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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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It’s a relief that television is picking up the pace as features slowed almost to a standstill in the early spring. In the lead off position:

“Man on Fire” is the hottest series I’ve seen in a long time. Based on the A.J. Quinnell novel, “Man on Fire” was most recently seen in 2004 as a film starring Denzel Washington. The material is still compelling and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is an outstanding lead as John Creasy, the mercenary out for revenge.

Creasy, a former special ops at the top of his field, is now a shadow of his former self, suffering from extreme PTSD after the massive failure of one of his operations where his whole team was wiped out. It’s all he can think of, it’s all he sees, it’s taken over his whole life. Best friend and former colleague Paul Rayburn is determined to bring him back into the fold and thinks he has the perfect job. Rayburn has been hired by the President of Brazil and his Security Chief to find a leak within his operation. President Carmo is facing a tough re-election fight and he must neutralize the enemies within his operation. Rayburn has assured him that he can do that, especially with the help of the very reluctant Creasy. Getting back into the field is exactly what Creasy needs and he’ll be working alongside his best friend.

Creasy hardly looks ready but when disaster strikes Rayburn’s family, Creasy rises to the challenge with an unstoppable determination to protect Poe Rayburn, the eldest daughter in the family who was a witness to the mass slaughter perpetrated by a gang of criminals. His journey will take him across the beaches of Rio and into the Favelas where he will use everything in his arsenal to avenge the deaths of his friends, along with many many others killed in the same incident. Creasy’s determination, wiles and fighting power make him a man on fire.

The fight scenes are brilliantly choreographed, the violence is organic to the plot, the use of Rio as a location, from its wealthy suburbs to its overpopulated Favelas, the hillsides of shacks on top of shacks, sets a fearsome tone of haves and have nots all leading inexorably to the political corruption that started this avalanche of retribution on its path to Armageddon.

The quickly paced direction is fueled by the crisp writing of Kyle Killen who developed this series for television. The cinematography of Paula Huidobro and Alejandro Martinez makes perfect use of the Brazilian locations, both the beauty and the ugliness that highlights the class warfare endemic to the area. Using both Brazilian and American actors, “Man on Fire” is truly a work of international scope.

A remarkably subdued and highly effective Bobby Cannavale, as Creasy’s best friend and colleague, sets the plot on its trajectory. Billie Boullet as his daughter Poe is the damsel in distress, protected at all costs, and there will be costs, by Creasy. Alice Braga, an international star from Brazil, becomes part of Creasy’s ragtag team. But it is the extraordinary Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as John Creasy who owns this show. He is darkness and light combined in such a way that a glow positively reverberates off him. He must go from tender to vicious and back to protective and suspicious without a break. That he does all this and more is amazing. It is impossible to take your eyes off him and he seems to be in every scene, the lead of every plot point. Killen has written characters with depth but Abdul-Mateen exceeds what’s on the page.

The seven episodes fly by, demanding that you binge but begging you to give each one some time to sink in. They are terrifying, thrilling, mysterious and politically prescient. You don’t want to miss this one.

Now streaming on Netflix in Portuguese and English with subtitles.

“Big Mistakes” is a comedy filled with slapstick and mystery and even an occasional thrill. From the warped minds of Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott, “Big Mistakes” is a family comedy, highly dysfunctional but still family. Mom, Linda, has decided to run for mayor in their sleepy little town. Favorite daughter Natalie is running her campaign, which is fine with siblings Nicky and Morgan. Nicky is the pastor at the local church. Although accepting that Nicky is gay, they would be less so if they knew he was in a relationship. Nicky is basically a good guy with one foot in the closet and the other out, which leaves him precariously off balance. Morgan is completely directionless. Her job is meaningless and her relationship with her fiancé has her bored speechless. Out with Nicky and always looking for a cheap thrill, she shoplifts what she thinks is a cheap necklace at the local convenience store. Horrified, Nicky is speechless but Morgan has a perfectly good rationalization. Grandma, recently deceased, loved bling and this would be perfect for her to wear as she enters the hereafter.

But Morgan misjudged her target because the “cheap” necklace wasn’t inexpensive. The necklace was actually the property of a local gangster and he wants it back or else. But grandma’s already dead and buried. Enlisting Nicky’s help, they dig up the grave, not without complications and missteps, to retrieve said jewelry. Returning it to the kingpin, they are dismayed to learn that they are now indebted to him and must run his errands, from payoffs to deliveries. And this is where the hijinks begin as life spirals out of control for both of them while mom, oblivious to them, tries to recoup from one mistake after another in her campaign.

Levy has given himself the plum role of the gay minister and exhibits the kind of hysteria and anxiety that was the trademark of Gene Wilder. Taylor Ortega’s Morgan is spot on as a young woman who knows the right choice and always makes the other. Her seemingly dead eyes sparkle with mischief, often at the expense of those around her. Laurie Metcalf is Linda and a joy to watch as she misses cues and clues and narcissistically soldiers on. Elizabeth Perkins has a small but not insignificant role as a town business leader leaning toward Linda’s candidacy even though she’s committed to Linda’s rival.

The humor is sly and the characters are well drawn. Even as the story starts leaning to the absurd, which is most of the time, it will still hold you as you smile at the mayhem.

Now streaming on Netflix

“Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair” and unfortunately not very interesting. Rebooting “Malcolm in the Middle” after all these years wasn’t necessarily a bad idea. It could have been fun to find out where Malcolm, the family outlier, landed. Using all the original actors, although a few siblings were added because Lois and Hal continued to be frisky, the concept was intriguing. Malcolm, now grown and running a non-profit after his Harvard education led him to self-sufficiency, has a teenage daughter, Leah, the result of a one night stand in college. A single parent, he has tried hard to shelter her from the hardships in life, one of which is his family. She believes that her grandparents had died long ago and Malcolm has been able to sustain this lie because he stays as far away from them as possible. He hasn’t been to a family celebration or holiday dinner in 20 years. But all good things must come to an end and Lois has decided that Malcolm will definitely appear for the 40th anniversary party that she’s planning.

Yes, they’re crazy but they are loving and Malcolm has denied his daughter the chance to make up her own mind. As is utterly predictable, Leah discovers her grandparents and uncles and finds a way to bring everyone together. Each member is the grown version of what they were on their way to becoming. Reese is an instigator, still consumed by what everyone else has that he doesn’t; Dewey is a cipher; and Francis is a soon-to-be father. Lois still rules the roost and Hal follows along, although consumed by the fear that people don’t view him as “nice.”

Everything is forced, from the characterizations to what passes for humor, and the plot of these four episodes is very thin. Jane Kaczmarek and Bryan Cranston are very fine actors when given something to work with. Here they just mug for the camera and project at the top of their lungs.  It’s not that revisiting these characters many years later wouldn’t have been interesting, but this was clearly a case of trying to force a really large genie back into a very small bottle.

Now streaming on Disney+

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Commission Hears Latest on Metro Readiness Plan appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beverly Hills municipal elections will be held on June 2.

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

Born Edith Eva Elefant in Hungary in 1927, Eger was sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp in occupied Poland along with her family at the age of 16. She and a sister survived, and Eger went on to become an expert in working with trauma victims and to pen three books detailing her experiences and the lessons she’s learned. She has also shared her story of survival widely, including in recorded testimony with the USC Shoah Foundation and the JFCS Holocaust Center in Northern California. 

Following the publication of her first book, “The Choice: Embrace the Possible” in 2017, Eger was interviewed widely, including by Oprah Winfrey and on CNN.

A resident of La Jolla, California, Eger was a dear friend to many in Beverly Hills, including former mayor Lili Bosse. Bosse met Eger during the COVID-19 pandemic after connecting through a mutual friend. Bosse, who was about to begin her mayoral term, soon invited Eger to be a speaker for her Mental Wellness Series, a mayoral initiative that debuted in 2022. 

“Everybody was carrying a lot from that experience of having to be separate from one another [during social distancing], having to be apart, dealing with pandemic, and we had over 1,000 people come and watch and listen to Edie,” Bosse told the Courier. “Even to this day, people come up to me and say that listening to her was one of the biggest gifts of their life.”  

The youngest of three sisters, Eger was a dancer and gymnast in her early years. After she and her family were taken to Auschwitz, Eger’s parents, Ilona and Lajos Elefànt, were killed in the gas chambers. Eger and one of her sisters were later sent, in a death march, to another concentration camp in Austria with other prisoners. When the camp was liberated, an American soldier discovered Eger barely alive and saved her.  

After the war, Eger moved to Czechoslovakia where she met her husband, Béla Eger. They moved to the United States in 1949 with their daughter, Marianne, and soon had two more children. 

Eger received her degree from the University of Texas, El Paso in 1969 and pursued her doctoral internship at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss. She went on to run a highly successful clinical practice in La Jolla and hold a faculty appointment at the University of California, San Diego. 

“The Choice” details the ways that Eger faced the horror she and her family endured, overcame her trauma and learned how to define her life on her own terms. Her memoir was followed by two more books: “The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life,” published in 2020, and “The Ballerina of Auschwitz,” published in 2024.

In addition to her many media appearances following the publication of her books, Eger was the primary subject of a Holocaust documentary that appeared on Dutch National Television. She also served as a consultant for the U.S. Army and Navy in resiliency training and the treatment of PTSD. 

When she spoke as part of Bosse’s mayoral initiative in Beverly Hills in 2022, Eger told the Courier she was “honored” to be given the opportunity to spread her message throughout the city.  

Bosse noted that Eger’s message will resonate for generations to come. 

“Her greatest message is that we can’t allow what happens outside of us to determine how we live our life,” Bosse said. “For somebody who survived Auschwitz, was in the greatest horror of mankind and still chose to find light and to survive, and not only survive, but thrive — that is her greatest lesson. She truly has left a legacy that is going to live on. Anybody who has listened to her, watched her, read her books has shifted how they view life and how they treat one another.” 

Funeral services for Eger were held on April 29. Her message and legacy carry on through The Edith Eger Foundation. 

The post Holocaust Survivor Dr. Edith Eger Dies at 98 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The policy, introduced by Board President Judy Manouchehri, is a response to community concerns about safety surrounding the new La Cienega/Wilshire Metro station, which is scheduled to open on May 8, and other Metro stations that will open in the future.

“A lot of families are anticipating the ramifications of the Metro opening,” Manouchehri said, noting that during a recent campus visit, she saw that, “anyone can come and go at a lot of different times of the day. Of course, during the primary instructional school day, there is significant restriction. But we have a lot of other activities and events … where I believe that staff and parents have a reasonable expectation that these events are closed and limited to school community members and folks with an educational purpose.” 

According to the new policy, access to school grounds will be limited to enrolled students and their siblings; parents, guardians, caretakers and emergency designees of enrolled students; district employees; authorized contractors, vendors and service people; pre-approved visitors with a legitimate school related purpose and City of Beverly Hills elected officials.

Other individuals will require authorization to access campus. 

All visitors, including parents and guardians, will be required to present government-issued identification and to check in at the security kiosk or a designated main entrance. All campus access points will be secured and monitored. The nature of security and monitors was not discussed at the meeting, nor was it written in the policy. 

In addition to instructional hours, the policy applies to events such as open houses, back-to-school nights, athletic events and student performances. 

The policy states that unauthorized individuals on campus will be directed to leave immediately and reported to the school’s administration personnel. They may be subject to applicable trespass laws and, if necessary, referred to law enforcement. 

During the meeting, all board members spoke in favor of the policy. 

“I think it’s great … in this day and age, we need to be parsimonious and conservative with our measures,” said Board Member Amanda Stern. “We can always cut back. I think there’s no one who feels that this would be too severe on any level, and I think that we are getting better at closing gaps, both figuratively and that actually exist … and I am grateful that that we have this and that this has been addressed. And I see no reason at all to not put that to good use.”

Superintendent Alex Cherniss said that school security is “very good during school hours,” but that “the challenge is after school hours.” 

“We should always know who’s on our campuses, and so that’s where we can get better … I’ve said it in the past — the dog parks here are more secure than our campuses on weekends, and we don’t necessarily expect to for that to be reality, and it is,” he said. 

In other business, BHUSD Executive Director of Maintenance, Operations and Construction Will Karrat and Fonder-Salari co-founder Amin Salari provided an update on district construction projects and the bond budget. They noted that modernization projects at Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) buildings B3 and B4 are complete, as are the upper athletic fields and much of the Grand Lawn. 

The new Konheim Athletic Building is expected to be completed by December, and the new South Site parking lot is expected to be completed by November, according to their report. Construction on the BHHS South Site athletic fields is expected to take place throughout most of 2027. 

The construction, which was funded by taxpayer bonds, was once projected to be over budget by at least $100 million and will now come in approximately $5 million under budget, according to the report. The effort to turn the financial projections around was spearheaded in part by Beverly Hills Vice Mayor Mary Wells several years ago, when she was a member of the BHUSD board. 

Speaking to the Courier, Manouchehri expressed her satisfaction with the outcome.

“We are deeply grateful to prior boards and our taxpayers for having the vision to invest in the modernization of our schools, and it is truly an honor to help bring these long-awaited projects to completion,” she said. 

The board will hold its next meeting on May 12.  

The post BHUSD Approves Increased Safety Measures for Campuses appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

What is your connection to Beverly Hills? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More than 350 guests attended the sold-out ball. Many elected officials attended, including Beverly Hills Mayor Craig Corman, Vice Mayor Mary Wells, and Councilmembers Lester Friedman and Sharona Nazarian. Multiple members of the Beverly Hills Unified School District were also present, including Board President Judy Manouchehri and Board Members Rachelle Marcus and Russell Stuart.

The evening began with attendees enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres including pizza, sliders and sushi, as well as a dinner of steak, mashed potatoes, salad and more. Two open bars offered drinks.

As guests settled in, Backdraft Ball Chair Jimmy Weinstein provided opening remarks, followed by the singing of the national anthem by 10-year-old Beverly Hills resident Naseeb M. Saliba, II.

