. 

The fate of the beloved home, built in 1942 by Beverly Hills master architect Carleton Burgess, sparked heated debate in multiple City Council meetings.

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This is the second event organized by the Beverly Hills Reads! program, a collaboration between the Beverly Hills Community Services Department, the public library and Human Relations Commission, the Beverly Hills Unified School District and the Beverly Hills Education Foundation. 

“We Were the Lucky Ones” is Hunter’s heartfelt account of her family’s experiences during the Holocaust, which Hulu brought to the screen and released as a limited series earlier this year. 

What started as a school project to learn more about her grandfather’s experience during World War II evolved into a decade-long research project into her extended family’s history. Hunter sat down with her mother’s cousins and reached out to archives, museums and ministries. The title is an ode to her family of Polish Jewish heritage that improbably and miraculously survived the Holocaust. 

In front of a packed auditorium filled with students, their families, and members of the community, Hunter shared primary sources that served as research for her book, including photographs, a letter from her great uncle sourced from the Hoover Institute, and her school project from when she interviewed her grandfather. Attendees received a first-hand look into the materials that were featured in the novel and series. 

Hunter discussed the making of the Hulu series, such as the decision to hire an all-Jewish cast, including BHUSD alum Logan Lerman, making the filming just as touching for the cast members as it was for Hunter to see her book come to life. 

“The goal was always authenticity,” affirmed Hunter. 

Beverly Hills High School retired educator Julie Goler sat down with Hunter to discuss the making of the book and to spotlight questions raised by students before the event. Members from the crowd were also able to ask Hunter their questions, from curiosities about certain characters to the decision to write the book as a novel rather than as a memoir.

“I wanted to write the book in a way that my kids and their kids could pick it up and relate to it,” replied Hunter. “When you look back at this time, you see it in black and white, you see it in sepia tones, but I wanted readers to see it in color.”

One question Hunter was asked was, “Why do you think your family survived?” Hunter answered, “They were a complete statistical anomaly when you look at the number of family members who survived, but they were also very resourceful and constantly moving. And so, they always seem to have a plan. I think a lot of times where the luck came in was that the plan worked out.”

Goler noted how deeply personal this novel and its subjects are to some residents of Beverly Hills, including many of those who could relate to the experiences faced by her family members mentioned by Hunter. 

“We have so many students in this room and in the district who come from refugee or revolution or war backgrounds, more than is probably talked about in the classroom. But I want to encourage the kids who are here today, if you still have your grandparents and your parents: please have those conversations. Get their stories.” said Goler. 

Citing the recent uptick in antisemitic incidents in the United States, Hunter was asked if she had experienced any antisemitism after releasing her novel, to which she replied she fortunately had not. However, Hunter stated that she could “never have imagined” when she started research for this novel in 2008 that “the world would feel and be as it is today”. 

“I think we’re experiencing again what can happen when people stop seeing each other as humans, and it’s terrifying and it’s scary, and I’d like to think that the book and now the series, perhaps bring a bit of humanity back to this story that can feel distant, that can feel unrelatable,” said Hunter.

Many members of the crowd were touched by Hunter’s novel and the words she shared, obligating them to share with her their personal feelings toward her work. Some became emotional, sharing in each other’s embrace after the talk concluded.

Copies of the book were available for purchase, and attendees had the chance to get their book signed and share meaningful exchanges with Hunter. 

“At its core, the family survived. It’s a story of courage and perseverance and hope and love. And so, my hope is that people ask what people are taking away from it, because we could all use a good little bit of that right now,” said Hunter. 

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The second annual Day of Wellness will take place on Sept. 22. The event was started in 2023 by the Recreation and Parks Commission, the Human Relations Commission and the Health and Safety Commission to bring people together in an outdoor space after the pandemic. As a result of months without any social gatherings, the event was intended to focus on mental health, but it also incorporates classes such as yoga and Pilates. This year, the event will include different types of yoga and different types of sound baths, as recommended by last year’s participants. It will also include 52 informational booths—an increase from 40 booths at last year’s event— and 21 indoor sessions. These sessions include a range of activities and lectures, from Zumba to cancer support groups.

“The idea is to just show folks that while this is available to you from the community, we also utilize a lot of our own leaders to lead other rec classes, so we try to tap into those teachers just to give them some exposure and to show the community that these are folks you have access to on a regular basis,” said Human Services Outreach Manager Enisha Clark. “Just reach out and connect with our community services department, and we can make sure that you experience this kind of programming regularly.”

According to Clark, last year’s Day of Wellness had an unexpectedly large turnout, and participants who took a survey after attending the event gave it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. She hopes attendees will be even happier with this year’s added offerings. The event will take place at the Roxbury Park Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free to the public.

After the presentation, Commission Chair Karla Gordy Bristol expressed her enthusiasm for the event after a memorable inaugural Day of Wellness in September 2023. “I did attend the inaugural, last year, it was wonderful, well attended, great vendors,” she said. “I won’t name it, but a great juice company was there giving out plentiful bottles of juice that everyone got addicted to, and I’ve been a regular customer ever since.”

The day before the Day of Wellness, the Greystone Mansion and Gardens is hosting their annual event, The Great Outdoors at Greystone. At the Arts and Culture Commission meeting, Sarah Scrimshaw, the venue supervisor, presented this year’s preview. “This event celebrates everything about having this wonderful park,” she said. Throughout the property, guests can participate in gardening classes led by Master Gardener George Pessin, or stroll through cypress lane, which will be transformed into “poetry lane.” This year’s event will feature the same poems as last year, as Scrimshaw explained, to give even more exposure to the featured poets. The event is free to the public and will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After Scrimshaw’s presentation, the commission discussed how proud they are that the event has continued to grow in popularity. “It sounds amazing,” said Gordy Bristol. “Congratulations on everything you’re doing at Greystone and the high turnout you consistently get up there. It’s a beautiful property.”

The Great Outdoors at Greystone started in 2021 and has continued to grow in popularity, welcoming more than 500 guests to the property in 2023. It marks the anniversary of the park, which was dedicated to the city in September 1971. As Scrimshaw remarked, September is also the month that the Doheny family moved into the mansion in 1928.

Later at the meeting, Recreation Services Manager Matthew Brown gave a report on other events that will take place throughout the rest of the month and into October. The annual Next Night Street Festival will take place on Sept. 28 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m,. Greystone in the Movies will take place on Oct. 10, featuring a showing of “Dead Ringer,” and a tour of the filming locations throughout the mansion. And the Fall Art Show will return on the weekend of Oct. 19 and 20, spanning four blocks of Beverly Gardens Park and featuring 235 artists.  

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Hochman, who grew up in Beverly Hills, is running on a tough-on-crime platform and seeking to unseat current D.A. George Gascón. If elected, he vows to reverse most of the liberal incumbent’s reform measures and prosecute violent crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

The fundraiser took place at the residence of luxury home builder Mauricio Oberfeld and his wife Sharon in the Bird Streets neighborhood overlooking the city of Beverly Hills. It was co-hosted by Oberfeld’s business partners Matt Dugally and Mauricio Umansky and featured real estate mogul and former L.A. Mayoral candidate Rick Caruso as a guest speaker. Beverly Hills Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian was also in attendance.

“What I have seen in the last four years with Mr. Gascón is absolutely alarming to me,” Oberfeld told the Courier. “The idea that I can be mugged in Beverly Hills, and nothing will be done, the idea that stores get robbed on Rodeo Drive and nothing gets done, the idea that any criminal that commits a nonviolent crime gets off on zero bail—that absolutely bothers me.”

Gascón ran his 2020 campaign, and is currently running his 2024 campaign, on a criminal justice reform campaign to reduce racial disparities and end mass incarceration.

While in office he has enacted a sweeping series of reforms.

Those reforms include ending the practice of trying juveniles as adults, eliminating gang sentencing enhancements and removing cash bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies. Gascón also issued a blanket pause on the prosecution of many misdemeanors including trespassing, disturbing the peace, driving with no license, making criminal threats, drug possession and resisting arrest.

If elected, Hochman has vowed to reverse all those policies on his first day.

“I will assure you that what I will be doing is restoring safety in this community, changing these pro-criminal policies and working with prosecutors, law enforcement, victims and the public,” said Hochman.

Hochman said in lieu of “blanket policies” he will take a “hard middle” approach. This entails evaluating each crime individually to determine who is a true threat to public safety and should be behind bars versus who would be better suited to community service or drug rehabilitation programs, he said.

During the event, Caruso delivered a speech urging attendees to do everything they can to ensure Hochman wins in November.

“We’ve got a serious problem in the city and the county. We all know that. We see it with our eyes every day,” said Caruso. “My wife and I live in Brentwood and the crime rate in our neighborhood is up 71 percent. There are six homes in our little pocket that have been broken into.”

In his remarks, Hochman painted a clear contrast between himself and his competitor’s work experience.

“He (Gascón) has never personally prosecuted or defended a single criminal case in his entire career, yet he has been the D.A. of San Francisco, destroyed that city’s public safety, and he’s come down to L.A. and been our D.A. and done his best to destroy our public safety,” he said.

Before his legal career, Gascón worked in law enforcement. He was an Assistant Chief of Police for the LAPD, and the Chief of Police in both Mesa, Arizona and San Francisco. He became the San Francisco D.A. in 2011 and the Los Angeles D.A. in 2020.

Hochman graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1981 and has 34 years of legal experience working as a prosecutor and defense attorney. He is a former U.S. Assistant Attorney General and L.A. Ethics Commission President.

A recent survey from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the LA Times, found that 45% of likely voters in L.A. County support Hochman, 20% support Gascón and 35% are undecided.

Despite these promising numbers, Hochman said he is not taking anything for granted and will continue to campaign hard through election day.

“Our polling is going about as well as it can go right now,” said Hochman. “We’re up around 25 points according to the LA Times poll, but I tell the team we have to approach it as if we’re 25 points down.”

Oberfeld said he considers the District Attorney the most critical race on the ballot this year. In addition to raising money, he also wanted the event to raise awareness about Hochman’s platform and inspire his influential friends to become involved in the campaign.

“His vision and his ideas are really a breath of fresh air for me,” Oberfeld told the Courier. “Our intent here is to spread the word on who Nathan is and who he will be as a D.A.”

In closing his speech, Hochman urged all the event attendees to share his campaign message with their personal and professional networks.

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The funds will help the Raanans find new ways to impact the community. “Our larger, more ambitious goal is to establish a permanent, easily accessible clinic that will serve as a lasting resource for those who need our care the most,” Rodney said in his speech.

Throughout the event, which was hosted by television producer Roy Ice, 17 couples of different skill levels participated in a dance competition, each raising money for the foundation. Some had never danced on a stage before, and others had years of experience. Participants were all volunteers, and each couple had six weeks to prepare for the big night by training with international dance professionals. Some performed well-known numbers like salsa or the waltz, while others decided on completely original choreography. The mood of most of the night was light-hearted and upbeat, but the last couple left the audience —and the judges— in tears.

Lance Lasiter took the audience by surprise when he brought his wife, Jessica, on stage in a wheelchair. The couple, who are known by many in the community for their unique love story, performed a slow dance with original choreography that involved spins, dips and loving gazes. Tears filled the eyes of even the toughest of the judges as a video of the couples’ high school photos played over “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. The Lasiters’ full story, including Jessica’s diagnoses of ALS and Lyme disease, will be featured in a film documentary, but this was a special opportunity to focus not on what makes them different, but what makes them just like everyone else.

The couple won first place according to the judges’ score, but after the donations and fundraising were calculated for each couple, which made up 50% of the final scores, the Lasiters ended up in 4th place. Christy Lemay and Douglas Bush, who performed a modern lyrical dance, took third place. Justin Raanan and Co-Vice Chair of the Maple Counseling Center Board of Directors, Myra Lurie, took second place for their jazz number, and first place went to Lauren Stephen and JD Carney, who wowed the audience with flips and spins.

The dancers were scored by ANVL Entertainment CEO Lucas Foster and Producer Holly Carney, and each team earned extra points for the tickets they sold and the donations they raised. Although, as Rodney pointed out, everyone walked away as a winner by raising money for the children.

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The four-part gardening series for adults includes the following workshops:  How to Grow a Winter Vegetable Garden, Sept. 8; How to Grow an Herb, Spice and Tea Garden, Sept. 22; Indoor Gardening – How to Take Care of Your Houseplants, Oct. 27, and The Birds of Greystone, Nov. 3.  

Those who sign up for the four-part series will get four classes for the price of three. Individual classes are $19 each ($15 for Beverly Hills residents).  Also, there is still space available for the final summer gardening class, How to Grow a Pollination Garden, on Aug. 25. 

A Children’s Gardening Workshop takes place on Oct. 6. The class will teach children basic gardening, including seasonal activities such as seed starting, soil prep, transplanting and harvesting fresh produce.

Additionally, all are welcome for the Saturday Morning Garden Club on Nov. 2 at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers will help with garden and grounds maintenance. Registration is required to volunteer at the Demonstration Garden, and for all gardening classes.  Register at beverlyhills.org/bhrec, and click on the Greystone Park tab.  

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“Everything you see there on the ground, the tents, the canopies, everything is original,” Ilan Faktor, one of the exhibit organizers, told the Courier. “Everything is from the festival. The shoes, everything you see in the lost and found, everything is original.” From the portable restrooms pierced with bullet holes to the beverage bottles at the marketplace bar and the sound system; everything in the exhibit was recovered from the Nova festival after the carnage. 

