News

Jewish Federation Leadership Concerned About Israel

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

Wide-Ranging UCLA-Haaretz Conference Examines Israel’s Role on Global Stage

Is the two-state solution dead, Amir Tibon asked Tony Blair, referring to the uncertain prospects of peace between Israel and the Palestinians?

Hundreds Attend Town Hall Denouncing Antisemitism

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

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE:

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) took into custody on the evening of Feb. 16 a suspect believed responsible for the two shootings of two Jewish men in Pico-Robertson over the last two days, according to an update from the LAPD. The arrests came after the Courier’s Feb. 17 issue, which describes the shootings, had gone to press.

Burt Bacharach Dies at Age 94

Burt Bacharach, the prolific Oscar-winning composer whose long string of hits including “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Walk On By” and “What The World Needs Now Is Love” made him one of the most enduring songwriters in pop history, has died at age 94, his publicist announced.

County Logs 1,625 New COVID-19 Cases

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

Mayor Bosse Selected as Woman of the Year

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

British Actor Julian Sands Missing in San Gabriel Mountains

Search-and-rescue teams are searching for British actor Julian Sands, one of two hikers who went missing in the San Gabriel Mountains last weekend. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has been searching for Sands in the Mt. Baldy area since he was reported missing on Jan. 13.

Lisa Marie Presley Dies at Age 54 After Cardiac Arrest

Lisa Marie Presley, the 54-year-old daughter of Elvis Presley, died on Jan. 12 at a hospital after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest at her home in the Calabassas/Agoura Hills area. Her mother, Priscilla Presley, confirmed the death in a statement, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us.

County Urges Caution To Avoid COVID Transmission

According to state figures, there were 1,195 COVID-positive patients in county hospitals, down from 1,220 on Saturday. Public Health officials estimated that roughly 40% of patients with the virus were admitted for COVID-related conditions, with many only learning they were infected when testing upon admission.

Bosse Signs Historic Declaration at Antisemitism Summit

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

Rally Protesting Iranian Regime Draws More Than 1,000

Over 200 people have died and hundreds more have been injured in protests in Iran which have drawn tens of thousands of people and lasted for several weeks, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Biden Tours D Line Site and Samples Tacos with Rep. Bass

President Joe Biden visited a Metro subway construction site in West Los Angeles on Oct. 13, and then made a surprise stop at a popular taco restaurant in Westwood.

Residents Invited to Sign Tribute Book for Queen Elizabeth II

In a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who died Sept. 8 at the age of 96, the local British Consulate will provide a memorial book for mourners to sign.

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Event Taking Place March 30

Members of the 10-state Western Region community who support the efforts of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will come together in a limited capacity in-person event, featuring Northwestern University professor Peter Hayes, or attend via live stream on March 30 at 6 p.m.

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

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

BREAKING: Police and Religious Groups Unite Against Hate Crime

City Council to Posthumously Honor Sidney Poitier on Jan. 18

It was a trio of roles in 1967 that firmly established him as a legend: Mark Thackeray in “To Sir With Love,” Detective Virgil Tibbs in “In the Heat of the Night” and as John Prentice, a man engaged to a white woman, in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”

Beverly Hills and the World Mourn Sidney Poitier

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

FEATURE INTERVIEW: JEANIE BUSS

The Courier’s Lisa Bloch sat down with Jeanie Buss to talk about her life, her leadership, and her Lakers legacy.

Organizations Helping Afghani Refugees

Several organizations in southern California and beyond are working to ease the burdens for thousands of Afghan refugees coming into the U.S. The Courier has compiled a list of organizations providing aid as a resource for those wishing to do the same. 

LA Philanthropists Open Tel Aviv Day Care Center

“The Nazarian family’s commitment to the advancement of Israeli society is expressed in three main ways – education, art, and medicine,” said Esther Barak Landes, CEO of the Ima Foundation, the Israeli arm of the Nazarian Foundation.