BHFA President Bruno Palmieri then provided a State of the Association.

“The most important reason why we’re here tonight is all of you in the community who come here and show your support for us,” he said. “I mean it from the bottom of our hearts; how much it means that you’re here tonight to show us this support for such a great event. We’re here for a purpose, and that purpose is to help bring awareness to the Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Relief Fund. You are the reason we show up to the station. You are the reason our lights and sirens sing through this city every single day to come help you, and tonight is a night to help us. I want to thank you for your unwavering support … and I want to thank you for standing by us as we continue to improve services and support those who answer the call.”

His speech was followed by remarks by Corman. 

“Tonight is about honoring our firefighters, the heroes who run to the danger and help us in our most vulnerable moments,” Corman said. “As a class one fire department, the men and women of the Beverly Hills Fire Department define the best of the best … we know our firefighters are strong and resilient, but it’s important to recognize that the work they do can have serious and lasting physical and emotional impacts. The proceeds from tonight’s event will help support them and their families whenever the need arises, now or in the future. But more than that, we’ve come together to say thank you. Thanks for all the weekends, the holidays, the special days away from your loved ones, all to keep Beverly Hills safe.”

BHFA firefighters Dustin Andrews, Steve Bernard, Mark Hein, Kevin Kennedy, Ryan Pearson, Zack Yslas and Mike Zike were presented with the Harvey Adair Award for their actions to help injured fellow firefighter David Laney following an off-road dirt bike accident that occurred during a trip the men took together with their families and friends in December 2025. 

Laney suffered two broken vertebrae during the accident, and the awardees provided immediate care. 

“The Harvey Adair Award is something we only hand out to somebody who does something absolutely spectacular, above and beyond, when they’re off duty,” said Palmieri. “It’s something that defines who we are, not just as firefighters, but as people … because it’s something that is in them that won’t let them stand by. It’s a calling.”

Following a live auction, BHFD Chief Greg Barton presented the Felix Rothchild Firefighter of the Year Award to Fire Captain Jake Morrow. 

“The Felix Rothschild Firefighter of the Year Award represents the MVP of an organization who has made a significant contribution to the department’s core values of service, excellence, integrity and humility,” said Barton. “It exemplifies the goals that make us and make our members the best amongst all fire departments … Captain Morrow’s impact extends beyond his professional achievements. His positivity and team player attitude inspire those around him. He is well-liked, extremely good-natured and respected by everyone in the department for his dedication and gratitude.” 

Morrow was unable to attend the event due to a military commitment. His wife accepted the award on his behalf. 

“[Jake] works very, very hard, and as much as I appreciate his humility and his hard work, there’s one thing I love more, and that is his love for everything that he does, mostly because he loves you guys,” she said to the firefighting community assembled. “And I just want you to know that.”

The Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Relief Fund provides aid to firefighters in need of services such as physical and mental wellness. The fund also assists the families of Beverly Hills firefighters who have been injured in the line of duty and provides scholarships to the children of firefighters.

The 2026 Backdraft Ball raised over $500,000 for the fund, the most raised in the history of the event.  

The post Backdraft Ball Raises Funds for Firefighters appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post BHFD Partners with Volunteer Jewish EMS Organization appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Naomi Yasui and Janice Moon, both juniors at BHHS, spent 12 weeks taking part in the work of facilitating community programs, improving public facilities and beautifying the city. Yasui worked with the Arts and Culture Commission, while Moon worked with the Recreation and Parks Commission.

“Our Community Services Department provides exceptional cultural, educational, recreational and social services that enhance and maintain a high quality of life for everyone. For their part, Janice and Naomi each spent 12 weeks supporting their commission’s work plan and performing the duties of recording secretary,” Mayor Craig Corman said during the recognition. “So, on behalf of a grateful City Council, I want to thank you and officially recognize you, Janice and Naomi, for all your hard work and service to the city of Beverly Hills.”

The program was open to students participating in the BHHS Career Academy and College and Career Center. Yasui said she was drawn to working with the Arts and Culture Commission through her love of playing piano and music. While working with the commission, she took part in discussions of programming for the Beverly Hills Art Walk, Festival Beverly Hills and the city’s celebrations for the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Yasui said she learned firsthand all the preparation that goes into a commission meeting.

“We had to work with a lot of agenda preparation,” she said. “I [prepared] the room, I learned what a dais is, a motion, a second, all those words, where to put the gavel, how to line up everything, where to set up the commissioner nameplates. You want to make sure you never get those wrong.”

Yasui said she gained a deeper appreciation for the level of detail that goes into staff reports and commissioner decisions when it comes to public art in Beverly Hills. She added that she had a better understanding of all the work that went into the art she’s seen her entire life, including “The Unconscious” sculpture by Franz West at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Beverly Drive.

“It’s a meeting from about 9 a.m. to 12. It’s quite long,” she said. “You sit there for a long time. It’s hard work to be able to make all these decisions about such valuable art pieces that the city has. I’ve lived in this city all my life. I walk past many of the statues and the sculptures, especially the big orange one by the bank by Beverly Drive. I have very specific memories of it and it’s this commission that really put that through.”

Yasui expressed gratitude for the support of each commissioner and her supervisor, Lori Tanner. She added that it was inspiring when Commissioner Karla Gordy Bristol came to BHHS during Career Day to talk about her entertainment company, a field Yasui said she is interested in pursuing.

Yasui and Moon are the two leaders of the BHHS Paper Arts Club, a student organization focused on origami. The pair was able to put their newfound skills into practice by drafting a proposal to both commissions for the club to appear at the Beverly Hills Art Show. The proposal was approved, and the club will host the first booth for a high school club at the show on May 16 and 17.

“This recognition reflects what makes Beverly Hills exceptional,” said Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education President Judy Manouchehri. “When our city and school district come together, we create opportunities beyond the classroom. Seeing our students recognized on a City Council stage is incredibly meaningful and highlights both our strong partnership and their limitless potential.” 

The post BHHS Students Recognized for Inaugural City Government Internship appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Debarking a train at Paddington Station with a sign around his neck that says “Please look after this bear. Thank you,” our plucky hero has arrived on a mission, sent by his aged Aunt Lucy from the deepest, darkest mountains of Peru, to find the English explorer who was so kind to them. Alas, he doesn’t know the explorer’s name and there is no one to meet and greet him. Left sitting on his small suitcase, the hours go by and he is unnoticed. Unnoticed, that is, until the Brown family, recently returned from vacation, spies him and is invited by Mrs. Brown to come home with them until other arrangements can be made.

Mrs. Brown realizes that there is a hole in their family that needs filling and thinks maybe this new addition, whom they have named Paddington after the station where he was found, might help them. Quite to the contrary, well-meaning Paddington brings a new level of chaos. Mrs. Brown realizes it will take some getting used to, something the very uptight Mr. Brown has no patience for. He’s up for a promotion at work and needs to be stress-free; impossible as long as the bear is upending furniture, leaving sticky messes behind from his marmalade sandwiches, and barging in, or rather bearing down on everyone’s lives. Daughter Judy lives in constant fear of embarrassment and barely speaks to her mother. Her crush on the boy next door, Tony, leaves her speechless. Her little brother Jonathan is a walking encyclopedia, his beloved source of reading material, and flies above the fray. He and his mother are entranced with Paddington and are insistent that he stay.

A clue to the intrepid bear’s identity emerges from the inner lining of his explorer’s hat. It once belonged to a member of the Geographers’ Guild and off they go. The news is less than enlightening. It turns out that the hat was the property of Montgomery Clyde, a disgraced and disbarred member of the Guild. His exploration of the Andean forests in Peru revealed a new species of bear, but he refused to bring one back as a specimen. He had bonded with these bears and would rather endure being unceremoniously kicked out of the Guild than harm a single tuft of fur on their bodies. Paddington and Aunt Lucy were much relieved. Not so, it appears, was his daughter Millicent, who had to endure the humiliation of being related to Montgomery.

Millicent devoted her life to capturing endangered species and stuffing them, displaying them in her own private basement headquarters at the Natural History Museum. Hearing that an elusive Andean bear has landed on her home turf, she makes it her mission to track him down and stuff the little beggar.

And there you have the bones of this wonderful children’s tale that appeals to all ages. An adorable, cuddly bear that becomes part of a human family unit but is, unbeknownst to all of them, being pursued by the kind of villain not seen since Cruella DeVille went after those adorable Dalmatians. Along the way we will also meet the unhelpful train announcer, the officious president of the Geographers’ Guild and Mr. Brown’s pompous boss, not quite disguised enough for us not to notice that all are played by the same uproarious person. Then there is the taxi driver and officious security manager of the complex where the Browns live. Let’s not forget the next-door neighbors: the wise and comforting Tanya and her son Tony, the object of Judy’s affections, and most of all the Browns’ lodger, Mrs. Bird, who went on tour with rock bands, played Mr. Mistoffelees in “Cats,” has climbed mountains and generally done nothing of the sort, but her wisdom is beyond her years, and she’s no spring chicken.

There are thrills and chills and cheers and laughs all set to music. But mostly, there is Paddington himself, or rather itself, because the voice and singing are done by an offstage actor controlling the facial expressions of the actress in the bear costume. If it sounds complicated, it is. As revealed in a “New York Times” review, the producers discussed the years-long process to the final incarnation of the bear. Inside the costume is a little person, Arti Shaw, working in concert with James Hameed who voices, both in song and in dialogue, and electronically controls the facial expressions of the bear. So realistic are the expressions, combined with the artistry of Shaw’s body language, that you will become a believer and the bear will be as much a living, breathing character as any of the Browns. The synchronization of the two actors is nothing short of magic. The two actors shared the award for Best Actor in a Musical at the recent Olivier Awards.

There are even a couple of show-stopping numbers, foremost among them is “Marmalade,” an ode to Paddington’s favorite sandwich (thick-cut bread and no butter). And show-stopping would also be a way to describe some of the actors in this delicious delight. The story of the Browns and their search for family harmony anchors the production with Adrian der Gregorian as Mr. Brown, Delilah Bennet-Cardy as Judy, Stevie Hare was Jonathan on the night we saw it, and the lyrical, beautiful and warm Amy Ellen Richardson was an incandescent Mrs. Brown. But it is the minor, almost extraneous characters, for lack of a better word, who really drive the production home with their hilarious interpretations and interactions. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (winner of the Olivier for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical) is the evil Millicent Clyde, whose comeuppance you will surely enjoy, and Bonnie Langford is the prevaricating Mrs. Bird. Tom Edden (winner of the Olivier for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical) is the officious taxi driver who metes out punishment to those on his wrong side and has a wholly satisfying transformation shown in deed and hilarious musical moments. Shining like the star she should be is Amy Booth Steel (nominated for the Olivier as Best Supporting Actress in a Musical) who plays three different roles (the train announcer, the head of the Geographers’ Guild and Lady Sloane, Mr. Brown’s boss) and brings down the house with each one. She moves that large body, in deliberately unflattering outfits, as though she were made of liquid mercury.

London is full to brimming with outstanding theater this season but if you have only one play to see, this is the one. It will, no doubt, eventually land in New York, but why wait? Book some seats (even go twice), hop a jet and land on the best new musical to hit the stage in years.

And here’s my tip on securing last-minute seats. Go to the box office at noon and ask if there have been any returns. I did and was in luck. We sat in the second row and loved every minute. I’ll probably try that again when visitors come to stay because as Paddington has said, “If you are kind and polite, the world will be right.”

Now playing at the Savoy Theatre (yes, as in Savoy Hotel) with tickets being sold until February 2027 (but my bet is that they will be sold to infinity and beyond).

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

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“Ensuring our community is prepared and informed about what to do during a disaster is imperative for saving lives,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Craig Corman. “Our incredible Fire Department already conducted a successful drill last November for our Trousdale residents, and we encourage our community in both the Trousdale and Hillside areas to participate in this important exercise and ask questions so they can feel confident that they’ll know what to do in case of an emergency.”

The test, sirens citywide will be activated at 1:30 p.m. Residents should gather their “go bag” emergency supplies and personal items and make their way to Will Rogers Park via designated evacuation routes. Police and Fire Department staff will be deployed throughout the area to direct traffic and assist the community. 

Ahead of the drill, there will also be a community meeting scheduled for April 27 at Greystone Mansion from 6-7 p.m. During the meeting, community members can learn more about preparation tips and the drill itself. Detailed information about the 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 kitchen of The Roof Garden at the Peninsula Beverly Hills was shut down on April 18 for a violation of Health and Safety Code Section 114259.1. According to details from the Health Department Environmental Health Facility Closure List reviewed by the Courier, inspectors found violations regarding the availability of hot and cold water, as well as the  presence of insects. Health Department records indicate the facility reopened on April 21.

Peninsula Managing Director Offer Nissenbaum told the Courier that circulating media reports regarding the closure were “completely false and incorrect.”

“The true story is that we had a health department visit. They were here for six hours and inspected the entire hotel, all the kitchens, the bar, everywhere in the hotel. Everything passed with an A,” Nissenbaum said. “When they went up to the outdoor kitchen on the roof, in an electrical panel, they found two insects. And by law, if you find insects, even if they’re not alive, you have to close for 48 hours, do the fumigation and reopen. And we’re completely reopened. Everything is fine, and that’s what we did. No rodents or vermin or anything of that nature, and it’s just the original story, and we’re probably going to take legal action.”

Nissenbaum said that the dead insects were not found near the main dining area, and the hotel acted quickly to fumigate the area in addition to their regular maintenance and fumigation.

“It’s an outdoor area on the roof. It’s not our main kitchen, it’s not our bar, it’s not at our laundry, in the entire hotel,” he said. “It’s a small blip. We took care of it, and everything is fine.”

In a written statement to the Courier, Nissenbaum added, “We want to reassure our guests and the community that our approach to hygiene and food safety is uncompromising and rigorous. … We apologize for any inconvenience this causes and can reassure guests there will be no pause in service. Health, safety and hygiene standards remain our highest priority.”