Throughout the exhibition, video footage from attendees and testimony from survivors play next to corresponding festival sites, hauntingly capturing the essence of the victims’ and survivors’ experiences. 

“It was the best festival,” Michal Ohana, a Nova survivor, told the Courier. “The energy, the vibe, the people, the smiles—it was wow.” After the fighting broke out, Ohana hid under an Israeli military tank for roughly six hours with a gunshot wound in her leg and her body covered with ricochets. 

“I lost 10 of my friends at the festival, and two of my friends were kidnapped, and they are still in Gaza,” Ohana said. “I’m still alive, and I need to do something for my friends, for the hostages, for the families, for the survivors, and I started to share my story, to tell the truth to the world about what happened to us and what is still happening to us.”

“They shot me in my leg,” Ohana said. “I don’t understand how I can do all these things, but now I’m dancing, walking, surfing, and it’s a miracle that I’m here today and I can share my story.”

The installation ends with a healing room, a call to action to bring the Israeli hostages home, and a message of hope: “We will dance again.”

The exhibit runs from Aug. 17 through Oct. 8 in Culver City. To learn more, visit https://www.novaexhibition.com/.  

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The kickoff event was held on the terrace at the Beverly Wilshire, during which the Beverly Hills City Council presented Orlinski with a certificate of recognition and applauded the artist’s partnership with the city. Members of the Rodeo Drive Committee, the Mayor of Nice, France, and members of the French Consulate were also in attendance. 

“Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion has brought together our community to experience firsthand incredible VIP services, special programs in our flagship stores, and of course, as you see here today, world-renowned artwork from Richard Orlinsky,” Mayor Lester Friedman said. 

“When I walked on Rodeo Drive, I was very surprised to see all the people, the kids, watching the structures with a smile,” Orlinksy said. “When you see the smile in the kid’s eyes, I think it’s a success.”

The public exhibition will be on display until November. 

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The revamped building has been transformed into a gleaming white structure with floating rectangular boxes, punctuated by high-contrast black architectural elements. Jasmine blooms from an undulating ribbon of hidden stairs. A crisp black flag emblazoned with the white House of Givenchy logo is hoisted above the rehabilitated geometric spire on the rooftop. 

Formerly Anderton Court Shops, the nearly 8,000-square-foot multistore, mini-mall complex was designed by American master architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1954, it is one of just two commercial buildings on the West Coast designed by Wright. On May 14, 2004, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. While many businesses have set up shop in its various storefronts over the decades, House of Givenchy is the first single-occupancy tenant in the building’s history. 

“For Givenchy’s first permanent store in Los Angeles, it was important to select a space that would resonate with our brand,” Valerie Leon, President of the Americas at Givenchy, told the Courier. “Given Hubert de Givenchy’s love of art and architecture, the Frank Lloyd Wright building felt like the right choice, and the opportunity to bring Givenchy to life there was amazing.”

According to Leon, the brand unearthed another connection between the building and the label’s late founder, designer Hubert de Givenchy. Wright was commissioned to build Anderton Court Shops by a local heiress in 1952 and began initial sketches that same year. Givenchy, a continent and an ocean away in Paris, opened his first boutique in 1952. 

For its Beverly Hills flagship, retaining the building’s historic character and integrity was the top priority for Givenchy, who collaborated with Victor Fuentes, principal architect at Lochte Architecture Group, and Flora Chou, associate principal and cultural resources planner at Page & Turnbull, in preserving and rehabilitating the rare architectural gem. 

With the goal of creating a one-of-a-kind space where shoppers could appreciate a full-sensory Givenchy experience, the original multistore concept was preserved but reimagined as completely separate shops and storefronts for the men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections. Each has its own street-level entrance. 

The brand’s Fall 2024 Pre-Collection along with a variety of items from its very latest high summer collection “Givenchy Plage” are currently available in both shops. Limited edition pieces designed specifically for the opening of the Beverly Hills flagship are also available. These include the brand’s most popular best-sellers, the “Shark Lock” cowboy boot and “Antigona” handbag, reprised in studded white leather with turquoise stitching in homage to Givenchy’s new West Coast locale.

Next year, the fashion brand plans to begin phase two of its Rodeo Drive complex. “We have more work to do, but we didn’t want to wait forever,” Leon told the Courier. “We wanted to open as quickly as we could to start being able to have a new conversation with clients.” Leon wouldn’t reveal specific details, but said the plans included “a very special client experience opening next year,” adding, “Stay tuned, we have many more treats to come.”  

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“National Night Out is a national movement where cities take a stand with their communities and their police department— a stand against crime,” BHPD Sgt. Jeffrey Newman told the Courier. “We want the criminals to know that crime is not tolerated in Beverly Hills and we want them to be united in the message that we have eyes everywhere and the police are on the side of our community to combat any issues.”

Along the 400 block of North Rexford Drive, BHPD officers connected with community members through vehicle demonstrations and informational displays. Officer Alfredo Eudave from the Special Weapons Unit showed off a few of the less lethal firearms that are sometimes utilized at crime scenes. He explained that this unit has become even more crucial in recent months. “We’re using more technology such as drones,” Eudave told the Courier. “We send them out to assess a situation before we even get there.” And as electric and self-driving cars become more prevalent in the city, BHPD will utilize more of their own technology through the Special Weapons Unit, he said.

On the other end of the block, the BHPD Defensive Tactics hosted an interactive demonstration where children could safely attempt self-defense techniques with Officers Karly Loberg and Chas Maloch. Children also partook in an earthquake simulator, face painting and a bounce house mechanical bull.

Next door, crowds funneled into the Fire Department Headquarters, which was lined with booths from Beverly Hills schools and city programs. Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education Member Noah Margo represented Horace Mann Elementary School alongside the school’s new Principal, Ontrece Ellerbe. Representatives from El Rodeo Elementary School also set up a booth to inform the community about the school’s grand opening on Aug. 11.

In anticipation of El Rodeo’s grand opening, representatives from the BHEF urged members of the community to donate to their annual giving campaign to support BHUSD students. Families can name a tree, an auditorium seat for five years or an entire auditorium, depending on their donation amount. As Tina Wiener, BHEF president, explained, the campaign allows businesses, community members and alumni to leave their legacy at a school of their choice, by displaying their name on a plaque. Those who are interested can still donate at BHEF.org/donate.

Other booths included representatives from Just In Case BH, who promoted their upcoming emergency preparedness fair on Sept. 29 and Beverly Hills Planners, who handed out information about accessory dwelling units. Associate Planner Patrick Achis also hosted a Plinko game, where children won Beverly Hills-themed prizes.

While some residents learned about all that the city has to offer, others enjoyed culinary offerings from several local Los Angeles food trucks. Black Cat BBQ, popular at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market, served up brisket, ribs, pulled pork and smoked poultry, while Holy Grill 770 offered Mediterranean burgers, hot dogs and shawarma. The Tropic Truck served Caribbean seafood and bowls, and families cooled down with soft serve ice cream from Mister Softee Truck.

Throughout the evening, the block was packed with familiar faces as City Council and the Fire and Police Chiefs strolled by. The event offered them a unique opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversation with residents and surrounding neighbors. By forming meaningful connections, BHPD officers hope to combat crime and encourage a feeling of togetherness. 

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After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Brooklyn College, Sol began his career in education as a high school history teacher at Jefferson. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the department chair in social studies at Canarsie High School and one of the youngest principals in the New York City school system at John Dewey High School. Sol’s reputation as an educator and leader grew nationally, leading to his selection as the principal of Beverly Hills High School in 1977. Twelve years later, Sol was elevated to the position of Superintendent of Schools, a role he held for eight years, twice as long as his predecessors.

In addition to his educational achievements, Sol was a talented musician and band leader. He played the trumpet in his band, “Sol Levine and His Continentals,” alongside his saxophone-playing brother Jack. The band delighted audiences at numerous events, concerts, and dance halls throughout the 1950s to 1970s, bringing the big band sound to life. Sol’s love for music was matched only by his passion for his family. He was a devoted husband to Marilyn, with whom he recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary, a loving father to three daughters, a cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren, and a proud great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren. His family was always his number one priority, and he instilled in them the values of education, hard work, and compassion.

Sol passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. His life was a testament to the power of education, community, and family. As he often quoted from his favorite poem, “Life is a Dream” by Pedro Calderón de la Barca, life is fleeting, and we must cherish every moment. Sol Levine’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the family he so deeply loved.

In honor of a true gentleman, educator, and family man, we celebrate Sol Levine’s extraordinary life and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. The funeral will take place on Aug. 4 at 2:30 p.m. at Mount Sinai Memoral Park, 6150 Mount Sinai Drive in Simi Valley.  

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In the summer of 1984, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was filled with excited fans from all over the world as they awaited the start of the Olympic Games. But before the torch made it to the stadium, Americans across the country took part in a relay that would send the torch from the East Coast all the way to Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and, finally, the Coliseum. As the opening ceremony aired on national television, videos were broadcast of the torch traveling across the United States. Sandra’s husband, Dr. Charles “Chuck” Aronberg, was filmed running with the torch from Century City to Beverly Hills. He then passed the torch to Sandra, who carried it to Santa Monica. 

“It was just an amazing experience with large crowds and cheering people and American flags, and I get goosebumps thinking about it now,” she told the Courier.

Chuck Aronberg was mayor of Beverly Hills from 1974-1975 and again from 1979-1980. He was chosen, as Sandra believes, because of his lifelong contributions to the Olympics. Having graduated medical school at San Francisco State University, he served on three Olympic medical teams, where he helped the American hockey team by providing on-site support. 

“The U.S. won their first hockey gold medal in Squaw Valley [now Olympic Valley, California],” said Sandra. “Chuck was assigned to the hockey bench, and our guys were totally exhausted. And he went to the rules official to see if giving oxygen violated any rules. It turned out it didn’t, and the players perked up and went on to win the gold medal.”

Chuck’s legacy continued when he was again chosen to carry the torch in the same leg of the relay for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. In later years, he supported the Beverly Hills community by working with the school district and fire department. In 2022, he was awarded the Key to the City for his outstanding contributions. He passed away in November 2023, but his impact on the city of Los Angeles continues through the Clean Air and Water acts, both of which he developed with Congressman Henry Waxman. Sandra continues to share his story with their daughter and two granddaughters, as well as members of the Beverly Hills community whenever she gets the chance. She also looks forward to the Olympics’ return to Los Angeles.

She recalls a feeling of togetherness that she and her husband witnessed in the past and she hopes that same feeling will return along with the Games in 2028. “It’s hard to describe the camaraderie and wonderful feeling,” she said. “It’s just a terrific vibe, being able to participate in a situation where people were all getting along like the good old days.” 

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During the workshop, Associate Planner Patrick Achis outlined the different types of ADUs that can be built. These include new structures that are either attached to current residential buildings or detached from the main dwelling on the property, and preexisting non-livable structures such as garages that are converted into livable spaces. Under the current regulations, these developments must have a maximum square footage of 850 square feet for one-bedroom units and a maximum of 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms. They also must have a minimum setback of 4 feet, offer a minimum of one parking space and rooftop decks and balconies are prohibited. The maximum height for a detached ADU is 16 feet.

Developers at the meeting advocated for certain changes. 

“As an architect who has designed and permitted ADUs in various cities in the LA area, I am all in favor of increasing the height limits and allowing for decks and balconies,” Emily Hodgdon, an architect at Inchoate Architecture wrote in a message on Zoom. She was backed by Stephanie Halverson, founder of Inchoate Architecture, who argued that residents on second-floor ADUs should have access to their own private outdoor space.

Associate Planners Christine Delostrinos and Achis received all input and will present the feedback at the Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 8, where they will finalize a new set of regulations for a vote. The city planners urged those who would still like to give feedback to submit a request for public comment at the commission meeting. 

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“We have been proud to steward these buildings for the past 14 years and are grateful to the Hollywood community and patrons alike who have supported these iconic theaters,” Regency President Lyndon Golin said in a statement. “We are excited to see what the future holds for these beloved Los Angeles landmarks and look forward to their continued success.”

One of the theaters—Westwood Village—is expected to eventually reopen after a renovation project spearheaded by director Jason Reitman. The 1931-vintage theater is known for its soaring art-deco tower that looms over the area. A reopening date has not been announced. The future of the Bruin theater, which dates back to 1937, remains uncertain. The Bruin’s large, single-screen theater has seating for nearly 700 people.

Both movie houses were run by Fox theaters until 2010, when they transitioned to Mann Theatres. Regency took over operation of both theaters in 2010.

City News Service 

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“I didn’t expect to become a board member, let alone get to the position I’m in now,” Barton told the Courier.

“I’ve been in Beverly Hills almost 30 years. And during those 30 years, this community has taken me in as a firefighter and done so much for me and my family. I just want to give back,” Barton said.

Giving back is at the heart of the Rotary Club’s mission. Founded by Paul Harris in Chicago in 1905, the organization adopted its code of ethics upon the principles of “Service Above Self”—a notion that continues to be upheld to this day across the Rotary’s 46,000 clubs, especially here in Beverly Hills.

The Rotary Club of Beverly Hills is involved in several community service initiatives, such as Music Mends Minds and the Blanket Drive, which collects and distributes blankets for the Salvation Army Westside Transitional Housing.

Last year, the Rotary Club donated $90,000 to a range of charitable organizations, from the Children’s Burn Foundation (on whose board Barton sits) to various organizations that support mental health. 

“Everybody wants to help. And the Rotary Club is a great way to centralize those efforts and help people,” Barton said.