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

“There is a special bond that binds Israel and Los Angeles,” Newman told the crowd. “Hate-filled Hamas attack Jews indiscriminately in Israel, and hate-filled rioters attack Jews indiscriminately in Los Angeles. Two sides of the same coin. Anti-Zionism is antisemitism.”

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

“There has been a lot of Jewish hate in the past few weeks,” rally-goer Jose Danon, 40, told the Courier. “I’m Israeli, so I think it’s important that I’m here to support my country.”

In honor of Israel’s 73rd Independence Day

In honor of Israel’s 73rd Independence Day, members of the City Council were joined by Consul General Dr. Hillel Newman as City Hall was illuminated in blue light.

Israeli Officials Voted in L.A. for Israeli Knesset

“We are celebrating Israel’s strength of democracy by voting today. We hope for a stable government which will continue the positive trend of Israeli innovation and normalizing of relations with the Arab world,” said Dr. Hillel Newman, Consul General of Israel for the Pacific Southwest, as he cast his vote. 

Gina Bisignano Returns to Beverly Hills—For Now

“Why does the government believe that there is no set of circumstances that would assure the safety of her community if we were to impose continued GPS monitoring?” he asked. 

Public Health Warns Against Super Bowl Parties 


“We share our deepest condolences to everyone who is mourning the loss of a family member, a loved one or a friend. Our prayers are with you always,” said Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., ME.d., Director of Public Health.

Salon Owner Indicted on Seven Counts for Capitol Riot

“The magistrate here in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon set bond for Bisignano, which we objected to on behalf of our colleagues in the District of Columbia,” United States Attorney’s Office Director of Media Relations Thom Mrozek previously told the Courier.

Beverly Hills Salon Owner Ordered Back Into Federal Custody

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

Windows of WeHo Project Seeks Artists

Officials hope that placing art in vacant storefronts will bring increased attention to vacant commercial properties, deter graffiti and vandalism and contribute to the preservation of the business community.

Cedars-Sinai President and CEO Receives Humanitarian Award From Yad Vashem

The award was presented to Priselac by Vera Guerin, former chair of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Directors.

Amid a Staggering Wave, Vaccine Brings a Ray of Hope

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

Melrose Gunman Still at Large

Davonte W. Clepper, 28-years-old, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene according to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s records. A second victim, in his 20’s, was also struck by gun fire. According to police, he was taken to a hospital for treatment and is listed in serious condition, police said. His name was withheld.

Gascón Brings Sweeping Changes On Day One

“I recognize that for many this is a new path,” Gascón said in his address.

COVID-19 Update in Beverly Hills

Holiday Lights Shining Brightly in Beverly Hills and Beyond

Outside the City, numerous light displays can be enjoyed from the safety and comfort of your vehicle or in socially-distanced walking settings. Here are some highlights:

Newsom Issues New Regional Stay-At-Home Order

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

Limited Stay at Home Order Takes Effect

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

State Proposition Results Mixed

“Proposition 15 will raise taxes on commercial properties, undoing the protections of Proposition 13 and leading to higher costs for all businesses, including small businesses,” the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce (BHCC) stated in its endorsement. Prop. 15 is currently narrowly losing, with nearly 52 percent of voters casting “no” ballots.

Metro K-Rail Closures Continue

The Metro K-Rail work zone within the center lanes of the Wilshire Boulevard/San Vicente Boulevard intersection is expected to continue through the month of December

Sports Gatherings Blamed for Spike in COVID-19 Cases

“At many of these gatherings, people were together without distancing or wearing face coverings, often inside, and unfortunately, at times they were transmitting COVID-19 to other people,” said a statement this week from Public Health.

No Labor Day COVID-19 Spike

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

L.A. County Remains at Tier 1 Risk Level

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

Local Nursing Homes Face Challenges

Los Angeles Honors Kobe and Gianna Bryant at Staples Center

An Interview with Alan Dershowitz

Arrest Made in Nessah Synagogue Vandalism Case