Two additional establishments popular with Beverly Hills patrons also received recent closure notices. Dan Tana’s, the iconic West Hollywood Italian eatery, was closed on April 15 before reopening three days later. Health Department records indicate “Vermin Infestation-California Health and Safety Code Section 114259.1” as the reason for the closure, as well as violations regarding food contact surfaces. 

In an interview with the Courier, General Manager Daniel Miller did not refute the health department’s findings and said the restaurant completed the required maintenance before reopening.

“We had an older building, so it was mostly structural to prevent anything from coming inside,” Miller said. “The Department of Health has been great. We are working with them 100% to meet what the Department of Health requires. We are on board with them completely. We want everyone who comes here to feel like we are doing all the right things.”

The San Vicente Bungalows on San Vicente Boulevard in West Hollywood closed on April 14 for two days due to the same reasons as the Dan Tana’s closure. San Vicente Bungalows declined the Courier’s request for a comment.  

The post Health Department Temporarily Closes Local Restaurants appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Phase one is underway and involves outreach to local schools, businesses and residents on trespassing protocols and finalizing response protocols. City staff will develop data tracking and reporting systems that will follow outreach activity, calls for service and emerging trends in real time.

Once the station opens, the city will transition to phase two of the plan, which will focus on collecting and analyzing the number of riders offloading each night, service calls and sanitation trends before stabilizing protocols and establishing regular operations.

Enisha Clark, human services administrator, said that while the city has robust homelessness response services, it will take a collaborative approach once Metro opens, and it can often take multiple efforts to assist homeless individuals.

“It’s not illegal to be unhoused, and people refuse help,” she said. “We have so many documented cases of offers of help response, but just refusal. And sometimes it can take up to 100-plus contacts before someone accepts help.”

Vice Mayor Mary Wells said that response time will be critical for the Beverly Hills Outreach Team during the opening after hearing feedback about long wait times, and suggested the council could look into increasing the five-person staff. Wells added that while she appreciates the city’s “compassionate approach,” it is important for the city to enforce local laws that prohibit people from blocking access to sidewalks and other public spaces.

Clark added that Metro ambassadors and security personnel, along with Los Angeles Police Department officers, will be stationed throughout the platform and will be in constant communication with members of the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) to monitor any potential security risks or disruptions.

Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) Chief Gregory Barton said the department, along with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, has reached out to nearly every business in the city with information on how to establish trespass enforcement authorizations, which will authorize after-hour BHPD responses on private property. Councilmember Lester Friedman asked BHFD to continue its outreach in an effort to get responses from each business.

Councilmember John Mirisch assured the community that the city is prepared for all possibilities once the Metro station opens.

“It’s important for us, if something is happening underground, not to have to wait until people come above ground to be able to deal with it,” he said. “Hopefully, once the subway is up and running, people will feel more comforted. But more than anything, it sounds like people are afraid of what they consider to be an unknown, major change in the neighborhood, and I think we want to ensure that this is going to be something that is a good experience for them. … We’ve been prepared for a long time. That being said, as prepared as someone can be, there’s always stuff that can happen. So, we really need to continue to be alert, on our watch, and I know we will be.”

In other business, the council heard details on the community’s support for lowering pickleball and tennis court fees to a residential rate of $12 per court per hour and nonresidents paying $17 per court per hour. The change comes after community pushback to proposed tennis court rates in September of $20 and $40 per court per hour for residents and nonresidents, respectively, and pickleball fees moving from a per-court to per-player fee in response to concerns about court availability for residents.

The new rates were determined after staff received community feedback and evaluated that average fees across the region are $13 per court per hour for residents and $16 per court per hour for non-residents.

With the addition of the new Playbypoint software for court reservations, the total expenditures for the tennis and pickleball facilities at both La Cienega Tennis Center and Roxbury Park Tennis Courts are projected to increase from $784,372 in fiscal year 2024-25 to $1,091,084 in fiscal year 2025-26. In 2024-25, the costs included maintenance, staffing, the replacement of tennis and pickleball equipment and cost of resurfacing spread over five years.

The total revenue of the tennis and pickleball program was $999,549 for fiscal year 2024-25 and has generated $584,338 so far for fiscal year 2025-26.

The council approved the amended fees at the April 21 regular City Council meeting.  

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The boundaries of the senate district encompass Beverly Hills plus a swath of the Southland from the eastern edge of Hollywood to the Ventura County line in Westlake Village, then across the Santa Monica Mountains to Malibu and down the coast to Rancho Palos Verdes. 

Goldsmith himself grew up in Brentwood, but Beverly Hills is his lodestar. He has lived in the city with his wife and two children for the past decade. His family roots date back seven decades, leaving imprints on the city’s landscape that include The Bram Goldsmith Theater at The Wallis and Bram Goldsmith Way. 

At 44, Goldsmith is poised to write the next chapter in the family legacy. 

A graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School, Goldsmith has made a name for himself as an award-winning journalist, tech entrepreneur and Democratic consultant. He has helped elect several high-profile Democrats to office. That work is now reciprocated in the form of megawatt party endorsements from the likes of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (a friend since their Harvard days) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi. He’s earned the support of the L.A. Police Protective League, CAL FIRE, two major entertainment unions and myriad local elected officials as well. 

With six weeks until the June 2 primary, Goldsmith faces a crowded field and a tough race. He spoke with the Courier about what motivated him to run at this time, and the ideas that can make a difference in Sacramento. 

Courier: You are a resident of Beverly Hills, and that makes you a favorite son in this race. For those readers who still may not know you very well, what are the strongest arguments for your candidacy?

Goldsmith:  I think it’s important that people recognize that all the big issues that affect residents of Beverly Hills, public education, public safety, fighting antisemitism and promoting economic development, go through Sacramento even more than they go through Washington, D.C. I want to wake people up to the importance of these state offices for our prosperity, our quality of life, our safety, and that’s why this election is so important. 

People in Beverly Hills care so deeply about the quality of our neighborhoods, about the quality of our public services, and I want to make sure to protect those both from Washington, D.C. and from Sacramento, both of which have overreached in ways that have hurt Beverly Hills. I am raising my two little kids here and am committed to the future of this community. 

Courier: You’ve had a varied and successful career thus far. Why did you decide that now is the time to run for office?

Goldsmith: I think we’re at an inflection point in our state. We’re going to have a new governor and a lot of new legislators. We’re going to have a challenging fiscal situation. We have Washington, D.C., which has decided to make life as hard as possible for California. And then we have a lot of festering problems here in the state that we have nobody but ourselves to blame. 

I’ve always been very interested in politics and policy. I covered those areas as a journalist, and then left to go to law school, decided to start a business and launched a startup after I graduated instead of practicing at a firm. That did introduce me to how unnecessarily difficult we make it for small businesses in California. I believe in high standards for our businesses. I believe in California values, but I also think that if it gets so difficult, so expensive, there is a breaking point. So that’s an important piece of this moment, too. 

Courier:  Continuing with that topic of state regulation, here in Beverly Hills, there is a lot of frustration with the Builder’s Remedy provision of state housing law. Many see it as unacceptable interference with local control. What is your view?

Goldsmith:  I think this is an important example of Sacramento overreach and pushing a one-size-fits-all policy on a big, diverse, complicated state of 40 million people. What works in San Francisco may not work with the environmental risks, the fire risks, the land use patterns of this district. And I’m not one of these people who denies that we need a lot more affordable housing. We do. We need a lot more affordable housing and a lot more workforce housing so that our public servants like fire, police and teachers can live closer to the communities that they serve. But I think we’ve been in a decade-long experiment of blowing up local planning and zoning and having the state take it over. And it has not worked. 

Courier: What solutions would you propose in Sacramento?

Goldsmith:  We need a serious strategy to grow the number of more affordable units in a way that’s smart and where it makes sense. Some of the solutions I propose are, number one: we have a lot of empty commercial properties that are just sitting there creating blight. We can learn from what Manhattan has done over the last several years and do some smart commercial-to-residential conversions. Number two, I think the state and the county need to kick in publicly held land that is being underutilized; kick it in at a below-cost land lease to affordable developers to change the economics so that we can build the affordable units that are required. 

Another solution that I’ve talked about quite a bit is the way we’re building. We don’t do anything else the way we did it 50 years ago. Why are we building multifamily the way we did it 50 years ago? Enormous strides have been made in modular and manufactured housing that lower the cost and speed the process. 

I also think the RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Assessment) process needs to be more reasonable. I mean, most people have no idea where these numbers are coming from. In some places they make sense; in some places they really don’t. 

Courier:  In addition to land use planning, you’ve also indicated that education is a top priority. Can you describe some of your ideas?

Goldsmith:  I want to scale the best practices from our highest performing districts, and make sure that every kid in California does well at third grade reading and math because that’s one area where we’re really lagging. People used to move to this state because we had some of the best K-12 schools in America. Now in the aggregate, we’re underperforming Mississippi and Alabama for poor kids in these critical markers of reading and math. 

I want to make sure that districts like Beverly Hills are getting the resources that they need. I believe in fairness; I believe in sending resources to where they’re needed the most, but I think the funding formula has gotten so unbalanced that districts like Beverly Hills, districts in the South Bay are really getting shortchanged. They’re not being provided any resources for special education, for example. And I don’t care how wealthy the district is, special needs kids aren’t getting the resources that they need. 

Courier: You have also said that the fires in the Palisades and Malibu influenced your decision to run. Can you elaborate?

Goldsmith:  The fires hit quite close to home. I grew up in Brentwood. I still have a lot of friends who lost their homes, businesses and schools in those fires, and we now know they weren’t a natural disaster at all. It was totally preventable. Government at all levels failed before, during, and after, and it was yet one more example of good intentions, but bad outcomes and results. 

Courier:  District 24 is so far-reaching in geographic terms. What are the most pressing issues that affect the constituency as a whole? 

Goldsmith:  I would say the biggest issue is affordability. Even if somebody was lucky enough to buy a home in this area in the ‘70s, ‘80s or ‘90s, they’re deeply worried about their kids and their grandkids being able to live anywhere near them. So, I would say that’s the number one issue across the district. 

Number two, there’s a lot of concern about public safety, and people ask, ‘Well, why is that?’ The numbers overall seem to be moving in the right direction. The answer is that it’s very uneven. I was in the Sawtelle Neighborhood Council meeting a few weeks ago, and those numbers are all moving in the wrong direction. People shouldn’t have to afford private security in order to feel safe in their communities. 

Courier: What can you do as a State Senator to address those safety concerns?

Goldsmith:  Well, we have to support law enforcement, number one. We have to fully fund Prop 36, which I supported, and make sure that cities and counties have the resources to provide people pathways toward rehabilitation. I think there have to be clear and certain consequences if people repeatedly break the law, especially if they’re professional criminals or gang members and the like. But you also want to prevent crime as much as possible by investing in afterschool programs, investing in nonprofits like Homeboy Industries that take somebody coming out of prison and give them jobs and opportunities. So, I think we really have to attack this issue holistically and not just after a crime has occurred. 

Courier:  What can you say to residents who are very concerned about safety risks with the new Metro Station opening in a few weeks? 

Goldsmith:  I’m a supporter of mass transit, but I think it is a classic California problem to spend tens of billions of dollars on mass transit and then not spend tens of millions of dollars to make sure it’s safe and people will ride it. And I know a lot of people, women in particular, who are nervous about riding these trains because they’ve done it once, and they don’t feel they’ve been secure. We have to provide funding and can’t just leave it to the cities. I know Beverly Hills is going to spend a lot of money stationing officers, running patrols and the like around the stations, but the state should be stepping up, too, with a steady stream of security funding to make sure that these trains are used by the widest possible ridership. We’ve spent all this money building out this incredible infrastructure. People should feel safe using it. 

Courier: Homelessness remains one of the most serious concerns throughout the region. For the most part, solutions have thus far eluded local elected officials. What would your approach be if elected to the State Senate?

 Goldsmith:  I think too many people have been satisfied to manage the problem rather than trying to solve the problem. In the richest state, the richest country, nobody should spend a single night outside, period. And how do we make that happen? I think there are a few things that we need to do. Number one, we must dramatically scale up safe, clean, dignified shelter, which can be built at one-tenth the cost of these permanent units. We should do a lot more with tiny homes, manufactured homes and temporary shelter, which is so much nicer than it used to be. And we need to say to people, if we have the shelter capacity, it is no longer a choice to stay on the street. We’re going to enforce our anti-camping laws so long as we have a place for people to go. 

And then, we’ve got to scale up our services. LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority) has been a disaster. The state has spent at least $24 billion on homeless services. Newsom says it’s down 9% statewide. A lot of people don’t believe that. But regardless, even if that’s true, that is a wildly unacceptable outcome for the scale of money that we’re spending, 

And we should demand better. I think the solution is already here. If you go down to Skid Row and you talk to the Downtown Women’s Center or Hope the Mission, all these different projects and nonprofits are really doing an extraordinary job and are transparent and accountable to their funders every year. What you hear from them is either that they take state money, and it’s an enormous pain, and they’re having to spend hours and hours on paperwork and bureaucracy; or they won’t take state money, because it’s so much of a pain, it’s not worth it. And my attitude is, if Sacramento is making it so difficult that these groups are not taking the money, it’s Sacramento that ought to change because these groups are proven, they’re effective. We ought to scale them up so that they can help everybody. 

Look at what Matt Mahan’s been able to accomplish in San Jose, unsheltered homelessness is down one-third in three years. Look at what Daniel Lurie has already accomplished in less than two years in San Francisco, I think they’re down about 20%. It’s not a mystery how you do this. It’s a mystery why we keep repeating the same failed strategy. 

Courier: Another issue very much on readers’ minds is the rise in antisemitism. Some steps have been taken by Sacramento, such as the passage of AB 715, which took effect in January. Some critics argue that this attempt to curb antisemitism in schools is a restriction of free speech. What is your position?