This December, the club will celebrate its centennial. 

“My goal is to highlight what Rotary has done for the first 100 years for the community of Beverly Hills and focus on what the next 100 years look like,” Barton said.

Although the club is considering rolling out global grants, its focus remains on supporting the local community first and foremost. 

“There are a lot of people in need here, so we’re looking to do multiple community events in Beverly Hills to help people out and also hopefully secure more grant money to give out to more people. Whether it’s providing food, support from a grant or fall protection for some of the aging population, we’re looking to do all of that,” Barton said.

Barton’s path to the presidency began when he was nominated for the board. 

“It wasn’t my goal to be in this position. A few other Rotary members thought I’d make a good board member, so they nominated me for that position. And then a few more thought I was serving well, so before I knew it, I was elected to the Executive Board,” he explained. 

Executive Board members first serve as secretary before progressing to president-elect in their second year. Barton, now in his third year of this process, is serving as president, and starting July 2025 he will become past president when former Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold, M.D. takes over. 

But until then, Barton remains focused on doing the best he can for the club’s 100th year ahead. The role will complement some of the philanthropic work he is already doing through his role of Fire Chief at the Beverly Hills Fire Department, a position which Barton has also held since 2017.

“Both organizations, the Fire Department and Rotary Club, provide a service to the community and are here in times of need,” Barton said. 

The main difference between the two is that Rotary Club members volunteer their time and donations. But Barton highlights how the club helps the same type of people who are also helped by some of the Fire Department’s initiatives, like the nurse practitioner programs, emergency medical calls and fire calls.

“Even if it’s just helping people like the elderly with things around the house or social services, what we do at Rotary fits in well with the Fire Department. The two go hand-in-hand. It is a great opportunity to work together collaboratively.”

Barton is eager to make an impact throughout the year ahead. His first step is to finalize plans for the 100th-year anniversary before turning his attention to other community events. 

“I’m excited to do it, and I feel very honored to be president,” he said.   

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Families danced to Jewish soul music by Klezmer Juice, skipping and twirling as the group’s bassoonist encouraged members of the audience to join in. Colombian dancers who were decorated in red, blue and yellow watched Hawaiian hula dancers wearing leis and vibrant dresses as they moved in swaying motions to a vocal performance by composer Daniel Ho. Across the street, Mayan performers dressed in ornate feathered headdresses and traditional garments waited in line for Cuban and Colombian bites as street poets took the stage behind them. On the other side of the lily pond, families joined together for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where they could whisk their own matcha. Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman and City Councilmembers Craig Corman and John Mirisch also took part in a drum circle led by Senegalese musician, Malick Sow.

“Yesterday was a beautiful day filled with vibrant cultural experiences, amazing performances and community spirit,” said Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian in a social media post. Blue Planet and Hyperacuity also contributed to the festival by incorporating a virtual cave-exploring experience of China’s Mogao Caves.

Guests who wanted to take a break from the heat enjoyed Brazilian acai bowls and New Zealand soft serve from the festival’s array of food trucks. Larger offerings included hamburgesas Colombianas (Colombian hamburgers), perros calientes (Colombian hot dogs), Cuban sandwiches and bowls, loaded Creole fries with shrimp or chicken and Persian creations by Chef Mojdeh.

Throughout the day, multiple musical performances flooded Beverly Gardens Park with sounds of cultures from around the world. Afro-Cuban musicians Changui Majadero and steel pan drummers Einstein Brown and Cecil “Sensi” Francis kept beat on different stages during the festival while fiddle player Lily Henley filled the air with Sephardic melodies. Two different DJs made sure the vibes were high as attendees participated in activities and dancers also played an important part in setting the musical ambience. Groups such as Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo and The Four Corners of Colombia with Daniel Mondragon took the stage to tell stories that have been passed down through generations by traditional dance. Their vibrant performances celebrated their connection to their past while reflecting an appreciation for life.

In between musical sets, Senegalese storyteller Arsalan Ibrahim, marginalized poets and Iranian puppeteers told stories in a different way. Street poets performed stories and verses they had written about cultural hardships and misconceptions. Many seats were left empty as poets filled the air with a heavier tone, speaking about the realities of growing up in marginalized communities. But their short performances were a reminder that learning about other cultures can involve learning about suffering as well. The Farhang Foundation followed with a lighter performance of a fairy tale puppet show that immersed audiences in Iranian heritage. After the show, they led a puppet-making workshop so that young festivalgoers could create a character and tell stories of their own culture.

In total, the festival featured 15 cultures from around the world, uniting the community through learning the differences and similarities of each person’s heritage. Throughout the day, the park welcomed nearly 3,000 guests from many different cultures from around Los Angeles, showcasing the diversity that makes the city so unique. 

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If the plan goes forward, crews will remove two Coastal Redwoods and one London Plane Sycamore from the property, though they will also have to plant three replacement trees before the building permits are issued, according to a staff report. Of the 44 trees on the property, 30 are designated as “protected,” including the three slated for removal. 

However, an attorney for Maple Leaf Ventures, LLC, filed a July 9 appeal of the Planning Commission decision, claiming it was not supported by evidence, violates the California Environmental Quality Act and that surrounding property owners were not properly notified of the June 26 Planning Commission hearing.   

Although the council will have to hear that appeal before deciding on the Planning Commission approval, there was some disagreement about whether that approval should be reviewed at all.

While Mayor Lester Friedman, Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Councilmember Mary Wells were not in favor of “calling up” the Planning Commission’s decision before hearing the appeal, Councilmembers John Mirisch and Craig Corman said the council should look closer at the project’s merits because the property has such rich cultural value.

The property was formerly home to a regency revival house built in 1941 by master architect Carleton Burgess, and it was demolished in 2022 after a heated public campaign to save the historic residence.  

StubHub Co-Founder Eric Baker purchased the home for more than $39 million in 2020, and in 2021, Baker requested that the city issue a certificate of ineligibility, certifying that the home does not have historic value and paving the way for it to be raised.

Corman, who served on the Planning Commission before being elected to the council, said the council should be careful about reviewing commission decisions, which can erode the public’s trust in commissions. He also noted that the property owner has claimed there is no need for the council to call up the matter because of the pending appeal.

“I believe our decision to call up a matter is not dependent on the existence or absence of an appeal petition,” Corman said. “It should be decided on the facts, and in particular on whether we either wonder whether an error might have been made, or whether the matter in question has such special importance to the entire community that the community should be given every opportunity to weigh in.” 

He recognized that while only two community members spoke during the study session and during the June 26 Planning Commission meeting where the tree removal was approved, items frequently attract more public comment when they move from a commission to the council’s formal agenda, and he has already received multiple calls about the tree removal.

“For all these reasons, I would call up the tree removal permit decision, and furthermore, I believe we should assiduously vet every aspect of the project as it moves forward,” Corman said.

Mirisch, who asked to discuss the matter during the study session, seconded Corman’s statements, and said that as a matter of principle, he believes the council must approve a project before approving the removal of trees on the property.   

In 2022, Mirisch was the sole councilmember to dissent from a council decision affirming that the regency revival house was not historic. 

Ellis Raskin, attorney for Maple Leaf Ventures, agreed that the matter should be called up by the council. He said that the city has lost substantial portions of its urban forest in recent years, and the project, which calls for replacement trees that would take decades to mature, “is a significant loss on the community and city.”  

Raskin declined to identify the owners of Maple Leaf Ventures.

Nazarian encouraged the property owners to find a solution that reflects the community’s concerns, but at the end of the day, she said it’s their property and they should be allowed to build accordingly. 

“I support and appreciate these incredibly amazing trees,” Nazarian said. “I’d like to see the largest possible trees be replaced instead of them, and I know that there are steps being taken for that.” 

Friedman added that he is “loathe” to call up a Planning Commission decision that was unanimously approved, and said the appeal renders the issue basically moot.  

The appeal decision is scheduled for Sept. 10. 

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Those individuals who love gardening are encouraged to sign up for the Greystone Demonstration Gardening Club where volunteers meet to help maintain the Greystone Demonstration Garden and the grounds around it, including Pollinator Hill. The Gardening Club members will meet on July 12 and Aug. 17, from 9 -10:30  a.m. for the summer club meetups. Pre-registration is required for all classes and the Gardening Club. The address of Greystone Demonstration Garden is 905  Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills.  All classes are on Sundays from 10-11:30 a.m.   

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The event was hosted at filmmaker Rob Reiner’s home and billed as a pride-themed garden party celebrating the anniversary of the end of Prop 8, which had previously banned same-sex marriage. But for all the rainbow colors and A-lister fanfare, an uneasy undertone cut through the festivities.

Harris addressed the “elephant in the room” at the beginning of her 22-minute speech, acknowledging that “Our president said it wasn’t his finest hour, we all know it wasn’t.”

However, she said that “style points” aside, the debate showcased the clear contrast in candidates, and she called former President Donald Trump “a threat to our democracy.”

While Harris was full of confidence at the event, not all Democrats felt the same way following Biden’s halting, mumbled and at times, hard to understand, remarks.

Several Democratic politicians, such as Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett and former Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, have called for Biden to step down from the race, as have the editorial boards of The New York Times, the Chicago Tribune and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Both Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom have been floated as potential replacements for the president. Biden campaign officials, however, said there is no plan to change the ticket.

Reiner, the host of the fundraiser, said in a statement on X that the debate was “a disaster” for Biden, but that the choice for president remains “crystal clear.”

“We either can choose a good decent man who cares about his fellow citizens and knows how to govern, or a convicted felon who will destroy our democracy,” he stated.

Harris employed a similar logic during her speech, saying the debate did not alter the high stakes of the election.

“You have someone in the former President of the United States who openly talks about his admiration for dictators, someone who has said openly how he will weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies,” she said. “None of that has changed, because of one day in June.”

She said that Trump poses a threat to LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights and voting rights. She also touted the Biden administration’s achievements such as lowering the cost of prescription drugs and forgiving millions of dollars’ worth of student debt.

The invitation-only fundraiser gathered around 100 attendees including U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler and California Rep. Brad Sherman.

Also present were Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier, plaintiffs in the case that overturned Prop 8. Harris married the couple back in 2013 while serving as California Attorney General. Harris’s remarks were followed by a special performance by Broadway star Idina Menzel.

Biden and Trump paid visits to Los Angeles for campaign events in June. Trump attended a fundraiser at the home of Lee Samson in Beverly Hills, while Biden joined forces with Barack Obama, George Clooney and Julia Roberts for a Downtown L.A. fundraiser.

Recent polling shows Trump holding a narrow lead over Biden nationally and in all five key swing states.

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“Following the successful launch of Festival Beverly Hills last year at the Farmers’ Market, we are looking forward to being able to accommodate even more participants and community members by moving it to our iconic Beverly Gardens Parks,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman. “It’s imperative we continue to be a city that celebrates all cultures across the globe through immersive presentations, dance, food and more.”

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“The loss of Phil Savenick has truly shaken all of us and has left an empty place in so many of our hearts. Phil was not only a friend, but a true keeper of preserving our city’s history and ensuring its mystique still endures,” Mayor Lester Friedman said. “His dedication and passion to Beverly Hills and its iconic culture will always be remembered for generations to come and we offer our deepest sympathies to his family.” 

Kevin Miller, a close friend and production partner, said Savenick’s love for his city can be traced directly to his childhood. Growing up, Savenick’s Beverly Hills truly felt like a small village where the world’s most famous entertainers happened to also live. One Halloween, Savenick, dressed as Santa Claus, performed an impromptu rendition of “Jingle Bells” for Jack Benny, one of the era’s biggest names. 

As Savenick often put it, “The town was still covered in stardust,” said Miller.  

This childhood amidst the stardust molded Savenick into a multifaceted artist, and after enrolling at UCLA’s School of Fine Arts, he became one of the few freshmen hired as a cartoonist for The Daily Bruin. Through a roundabout turn of events propelled by his curiosity and self-assurance, that gig ultimately landed him at an NBC conference table where comedians including Steve Martin took turns pitching executives, Miller said.

And so began Savenick’s television career. At 20 years old, he was hired by filmmaker Robert Abel to do research for “Elvis on Tour,” and went on three years later to produce montage sequences for biopics including “This is Elvis” and “Imagine: John Lennon.”   

Eventually, Savenick found a niche producing compilation documentaries exploring the history of television, winning awards in the process. By the end of his 35-year career, Savenick had earned three Emmy nominations, won the Cine “Golden Eagle” award and Western Writers Spur Award for “100 Years of the Hollywood Western,” and produced the Emmy-winning “20 Years of Comedy on HBO.”       

Despite his success in television, Savenick never outgrew his artistic roots. His paintings, which celebrate and sometimes skewer the culture of T.V., have been shown at the now defunct Paley Center for Media, and currently hang at the MZTV Museum of Television in Toronto, Canada.

As a product of Beverly Hills and a descendant of civic leaders—his stepfather Ben Norton served as mayor and his mother Rose Norton served as planning commissioner—Savenick used his talents to celebrate the city that raised him. 

While working on a documentary about Beverly Hills ahead of its 2014 centennial, Savenick interviewed 200 residents about how the city had changed and grown over the years.    

Compiling those stories and producing the documentary set Savenick on a path that led him to become president of the Beverly Hills Historical Society. The society had been around since the ‘80s, and Savenick infused it with a Hollywood grandeur, said Marcia Lewis-Smith, a communications strategist and former producer who has known Phil since the ‘70s. 

“He started to produce the hell out of it,” Lewis-Smith said. “Anything he did had scale, and value.”  