Goldsmith:  I’m a strong supporter. I think we desperately need people in Sacramento who are champions of our Jewish community at a time when antisemitism has hit record levels. I lobbied members of the legislature to pass AB 715 last year. I thought it was mission critical. This is a landmark piece of legislation to protect K-12 students from hate and harassment based on who they are. This community, which has so many Jewish synagogues and vibrant Jewish communities across the district, needs a representative in Sacramento who is going to fight to protect us and take on all of the efforts to water down or weaken this law. And that’s exactly what I would do. That’s one of the reasons why the Legislative Jewish Caucus has endorsed me; why Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur, who’s the sponsor of that legislation, has endorsed me. It’s why Councilmember John Mirisch and Mayor Craig Corman endorsed me. I’m very proud of the fact that in addition to the people I just mentioned, State Senator Henry Stern, who’s been a real champion of the Jewish community, has endorsed me. District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who doesn’t normally weigh in on this kind of race, stepped in to endorse me. 

I am a strong supporter of this law, and I have opponents who will either duck it or who will come out against it. And I think that’s a clear choice for the voters in this election.  

The post The Courier Interview: Candidate and Local Resident Brian Goldsmith on His State Senate Race appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 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.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The homeowners say they never hired Ortiz, never met her, and never owed her a dollar. On Feb. 26, 2026, LAPD’s Real Estate Fraud Unit arrested Ortiz. On March 3, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged her with 25 felony counts of knowingly causing a false instrument to be recorded in a public office, under California Penal Code section 115(a). She pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $700,000. If convicted as charged, she faces up to 24 years in state prison.

Beyond the headline is a cautionary tale for property owners about how the mechanic’s lien system works, why it was vulnerable to this kind of abuse, and what remedies they have if a fraudulent lien lands on a title.

California’s mechanic’s lien law is grounded in the California Constitution and codified in the Civil Code. The purpose of the law is to protect a contractor, subcontractor, laborer, or material supplier who improves real property and goes unpaid. It allows them to record a claim against the property itself. If the owner still refuses to pay, the claimant can sue to foreclose the lien and force a sale. The system favors the contractor over the property owner by providing them with a secured interest in the property value for work completed. For legitimate contractors, it is often the only leverage they have against a nonpaying owner.

At a high level, the mechanic’s lien process has four main steps. First, a contractor who lacks a direct contract with the owner must serve a 20-day preliminary notice identifying the project and the work. Second, the claimant must record the lien within strict deadlines (generally 60 to 90 days after completion, depending on whether a notice of completion was filed). Third, the claimant has 90 days from recording to file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien. Fourth, if no suit is filed, the lien expires by operation of law.

When a mechanic’s lien is presented for recording at the County Registrar-Recorder, the clerk performs only an administrative review. The clerk checks that the document has the right format, the right signatures, a notary acknowledgment, and the required statutory language. The clerk does not verify whether the work was done, whether a contract existed, whether the claimant is licensed, or whether the amount claimed is plausible. 

The trade-off is that the system relies on two backstops: the 90-day foreclosure deadline, which forces a dishonest claimant into court where the claim can be tested, and the criminal law, which punishes anyone who records a false instrument. There is no easy administrative remedy for property owners who are victims of fraud.

The Ortiz scheme exploited the gap between those two backstops. Recording a lien is cheap and fast. The document immediately clouds title, which means the owner generally cannot sell or refinance until the cloud is removed. A lien for $24 million or $98 million would pause any sale, regardless of whether the underlying claim has any basis. A dishonest claimant who never intends to sue can simply record, wait, and let the pressure build on the owner to pay something to make the problem go away. Even after 90 days, when the lien is legally unenforceable, it remains on the record until someone takes affirmative steps to remove it.

According to the DA, Ortiz is alleged to have recorded 24 claims of mechanic’s lien and one grant deed against ten properties, claiming amounts from $800,000 to more than $98 million, for services such as “cleaning” and “consulting.” LAPD has stated that Ortiz is not licensed by the California Department of Real Estate and was promoting herself as a real estate consultant and business coach without a license.

If a property owner discovers a fraudulent lien on their title, they have several legal remedies, though each of them requires retaining counsel and incurring fees, and may be cumbersome.

The most direct option is a petition to release the lien under Civil Code section 8480. Once the 90-day foreclosure window has passed without a lawsuit, the owner can petition the superior court for an order releasing the lien, after first giving the claimant 10 days’ notice and an opportunity to release it voluntarily. This is the cleanest remedy when the claimant has simply let the lien go stale, which is often the case with a claimant who never intended to litigate in the first place.

Inside the 90-day window, an owner and their counsel can press the claimant to either file suit or release the lien, making clear that a claimant who records a lien and then fails to prosecute it exposes themselves to liability for attorney’s fees, costs, and potential tort damages.

For an owner who needs to sell or refinance immediately and cannot wait for a court proceeding, Civil Code section 8424 provides a mechanic’s lien release bond. A surety bond equal to 125 percent of the lien amount substitutes for the real property as security, which removes the lien from title and shifts any dispute to the bond itself. The approach is expensive, and at the face amounts recorded in the Ortiz matter, which ranged from $800,000 to nearly $100 million, the bond premium and collateral requirements may put this remedy out of reach for many owners. It remains an option worth evaluating with counsel when a transaction is at stake.

A knowingly false lien also supports a civil claim for slander of title. That cause of action allows the owner to recover the damages caused by the cloud on title, including the cost of clearing it and, in appropriate cases, punitive damages against a claimant who acted with malice. In a case involving dozens of liens recorded against unrelated owners, the pattern itself may support the malice element.

Owners should also report the matter as criminal fraud. Filing a false document is a felony under Penal Code section 115, the same statute under which Ortiz has been charged. LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division operates a Real Estate Fraud Unit, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney maintains a dedicated Real Estate Fraud Section within its White-Collar Crime Division. 

Finally, every owner of Los Angeles County property should sign up for the County Registrar-Recorder’s property fraud alert system, which sends a free email notification whenever any document is recorded against a property the owner has registered. The service will not prevent a fraudulent filing, but it allows the owner to learn about the filing on the day it happens rather than months later when a sale or refinance is already in motion. Early notice materially shortens the timeline for obtaining relief and reduces the transactional damage a fraudulent lien can cause.

DA Ho has said his office will seek a court order to clear title on the affected properties as part of the criminal case. That is unusual and welcome relief for these specific victims, and it suggests an increasing willingness to treat title clearing as part of the criminal remedy rather than a separate civil burden for each homeowner.

The broader question is whether California should adjust the recording system to make this kind of abuse harder. Possible reforms include requiring a sworn declaration of contract existence at recording, requiring proof of contractor licensure for lien claimants who hold themselves out as providing services regulated by the Contractors State License Board, and imposing automatic penalties when a lien claimant fails to foreclose within 90 days. However, no action in Sacramento has focused on this issue yet. Senate Bill 255, which was passed in October 2025, requires every county to establish a recorder notification program and requires that all parties to a deed, quitclaim, mortgage, or deed of trust get a notification within 30 days of those documents being recorded. That will go into effect in January 2027, but would not affect mechanic’s liens.

On April 6, 2026, ABC reported that Marjorie Josaphat, one of the Benedict Canyon homeowners affected by the Ortiz scheme, was able to remove $100 million in mechanics liens filed by Ortiz’s company through a court action.

For now, the practical takeaway for Beverly Hills and Los Angeles property owners is to check title periodically and treat mechanic’s liens with urgency. 

Pooja S. Nair is a Partner and Chair of the Food, Beverage, and Hospitality Department at Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP. She represents clients in real estate litigation and complex business disputes involving contracts, employment, intellectual property, and fraud. Her insights have appeared in Law360, Daily Journal, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times. Before joining ECJ, she led the Food and Beverage practice at TroyGould and practiced white-collar defense at Foley & Lardner. She also serves on nonprofit boards and has been recognized as one of Los Angeles’s Top Litigators and Trial Attorneys and Most Influential Women Lawyers by the LA Business Journal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some questions and answers have been edited for length.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Eleven Council Candidates Gather for Chamber Forum appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Vladimir”

That can’t be Oscar winner Rachel Weisz on the screen! Yes it is, and now starring as the lead in a delicious, somewhat politically incorrect new series about a professor at a small private college. A well-regarded expert on feminist literature, with one book under her belt but stalled on the next, M is the embodiment of a contradiction in terms. Life has become rather complicated because her errant husband, another tenured professor at the same college, is being investigated on sexual harassment charges. He doesn’t deny his multiple affairs with students, but he, like almost anyone else under similar circumstances, insists they were consensual.

The college has hired a new couple for the English department: Vladimir, full time, and his wife, Cynthia, as an adjunct in the same department. M is thunderstruck. Her first glimpse of the dreamy, much younger Vladimir propels her back to middle school with raging hormones. She contrives different ways for their paths to intersect. He seems to reciprocate her attractions, but then again, the camera is taking M’s point of view. And there’s the pesky wife, an effective parry to M’s thrust. Vladimir is relentlessly faithful to his wife despite the many ways that M seems to maneuver herself between them.

Most of the episodes are of the “will she, will he?” nature, but that in itself is the cat-and-mouse game we’re longing for. Occasionally breaking the fourth wall, M gets us on her side in her desire to rekindle fires she thought had died down. Even her husband, the lascivious John, sees it and would be happy for her to get a notch on her belt, something that won’t even the score but at least takes her off the high ground.

The cast is wonderful, led by the amazing Rachel Weisz as M, playing a cougar who has been blessed with a youthful appearance. She manages the “Should I? Would I? Could I?” to perfection. Her desire and ambivalence are universally appealing to “women of a certain age.”

Leo Woodall is Vladimir, the object of her affection. His deep blue eyes (not sure that they are blue, but they should be) invite you in, an invitation that is more of a tease than a solicitation. Woodall has a wide-eyed innocent look that is most effective. John Slattery plays John, M’s errant husband, to a perverse “T.”

Based on the novel by Julia May Jones, the writing is sharp, the dialogue sly and the overall effect is a delicious soap opera of dark humor. Starting a bit slowly, eventually these eight episodes fly by. You will want to binge.

Now streaming on Netflix.

“The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins”

Starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe, with support from Erika Alexander, “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” takes several cliched ideas, the fallen hero and the mockumentary, among others, and somehow makes them new again.

Reggie (Morgan) was a much-loved all-pro football player who has been banished from the game for betting on himself. He is determined to make a comeback and has hired Arthur Tobin (Radcliffe), a filmmaker in need of his own redo, to make a documentary of his life, assuming that he could dictate the entire film. “That’s not how it works,” Tobin tells Dinkins and they’re off to the races. Weaving in the much younger wife, the ex-wife (Alexander) who is the agent, and the coach he disgraced, a clever cameo by Corbin Bernsen, writer/creator Robert Carlock uses some of the magic he wove in “30 Rock” in bringing together unlikely characters and scenarios and mining them for laughs. The character of Reggie is definitely in Morgan’s wheelhouse and he’s up for the game, but it works all the better because he has the absolutely delightful Daniel Radcliffe as his foil. Radcliffe shows remarkably good comedic timing. The more subtle foil to Morgan’s broad strokes, he is aided by Alexander as Reggie’s ex-wife who helps anchor the action.

This is situation comedy in the sense that Reggie creates a problem or makes one worse, the situation, and then chaos ensues, hence the comedy.

Releasing episodes weekly on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

“Bait”

Riz Ahmed has created a funny, sad, dramatic, slapstick adventure in six episodes that in many ways is a personal reflection on the life of an actor, his life as an actor, but especially the difficulties when this life is reflected through the prism of a person of color. Ahmed, who first made a splash in “Nightcrawler” and won an Emmy for his amazing performance in the HBO limited series “The Night Of,” is one of those actors who commands your attention. I willingly watch anything he’s in, regardless of the material, because he is in it. “Bait” is a very clever riff on the struggles of an actor.

Shah Latif, a strikingly handsome British Muslim actor, has the most important audition of his career. He is being considered for the next James Bond. Seeing him in a tuxedo, you have no doubt, until in the midst of the scene, he freezes. That the producers were even considering a man of color was extraordinary. Everything depended on that audition, and he’s blown it, launching him into a full-scale existential crisis. There’s a passage in “A Chorus Line” that distills what he’s going through: “Who am I anyway? Am I my resume? That is a picture of a person I don’t know. What does he want from me? What should I try to be?” The fast-moving, short (30-minute) episodes take Shah through a metamorphosis, not just as an actor but as a person—a son, a brother, a Muslim, a friend, an actor—and it’s not always pretty.

Actors, by nature and necessity, are narcissists. To succeed, they need to be focused on one thing and one thing only: getting that next job. Shah is definitely a self-centered, insecure ego on two legs, but he’s definitely being blocked. He blames everyone else, and there’s plenty of blame to go around. In his quest for the holy grail of Bond, he’s lost himself.  But what he doesn’t realize initially is that in order to be what others want him to be, he, first, must find out who lies beneath the skin. The journey, filled with crazy relatives, hallucinations, double-crossing colleagues, and bad acts on his part, will put him on the path to self-awareness.

As Ahmed is well aware, the path to James Bond is littered with expectations and stereotype. People have very strong feelings about this character as judged by the racist uproar when Idris Elba’s name was mentioned. This is not the 1960s of Sean Connery or even the 2000s of Daniel Craig; that version of James Bond died, leaving plenty of room to rethink the character. “Bait” humorously balances the question of “Why” with the answer “Why not.”

Well-written, entertaining, poignant and often laugh-out-loud funny, the series is overflowing with excellent actors. This is a trip you will want to take. And the bonus is that you’ll take it with the fabulous Riz Ahmed.

Now streaming on Amazon Prime.

“56 Days”

Based on the Irish bestseller by Catherine Ryan Howard, “56 Days” intertwines the today, where a grossly decomposing body is found in the corporate apartment of Oliver, a high-flying twenty-something with a big secret to hide. Is it him? Or is it the very sexy Ciara, the object of his passion? They met in a grocery store and began their tempestuous affair 56 days before the discovery and police investigation. But Ciara, too, has her secrets and the meeting may not have been by chance.

Each episode reveals a bit more of who they are and who they aren’t as the story goes back and forth in time, but rather than unraveling the mystery, the narrative becomes more complex as we drive toward the answer to the question. Who is in the tub?

Avan Jogia as Oliver and Dove Cameron as Ciara are a good-looking couple hindered by a lack of character development that would enhance their actions. The detectives, played by Karla Souza and Dorian Missick, are all surface and no depth. They, too, have their secrets, but, in all honesty, you don’t really care.

The idea behind this series was a good one, but the execution is lacking and you end up not caring very much, even about the dead body.

Now streaming on Amazon Prime. 

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

The post TV: Too Much of a Good Thing Is Pretty Good appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Lester Friedman

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

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

Friedman was introduced by his wife, Simone. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andy Licht 

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

Krasne emphasized her support for Licht. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rebecca Pynoos 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sharona Nazarian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The question is, who will that person be?

Many polls show L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman as the strongest contender for that slot, followed by reality TV star Spencer Pratt. Community organizer Rae Huang and tech entrepreneur Adam Miller are polling in the single digits, but an unusually high percentage of voters are still undecided.  

Miller has embarked on a multichannel informational strategy to introduce himself to the public. He launched his second TV ad this week, emphasizing his background in business, nonprofit and tech. His message: He is the only candidate with a record of results that can change City Hall.  

That record is certainly extensive. Miller is the founder and former CEO of Cornerstone OnDemand (NASDAQ: CSOD). Launched on a shoestring, he spent two decades building the company into a global leader in education software with 3,000 employees in 25 global offices. After selling Cornerstone to private equity in 2021 for more than $5 billion, he turned his attention to civic and nonprofit initiatives. 

Miller co-founded Better Angels, a nonprofit that has served 12,000 unhoused, helped prevent 1,500 evictions and is developing affordable housing units. He served as Chairman of the Board of Team Rubicon for a decade, helping to scale it into one of the largest veteran-led global disaster response organizations in the country with 180,000 volunteers. He also created LA-Tech.org, which connects more than 2,000 underserved youth across South and East L.A. to internships in the tech sector.

Miller holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS from the Wharton School of Business, as well as a JD from the UCLA School of Law and an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. He is also a CPA and passed the Series 7 exam.

The Courier recently spoke with Miller about why he may be the dark horse to bet on in the L.A. mayor’s race.

Courier: With a little more than six weeks to go until the primary, you are becoming better known but are still polling in the single digits. For those who have not heard your campaign message, describe in a nutshell why you are the best qualified in this field to run the city of Los Angeles.

Miller: Our city is broken. And we need somebody who can fix it. And that’s got to be somebody with operational experience, somebody that knows how to manage big budgets, somebody that knows how to lead big teams and lots of people. And I am the only candidate who has that qualification. So, I am best prepared and best able to turn the city around. 

Courier: Other businessmen have been unsuccessful in this endeavor. Rick Caruso, for example, spent many, many millions of dollars and did not prevail against a career politician. What makes you think that you can do it? 

Miller: So, three big differences versus 2022. Number one is just the time. The environment’s very different in ‘22 versus ‘26. Number two, Karen Bass in 2022 was relatively unknown as a leader. She was known as a very effective congressperson, but not as a leader. And I view this as akin to somebody who was great at their job but got promoted to be a manager and is a terrible manager. And that’s what we have here. So, in this case, she is now not unknown. She is a failed mayor and that creates an opening. And thirdly, Caruso was viewed broadly as a Republican in a city that really only elects Democrats. And I’ve been a lifelong Democrat. So, I have similar business experience. I have the acumen. I also have extensive nonprofit leadership experience, which he did not have, but I’m also a lifelong Democrat. 

Courier: Running a municipality is not the same as running a business. A mayor is not a CEO, and the goals of government are quite different from a for-profit enterprise. But your nonprofit work on the issue of homelessness has exposed you to the bureaucratic minefields of the city and county of L.A. Speak to how this may inform your job as mayor. 

Miller: That’s exactly right. And I wouldn’t limit it to homelessness. The work I’ve done around veteran services and disaster response, in health, in workforce development and education, all of that nonprofit experience is very, very different than the corporate experience. So, I see very clearly why being a corporate CEO does not translate to running a government because as a corporate CEO, you have, in some ways, unlimited power. What you decide goes. In the nonprofit world, that’s not the case. In the nonprofit world, it’s all about building consensus, getting alignment, collaborating, and getting results. And that is perfectly applicable to the public sector. It’s exactly the same thing. 

Courier: You’ve been quite critical of Mayor Bass’ Inside Safe program, which does claim to have reduced street homelessness. What would you do differently? Would you totally gut that program? What would you do from day one on homelessness? 

Miller: Yeah, I would end Inside Safe immediately. It’s very ineffective and extraordinarily expensive. We’re spending over $7,000 a month on those motel rooms that are servicing people on the street without services wrapped around those rooms, which results in a revolving door. People end up right back on the street. What I would do is manifold, but the three immediate things would be, first, allocate more funds to prevention. Better Angels now has the most effective prevention program in L.A. We’ve been doing eviction prevention now for a few years and have kept over 4,000 Angelenos off the street for a fraction of the money that it costs once they become unhoused. Second, I would dramatically improve the efficiency of service delivery. And third, you’ve got to build more housing, both interim housing and affordable housing. 

Courier: Explain what you mean by “eviction prevention program.” 

Miller: The program is targeted to people who are below 50% area median income. These are people who are already very poor, who’ve had a financial shock.  Something happened to them; they got into an accident, they had a health issue, something happened with a dependent. So, if they were living paycheck to paycheck, suddenly they are off track, and they’ve received an eviction notice. They have less than 30 days to clear out or pay up. What we do is we go in and negotiate with the landlord. We pay the landlord or the utility company directly and we keep the people housed. On average, we’ve been spending about $2,100 and it’s been a very, very effective program to keep people housed. It costs 98% less than when they’re on the street. 

Courier: So, you keep them housed until they get back on their feet?

Miller: Yeah. And usually, they are able to get back on their feet. It’s again, paycheck-to- paycheck kind of thing. They’re off track for a couple of months. What we have found is that the timing of the intervention is also really important. You’ve got to intervene as quickly as possible after an issue so that you get the person back on their feet. The same thing, by the way, is true with people who actually become unhoused. We have a policy in the city of exclusively focusing on people who are the most acute and most chronically homeless. But the problem with that policy is we’re ignoring people who are recently unhoused, and people who are recently unhoused are the easiest ones to get back off the street. We have to get the people off the street right away who fell onto hard times so that they don’t become chronic. If you’re only dealing with the people who have been on the street for the longest, what happens naturally given how many homeless people we have? It means that anybody newly unhoused probably ends up staying on the street for six, 12, 24, 36 months. Well, by then, they are chronic also. If you’re living on the street even for two or three months, then there’s a high likelihood you’re going to develop an addiction and/or mental illness. That’s true for all of us. And so, by ignoring the people who are recently unhoused and not getting them off the street, we are making this problem worse. We’re cementing the difficulty of the problem. 

Courier: Let’s switch to another topic on the issue of housing, and that is Measure ULA. It has become a lightning rod of unintended consequences. Can it be fixed? 

Miller: Measure ULA is a disaster. It was a very poorly drafted bill that resulted in a continued drop in net new housing builds in this city. At a time when we have an affordability crisis, where the single biggest issue related to affordability is housing, we have decided to build less housing instead of more housing. So that’s insane and we can do much better. We have to make this city much more attractive to real estate developers. We have to make it much easier to build in L.A., and we absolutely must either repeal or completely rewrite ULA to exempt multifamily residential housing and exempt affordable housing projects. 

Courier: Housing and state mandates are points of contention in Beverly Hills, primarily due to the Builder’s Remedy and other laws such as SB 79. How do you reconcile the legitimate need for more housing with what some consider the overreach of Sacramento? 

Miller: SB 79 is our punishment for not doing our job to have a plan to build housing. If you look at the regional housing needs assessment, what you would find is that L.A. is 90% below plan. We’re doing 10% of what we’re supposed to be doing. So of course, some external force is going to come and intervene because we are so off track. We’re going to be forced to do this, but we don’t want this happening. We want local control. We don’t want people telling us where to put buildings or what kind of buildings or where they go. We have 99 unique neighborhoods in the city. We want to be able to preserve the character and uniqueness of those neighborhoods. 

Courier: How do you propose to do that? 

Miller: Different solutions should be applied in different places, and that means not that we shouldn’t have more affordable housing, more workforce housing, and more market-rate housing, but that we should control where we put it and how we do it. I’m a big fan of the Livable Communities Initiative that’s been proposed in places like Larchmont and Hancock Park, pushing for conversion of commercial streets with single-story retail that often is relatively dilapidated. You see that in parts of Westwood that are right near Beverly Hills. And we could easily convert that into four-plus-one units. So essentially the building has one story of retail and four stories of housing above it. If we do that, it makes the neighborhood more beautiful. It encourages better stores, restaurants, boutiques, cafes in those places, makes a neighborhood more walkable and still preserves the single-family nature of the interior while adding way more housing on the perimeter.

Courier: Realistically, do you have a path to success in this race? 

Miller: We have two distinct races, right? We have the primary and then we have the general. Right now, the focus is entirely on the primary. Karen Bass will advance to the next round. She has the union support, she has the Democratic establishment, she has the existing name recognition. So even though she has a 67% disapproval rating, she still has a baseline of support that will get her into the runoff. The question is, of the remaining candidates, who is the most qualified for that one seat to run against Karen in the November election? And I have by far the most leadership experience, the most management experience, the most results across the board in all these different issue areas, and the plan to turn the city around. Nobody else has that. I also have the biggest lane. I’m running against two far left Democrats and one far right reality TV character. I have the entire middle and most of Los Angeles is in the middle. 

The post The Courier Interview: Adam Miller on Why He Should be L.A.’s Next Mayor appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Craig Corman Sworn in as New Mayor of Beverly Hills 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.

Newhouse has served in various elected positions, including on the Los Angeles Planning Commission and, previously, as President of the Venice Neighborhood Council. 

Newhouse is endorsed by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly Josh Lowenthal, Inglewood City Council Member Alex Padilla, the Gardena Police Officers Association, the Redondo Beach Police Officers’ Association, the LA Airport Peace Officers Association, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 47, the California Fraternal Order of Police, the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association and more. 

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

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

BHC: You are a long-time Venice resident. What’s your connection to Beverly Hills? 

Newhouse: I grew up just east out in the Diamond Bar, Walnut area, and I’ve been in Venice for 30 years. But my law office — I’m a small, eight-attorney law firm — was in Century City, right on the border with Beverly Hills for close to 20 years. I spent a lot of time in Beverly Hills; I represent a lot of clients in Beverly Hills. 

BHC: What is your opinion on large-scale development, such as One Beverly Hills, and what is Sacramento’s role in its governance? 

Newhouse: Sacramento’s role in facilitating is, I think, based upon a carrot approach—if you develop a certain kind of development, you will get these benefits. Offering incentives like additional funds, additional infrastructure funds, the state subsidizing additional work on roads, can make development attractive to a city and attractive to voters.

Local control isn’t just the ability to approve or to deny a project. Local control means the state actually working with the locality on what the solution is that everybody can live with. 

BHC: Some residents and businesses in the Southeast neighborhood of the city have safety concerns about the new Metro station opening at La Cienega. Is there a role for the state there? 

Newhouse: People are rightfully concerned about transportation safety, especially Metro, because of how poorly it’s been managed in the past. I think most people acknowledge that when you have people who are mentally ill in an obvious way and they’re on public transportation, most people feel uncomfortable using it. 

So, the answer is that again, it’s not a top-down approach from Sacramento. But a big part of it is having a Senator who is willing to say to constituents, we want you to use Metro. We want you to be comfortable about it, and that’s why we’re going to have turnstiles. That’s why it’s not going to be a free-for-all. We have to make it really clear that it’s okay that you don’t feel safe based on what has happened in the past, and say, we hear you, we’re working on that. 

BHC: BHPD has the Real Time Watch Center and is looking at other high-tech upgrades, including AI. What is your opinion about the use of those products in law enforcement, and what kind of oversight, if any, is necessary?

Newhouse: AI is potentially extremely detrimental in a lot of ways. I have a lot of reservations. I’m a professor of intellectual property at the USC law school teaching AI issues. Obviously, we want to make sure AI doesn’t take away jobs unnecessarily or unnecessarily quickly. 

But what I am a big fan of AI for is safety. So, I really like that the BHPD has been really on the cutting edge of that in terms of appropriate placement of cameras and appropriate drone use. But of course, this has to be balanced. People’s privacy rights have to be always at the forefront. 

I do think it’s a really important part of the future of policing. We just have to make sure that we’re constantly monitoring it and making sure that it’s that it’s not being abused.

BHC: What would you do as State Senator to address rising insurance costs—or denial of insurance altogether—for homeowners in high fire severity zones? 

Newhouse: We have to get the insurance companies and fire experts in the same room to figure out exactly what level of practical fire prevention we can require on homes, and then once that is done, require coverage to be offered at reasonable rates.

In short, what is a reasonable and practical level of fire prevention to trigger an obligation to offer reasonable priced policies.

BHC: AB715 has been facing some backlash. Where do you stand on that legislation?

Newhouse: I am a big supporter. I’m a proud supporter of Democrats for Israel. I’m Catholic. My wife is Jewish. My sons are Jewish, and so we’re sort of an interesting example of the families out there. We’ve got to make sure that we as a state have absolute freedom to teach and talk and to discuss all the issues that are out there, even if they’re uncomfortable, even if opinions are unpopular. It’s one thing to say that you take issue with the way a certain foreign government or foreign leader is doing business, or way something’s being taught in schools. We can have that discussion. 

But when you see dangerous trends happening, I do think it’s the responsible thing to step in and put up more reasonable parameters for that. And I was proud to support it. 