Savenick produced a documentary about eight movie stars who launched a political campaign to save Beverly Hills from being annexed, which premiered last spring at Greystone Mansion, and helped the society chart new digital territory. 

Under Savenick’s leadership, the society launched an app called The Beverly Hills Experience that features walking guides and augmented reality experiences, and set up plaques with QR codes at Beverly Gardens Park, Will Rogers Park and Greystone Mansion that feature stories and historic videos.  

“He was just a very, very wonderful, dynamic voice in the community,” Lewis-Smith said. “I don’t think he’s replaceable in the texture of the city.”    

It helped that Savenick was “a master raconteur,” said Miller. “Nobody could tell a story like Phil.”  

Savenick was famous for his Rodeo Drive walking tours, which would last at least 45 minutes. The last one he ever led was three hours long, visitors hanging on his every word. 

“He believes the past should be remembered, he believes that the people who changed our lives should be remembered and honored,” Miller said. “Phil now takes the position of the people he’s always worked so hard to honor; now it’s time for us to honor him.”   

“Phil’s passion and vision have been a guiding light for many,” Vice Mayor Dr. Sharona Nazarian said. “His legacy will continue to inspire and shape our community for years to come.”

Savenick is survived by his mother, Rose Norton; his partner of 33 years, Suzanne Hertfelder; and his friend Robbie Anderson, an author and local historian. 

He was 72 years old. 

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From landscapes to faces, Licht’s work is firmly planted in the realm of abstraction. His pieces predominantly feature a muted color palette of earth tones and swirling, varied brushstrokes ranging from broad swaths to finer, more delicate lines that seem to intertwine. Licht’s compositions are highly textured, with layers of paint or stapled pencil shavings creating depth and complexity.

Licht experiments with adding space to his art, working with four panels of wood for paintings and similarly with paper for his drawings. “I got interested in this two-by-three ratio, with one side being one and a half times bigger than the other,” Licht told the Courier. “So, it’s the shape that 35-millimeter photos are, it’s a two-by-three.”

To achieve the ratio, Licht tapes about an inch of extra paper to his existing eight-and-a-half by 11 pieces that he works with. “But then I really liked this way of working, where you have one piece of the drawing and can add a new piece of paper to it, take it away, and bring it to another drawing. It did something visually exciting that I hadn’t encountered. It really does change the feeling of breadth.” From there, Licht began to recreate the process on a larger scale, painting on four separate wood panels and then attaching them upon completion.

Some of his paintings also feature paintbrushes stapled to a panel after being accidentally left to dry on thicker swatches of paint. “The process of painting is always seen in the result, and some people emphasize this more than others,” Licht said. “I love the nakedness of accidents in nature and unforeseen interaction, but I also think intention matters.”

While the show gets its title from Mark Strand’s book of poetry called “The Continuous Life,” Licht is continuously inspired by “The Rock” by Wallace Stevens, and always carries a palm-sized paperback copy with him. 

The works range in cost, with the smallest in size priced at $1,000 and the largest, which is just over 10 feet, at $24,000. Since the show opened on June 7, about half of the pieces on view have already sold. 

The exhibition will be on view until July 13. 

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Ellerbe comes to the position with extensive experience in elementary education as well as expertise she gained while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology and later, her master’s degree in education. She has previously served as Executive Director of the Global Education Academy and as principal at Tibby K-8 School and George Washington Elementary School in Compton.

“Words cannot express how excited I am to be selected as the new principal of Horace Mann Elementary,” Ellerbe said in a statement released by Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy. “As a former student of Horace Mann, it will be an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to pour into a school that once gave so much to me. I look forward to getting to know all of the students, staff, and parents of this great community and to all of the amazing things that we will accomplish together.”

At the meeting, Bregy noted that Ellerbe was chosen out of a handful of eligible applicants in the final round of interviews. “Our finalist, Ms. Ellerbe, just rose to the top with some extraordinary experience and with some real hands-on work with student achievement and culture and PLCs (professional learning communities),” he said. “A lot of the work that she has a proven success record for—they’re things that we’re just beginning in our school district.”

Just before the meeting, LAUSD announced the approval of a ban on cellphone use in all schools in a 5-2 vote. BHUSD Board Member Judy Manouchehri brought this to the attention of her colleagues, drawing a comparison between cellphones and iPads. Manouchehri, who opposed the use of iPads in classrooms at previous meetings, suggested that iPads are essentially extra-large cellphones. At the meeting on May 21, the motion to purchase iPads for TK through eighth-grade classes passed in a 3-1 vote, with Manouchehri voting against it. But on June 18, Board President Amanda Stern was quick to defend iPads for 3D printing and hands-on learning in Maker Space classes. 

“Make no mistake, LAUSD is not necessarily jumping off of tech,” said Stern, explaining that LAUSD is implementing AI technology in their schools. As an avid advocate for technology usage in moderation, she also argued that a flat out ban of cellphones at BHUSD schools would be completely unnecessary. “We also don’t want to punish responsible, good students, who literally just want to use their phone so that they can say ‘Hey, where are you right now for lunch?’” she continued. The board plans to move forward with new iPads in classrooms but will monitor how they are being used so that they can assess whether they’re benefiting students throughout the next school year.

During the superintendent’s report, Bregy announced that BHUSD received a project achievement award in the category of education by the Construction Manager Association of America. Board Vice President Rachelle Marcus, Stern and Bregy were recognized at the awards gala on June 6. The superintendent also announced that he sent an application for former Board President and current Board Member Noah Margo to be honored with the California School Boards Association’s Golden Gavel Award, which recognizes an individual who exemplifies the “best practices in effective governance and boardsmanship.”

Margo later announced that Bregy will represent BHUSD on an educational trip to Israel with other school leaders from around Los Angeles County. During the trip, he will meet with educators in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem who represent different faiths and perspectives. “It’s really an opportunity to bring people together to look to see how education is being facilitated halfway around the world,” said Bregy, looking forward to the trip. 

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“Having a show of this caliber on Beverly Hills’ famed Rodeo Drive is unlike anything else in Southern California,” said Mayor Lester Friedman ahead of the event. “Nothing beats the cars and the scenery, and I love that it brings the community together to celebrate Father’s Day.”

Dads gazed at vehicles of all colors as their children—and plenty of fur babies— posed for pictures next to their favorite cars. Other visitors admired the iconic scenery as they surveyed the collection. 

The Concours featured classic racers like the 1965 Porsche 911 and 1954 Kaiser Darren alongside a brand-new Ferrari 296 GTB and a 2023 Hennessey Venom F5 Coupe. Car lovers also got a rare look at some unique cruisers like a 1961 Chevy Impala lowrider and a historic Ahrens Fox fire engine from 1928.

The Courier observed countless attendees excitedly pose with Axel F’s 1970 Chevy Nova at the Netflix pop-up. Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix provided another photo opportunity, displaying two of their 2024 F1 race cars. And sponsor O’Gara Coach displayed 13 new luxury models at the south end of Rodeo Drive, including the Aston Martin Vantage and the McLaren Artura Spider.

“You don’t even have to be a car lover to really enjoy this event,” said Mayor Lester Friedman on the stage set up at Brighton Way and Rodeo Drive. This is really a great way for family to spend the time together, looking at all the vehicles. And you see the little kids looking at the cars and their amazement and the dads and the moms explaining to them about the cars.”

Leno drove up to the stage in his 2015 volcano yellow McLaren P1, and joined Bruce Meyer, founder of the Rodeo Drive Concours d’ Elegance and Friedman in presenting the automotive awards. They also handed the Beverly Hills Firefighters Association and Police Officers Association checks for $7,500 each.

After Friedman awarded Aaron Weiss with the Mayor’s Award for most elegant car, Meyer presented the Beverly Hills Blockbuster Award for most eye appeal, which went to Michael Kerns’ 1967 Bizziarrini 5300 Strada from Palermo, Italy. The original driver, as Kerns explained, only put 11,000 kilometers on it because he was afraid that if he drove it around too much, the Italian mafia would find him and take it from him. This car was one of many at the show with a unique heritage. In fact, the Concours d’Elegance was launched as a fundraiser to restore Beverly Hills’ last remaining fire truck from 1928, the Ahrens Fox that was displayed at this year’s event. It has since grown into the immense car show that it is today, paying homage to Meyer’s original idea by featuring fascinating and unusual vehicles with backgrounds from around the world.

The highlight of the afternoon came when Meyer presented the Best of Show Award to Phillip Sarofim, for his Porsche 935 that won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1979. One of the car’s drivers who won the race, Ted Field, accepted the award alongside Sarofim. Field made history with the car when he and the car’s two other drivers won the 24 Hours of Daytona by the greatest margin of victory in the history of the race, after starting in eighth place. 

“That just goes to show Ted is a true winner and he’s won at everything he does,” said Sarofim, who was proud to share the stage with a racing legend.

List of Award Winners

Best of Show

Phillip Sarofim, 1979 Porsche 935/No. 79 Interscope Racing

Chairman’s Award

Mel Matsurra, 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza

Mayor’s Award: Most Elegant

Aaron Weiss, 1931 Cadillac Sport Phaeton

Icon Award: Timeless Classic

Matt Guirguis, 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Roadster

Beverly Hills Blockbuster: Most Eye Appeal

Michael Kerns, 1967 Bizziarrini 5300 Strada

Rodeo Drive Award: Most Stylish

John D’Agostino, 1941 Cadillac “Gable II”

Police Chief’s Award: Life in the Fast Lane

Matt Katz, 2008 Koenigsegg CCXR

Fire Chief’s Award: “Smokin’ Haute Classic”

Logan McJilton, Hypersociety, 2019 McLaren Senna GTR

Rodeo Drive Award: Most Fashionable

Richard Davis, 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

Carroll Shelby Award: Most Sporting

Cole Hennessey, 2023 Hennessey Venom F5 Coupe

Steve McQueen Award: Classic Sports Car

Bryant Kreadon, 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4

Most Passionate Enthusiast 

Andrew Labi

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The generous grant will support more of the social service projects for children that Presburger notably spearheads.

“I am so grateful to everyone in this community, and especially to my Rotary Club,” Presburger told the Courier. “This was a very unexpected surprise. However, several of my fellow Rotary members pointed out that with this award I can go forward and ask the community to give even more, and my fellow Rotarians will help me distribute ‘the spoils’ amongst all the children we love to support.” 

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Twenty-four contestants entered. The first place winner, title of “Best Tasting Pie in Beverly Hills” and $200 Farmers’ Market money was awarded to Xander Eisen for his Chocolate Banana Cream Pie. The second place winner, along with $100 Farmers’ Market money, was awarded to Debbie Soroudi Kaen for her Apple Pie. Third place and $50 Farmers’ Market money was awarded to Kevin Brown for his Boysenberry Pie. And the most “Pie-utiful” and $50 Farmers’ Market money went to Julie Huff for her Pearls Apple Pie. Judges for the pie contest were Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian, Councilmembers John Mirisch and Craig Corman, and Recreation and Parks Commissioners JR Dzubak and Tara Riceberg. 

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KTLA Morning News Anchor Jessica Holmes, who hosted the program, infused the event with humor and some light hijinks, while auctioneer Chuck Dukas kept the energy high as he bid off luxurious items including a Tulum getaway, an African safari, and the most highly coveted, a home-cooked meal at Fire Station 1 on Rexford Drive. 

The focus of the night, however, was on the firefighters and their supporters in the community. The event’s honoree was Jeanne S. Marks, who launched a scholarship fund in 2008 that awards educational grants to the children of Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) firefighters, while Fire Engineers Vic Gutierrez and Melissa Hillis received the Harvey Adair-Art Davis Award and the Felix Rothchild Firefighter of the Year Award, respectively.  

“I woke up this morning and am still beaming,” Hillis told the Courier on June 12. “It’s just surreal.” 

After being hired as a Firefighter in 2008, Hillis was promoted to Fire Engineer in 2011 and has since emerged as one of the department’s most dedicated mentors, particularly of young women in the fire service. 

In 2022 and 2023, Hillis organized and led the BHFD Empowerment Camp, a two-day immersion in the fire service that teaches young people leadership skills and promotes their interest in a firefighting career. Hillis has represented BHFD in similar camps across the Los Angeles region and serves as treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Fire Alliance.  

Her efforts to inspire more women to join the fire service have paid off. For years, Hillis was the only woman serving in the BHFD, but there are now three female probationary firefighters in the department. 

“I like to joke that my locker room is so fun now. I love having little sisters in the department,” Hillis said. “I’m really proud of them.” 

Gutierrez has served the BHFD for three decades, and like Hillis, he has distinguished himself with a deep record of mentorship. He has been a BHFA board member for 14 years, including eight as president, during which he helped the organization flourish and grow, according to the BHFA. 

“Vic’s career has been a testament to what it means to be a firefighter, a leader and a friend. His legacy of service, mentorship and dedication will continue to inspire future generations of firefighters,” the BHFA stated. “Tonight, we celebrate not only his career but also the person he is—a mentor, a leader and a friend.” 

The BHFD is unique not only for its stellar reputation—it is one of 122 fire departments worldwide that are both Class 1 and accredited—but for its strong ties with the community, as evidenced by the Judie Fenton Community & Volunteer Excellence Award presented to former Mayor Les Bronte.  

“I’m 89, [helping my community] is my reason for getting out of bed,” Bronte said. 

Asked what sets the BHFD apart from other fire departments, Bronte said, “Training, reward, always [being] on the cutting edge. Innovation saves lives.” 