The post State Senate Candidate Mike Newhouse on the Issues Facing Beverly Hills 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As reported in the Jan. 16 edition of the Courier, the lawsuit alleges that the board violated its own bylaws by installing Sabag as vice president at its Dec. 16 organizational meeting, despite her having received fewer votes than Board Member Amanda Stern in the most recent election. The board’s bylaws stated that when multiple board members have the same term of service, “they shall serve as vice president in descending order of the number of votes received in their most recent election.”

The board voted to rewrite Bylaw 9100 before repeating the election of president and vice president on Jan. 27 to give the board complete control over electing its officers without regard to the number of votes in the most recent election. 

In his lawsuit, Lifschitz alleges causes of action for traditional mandamus, declaratory relief, and injunctive relief. He claims in pertinent part that the board has a “ministerial obligation under former BHUSD Board Bylaw 9100 to elect … Amanda Stern as the board’s vice president.” 

The defendants filed a demurrer to the complaint on Feb. 26, challenging its legal sufficiency on grounds that Lifschitz lacked standing and that the action was moot, among others. Chalfant overruled the demurrer as to all but the claim for declaratory relief, which he found redundant. The court ordered defendants to file an answer to the complaint within 20 days. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for June.

Lifschitz told the Courier he plans to proceed with a vigorous course of discovery. 

“I am grateful for the court’s thoughtful opinion repudiating the district’s positions and clearing the way for me to depose the board trustees in connection with this matter,” Lifschitz told the Courier. “I look forward to the seven hours I will have with each of them under oath. In the meantime, they can reconsider whether their Jan. 27 press release calling my case frivolous should be updated for accuracy.”

A spokesperson for BHUSD declined to comment. 

The post Ruling Allows Lawsuit Against BHUSD to Proceed appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

With one month until the May 8 opening, city officials provided updates on safety, maintenance and business opportunities at the station. The Metro D Line will run from Union Station to La Cienega/Wilshire in approximately 21 minutes. The Wilshire/La Cienega station will temporarily serve as the end-of-the-line station until future stations open at Beverly Drive, Century City and Westwood.

The Wilshire/La Cienega station will feature the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Public Safety Center, the only aboveground police station at any Metro station. While the Public Safety Center will not fully open until fall, a temporary public safety center will be located at the station upon opening on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard.

BHPD Captain Renato Moreno detailed the increased police presence above and below ground in the station and in the surrounding area.

“We are finalizing details with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to provide policing service for everything below ground,” he said. “So, whenever the station is open and open to ridership, you’re going to have at least two [LAPD] officers down on the platform and on the upper levels. And everything that is above ground is going to be the Beverly Hills Police Department.”

Additionally, there will be two Metro security officers at the station at all times, and Metro fare enforcement staff during peak-hour ridership.

Moreno stressed that the department is increasing its patrol around La Cienega Park in anticipation of the station’s opening, in addition to the Covered 6 private security officers who already monitor the area.

Moreno added that Metro officials told him riders under the influence tend to use longer routes than the D Line, and public safety issues on the line are limited.

Beverly Hills Fire Department Chief Gregory Barton detailed how property owners can submit trespass authorization forms by emailing pd-mhet@beverlyhills.org to address any overnight loitering. Barton added that the city’s homeless services personnel and licensed clinical social workers will focus on the station once it opens.

“What we’re doing is, with regards to Metro, we are redeploying one of the licensed clinical social workers to just go work at the Metro station, at the opening of it, to deal with it for the first few months,” he said. “We’re also redirecting our Beverly Hills Outreach Team to really focus on the Metro station to make sure we’re providing the needed services.”

Robert Welch, the Utilities General Manager for the Department of Public Works, said the city will be working closely with Metro to maintain the new station and surrounding areas. City staff will continuously power wash and scrub the station, utilize trash cans in and around the station, maintain vegetation and weed control in the surrounding area, and remove graffiti. Residents can reach out to askbh@beverlyhills.org or call 310-285-1000 to report any maintenance that needs to be addressed.

Nick Fox Robbins, Station Operations Program Manager for Metro, detailed how Metro will strive to “deter negative activity with positive activity” by activating the station with activities and events, including night markets, performances, vendors, farmers’ markets and classes.

“I think about a 39-year-old woman going to a Metro station at 7 p.m. by herself,” he said. “Maybe, there’s some other person there, maybe she doesn’t feel safe, but if she goes there and there’s a coffee cart vendor there, or there’s a night market pop-up happening, or there’s a musician playing music, then all of a sudden, that people presence makes us feel safer, and this is the philosophical approach for station activation.”

Robbins said that there has been a total of 110 station activations at the Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Brea stations so far, with events ranging from salsa classes to community markets. He stressed that Metro station activations strive to support local businesses, not compete with them.

“We are not trying to create competition for your businesses. We are trying to support your businesses,” he said. “We want to make sure that the businesses that we’re featuring, the artists that we’re featuring, are from Beverly Hills, so that we’re not turning our station into this competitive thing for your local businesses. We want to be part of your community, not on top of the community.”  

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“Steal”

Yes, it’s another heist film, an audacious one at that, presenting this mystery thriller in six exciting episodes with an actual end without the hint of a sequel.

Black-masked and armed to the teeth, the bad guys invade the inner sanctum of one of Britain’s leading investment companies. Holding everyone at bay, they are suspiciously aware of how the system works and how many confirming sign-ins are necessary to access the accounts. Targeting one employee, they gain access to part of the login, but another is necessary to confirm the financial transfer with the home office and that person is having a panic attack, as would you if an AK-47 were pointed at your temple. Coming to the rescue of her colleague, Zara finalizes the transaction and billions in pension fund holdings are transferred to an offshore account owned by a person or persons as yet unknown.

The police arrive after the fact and begin a debrief of all the employees. DCI Rhys is immediately suspicious of two employees but proving anything will be difficult. Rhys isn’t just battling his suspects, he’s also up against MI5, who, for some reason, is more than a little interested in taking over this case. Is national security involved? Who, besides the masked bandits, has skin in this game? Rhys is immediately on the defensive.

It’s not really giving anything away to say that insiders at the investment firm were involved and two of them were the aforementioned Zara and her colleague Luke, both back office employees passed over innumerable times for promotion because they didn’t have the right family backgrounds. Zara, aware of the scrutiny, is two steps ahead and one step behind Rhys, but definitely a step behind the robbers who will “disappear” her at the earliest available opportunity and MI5, eager to bury the case and recoup the monies, including the sums sent to Zara and Luke in crypto. Zara’s estranged, slovenly mother knows something is afoot and schemes to be cut in.

Each fast-paced episode reveals more of the plot and players and increases the danger Zara faces. Certain she can outsmart them all and keep her cash, she gets more and more tangled in the web she has woven. Sophie Turner as Zara is both tough as nails and vulnerable; Archie Madekwe, Luke, is the definition of a clenched nerve; and Jacob Fortune-Lloyd is very effective as Rhys, a man with more at stake than just this case.

So sit back, but you won’t relax as you binge this series.

Now streaming on Amazon Prime.

“His and Hers”

A dark and rainy night; a dead body on the hood of a car; an unknown person in a dripping hoodie in the adjacent cemetery as a voiceover states, “There are two sides to every story: yours and mine, theirs and ours, his and hers; and someone is always lying.”

In this juicy mystery/thriller, he (His) is Detective Jack Harper, recently relocated from Atlanta to the small town of Dahlonega. She (Her) is Anna, his estranged wife, formerly the lead anchor on an Atlanta TV station. She disappeared into grieving for a year and has now returned and wants her job back. “Not possible,” says her boss. They hired her replacement, the blonde, blue-eyed Lexi, when Anna was unreachable. The dead body in Dahlonega is big news and she wants to cover it. She’s from that town and knows the players. And so it starts because Jack and Anna become prime suspects, along with others. She isn’t just covering the news; she is the news.

Jack continues to try to cover his tracks, realizing that he was the last person to see Rachel, the dead woman on the car, alive. Actually, his DNA is all over the scene because they were having their weekly tryst. His assistant detective, whom he dismissively calls “Boston,” is eagle-eyed and picks up on his shady behavior and the clues he is destroying. Soon another dead body turns up, someone, like the first, whom Anna knew and went to high school with. It may lead back to a high-school clique and something that happened long ago as revealed by well-integrated flashbacks interspersed with the current-day investigations. Like most small towns, everyone has history and at least one secret.

“His and Hers” is that delicious murder mystery where the solution seemingly comes out of left field but works very well and believably. Jon Bernthal is Detective Harper, empathetic, deceitful and protective of those close to him. Tessa Thompson, Anna, is serene but ambitious with a covert agenda. There are real rooting interests in these two, and at only six episodes, “His and Hers” will fly by.

Now streaming on Netflix.

“Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials”

This is a lovely addition to the Agatha Christie mysteries, most of which feature either Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot. In this delightful three-episode series, a new investigator is born. Young Lady Bundle Brent, the daughter of Lady Caterham, is overseeing the evening festivities at her family estate. Land rich and estate poor, Lady Caterham has sponsored a masquerade ball for paying guests like the nouveau riche Lord and Lady Coote. Gerry Wade, part of a security contingent and a long-time family friend, is teasing Bundle with a future proposal, one that is put on indefinite hold when he is found dead the next morning. The police would like to wrap this up as a suicide, but Bundle knows this can’t be true and starts on a journey to prove he was murdered. Because this is an Agatha Christie, more murders will follow.

The intrepid Lady Bundle will stop at nothing, ensnaring others into her investigations; her probes will prove fatal to some of them. Crawling along at a leisurely pace through the first two episodes, the viewer is treated to a well-worn period piece with beautiful costumes, gorgeous scenery, a subtle portrait of noblesse oblige and the striving of social climbers. Along the way, Inspector Battle from Scotland Yard appears, shadowing Bundle for mysterious reasons. Stay with the slow pace because things definitely pick up in the third episode, full of funny moments, sly dialogue and a very unexpected solution. Well, perhaps not entirely unexpected, because there are a limited number of choices for the bad guys, but the reasoning and rationales can only be ascribed to a soft satire of the so-called ruling class.

Mia McKenna-Bruce plays the pint-sized Bundle to perfection. She’s a good enough rooting interest that you will follow her anywhere. Her anguish over her dear Gerry (a handsome Corey Mylchreest) seems very real indeed. Edward Bluemel as Jimmy is the very tousled embodiment of spoiled but charming youth, always on the lookout for the next game to play. Helena Bonham Carter plays Lady Caterham, Bundle’s scattered mother. Like almost everyone else, her best moments are in the third episode. Serving as the necessary glue to hold this fluff together is Martin Freeman as Superintendent Battle, shadowing Bundle, trying to protect her but also needing her to stay out of his way. Almost always in support, Freeman somehow always manages to come to the front. His character is able to wrap up the troublesome details without seeming expositional.

This delightful period mystery is for fun and a rainy night. Enjoy.

Now streaming on Netflix.

Stay tuned for Part II of  “Too much of a good thing.”  

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

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The honorees are Afsaneh Tabibian (Instructional Assistant, BHHS); Felipe Gomez (Maintenance and Operations); Karen Garland (Program Specialist, HM/BVMS); Candace Hemphill (3rd Grade, ER); Ellen Kwon (4th Grade, HM);Kunhee (David) Lee (History & AVID, BHHS); Kari Marlowe (Program Specialist, ER/BHHS);Celeste McDonald (English, BHHS);

Fred Pinto (Visual and Performing Arts, BVMS); Laura Rogers (Special Education, BVMS) and Vivian Minor (Administrative Assistant, BVMS).

“The Beverly Hills Education Foundation is absolutely thrilled to be hosting BHEF HONORS this year, which combines the opportunity to celebrate the generosity of our BHEF donors and the creativity of our Innovative Teacher Grant award winners, along with publicly honoring the remarkable educators, administrators and staff members who have earned Apple Awards in 2026. After a decade-long hiatus, we are excited to be bringing this beloved tradition back to our community. This event is a testament to the spirit of excellence that defines our district, and we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the people who make that excellence possible,” said Tina Wiener, BHEF President.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through BHEF.org   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.   

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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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Currently operating on one floor and serving 11 families, the nonprofit aims to raise $35 million to renovate its location at the former Hilgard House Hotel and triple its operation. There is currently a waitlist of 38 families wanting to be housed.

Before opening in 2025, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital was the only children’s hospital in California that did not have a Ronald McDonald House. Hosting families from around the country and the world who face barriers to finding a residence while their children receive long-term clinical care, Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles offers one hot meal every day, laundry services, a kitchen and community spaces to families in addition to free housing. 

“There’s a huge impact based on being open for one year,” Emily Juarez, development manager of Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles, told the Courier. “You see families in the house, and you can see the stress on their faces the minute they walk into the house go down.”

Families receiving clinical medical care for a child at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Saint John’s Health Center are eligible to be housed at the Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles for the duration of their child’s care.

The March 18 panel included Cedars-Sinai senior vice president and chief advancement officer Arthur Ochoa, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management managing director Tracey Gluck, California Landmark Group founder and president Ken Kahan and UniHealth Foundation president and chief operating officer Jennifer Vanore on topics ranging from the lack of housing aid for medically affected families to the value of philanthropy.

“We’re in an environment where resources for health care and reimbursement for health care providers continue to shrink and get squeezed in every way possible,” Ochoa said. “We are lucky to be in this part of town served by two extraordinary world-class academic medical centers, and at the same time, there is absolutely no reimbursement for the health care provider, for patients or their families for housing when people have to travel all the distance to receive care, and so the insurance companies aren’t paying for that, government isn’t paying for that, nobody’s paying for that. So, the idea that a group of committed philanthropists can help support the mission of Ronald McDonald House in providing that kind of support for people in the toughest times of their lives is pretty extraordinary.”

Proximate housing services are key in reducing a family’s stress while going through one of the most difficult experiences imaginable, Vanore said.

“When you look at stressors and stress being a satellite killer, the number two causes are a loss of a loved one or dealing with a catastrophic event related to health, and then the second is financial insecurity,” she said. “Nowadays, more and more parents are actually two-income families, and they’re very reliant on those incomes. So, if you have a family or a parent that has to be in that home for a year, they’re not able to work, that is a massive impact on their income for their family. It’s a sacrifice, and so being able to have a free place to stay really helps alleviate those stressors and those long-term mental health impacts on both the parents and the child.”

Gluck emphasized the lasting impact of philanthropy for both the receiver and the donor.

“Philanthropy as part of a wealth strategy,” she said. “I’m at J.P. Morgan, and we deal with high-net-worth individuals. Everybody can afford philanthropy, so making it a part of the strategy, along with involving the children and their children in the giving process, is very important because there’s a legacy, and they need to know what their family is focused on.”

Dr. Theodore Moore, a pediatric oncologist at UCLA, spoke after the panel and said that Ronald McDonald Houses not only provide urgent housing services to families, but can be essential for a patient’s care.

“We have a lot of therapy where you need to come for that therapy, but then you need to stay in the area for a minimum of 30 days of follow-up. Where do the families find a place to stay in Westwood or Beverly Hills or an area where they can afford and be with their whole family?” he said. “When you take care of a patient, you take care of the entire family, and Ronald McDonald Houses do this so well, the counseling, the play therapy, everything that’s there. You’re not going to get this with the family staying in a hotel somewhere. The whole family needs to be treated to be whole.”

The services provided by Ronald McDonald House are so impactful that families often have a difficult time leaving the community they’ve built with other families experiencing similar challenges when they are discharged from the house, said Kelly Herman, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles. Wheeler Hadden, director of operations of Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles, remembered one moment between a family from Mexico and a family from China living in the house at the same time.

“Both families had a 7-year-old daughter who was receiving treatment and was inpatient when they first came, and now is outpatient. And they have both been there about the same amount of time, 10 or 11 months,” he said. “And you saw them in the kitchen, and the parents were cooking food respectively, in their own spaces. And the two girls started interacting. One girl asked her mom if she could share some of her food; her mom was cooking classic Chinese food, and the other girl shared home-cooked Mexican food. And they started sharing their food, the two girls. So just seeing that, it was beautiful.”  

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The six-story project is designed in a contemporary architectural style consisting of asymmetrical design, a facade featuring white concrete and smooth stucco, floor-to-ceiling windows with glass and curved balconies with aluminum railings. The project also includes an 8-foot non-illuminated sign facing the street and will have three units designated for low-income residents.

Pynoos said she dissented because the project was “out of context architecturally” with the street it’s on, despite commending the project’s designers on the development.

“The responsibility to maintain neighborhood character has shifted to this commission,” she said. “Durant is a street that still has a strong sense of place, even if there are some new, modern buildings on it. It feels cohesive. It feels residential. In Beverly Hills, that’s increasingly rare.”

The Beverly Hills Planning Commission approved a development plan review and density bonus permit to allow construction of the development in October 2025. The project is also located within a half mile of a major transit stop, located at Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards.

Kevin Murray, an associate with the project’s designer, Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects, argued that the development fits within the pattern of surrounding large-scale buildings in Century City and future Beverly Hills developments. He added that designers incorporated aspects of other buildings on Durant Drive, including street-facing courtyards and a central bifurcation.

“It should be noted too that in our immediate context, right at the end of the block here, we see Century City and just beyond our property will soon rise One Beverly Hills,” he said. “So when we approached the site, we wanted to make sure that we were finding rhythms that existed on the site that can keep us in scale while still providing innovative architecture here.”

The approval came after numerous residents in the surrounding neighborhood spoke out against the development, decrying state-mandated housing laws and arguing the project strips away the neighborhood’s charm.

“That is an ugly building design. It’s straight out of Huxley’s dystopic “Brave New World,” and is just another step in degrading the family character of this old neighborhood,” Robbins Drive resident Daniel Ditzhazy wrote. “Finally, this is just an implementation of the humiliating attack on local sovereignty conducted by the state of California…It forces us to put high-density residential structures in suburban communities such as Beverly Hills, where the residents oppose such things.”

Terrence Rodsky, who owns the adjacent property on Durant Drive, also questioned the development’s place in the neighborhood.

“This project, as currently designed, is not in good taste. Were it proposed for Miami Beach, it would be welcomed,” he said. “My other point in general is that if the commission is to approve this project as designed, you will jeopardize the right to object to future projects, as builders will cite 9945 Durant as carte blanche for anything they wish to construct.”

Commissioner Jeffrey Daniels voted to approve the project, citing the city’s need to build more housing to meet mandated housing goals from the state. He also commended the project’s design, saying it will bring something “new and innovative to the community.”

“Beverly Hills in particular, but Los Angeles as an entire region, needs to come up with more housing. And this is not like a personal preference, it’s a matter of existential survival,” he said. “So while I appreciate the concern among neighbors, who understandably have a very strong association with the quaintness of the neighborhood, that may not be a sustainable requirement going forward into the future.”

Commission Vice Chair Terri Smooke expressed concerns about whether the project’s design fits with the rest of the street, but commended the developers for incorporating elements from other buildings on Durant Drive. She added that the commission ultimately had to approve the project in order for the city to meet state-mandated housing requirements.

“So for the neighbors who are very concerned about this project, please understand that this commission does not have the ability to deny,” she said. “I am concerned, as I said, we don’t have the right to deny and I think it’s going to be problematic for many people on the street, because it is so different in mass and scale and design, frankly. But I do believe you’ve created something that’s really exceptional.”

Commissioner Evan Meyer said he voted to approve due to the city’s need to build more housing and commended the planners on the design and landscaping of the property.

In other business, the commission heard details about a proposal for a new three-story building with a restaurant and rooftop use for the new Tiffany & Co. flagship store, located at 360 North Rodeo Drive.  

The post Commission Approves Modern, Multifamily Development on Durant Drive appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The new guidelines provide daily and weekly time limits for students based on grade level, reduce the use of digital devices for students in early education through second grade, encourage the use of pen and paper assignments and provide recommendations for students to safely utilize digital tools.

The district provides Chromebooks and iPads for students to access online programs, individualized interventions, word processing tools and assessments.

Stern and Marcus both dissented because they needed more time to review and amend the policy. Stern said she was concerned by recent parent remarks that suggested the board often rushed through discussion, while Marcus said that she could not support the proposal without condensing the language to add clarity.

BHUSD School Board President Judy Manouchehri, who proposed the guidelines, said she brought the proposal forward after hearing parental feedback about their children’s frequent use of technology and after learning that a fourth-grade student had to take a laptop home every day to complete homework.

“In particular, placing iPads in the hands of our youngest learners, our 4, 5, and 6-year-olds, was not the right approach. It has raised valid concerns among families and in some cases, has even been a deterrent for parents considering enrollment in our TK program,” she said. “At the same time, I think it is important to clarify what this resolution does not do. … This resolution does not mean that we are stepping back from technology, modernization, nor progress.”

The proposal cited a statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that from July 2021 through December 2023, half of teenagers aged 12 to 17 had four hours or more of daily screen time.

“Excessive screen time can be associated with vision problems, increased anxiety and depression, addictive behavior, reduced attention span, difficulty managing emotions, lower academic achievement and weaker cognition, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics,” the proposal read.

Parent Dorsa Carrick, a founding member of Parents Against Unhealthy Screen Exposure, lauded the proposal and encouraged the board to strengthen its firewall on district devices to limit student internet use to only teacher-approved websites.

Student Board Member Charlotte Kaveh expressed support for the proposal but questioned the specifics of how much time students would be allowed on devices. Manouchehri responded that district staff will return with more specific guidelines after receiving direction from the board.

Board Member Sigalie Sabag said the resolution was “long overdue” and emphasized the need to minimize screen usage for students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to limiting screen time, BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss is in the process of creating an AI task force to determine best implementation practices and the district passed a new cellphone policy in 2023 that limited cellphone usage during instructional time.

“This is an exciting moment for our district. We are taking a thoughtful, forward-looking step to ensure technology supports our students in the right way, with balance, intention and purpose,” Manouchehri told the Courier. “It provides for both a limitation of screen time in the younger years, while maintaining BHUSD’s commitment to innovation, technical education and career-readiness for our older students.”

The board will specify the screen time policy during future study sessions. 

The post BHUSD Approves Student Screen Time Guidelines appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As its name indicates, the entertainment destination is managed by global hotel and casino giant Hard Rock International. But it is owned by the federally recognized Tejon Indian Tribe.  The history of the tribe permeates the property, beginning with the ceremonial blessings bestowed during an invitation-only grand opening attended by the Courier. Inside, the casino proudly displays tribal artifacts and artwork, highlighting the role the Tejon have  played in the history of the southern San Joaquin Valley.

Of course, this being a Hard Rock, authentic music memorabilia are ever-present as well. A 30-ft.-tall sculptural guitar at the entrance pays tribute to the intricate basket weaving of the tribe as well as the acoustic guitars popularized by local music legends Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. 

Step onto the 150,000-square-foot-casino floor, and you will swear you’re in Las Vegas. In addition to more than 2,000 slot machines and 50 live table games, facilities include exclusive VIP rooms for blackjack and baccarat and exclusive Plum Lounge. 

Dining options include a Hard Rock Cafe, Deep Cut Steaks | Seafood and YOUYU for a modern take on Asian noodles. The casual Marketplace Food Hall offers everything from artisanal pastries to street tacos and wood-fired pizzas. 

Hard Rock International COO Jeff Hook noted for the Courier that the drive to the propery is less harried compared to casinos in desert areas. He added, “I like to say, ‘Take the stress-free way to exciement.’”

https://casino.hardrock.com/tejon. 

The post Looking for a Glitzier Getaway? This new Vegas-style casino is only 1.5 Hours Away appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experience Sonoma Ranch Life

NewTree Ranch, founded by hospitality veteran, designer and chef Edward Newell, is set on a sprawling private estate in Healdsburg, California, about 10 miles from the charming town square. In a short time, Newell has built a devoted under-the-radar following for its transformative, nature-rooted wellness experiences, that are redefining group travel around genuine connection and healing. 

“As a lifelong traveler, I’ve experienced what it means to feel truly welcomed and cared for, and that perspective shaped every detail of NewTree Ranch,” Newell told the Courier. “We’ve created a space where guests can fully exhale, knowing they are held in an environment that is both deeply intentional and quietly luxurious.”

That welcoming could also include a helipad landing on the ranch grounds from the nearby Santa Rosa airport, right in front of the main house, a four-bedroom Estate Villa. Up the hill is the second accommodation, a two-bedroom luxe Barn House, but no matter where you stay, expect to be greeted by two adorable Golden Retrievers serving as “mascots” of the property.

Start your morning with farm-fresh eggs plucked from the chicken coop near the barn, followed by a goat yoga or sound healing session. The afternoons are perfect for stand-up paddle boarding or canoeing on the lake, hot air ballooning, apple picking, hiking, or perusing one of the three gardens and plucking a few fresh asparagus or snap peas. You will also find the floral bounty in every room of the house with tastefully arranged fresh bouquets, and classes are also available to try your own hand. 

Horseback riding through the ranch is an opportunity for guests to connect more deeply with the property’s natural landscape and enjoy the calming benefits of time spent with the ranch’s rescue animal menagerie.

Back in the villa or barn, the pantries are well stocked with farm-fresh eggs, veggies, seasonal fruits, along with preserves, and salsa made on the grounds for serve-yourself breakfast or snacks throughout the day. This is true farm-to-table dining and not just a marketing slogan. 

“Here, people step away from the pace of everyday life, reconnect with the land through meaningful experiences and leave feeling restored, grounded and inspired—rooted, in part, in the rhythms of our regenerative garden and farm, where the health of the soil and the well-being of our guests are one and the same,” added Newell.

Daytime meals might include a bento box from a local Japanese spot, sandwiches from highly coveted Quail & Condor, or a handmade pizza from the wood-fired oven in the garden. For evening dining, an award-winning personal chef can be arranged for meals cooked in the Estate Villa gourmet kitchen, utilizing fresh veggies and produce from the grounds that showcase the ranch’s seasonal bounty. Catered events from some of the best regional cafes, bakeries, and gourmet shops, including caviar tastings, can also be organized, but if you book for more than six nights, the latter is a complimentary perk. Newell also encourages exploring beyond the gates and partners with many top local restaurants, extending the ranch experience while providing guests coveted access to some of the area’s most acclaimed culinary talents.

As the sun sets, take a stroll or soak in the pair of outdoor claw-foot bathtubs by the glamping tent with a glass of local wine. Up by the Barn House, there is a Japanese Tea Garden with a deep soaking stone tub and a glass pavilion with a view that can be set up for a massage. Below that area is a full gym and a commercial catering kitchen for events. The ranch is a popular spot for weddings. 

Wine tasting can also be arranged in-house, as well as excursions to nearby vineyards such as Kendall-Jackson, or a meal at refurbished Victorian B&B Madrona Manor. The town square of Healdsburg, with specialty shops, galleries and cafes is a short 10-minute drive from the ranch, and you can take the ranch Rivian for exploring further. For more information visit newtreeranch.com.

Also in Healdsburg, local pioneer Charlie Palmer of Dry Creek Kitchen, recently opened the contemporary Appellation Healdsburg Hotel, with dining options including Folia Bar & Kitchen and a rooftop bar-lounge with vineyard and garden views.
https://www.appellationhotels.com/hotels/california-healdsburg/

For offsite activities, Sonoma Zipline Adventures in Santa Rosa offers several guided eco-courses from the high-adrenaline to beginner or a Night Flight Tour at sunset through the redwoods. 