It is no surprise then that the Beverly Hills community goes above and beyond to help the firefighters who serve them.  

Since establishing The Donald Reynolds Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association Scholarship Fund in honor of her late husband, Marks has helped award 74 college scholarships and 289 K-12 enrichment scholarships, according to the BHFA. 

Marks became involved with the department through her work as an event coordinator and organizational consultant with FTA Events and Marketing (the company that organized the Backdraft Ball), and she was impressed by the friendliness, professionalism and dedication of the first responders she worked with.  

She recounted how, one evening, she called an ambulance after consulting her doctor about a benign cardiac arrhythmia. When the ambulance showed up, it was staffed by many of the same paramedics and firefighters she had had coffee with     during a meeting earlier that morning. Because of her condition, Marks had to be attached to an EKG machine, which meant she would have to take off her top.

“So, there I was with the guys I sat having coffee with that morning, having to take my top off,” Marks said. “But they were very kind, very professional, very respectful, and they put me at ease.”  

“Firefighters, thank you so much. For this honor. It really means the world to me; I’ve loved working with you over the years … I have a lot of gratitude, from the bottom of my now fixed heart,” Marks said. 

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POTTERY

This summer, beginning June 17 through Aug. 9, Bitter Root Pottery is hosting “Summer Kids Camp,” a series of weeklong, daily classes for kids (6-12 years old). Sessions are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ($95 per day) and promise a bonanza of activities. Students receive step-by-step instructions on how to make and design a cup or bowl on the wheel; they’ll choose a glaze color; and the staff handles the glazing and firing process. You’ll get a call when your prodigy’s masterpiece is ready for pickup. Parents, want to get away from the kiddos? Find your Zen space—the indoor greenhouse, Japanese koi pond or breathtaking mountain views—while you take an adults-only (18+), two-hour, beginner class ($95) offered daily. bitterrootpottery.com

NEEDLEPOINT

Aristeia Needlepoint has been a cross-stitcher’s mecca since it was established in 1996; first in Brentwood Village, where it remained until 2010 before moving to its current location in Santa Monica. The shop is stocked with every type of needlepoint thread, fiber and accessory imaginable, including one-of-a-kind, hand-painted base canvases. Drop-in beginner classes are held weekly, and one-on-one lessons are also available. aristeianeedlepoint.com

CHESS

This year, the Roxbury Park Community Center in Beverly Hills introduced a brand-new chess club. Seniors (ages 55 and up) can learn the age-old game or hone their checkmate skills every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Centennial Room. The cost is $1/$2 per person. beverlyhills.org

GOURMET COOKING

Looking for a fun and delicious evening out? Grab your plus-one and learn how to make pasta, or take a special date-night cooking class for two at Violet Bistro. A two-hour lesson will have you chopping, sautéing and searing your way to an epic, three-course meal. violetla.com

WORLD ARTS

Send your kids on an art expedition around the world at Robertson Art Zone Summer Camp. Beginning June 17 through Aug. 30, weeklong workshops will be held for ages 5 to 11 with lessons in Middle Eastern, African, South American, North American and European art. From the mosaics of Morocco to the beaded wonders of the Maasai, your little ones will be inspired to create their own cherished artworks. Attendees receive a mock passport to get stamped at each “destination.” The cost is $650 per week or a daily drop-in fee of $135 per day. razland.com

GLASSBLOWING

No previous glassblowing experience is necessary to take a lesson at KT Glassworks. Founder glass artist, Kazuki Takizawa, designed the private lessons for those who want to learn the art of glassblowing at their own pace. Take the lesson by yourself or with a special someone. Single-student lessons (three hours) are $330, and two-student lessons (four hours) are $250 per person. ktglassworks.com  

SNEAKER DESIGN

Known as “The Shoe Surgeon,” Dominic Ciambrone offers classes at his SRGN Academy to help you upgrade your most worn shoe. Bring your own kicks to a one-day, customization workshop where you’ll personalize them with paints, leathers and laces ($200), or sign up for a three-day, comprehensive, lab experience ($3,000) to learn how to deconstruct and reconstruct popular sneaker silhouettes. You’ll be supplied everything you need, learn each step of the process and leave with your own custom pair designed and created by you. srgnacademy.com

FASHION DESIGN

Designer Summer Camp returns to the Pacific Design Center on July 15-19 for its 10th year. Students (ages 11-17) interested in a career in design are invited to join the jam-packed, weeklong series of hands-on workshops. They will work to create their portfolio and can choose from classes in fashion design, interior design, photography and more. Events, guest speakers and tours of past summer projects round out the experience. Classes are from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the cost is $1,495 per person. Spots fill up fast! designercamp.com   

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Take the super-luxe One Beverly Hills, a mixed-use, high-end development designed to exceed California’s own ambitious sustainability goals. The Beverly Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills received major energy-saving upgrades propelling both properties to the forefront of sustainable hospitality. The Darrow Office Building, designed by master architect John Lautner, will become a high-tech case study of adaptive reuse. And offices at 9000 Wilshire Blvd. and 433 N. Camden Drive recently underwent multimillion-dollar efficiency overhauls to achieve the highest levels of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification possible.

By combining stunning architectural design with state-of-the-art green technologies, these developments demonstrate that luxury and sustainability (and preservation and progress) can go hand in hand. They’re the next generation of green buildings set to transform Beverly Hills into the city of the future.

Earlier this year, the jaw-dropping One Beverly Hills broke ground. The project is led by Cain International alongside OKO Group, and Alagem Capital remains a committed partner. With a master plan designed by architecture firm Foster + Partners, the development will set a new standard for future sustainable developments in Beverly Hills and beyond. 

Helming the firm is world-renowned British architect, Norman Foster, an English lord best known for his sea cucumber-shaped tower in London, colloquially referred to as The Gherkin. For One Beverly Hills, he brought his future-looking touch to the designs, but behind the opulent facade, is a complex maze of precious resource-saving systems. “The project also aims to integrate various technologies to significantly reduce emissions and energy use,” Lord Foster told the Courier.

Renderings for the development show a sprawling 17.5-acre site with new Aman branded and operated properties (designed by Kerry Hill Architects) including a pair of 28-story residential towers, a 10-story, 78-suite luxury hotel, a private clubhouse and a fine dining restaurant.

Each structure will use a central geothermal system, harnessing the Earth’s constant soil temperature to efficiently create heat and hot water, and reject heat for cooling without the use of gas. A chilled water thermal energy storage system will reduce the number of cooling towers needed, saving millions of gallons of water annually. 

Along with a solar panel array and battery storage, the buildings will be outfitted with a high-tech electrical system that will allow them to maximize imported electricity in real-time intervals when grid generation is composed of renewable energy sources.

What promises to be one of the most breathtaking elements of One Beverly Hills is the 10 acres of botanical gardens and open space that will surround it. Thousands of new plantings of native plants, trees and shrubs will transform the Wilshire gateway—a total of 8.5 acres of carbon dioxide-absorbing parkland, with 4.5 acres publicly accessible. Global design collective RIOS, with its founding partner Mark Rios leading the team, was tapped to oversee the design. 

“Foster + Partners’ idea to cover the entire site with a green blanket was brilliant,” said Rios. “It fulfills the overall vision of Beverly Hills to be a ‘garden city.’ We hope to make that dream a reality by providing an authentic ‘California landscape experience’ to enable everyone to learn about and appreciate the natural beauty of our place in Southern California.”

Astoundingly, the extensive landscape will be 100% water sustainable. Stormwater and greywater generated from condensation inside residential towers and cooling towers will be collected onsite and stored in cisterns and recycled back into the landscape.

In addition, “The master plan design encourages multimodal transportation options, promoting walking, cycling and the use of alternative transport modes, including electric vehicle charging facilities,” Lord Foster told the Courier.  “With flora and fauna returning to the site, One Beverly Hills will establish a new model for sustainable master planning in the region, with a flavor that is distinctly Californian.”

Part of the master plan for One Beverly Hills integrates the existing Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills into the unified site through cohesive landscaping. Both hotels received a significant upgrade to their heating and cooling systems, which typically account for more than 70% of a hotel’s power consumption. 

Recently, a 1.4 megawatt-hour energy storage system from Nostromo Energy was installed inside The Beverly Hilton and also serves the adjacent Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. The Israeli-based company’s patented IceBrick technology uses power from the grid when renewable energy levels are high to freeze water into ice. In the late afternoon and evening, when power demand reaches its highest levels, the ice is used for cooling instead of drawing fossil-based energy from the grid. The IceBricks chill the buildings for less than 50% of current cooling costs and reduce carbon emissions by 150-200 metric tons annually. This translates to more than 5,000 metric tons reduced throughout the system’s lifetime.

 “We are proud to partner with Nostromo to bring cutting-edge green technology to The Beverly Hilton,” said David Ecija, General Manager of The Beverly Hilton. “This partnership is an extension of our history as a forward-thinking property, focused on the future and what is good for our community.”

In addition to its energy-saving efforts, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills also recently invested in a high-tech greywater system by Epic Cleantec. Water collected from sinks, showers and washing machines is captured, rigorously filtered and disinfected before it’s reintroduced back into the building for non-potable uses such as landscaping or toilets, which account for a quarter of total water usage. The new system reduces the hotel’s water consumption by more than 90%.

“We are dedicated to creating a healthier environment for both our guests and our employees. The Epic Cleantec greywater system is yet another way that we are putting sustainability at the forefront of all we do,” said Antonio Bugarin, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.

Over the years, the Lautner building at 9884 S. Santa Monica Blvd., originally designed for John Darrow in 1946, was home to various tenants—a nail salon, medical offices and a drug store. But under its current owner, the Angeleno Group, a late-stage venture capital and investment firm focusing on climate change-related technologies, it’s set to become a stunning state-of-the-art sustainable model of adaptive reuse. 

The Darrow Office Building’s brick facade with its iconic louvered shutters will remain virtually unchanged, save for the reinstatement of a few ornamental details that had been removed over time, and of course, the addition of the hotly contested third floor, a glass-walled, floating rooftop patio designed by acclaimed architect, Hagy Belzberg, who won an award for his trailblazing design of the Holocaust Museum LA.

Preserving this historical architectural gem while simultaneously showcasing futuristic tech was the goal. Putting Beverly Hills on the map as the destination for sustainable tech became a mission for Angeleno Group’s Co-Founder Yaniv Tepper. 

“Some years ago, when I was asked where to find the most interesting green building technologies in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills wasn’t high on that list. That’s not what people go there for, but I grew up in Beverly Hills,” Tepper explained. “I went to Beverly Vista and Beverly High. And for me to have to go see green technologies down near the Port of Long Beach or in Santa Monica, it pained me.” In 2021, the city of Santa Monica became the first local government in the nation distinguished with a Platinum certification under the LEED for Cities program. It was an honor that Tepper felt should belong to the city of Beverly Hills. “I wanted the city of Beverly Hills to be an example of these state-of-the-art technologies,” he said.

To that end, every facet of the company’s new headquarters, from the electric outlets to the windows, will be outfitted with cutting-edge, energy-saving and efficiency advancements, many from the group’s portfolio. 

Tepper plans to install what he calls “some pretty frontier stuff,” used mainly in residential applications. One example is the latest in intelligent circuitry from the tech company SPAN. It enables homeowners to choose their power source (the grid, solar or battery storage) and divert energy to high-use outlets where it’s needed most—all from an app on their phone. Visitors to the group’s new headquarters will be able to view the building’s energy consumption in real time via a giant SPAN screen in the building’s lobby. 

Revolutionary active lighting, which automatically adjusts supplied light levels and power usage to reduce waste, will be installed throughout the building. Solar roof panels will be maxed out, and the team is also looking into groundbreaking photovoltaic glass windows to shore up additional sun power. These look like ordinary windows, but cells hidden in the glazing convert sunlight into renewable energy, which can be banked and used when needed. In addition, four solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations will be installed onsite so employees, clients and visitors can charge their EVs during daylight office hours without straining the grid.  

 “We’re looking forward to this being the place where when people visit us, they’ll be able to see, touch and understand all these different green building technologies,” said Tepper. “They’re practical, they’re real, and they’re here.”

When it comes to working spaces, the city scores on the higher end of the national average with 27 LEED-awarded commercial buildings, according to recent statistics provided by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), which administers the complex LEED ranking system, the standard in evaluating sustainable building worldwide. “Because of the high number of luxury brands and high-end offices, Beverly Hills is a unique market for LEED and green buildings,” said Stephanie Gabriel, USGBC Pacific Regional Director. “These companies and brands are embracing LEED certification as part of their sustainability strategy and to enhance customer experience and satisfaction.”

Gabriel considers the remodel of the 46,000-square-foot office building at 9000 Wilshire Blvd. a stand-out example in Beverly Hills. “It implements green and sustainable strategies like water reduction and solar power generation while focusing on health and wellness with bicycle parking service and lots of natural light. This is why the project attained Platinum certification, the highest level a project can achieve.”

Another existing building deserving special mention, according to Gabriel, is the property at 433 N. Camden Drive. When StarPoint Properties, LLC bought the 12-story commercial office tower in 2018, it was the most expensive office building ever purchased in Beverly Hills. At a purchase price of $193 million, it still holds the record. The building recently earned its LEED Gold status after making a few small sustainability-related improvements. Simply replacing fluorescents and retrofitting lighting fixtures with LED bulbs throughout resulted in one of the most extensive cost and energy-related savings measures. StarPoint also received high marks for implementing a robust recycling program and reducing single-use plastics, such as bottles and utensils, across the entire building. 

“From an owner’s standpoint, investing in green renovations positions a building for long-term success. These green renovations optimize building maintenance, preserving the look and integrity of a building for years to come,” said Paul Daneshrad, Founder and CEO of StarPoint Properties. “Today, sustainability is expected; it’s part of our lifestyle. We believe that incorporating green elements into every project makes our environment healthier, and everyone—and every building—needs to contribute.” 

With this spate of new and updated green buildings, Beverly Hills is earning its place as a beacon of sustainability, a distinction rightly befitting this legendary destination. 

“Today, sustainability is expected; it’s part of our lifestyle. We believe that incorporating green elements into every project makes our environment healthier, and everyone—and every building—needs to contribute.”

– Paul Daneshrad, Founder/CEO, 

StarPoint Properties

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Beyond it is The Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG), a living museum offering a rare glimpse into early life in Beverly Hills. The 6.2-acre estate and botanical garden was the residence of Virginia and Harry Winchester Robinson. Built in 1911, it is considered the “first estate” in Beverly Hills. The Robinsons transformed a barren stretch of barley into a series of lush hillsides featuring heirloom varieties and many rare and exotic plants, including the largest king palm forest in the Northern Hemisphere.

Virginia, a legendary hostess and grand dame of her day, is referred to as the “first lady of Beverly Hills.”  With the help of a live-in staff of 12, including a cook and majordomo, she threw several parties per week throughout her decades-long residency. She entertained royalty, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and film icons such as Mary Pickford and Mae West, among many others.

The Virginia Robinson Gardens was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Since 1982, the museum estate has been jointly operated by the County of Los Angeles and the Friends of Robinson Gardens (FRG), a nonprofit organization, which ensures its funding.

Last year, the city of Beverly Hills expressed interest in taking over operations of The Virginia Robinson Gardens. Los Angeles County was amenable to the idea, and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath gave a 180-day deadline for both sides to return to the table with a plan. The Courier recently reached out to both sides for an update. Diane Sipos, superintendent of VRG under L.A. County management, would not comment on the progress of talks. Instead, she would only confirm that VRG is currently operated by L.A. County Parks and Recreation Department. A press spokesperson for L.A. County said, “We are currently in discussions with the city of Beverly Hills, and we have no further comments until these discussions progress further.” As for the city of Beverly Hills, “Discussions are ongoing,” said Keith Sterling, Beverly Hills Deputy City Manager, adding, “As you might imagine, there are several complex logistical elements, and the process is taking a bit longer than anticipated.”

No matter who ends up running operations, there’s no denying that The Virginia Robinson Gardens and its former inhabitants are inexorably linked to the city of Beverly Hills.

The only way for the general public to experience this gem is to book a spot in advance on a docent-led tour ($15 per person) around the grounds. While the botanical tour focuses solely on the gardens, the 90-minute historical tour offers a stroll through the various terraced landscapes, as well as a peek inside the lives and living spaces of these Beverly Hills pioneers.

Virginia Catherine Dryden, born in 1877, was the daughter of Nathaniel Dryden, a self-taught architectural designer and building contractor. Three of his designs have since made the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Virginia’s uncle was Leslie Brand, the railroad tycoon and developer later dubbed “the father of Glendale.”

Harry Winchester Robinson was born in 1878 into a mercantile family dynasty. His grandfather had built Boston Dry Goods, which, under Harry’s father, Joseph Winchester, became the upscale, turn of the last century downtown department store J.W. Robinson, which Harry would later helm. A few decades and mergers later, it evolved into the store known as Robinsons-May, the last of which shuttered in 2006.

As the offspring of two prominent Los Angeles families, Virginia and Harry naturally traveled in the same high-society circles. Still, their wedding in November 1903 came as a surprise; it took place just six days after their engagement announcement was printed in the Los Angeles Times.

Following the young couple’s honeymoon, they embarked on a series of trips that spanned several years and the globe—with extended visits to Europe, Egypt, India, China, Japan, South America and other far-flung locales. While away on one such lengthy adventure, a new town was slowly springing up in the shrub brush of Los Angeles. The pair were surprised to hear about it upon their return, and with curiosity piqued by the rumor it was to be the site of the relocated Los Angeles Country Club, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson set out to find the newly developed Beverly Hills.

What Virginia and Harry discovered on their fateful twilight drive in January 1911 was a golf course under construction amid vast empty tracts of land. “We never found the club,” Virginia would later tell a reporter, adding, “But we found ourselves on a slight hill with a lovely view of rippling wheat fields and the mountains. A full moon was shining down, and Harry said, ‘This is where we are going to live.’” The following day, Harry went to the Rodeo Land and Water Company and, by 10 a.m., had purchased the parcel for $7,500 from Burton Green. Virginia later recalled, “Burton Green had built Beverly Hills. But there wasn’t one house here. There wasn’t a single thing out here. Just a little bit of a real estate office, kind of a shed, on Santa Monica Boulevard.”

Once the deed was in hand, Virginia’s father quickly set about designing and constructing the couple’s home. By September 1911, the “L” shaped, 6,000-square-foot house was completed. The earliest photo shows the flat Italianate-style villa, with a parapet of cast stone balustrades and a column-supported portico, squatting on a dusty, barren hilltop. A straight concrete path led from the dirt street to the front steps—no hedges or fence. Privacy wasn’t an issue; nobody lived in Beverly Hills yet. The grounds consisted of little more than a meadow in front and a great lawn at the back (both sodded), a tennis court and, the following year, a small lap pool.

Around this time, due to this unique temperate zone, the banyan trees planted sometime in the ‘30s began sprouting aerial roots, which only happened in their native habitat. Today, they make for a dramatic sight. The long fibrous roots of these old trees now stretch close to 30 feet, cathedral-like buttresses that lend a hallowed feeling to the grove. Nearby, a massive eucalyptus tree, the last remaining from the first flats of trees Virginia and Harry had purchased over 100 years ago, rises like a skyscraper.

The King Palm Forest is just one of five gardens developed in various but distinct stages over five decades. Great care is taken to maintain these areas, which are currently managed as historic display gardens by FRG. If plants need replacing, they’re swapped with identical species wherever possible to preserve the couple’s original intent for the gardens and landscaping.

Completed in 1935, the Italian Terrace Garden is the largest, covering over two acres. It’s composed of several descending brick-paved terraces connected by a series of winding paths along a central axis per Neoclassical Italianate style. An intricate water system was designed to flow down the terrain, trickle along runnels carved into the bricks and stone, and cascade into a series of waterfalls before emptying into various pools and fountains. The runnels were inspired by the Alhambra in Spain, where Virginia and Harry marveled at the soothing melodies of the gently moving water. Perhaps inspired by those memories, Virginia added the Musical Stairs, a water feature made from inverted terracotta roof tiles laid in a series of steep steps, designed to produce a different note as water moves from one step to the next.

Sadly, Harry would never see these formal gardens take shape.

He passed away on Sept. 19, 1932, but not before spending much of his final week with the woman he adored in the gardens they loved. His widow preserved these last days in a diary, pressing leaves and flowers into the pages for that week in September, along with the simple inscription: “With Harry in the garden.” The entry for Sept. 19 was left blank.

For two years, Virginia mourned, stepping back from civic engagements. To process her grief, she renewed her interest in finishing the gardens as an homage to her late husband. She also began writing a series of letters to him after his death, which she continued for five years. Most often, they were to ask his advice about the garden, tinged with loss and longing.

“Harry, do you like the trimming on the west side?” She asked her husband in a letter dated December 1932. “I cut the oaks down–it’s much neater, but I cried after I did it because it’s different [from] when you last saw it.” Daunted by the scale of the Italian Terrace Garden during its construction, she looked to Harry for reassurance in another posthumous letter, dated 1934: “My darling – am I making a mess of our earthly paradise? You guide–kiss me again.” Virginia continued to work on her gardens for the next few decades, through these preserved letters, we know Harry’s spirit was with her during their entire creation. In part to fill a void left by her beloved husband, Virginia began to reinvent herself in the mid-1930s. She joined the Board of Directors of J.W. Robinson in 1935 (a rare position for women in those days) and served until 1960. She also began to host luxurious parties, many of them charitable functions, up to four a week. Some were grand affairs on the great lawn with hundreds of guests; others were intimate luncheons in a garden nook and all manner of gatherings. She continued this for decades. Of course, she had help; Virginia maintained a staff of a dozen live-in helpers for her 6,000-square-foot home, including a majordomo, an assistant butler, five gardeners, a cook, a kitchen maid, a houseman and a personal maid.

Her reputation and the high standard for gracious living she set solidified her place as “the first lady of Beverly Hills.” As such, over the years, she entertained the likes of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor for tea alfresco; Walt Disney’s widow, Lillian, celebrated her marriage to her new husband in Virginia’s backyard. Mae West whispered naughty jokes to the hostess from the living room couch while Hedda Hopper dished out gossip on fellow guests, most of them Golden Age stars like ClarkGable and Fred Astaire, during the extravagant affairs. So large were her parties, Virginia had to remodel parts of the home to accommodate the throngs. A large terrazzo terrace opening to the great lawn was added at the back of the home. The narrow front entryway, which often bottlenecked when partygoers arrived, was widened.

The last changes to her estate were mainly decor updates to the interiors of the main residence in the 1950s. The gold curtains and sleek, matching sofa and chairs in the Gold Room call to mind Jackie O’s revamp of the White House and channel the same austere luxury. Thousands of old, leather-bound books collected from the corners of the Earth line the library’s walls. The home is an eclectic repository of souvenirs, art, photo albums and guidebooks from the couple’s extensive trips. These mementos survived and still make up a large part of the decor—ancient artifacts from Asia, like bronze sculptures of multilimbed deities, decorate tables and shelves. If the mashup is confusing, remember these are objects cultivated from a well-lived and well-traveled life that spanned from the Victorian era to the space age.

Virginia Robinson passed away just weeks short of her 100th birthday in 1977. Upon her death, the entire estate was bequeathed to the County of Los Angeles in hopes that what she referred to as her “life’s work” could be shared with the public and future generations.

Repairs and maintaining the estate would be costly, but it received early support from the L.A. County Supervisor at the time, Edmund D. Edelman. He and the Board of Supervisors placed the estate under the auspices of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Edelman then enlisted Joan Selwyn, a leader in the arts community, to form an organization of activists to support the restoration project. He proposed a partnership.

Selwyn created “Friends of Robinson Gardens” in 1982 with a Board of Directors and a general membership of over 75 committed women. The FRG would become the major source of fundraising to restore and maintain the garden estate, while L.A. County would run the day-to-day operations. A letter from President Ronald Reagan that year called the partnership a fine example of what can be accomplished through cooperation between the private and public sectors.

Metal leaves engraved with the names of FRG supporters, among them Barbara Streisand, hang on a decorative steel tree sculpture at the back of the residence.

According to Patty Elias, FRG Board Member and archive coordinator, the organization has restored all of the historic buildings on the property, to the strict standards of the Department of Interior, in the decades since. Additionally, Elias said that despite delays caused by COVID-19, FRG was able to fund and complete phase two of the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS). The Virginia Robinson Gardens is in the process of applying for museum accreditation and the HALS report will provide the landscape documentation necessary for the museum status application.

While the future of its operations has yet to be decided, if you make it up to the end of Elden Way, try to imagine nothing was there before. And remember that many of the living things—the scented Eiffel Tower roses, the majestic eucalyptus, the King Palm Forest and old banyan trees—were planted there by the Robinsons with love and still stand before you now inspiring wonder, over a century later. 

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Pieces in the Kathy Hilton x Anna Zuckerman collection range from “diamond” studs to pendant necklaces, bracelets, bands and cocktail rings. 

The designs are made by repurposing salvaged lab-grown diamonds and gem materials that would otherwise go to waste. Zuckerman’s innovative approach extends the life cycle of existing materials, such as Diamond Crystalline™, a man-made gem that is so similar in appearance to a genuine diamond, that it apparently takes a trained eye to spot the difference, while contributing to a more sustainable future for the industry.

“I am a jewelry lover first and foremost,” Hilton told the Courier. She also noted that the pieces are perfect for taking on vacation. 

“This is my travel jewelry,” said Hilton. “If something happens you are not going to lose sleep over it. We have insurance, but you never want to use it.”

Hilton, who operated a successful retail home store on Sunset Plaza Drive for close to a decade, and a fashion line sold in Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, also acknowledged the rise of thefts in Beverly Hills in recent years. “I put my jewelry away during the pandemic,” she said. “I wasn’t going anywhere and don’t want to live in fear or to be a prisoner of my possessions.” 

Zuckerman added, “After the pandemic, we are smarter and more careful about investment pieces. This is not a big investment in the same way other luxury pleasures like art and designer bags, which retain resale value, but not fine jewelry. This way you can wear a new piece every day and it will not break the bank.”

The duo hopes this new line will empower women to treat themselves without spending the big bucks. 

“I do not buy myself large expensive pieces anymore, said Hilton, “But this is something you can afford to treat yourself to.” 

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A hearing scheduled for June 3 was continued to Aug. 6, as the parties are still working out the amount of attorney fees the city will have to pay, said attorney Jamie Hall said.     

“This is just putting the case to bed,” Hall said. “We’re wrapping it up with a bow on top,” he added.

Crews in February 2023 began cutting down the trees as part of a sidewalk repair project, with city officials claiming the Ficus roots had upended the Robertson sidewalk, posing public safety concerns and resulting in trip-and-fall claims against the city. 

The tree removal angered residents and environmentalists, and a month later, the newly formed Robertson Boulevard Special Task Force sued the city, arguing that neither the project nor the tree removal were exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).    

Attorneys for Beverly Hills denied this claim and argued the city would lose $10,000 every week the removals were halted. A judge ultimately sided with the plaintiffs and issued a preliminary injunction last July forbidding the removal of the remaining 36 Ficus trees until the case concludes. 

According to Hall, the city has agreed to conduct an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and it no longer made sense to prosecute the case. 

“We’re pleased with the decision to do an EIR,” Hall said. “There’s good EIRs and bad EIRs, and we’ll see what they do.” 

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Studio C features restored sound panels from Beverly Vista Middle School, repurposed furniture and professional-grade recording equipment donated by community partners. The studio has already become a hub for student-created podcasts and shows, reflecting high demand for creative outlets.

“Studio C was a dream that turned into a reality thanks to the unwavering support of our school and community,” said Gilardian. The studio also serves as a memorial to Sheila Willis, a beloved BHHS custodian who passed away earlier this year. 

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“The director, which is me, and the coaches and the actual kids came together and formed a really good team system that was built for winning this championship,” Athletic Director Todd Radonsky told the Courier. BVMS played against Lincoln Middle School in the game on May 23, securing their win with shootouts after a 0-0 tie. 

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Artists Boyish and Yancyabril will perform and are past winners of Music Forward Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards. Brian Sonia-Wallace and the Pride Poets will also be on hand to create personalized poems for guests in the audience.

“We are proud to support the LGBTQ+ community by kicking off our Concerts on Canon series with a special ‘Pride Night’ performance,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman. “Throughout the month of June, we will also be honoring the community with a book display in our library that celebrates the achievements and struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community and we will illuminate our palm trees outside of City Hall with colorful lights.”

Pride Night artist Boyish was formed by India Shore and Claire Altendahl in 2016 at Berklee College of Music. The duo have accumulated over 30 million streams across their catalogue and have been lauded by various publications including Billboard. They were named winners of the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award in 2021 and were included on the 2022 Record Store x Vans compilation album, “Portraits of Her” alongside Taylor Swift, Julien Baker, Girl in Red and more. Boyish has released collaborative songs with artists like Rachel Chinouriri and King Princess and have supported acts like The Beaches, Spill Tab, Hippo Campus and MUNA.

New York City native and singer-songwriter Yancyabril fuses Latin, Folk, Jazz, and R&B into her music, drawing inspiration from her Dominican-American heritage. In 2022, Yancyabril became a contestant on Season 2 of “The Voice Dominicana.”

Concerts on Canon is a free outdoor concert series that takes place weekly through August 22, with two 45-minute musical sets at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. This season features a lineup of summertime, family-friendly entertainment that brings live music to the Golden Triangle of Beverly Hills.

The 2024 summer lineup: 

June 6:  Beverly Hills Pride Night with Boyish and Yancyabril

June 13:  Charlie’s Angel’s – The Band 

June 20: AbSOULute – Celebrating Juneteenth

June 27:  Bill Rotella & The Earthtones

July 4: Rod Lightning & the Thunderbolts of Love – Celebrating Independence Day Concert will take place from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

July 11: Beach St. A GoGo

July 18: Joyce Partise

July 25:  Tom Nolan Band

August 1: Leslie Paul & the Latin Soul Band

August 8: Upstream

August 15: David Gab

August 22: The Tokens

For more information about Concerts on Canon and the musical season this summer, visit beverlyhills.org/csevents or call 310-285-1000. 

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CNN first reported On’s role in the attack and noted that he is a senior at Beverly Hills High School, which the Courier has independently confirmed. 

The Beverly Hills Unified School District, citing its legal obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, has refrained from confirming that On was enrolled in the district or specifically commenting about his actions. This has led to criticism from the Council on American Islamic Relations in Los Angeles (CAIR-LA), which expressed concerns in a public statement and email to BHUSD leadership. 

“BHUSD’s silence about Edan On’s violent and well-documented attacks is indicative of an overall disregard for the safety and wellbeing of BHUSD’s Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students—some of whom have reported to our office a school environment that is plagued by anti-Palestinian sentiment, discrimination, and fear,” said CAIR-LA Civil Rights Managing Attorney Dina Chehata in the statement.

In the email to the BHUSD leaders, Chehata said that CAIR-LA had been contacted by families of victims who were physically attacked and injured by On during the UCLA attack, as well as members of the BHUSD community who feel “extremely unsafe” due to On’s continued presence on campus.

The organization asked that BHUSD take disciplinary actions against On, such as expelling him and barring him from attending the May 31 Beverly Hills High School graduation.

In a statement to the Courier on May 30, BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy noted, “Our steadfast goal is to support an educational setting where every student can thrive. BHUSD upholds our moral and legal obligations (including federal privacy laws) to provide an environment that supports the well-being and safety of every student. We continue to condemn any form of violence and believe in promoting dialogue and education to broaden our students’ and educators’ understanding of complex global matters, which ultimately contributes to a more inclusive and informed community.”

On is the first known suspect to be arrested in connection with the April 30 attack on the UCLA Palestine Solidarity Encampment. The LA Sheriff’s Department Inmate Information Center initially reported that his first court date was set for May 28, but that date is now June 21. Additional details about the criminal case against On were not available in the Los Angeles Superior Court online record system as of press time. 

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The Mayor and City Council also recognized city staff in honor of Public Works Day at its May 21 City Council Meeting. Pictured (bottom row): Daniel Boyle, Paul Nguyen, Gardner McKay, Fausto Zagal, Genevieve Row, Eli Benitez, Jovito Enclona; (middle row): Robert Welch, Matt Hilton, Aldo De La Cruz, Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian, Shana Epstein, Mayor Lester Friedman, Councilmember John Mirisch, Councilmember Mary Wells, Tania Schwartz, Alex Kay, Karen Domerchie, Jonathon Chacon; (back row): Michael Hensley, D’Andre Williams, Councilmember Craig Corman, Luis Ramos, Eric Cuevas and Jeff Bartizal

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All entries must be made with locally grown fruit in California. Judging is based on appearance, creativity, crust, consistency, and flavor.  Farmers’ Market money of $200, $100, $50 and $50 will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place and “Most Pie-utiful,” respectively.

The annual Piesta Pie Bake is a free event featuring a pie-eating contest for kids and adults, entertaining pie-themed activities, Kids Zone arts & crafts, musical entertainment, and more!

For additional pie bake entry rules or to download an application, visit beverlyhills.org/csevents.   

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Many of the artists had a message that they wanted to portray through their work. Kenneth Gatewood is inspired by children and his works at the show mostly featured a child subject with his own text or news headlines. His piece entitled “Life Choices” features a young child looking inquisitively at a list of choices. On one side, it lists things like gangs, drugs and guns above the words “No Future” in bold red and on the other side, it lists things like education, hard work and respect above the words “Bright Future.” This is one of many watercolors Gatewood has painted with the hopes of changing a common cycle for children in low-income neighborhoods.

Another artist, David Stewart Klein, is similarly interested in making a cultural impact through his paintings. Klein told the Courier that he has always loved portraying human subjects. After feeling isolated by the pandemic, he’s been inspired to remind others that they’re not alone. His painting, “Covid John from Ralph’s” portrays a man whom he met in a supermarket during the pandemic. 

Another exhibiting artist, Guillermo Zuniga, is both a painter and a digital photographer. The South Bay artist was born in Peru but has lived in the United States for most of his life, so he chooses to photograph parts of Los Angeles that feel most like home. At the show, he displayed collections from Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. 

Some artists at the show told the Courier that they simply paint because they’re inspired. It’s their way of sharing their creative process with the world. Jennifer Rae Ochs finds inspiration in cities around the world and her contemporary style combines various layers of acrylic paint to portray the eccentricity of each place. At the show, she displayed pieces in black, white and gold that, to her, are reminiscent of the glam rock of the 1980s.

An expressionist artist, Robin Walker, is inspired by music. He paints scenes based on how they felt rather than how they may have actually looked. A big part of this process, for him, involves music, as it instantly influences the people in a room. Sometimes, he just puts music on and paints exactly what he feels. He confessed to the Courier that one of his favorite sources of inspiration is listening to Albert Hammond Jr. play guitar for The Strokes, which played a large role in creating his piece titled “Life of the Party.”

Glass artist Gustavo Santana took home the award for Best of Show. His vibrant mouth-blown and sandblasted pieces have caught the attention of many, including former President Bill Clinton a few years ago. Santana likes to work in his garden, so oftentimes his pieces are inspired by flowers or animals such as hummingbirds, bees and other garden creatures. As an animal lover, he explained, he’s been working on a few beehive-inspired pieces to support the endangered species. But as an artist, he can’t help but be inspired by everything around him. “You know, sometimes I could be watching TV, and I see something, and it gets in my mind, and then I draw it, and then I put it on [my art],” he told the Courier. What makes Santana’s work so special is that each piece is one of a kind. Because of the extensive process it takes to create just one of his perfume bottles, vases, or paperweights, no two pieces are ever the same.

The Mayor’s Purchase Award went to Larry Sterling, for his piece, “Our Colorful Country.” Additional winners included Shawn Waco (Most Original); Matt Vacca (Best Display) and Alex Paul (Best New Artist). 

For those who weren’t able to attend the May art show, artists will return to Beverly Gardens Park in October.  

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On was booked on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon and transported to the Men’s Central Jail in Downtown Los Angeles where his bail was set at $30,000 bail, according to the LASD Inmate Information Center.

His first court appearance is set for May 28, at the Los Angeles Superior Court Airport Courthouse near LAX. Details on the criminal case were not yet available in the Los Angeles Superior Court’s records as of press time.

On is the first person to be arrested in connection with the April 30 attack on Pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA. According to a statement from volunteer medics at the encampment, protesters were attacked with bear mace, pepper spray, metal pipes and wooden planks and around 25 were transported to local emergency rooms.

Last week, CNN published an investigation identifying On as an assailant in the attack and including images and videos of him striking people and objects with a pole.

The investigation also stated that On was a student at Beverly Hills High School. BHUSD Superintendent Michael Bregy said the district is unable to confirm his enrollment due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

The student’s mother told CNN that her son went to UCLA on May 30 and that he plans to join the Israel Defense Forces. The mother later reversed course and told CNN that her son was not at the encampment attack.

In since-deleted Facebook posts, she bragged about her son’s role in the attack.

She said he “went to bully the Palestinian students in the tents at UCLA and played the song that they played to the Nukhba terrorists in prison!,” in a message posted in Hebrew.

“He is all over the news channels,” she wrote in another post.

The attack on the encampment began around 11 p.m. on April 30 in the presence of UCPD officers and hired private security. LAPD did not arrive on scene until 1 a.m. and took around two hours to break up the violence.

The UCLA administration and police department received widespread condemnation for their failure to intervene in the attack. In the aftermath of the violence, UCLA launched two investigations: one into internal security failures and a second into the perpetrators of the attack.

On May 22, UCLA Police Chief John Thomas was removed from his post and temporarily reassigned while the investigation into campus security’s shortfalls continues.

In a statement on May 23, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block confirmed that both investigations were ongoing.

“Accountability is critical to our ability to move forward,’ he stated.

“We have initiated necessary reviews of our security operations and have created a new Office of Campus Safety reporting directly to me. That office, in partnership with the LAPD, is continuing criminal investigations into those who perpetrated violence on our campus, including members of a mob who on April 30 attacked the encampment on Royce Quad.”

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Receiving vaccination as soon as possible after exposure could help reduce the risk of developing hepatitis A infection. Residents should contact their local pharmacy or medical provider for the vaccine. Public Health is working with the company to ensure employees that are not immune are referred for vaccination.    

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. In rare cases, it can cause death. 

Vaccination is the best way to prevent disease. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems might benefit from receiving immune globulin in addition to hepatitis A vaccination for prevention after an exposure. Public Health recommends that members of the public speak with their primary care provider and visit  http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/diseases/hepa.htm for more information.   

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The approval of 100 new iPads came after El Rodeo’s new principal, Sarah Kaber, explained the benefits of using them in science classrooms and special education. Most of the devices are used in Maker Space, which is a hands-on science class for all age groups. Within this class, iPads assist students in computer science and 3D printing. A large portion of them are also used for students with an individualized education program, to teach lessons digitally, where each student would otherwise be unable to have a teacher’s undivided attention. Kaber also spoke about the benefits of using iPads as early as transitional kindergarten (TK) to show students how to move their mouths to pronounce certain words. The use of these devices would be extremely limited in TK.

The motion to purchase the devices passed in a 3-1 vote, despite a heated discussion about the negative effects of screen time at an early age. During public comment, the board heard from Dr. Jane Tavyev Asher, director of the division of child neurology and neurodevelopmental disabilities at Cedars-Sinai. She cited research that indicates that using iPads to learn to read and write puts young pupils at a disadvantage. 

She also brought up a 2019 study that found that every 30 minutes of classroom screen time resulted in a drop in standardized test scores, pointing out that she fails to see a positive impact of iPad use in TK through second grade. “I haven’t seen any evidence that specifically and especially in this young age group, that there is a good element in the screen exposure,” she said.

The discussion about iPad usage transitioned into a different argument as parents voiced their concerns about another fiscal issue. When El Rodeo reopens this fall, some students will move from other schools to the new campus. But while fourth-grade classroom sizes averaged 21 students at other schools, those at El Rodeo are expected to average 29, increasing classroom size by 38%. This is because El Rodeo will have three fourth-grade classes instead of four. Parents addressed the board, suggesting that the money being put into iPads could be put into hiring additional teachers instead.

Michael Bastan, a BHUSD parent, spoke over Zoom. He pointed out that the maximum classroom size in California is 29.9 students. This means that El Rodeo would be less than one student away from the state maximum. “Is this what the best for our kids looks like?” he asked. He then suggested that BHUSD should hire one more teacher and, if there is not enough money in the budget, he promised that the community would help fund it. “I promise, whether it’s through the PTA, BHEF [Beverly Hills Education Fund] or even a community campaign, we parents will raise the money needed,” he said. “[My wife] and I pledge to donate more than what our portion would be for the cost of that one additional teacher.” He also recommended putting the $60,000 going toward the iPads into hiring a new teacher instead.

Molly Rabbanian, a mother of two, was concerned about her incoming kindergartener and fourth grader, who will be moving from Hawthorne to El Rodeo in the fall. “This change to our students is not only a disservice to children, but also a disservice to our teachers,” she said. “And it’s disrespectful to expect one teacher to actually teach, guide and educate and properly discipline 29 students that are known to already have behavioral difficulties.”

The board addressed concerns by explaining that the iPad budget has already been set aside and is not to blame for class size. They also reassured parents that the devices are used minimally in younger grades, and are used to enhance the regular curriculum, not change it. 

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The protesters set up the encampment between Kerckhoff and Moore Halls, using tables and metal fences to seal off the area, while police and security officers created their own perimeter to block people from entering.  

Police occasionally clashed with protesters as they entered the encampment, and protesters at one point surged past the police perimeter to deliver water to the encampment, according to City News Service. 

By approximately 1:15 p.m., police had cleared the area in front of the encampment, and protesters moved to Murphy Hall to continue the demonstration, chanting “Long Live the Intifada” and blocking a part of Charles E. Young Drive. 

Marie Salem, a media liaison for the protesters, told the Courier the action was not directly in response to Block’s testimony but a continued effort to pressure the university to divest from Israel, disclose its finances and offer amnesty for students who have been arrested. 

“We’re here because our demands have not been met and the administration refused to come to the table,” Salem said.  

Salem said the demonstration was organized by a group called the Collective Liberation of Palestine composed of various advocacy organizations, and some demonstrators carried picket signs saying, “UAW Rank & File Workers for Palestine.” 

United Auto Workers Union Local 4811, which represents 48,000 unionized academic workers across the UC system, called on its UCLA workers to strike beginning May 28. 

During the Congressional hearing, Block came under fire from House Republicans who questioned him about the violence that took place on April 30 when a pro-Palestinian encampment was attacked by counter-protestors. Block said its police department has not yet made any arrests, and the LAPD was helping to identify perpetrators of the violence. 

Before that encampment was engulfed in violence and ultimately dismantled, many Jewish students said they were intimidated by it, as videos went viral of protesters denying access to Jewish students who did not renounce Zionism, and demonstrators repeated chants like “from the river to the sea” which has been deemed antisemitic by the Anti-Defamation League.

Block’s hearing, along with leaders of Northwestern and Rutgers universities, was third since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel in which House Republicans criticized universities for actions that they said allowed antisemitism to spread on campus. 

Representatives for UCLA, the UCLA Police Department and UAW 4811 did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

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Concerts on Cañon, a free weekly concert series at Beverly Canon Gardens that brings music from around the world to the heart of the Golden Triangle, kicks off on June 6 with the third annual Pride Night, though staff is finalizing the artist, Senior Recreation Supervisor Paul Paolone said.   

On June 27, fan-favorite Bill Rothella and The Earthtones will return for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic and dive into the American Songbook, Paolone said. Singer-songwriter Joyce Partise is bringing Brazilian Bossa Nova to the stage on July 18; the band Upstream will transport the crowd to the Caribbean with Soca, Calypso and Reggae jams on Aug. 8; and The Tokens, headed up by Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education Member Noah Margo, will close out the series with Doo Wop classics on Aug. 2. 

The summer lineup “is always a huge excitement in our city,” Commission Vice Chair Karla Gordy Bristol said. “People who talk to me from neighboring L.A. County cities are talking about this, so the buzz is beyond Beverly Hills. Even into the Valley people are hearing and wanting to come, so that’s what you want to get.”    

Gordy Bristol also asked if, during themed events like Pride Night and Juneteenth, the city could organize informational booths explaining the history of that theme.   

“It might be nice to make it really about that [theme] more,” Gordy Bristol said. “I know last year, no one really left thinking it was about Juneteenth.” 

Paolone said staff was working with AbSOULute – who is performing a mix of Soul, Funk and R&B on June 20 – to curate a Juneteenth night focusing on the roots and cultural impacts of African American genres, and added that staff will look into bringing more historical perspectives to other theme nights. 

Commissioner Pamela Beck also asked about crowd control, and Paolone said staff relies heavily on Beverly Hills Park Rangers with support from security firms Nastec and Covered Six, though the community has always been respectful and calm during the concert series. He added that while there is no maximum capacity, staff typically sets up around 120 chairs at the venue.  

Live music is not the only entertainment lined up for the summer.  

During a Work Plan Update, Program Associate Brandy Scott said that staff on June 2 will lead a guided art walk of the Burton Way Median Project, which replaced the median’s grass with native plants, innovative landscaping and contemporary sculptures. The tour leaves from Rexford Mini Park, and registration is still available.

Staff has also begun taking down the flags commemorating the victims of Oct. 7 to make way for the Beverly Hills Art Show at Beverly Gardens Park May 18-19, which will feature more than 230 artists, a beer and wine garden and interactive experiences for children.  

Recreation Services Manager Matthew Brown also reminded residents to enjoy the final weeks of Jewish American Heritage Month, highlighting an opportunity on May 19 to speak with Jenny Yurshansky, the artist behind the Unfolded Narratives Art Installation currently on display at the Beverly Hills Public Library.

The commission on May 14 also bid well wishes to Commissioner Liliana Filipovic, whose last meeting is on June 11 before moving back to Europe to be closer to her family.  

“I will be keeping ties with the city and supporting its programs whenever I’m in town and in whatever capacity I can,” said Filipovic, a UCLA-trained violinist who was appointed concertmaster of the Angel City Chorale in 2014 and has performed with artists including Andrea Bocelli and Billy Idol. “It was a very rough start with my term starting along with COVID … [but] I’m happy to see the commission grow and be more defined in its goals and its duties. I’m happy to see it in the hands of such wonderful and capable ladies serving on this commission and the fantastic staff. Thank you all for your support.” 

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“We are excited to once again welcome back our annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance to Beverly Hills,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman. “This Father’s Day tradition has always been something families look forward to attending and this year’s lineup of cars will truly be inspiring.”

This year’s event will feature a celebration of hypercars and supercars, including models from McLaren, Pagani, Czinger and more. New sponsors for the event this year include the  upcoming Netflix Film “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” and Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

“There is simply no better Father’s Day tradition than bringing together incredible cars and wonderful people on our favorite street,” said Bruce Meyer, chairman of the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance. “This year we’re bringing some of the world’s rarest and most expensive cars to the show, plus the nostalgic vintage cars we all love. It’s a wonderful way to spend a day with the family, and it’s free of charge!”

Proceeds from the concours benefit the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association and Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association, which are non-profit charities raising funds for first responders and their families.

Admission to the event is free and parking is available at nearby parking garages. To learn more, visit https://beverlyhills.org/concoursbh. 

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Performances will take place at 7 p.m. and involve walking on various surfaces as well as some stair climbing. Guests are encouraged to arrive between 6:30 and 7 p.m., dressed in 1920s-themed attire, if they so wish. Tickets for Beverly Hills residents are $25 and are now available to purchase.  Non-residents can purchase tickets for $30 beginning May 17. 

For more information, visit www.beverlyhills.org/greystone or call 310-285- 6830.  

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The CNN report quotes the student’s mother, who said that her son did indeed go to UCLA on the 30th and that he plans to join the Israel Defense Forces. The mother later reversed course and told CNN that her son was not at the encampment attack. 

The investigation also referenced Facebook posts from the mother bragging about her son’s role in the attacks. Those since-deleted posts, written in Hebrew, indicated that the young man “went to bully the Palestinian students in the tents at UCLA and played the song that they played to the Nukhba terrorists in prison!” 

“He is all over the news channels,” she wrote in another Facebook post that is now deleted. 

The Beverly Hills Unified School District, when reached for comment, cited the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. “Due to this law, the district is unable to confirm if this individual is a student in the district,” said BHUSD Superintendent, Dr. Michael Bregy. 

The attack at UCLA began around 11 p.m. on April 30 and continued into the early hours of May 1. UCLA has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Governor Gavin Newsom,  for its failure to protect students during the attack. 

Investigations are ongoing at UCLA to identify what went wrong in the university’s security response and determine who was responsible. 

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block has said that the university is working  with law enforcement to identify and prosecute the attackers. 

“The LAPD has committed a detective to assist in our investigative efforts, and we have also connected with the FBI about possible assistance. We have spoken to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to solicit his help in ensuring that the instigators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

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“Our community did support the schools when they supported bond measures to modernize our facilities,” said BHEF President Tina Wiener. “So, I think this event also gives us a chance to say thank you to the community and welcome them back home.”

Attendees were wowed by EMCirque, whose performance showcased feats that students may one day aspire to.

They juggled, balanced on one hand, danced and one performer even shot a bow and arrow with her feet. Between performances and speeches, a light show, utilizing the auditorium’s state-of-the-art equipment, captivated guests. Once donors were inspired to support the school’s diverse programs by purchasing a seat in the auditorium, BHEF began auctioning off the stage and the auditorium itself to be named in the winning bidder’s honor. By the end of the night, BHEF had raised over $175,000.

At the event, BHEF unveiled the naming of the auditorium stage, which will now be known as The Amanda Erin Goldberg Stage. This was made possible by a $50,000 donation from her mother, Wendy Goldberg. 

Bosse purchased five seats at the event which will have her name on them and, in 2006, she and her husband made a large donation to BHEF, officially making El Rodeo’s library the Bosse Family Library. During her three terms as mayor, she brought the city together in her mission.

“You’ll remember the difference that we can make. We can make such a difference together and it is so important,” she said, addressing the audience. “So, I want to thank you for believing in me, but again, nothing that I have ever done has ever been me. It’s been every single person right here.”

After the main event, those who purchased seats were led on exclusive tours of the school.

El Rodeo Elementary School will host its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug 11. Originally a kindergarten through eighth grade campus, the school closed in 2019 to transition into an elementary school. 

“We’ve really worked the last five years to create a really robust elementary experience,” Sarah Kaber, the school’s new principal, told the Courier. “We want to make sure that our students, who have pathways from middle school to high school like engineering or art or music, that they have required exposure in elementary school.”

This kind of exposure would mean introducing all students to pre-engineering and design thinking through a class called “maker space,” and introducing music theory, singing and basic instruments through “vocal general music.” By immersing every student in these classes starting in kindergarten, Kaber hopes that students can discover a passion they would like to continue to study at later schools.

In addition to new programs, Kaber was eager to showcase the new construction, which pays tribute in many ways to the school’s original history as well as elevating the students’ experience by modernizing certain aspects. “There’s definitely something about being in an old building where it doesn’t work a hundred percent to move to a building that’s been historically retrofitted,” she said. The school still makes use of the 110-year-old building while incorporating modern details that will make classroom learning more efficient.

During a tour of the campus, Kaber excitedly revealed an original fireplace and hearth in one of the rooms that was previously hidden behind a wall. It was one of many pieces of the building’s nearly 100-year-old-history that they were able to salvage. In one of the main hallways, Kaber also pointed out a mural that symbolizes one of the city’s first efforts to come together for Beverly Hills schools. Originally started by Hugo Ballin but unfinished after the Public Works of Art Project was terminated, the mural was completed in 1934 with the help of Robert Woolsley, Charles Jorgenson and Don Smith.

BHEF continues to urge the community for support as El Rodeo awaits its grand reopening. “It will be really special for families to go back and continue to see their names in the auditorium,” said Wiener. Families can still purchase a seat at one of the BHUSD auditoriums at naming.bhef.org. 

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Third Place was awarded to Brenda and Amanda Abeles for “Winning Rugelach.” Second Place winners were Elena and Janet Landau for “Grandma Helen’s Rugelach.” And the First Place prize went to Alan Bronowicz for “Date & Walnut Rugelach.” 

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“This decision has not come lightly, as Horace Mann has been my home and the heart of my professional journey for five amazing years. As the principal of Horace Mann, it has been a tremendous honor to work alongside such dedicated educators, supportive parents, and exceptional students, and a community who truly cares for one another,” he said.

Bugbee expressed gratitude to the school community and the city at large for “support, collaboration and friendship” during his tenure. 

He added, “Together, we have accomplished remarkable achievements and created lasting memories that I will always treasure. We survived a global pandemic together. THAT, my friends, will be a connection that we will share throughout our lives.”

BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy wrote in a statement released May 9 that Bugbee’s “tireless advocacy for social-emotional wellness for every student has enhanced our academic programs and enriched our school culture.”

Referring to Bugbee’s contributions as a “high bar,” Bregy added, “As we plan ahead, please rest assured that we are committed to finding the very best next Principal for Horace Mann Elementary School. Our search will be thorough and thoughtful, selecting a leader who will uphold the values we cherish and drive forward the mission that Mr. Bugbee has so passionately carried out.”

Bregy said he will release the next steps in the selection process shortly.  

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