Historic Ojai Hotel with Resident Tortoises

Hotel El Roblar is not just a historic ranchero 1919 property in the heart of town, and the longest-standing property, but also the home for two Aldabra Giant Tortoises visiting from the Turtle Conservancy. Abra and Cadabra are 15 and 20 years old, respectively, but can live up to 150 years. This endangered, vegetarian species live in the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean and can also reach 600 pounds. Guests can gently pet them, but if you want to see more, schedule a visit to the nearby Turtle Conservancy with the front desk.

After a 50-year closure, behind the meticulous property restoration are Eric Goode, Ramin Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, Warner Ebbink and Jeremy McBride. As a homage to the early California missions, the 50-room hotel preserves its Spanish Revival architecture. 

On property, two distinct dining venues led by Chef Brandon Boudet (from Little Dom’s in LA) include Condor Bar, serving modern Mexican cuisine, and La Cocina for a casual breakfast or lunch. Additional spaces include an intimate lobby bar with a distinctive mural that depicts the natural history of the Ojai Valley, by artist Stefano Castronovo, a contemporary of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Most of the hotel’s impressive artwork was sourced locally. 

Guest rooms are divided among the Main House, which holds 31 rooms, many with garden terraces, 11 private bungalows with expansive patios, and the newly added Sycamore House, offering eight cabin-style rooms. The hotel’s design preserves original architectural details, including the Mission-style entry archway, the lobby’s stone fireplace, and classic Monterey-style furnishings. 

On the way to visit the turtles, or to take a dip in the pool, with six cabanas, you will encounter a lush Spanish walled garden with soaring palm and dragon trees, charming Spanish-style fountains, inlaid tile work, mosaic murals, and vibrant potted plants. 

Just across the street, visit the Ojai Playhouse, a 200-seat single-screen movie theater, opened in 1914, adding to the historic charm of downtown. And, every Wednesday evening, they collaborate with the hotel for a dinner and a movie night. Every Condor Bar reservation (made via Resy) at 5 p.m., comes with a complimentary movie ticket per patron to the 7 p.m. showing. theroblar.com

Big Bear Mountain Retreats and Bald Eagles 

Big Bear’s newly reimagined lakeside retreat, Hotel Marina Riviera, A Casetta Hotels Property—known for resorting and maintaining historic buildings from the Casy Cody in Palm Springs to Surf Rider in Malibu and The Pearl Hotel, San Diego—opened its doors along the shores of Big Bear Lake in June 2025. 

Think of this as an updated version of retro-American lake leisure with mid-century mountain décor across 42 guest rooms, with wood-burning fireplaces, housed within the property’s original 1968 Viking lodge. Enjoy the year-round heated pool, cold plunge, and barrel sauna overlooking the vast Big Bear Lake, along with restorative rituals that invite calm, connection, and a deeper return to nature. With pet-friendly rooms, lakeside paths, and scenic winter walks, the hotel makes it easy to bring your four-legged plus-one along for an escape. 

Of course, the winter activities include skiing and snowboarding or hanging out in a heated igloo on the patio, but the spring, summer and fall bring boating, hikes and bike rides around the lake, and fire pits for brisk evenings of stargazing or lakeside lounging. 

The hotel’s signature restaurant, and the area’s only true lakeside dining experience, De La Nonna at the Water’s Edge, serves wood-fired comfort dishes, natural wines, and favorites from the contemporary Italian brand that made a name in the downtown LA Arts District for focaccia-style pizzas.

Just beyond the shoreline, resident bald eagle pair Jackie and Shadow, have amassed a large national audience via a live-streamed nest overlooking the surrounding pine forests. The pair recently laid new eggs, drawing thousands of daily viewers and renewed social media attention. This moment offers a distinctly “only-in-Big-Bear” cultural touchpoint, blending wildlife, an alpine setting, and modern Americana storytelling.  hotelmarinariviera.com

Private Cabins from Arkouda Stays 

Arkouda Stays is a newly launched hospitality group redefining the open-air getaway. Founded in 2025 by partners Joseph Lontos, Donna Mulchand, and Todd Calongne, the brand was created around a shared belief: meaningful travel happens when people can slow down, disconnect, and fully experience true nature.

Arkouda Stays brings together two distinct yet complementary properties between the Arkouda Cabins and the forthcoming Arkouda House. The vision is to offer stylish, accessible stays that connect travelers to nature, and adventure, yet with comfort in a chic design aesthetic.  Whether you are drawn to the modern lodge atmosphere of Arkouda House or the intimate, nature-immersed setting of Arkouda Cabins, each property balances function and character in the forest, along with upgraded wellness amenities such as sauna pods and cold plunges.

These two new additions to the area confirm that Big Bear is not just a winter getaway, but also a top destination for fresh air wrapped up in a cool mountain escape. Arkouda Cabins is now open and accepting reservations year-round. arkoudacabins.com 

The post What’s New in California for Spring-Summer Travel 2026 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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.

This crime is particularly devastating because victims, expecting a large withdrawal for legitimate tax purposes, often do not scrutinize their bank statements when the transaction occurs. Victims often do not discover the crime until several months later, when they receive notice from the IRS that their tax payment was never received. By that time, the altered check has already cleared, the funds have been withdrawn in cash, and the suspect account has been closed. Due to delays in discovery, bank surveillance footage and other investigative leads are often no longer available, making the prosecution of these crimes unlikely. It is vital to understand that once these funds are withdrawn, the loss is usually permanent. If you fall victim to this scam, law enforcement and financial institutions are typically unable to recover the stolen funds.

Therefore, prevention is critical. BHPD strongly encourages residents and businesses to submit IRS tax payments electronically whenever possible by visiting the official IRS website at irs.gov. Electronic payment is the most secure way to ensure tax payments are received by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

If a physical check must be mailed, residents should regularly review their bank statements and examine the deposited check image in their banking portal to confirm it was processed by the intended recipient, the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Reviewing the cleared check image in a timely manner may be the only opportunity to detect suspicious activity before funds are withdrawn.

BHPD urges residents and businesses to take immediate precautions and report any suspected mail theft or check fraud.  Police reports can be filed with BHPD at the station or by calling the non-emergency line at 310-550-4951 to request an officer to respond to you. For concerns related to mail theft within the postal system, reports may also be submitted to the USPS Office of Inspector General at hotlineform.uspsoig.gov. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commissioner Terri Kaplan expressed similar concerns. 

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

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

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

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

Shusterman agreed to the terms of the proposed conditions.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man” opens several years after the series ended. World War II is raging and the Nazis are making a full court-press on the Brits, the last holdouts against the Germans in Europe. They are bombing London in a blitzkrieg of terror and destroying factories all over Britain, specifically targeting those supporting the British war effort. Meanwhile, in Germany, Hitler has come up with an ingenious plan, one that was actually put into practice: more than 100 million counterfeit pounds were created in a ploy to destroy the economy of Great Britain and thus cause a bloodless capitulation (this plan almost succeeded). John Beckett, a member of Moseley’s British Nazi party, has been chosen to lead the effort and carpet Britain with the fake money. (There is no indication that the real John Beckett, a leading member of the British Nazi party, was involved with the counterfeit scheme.)

Tommy, long retired to his country estate with only Johnny Dogs as a companion, is haunted by the past, especially the night terrors of his experience in the trenches of World War I, and the death of his daughter Ruby, who succumbed to tuberculosis. He wants nothing to do with the past or the here and now. He left the Peaky Blinders life behind and has no interest in what has become of them. Whether aware or oblivious, the Peaky Blinders found new, violent life under the leadership of Tommy’s son Duke, born of a youthful dalliance with a Romany lover. With his other son fighting at the front, Duke has been leading a gang of violent miscreants in terrorizing the town anew and stealing whatever they choose with the blessing of crooked politicians and police. When they hijack a shipment of weapons, Duke’s Aunt Ada, now a well-liked politician and MP, has had enough. Driving into the countryside, she pleads with her brother to return and set things right. The people still revere him but are terrified of his son. Her pleas fall on deaf ears. Tommy cannot be moved.

Duke’s audacious activities have not gone unnoticed by John Beckett. Clearly Duke, unmoved by patriotism or compassion of any kind, is an excellent choice to move the counterfeit money into the mainstream. The enticement he offers, a healthy cut of the profits, is too good for the amoral Duke to pass up. They strike a bargain and the stage is set for a collision of murders, crimes and loyalty that will finally bring Tommy back to Birmingham.

Stephen Knight, creator of the original series and writer of the film, has found a way to blends in most of the original elements, many of the original characters and create an engrossing real-life plot that often leaves you on the edge of your seat. The tone is somber, the action moves forward at an alarming pace, the villains, although a bit too black and white, are identifiable and loathsome. Knight weaves in just enough fact-based activity that the film remains somewhat grounded. There was such a Nazi plot, as recounted brilliantly in the 2007 Austrian film, “The Counterfeiters,” directed by Stefan Ruzowitsky. Oswald Mosley was the leader of the British Union of Fascists, a party he created that espoused anti-Semitism and sought alliances with Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany. That he was or was not involved in the counterfeit plot is immaterial; he very well could have been. The plausible non-fiction elements of the plot blend nicely with the fictional ones.

Loaded down with the kind of violence and explosions endemic to the original series, they are, nevertheless, organic to the plot and the characters. Director Tom Harper keeps the pace moving at a fast, sometimes almost too fast, clip. The cinematography of George Steel and Ben Wilson is effectively grimy, muddy and evocative of the frozen temperatures and barren landscapes. Production designer Jacqueline Abrahams and costume designer Alison McCosh contribute beautifully, perhaps not the right word, to this realistic period piece with the bombed-out buildings and the tattered clothing caked in mud. The punk score by Antony Genn and Martin Slattery adds to the thumping action of the characters, underscored by the resurrection of Nick Cave’s “The Red Right Hand,” used so prominently in the series as the musical theme of Tommy Shelby.

Knight and Harper have assembled a cast worthy of the film. The extraordinary Cillian Murphy brings a melancholy and resolve, along with the uncanny ability to engender sympathy for a character whose cursed life has been conducted on the wrong side of society. Seeing his careworn and haunted face up close is one of the best reasons to see this film on the big screen. His beauty is offset by the pain in his eyes. Murphy is an actor whose every feeling can be expressed in the twitch of an eyelash or the tight grimace of his lips. His criminal son is played effectively by Barry Keoghan with the dimness he showed in “The Banshees of Inisherin” and the cagey immorality of his character in “Saltburn.” He revels in criminality and shows only snatches of consciousness. He’s not what you’d consider a rooting interest, as one had for the Tommy Shelby of yore, but he has just enough mystery to keep you guessing. Several of the original characters from the series appear, most notably Sophie Rundle as Ada, Stephen Graham as Hayden Stagg, a former antagonist turned ally, Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong and Ian Peck as Curly, as Tommy’s past loyal henchmen, but most are there as recognizable place markers. Rebecca Ferguson is the Gypsy seer and twin sister to Tommy’s first love, long dead, and Duke’s aunt. Her character is a plot pusher, there to remind the audience that Tommy has Gypsy origins and believes in the curses and forecasting so important to that culture. Tim Roth is the villain John Beckett, and although it is always a pleasure to see Roth on screen, Knight has cast him in black and white without any shading. One expects him to twirl his non-existent mustache for effect.

See this on the big screen where all the colors, emotions, and visuals are heightened.

Now playing at the Alamo Drafthouse downtown, the Landmark Sunset 5 or the Egyptian in Hollywood. Streaming on Netflix beginning March 20. 

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

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The seat is currently held by Sen. Ben Allen, who cannot run again due to term limits. The 24th State Senatorial District stretches west from Beverly Hills to Agoura Hills and Malibu and then down the coast to Rancho Palos Verdes.

Erickson previously served as vice president of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles before serving on the West Hollywood City Council beginning in 2021. As a city councilmember and former mayor, Erickson has advocated for affordable housing, health care and transportation.

Erickson has been endorsed by Los Angeles County Supervisors Kathryn Barger, Janice Hahn, Lindsey Horvath and Hilda Solis, California Treasurer Fiona Ma and LA County Assessor Jeffrey Prang. Erickson has also been endorsed by former Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold, Beverly Hills Parking and Traffic Commissioner Michael Karric and former Beverly Hills Rotary Club President Lillian Raphael. 

Other candidates in the race include journalist, small business owner and Democratic consultant Brian Goldsmith, Los Angeles Planning Commissioner Mike Newhouse, Palos Verdes Peninsula School Board member Eric Alegria, attorney Amaris Dordar, Palisades Charter High School Trustee Kristina Irwin, Los Angeles Human Relations Commissioner Brittany McKinley,  civil rights advocate Ellen Evans and Santa Monica College Trustee Sion Roy. 

Goldsmith has gained the prominent endorsements of former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Rep. Nancy Pelosi.

In an exclusive interview, the Courier spoke with Erickson about key issues facing the constituents of District 24 and how he plans to address them.

BHC: Can you share your connection to Beverly Hills?

Erickson: My connections to Beverly Hills are multiple, going from not only working with the city council and different groups to advocate for public safety, responsible development and other things that matter to our communities, but also being involved in making sure we’re all good neighbors to each other in my work as an elected official. That’s why I’ve been able to garner support from some elected officials in Beverly Hills and community members and commissioners and I’m really proud of the campaign that we’re building.

BHC: What do you see as the biggest issues affecting Beverly Hills and District 24, and how do you plan to address them if elected to the State Senate?

Erickson: My priority, first and foremost, is public safety. Public safety needs are different from today than they were 10 years ago. We look at the work that Beverly Hills has done, not only with drones, the Real Time Watch Center and other innovative uses of technology for public safety, stuff that we’ve mirrored in my city, as well as across the district, whether that was through my advocacy as the vice president of the California Contract Cities Association where Beverly Hills is a member, or through the work that we have to do statewide, with a lot of different reforms. I look at other priorities being, antisemitism and hate crimes are on the rise, so we must invest more in 21st-century tools like I mentioned, and first responders who are trying to stop these crimes in the first place.

Second to none is balancing the state budget. I know Beverly Hills residents really care about making sure we’re eliminating waste to fund essential programs that build up our surplus and create a real economic development model so that we bolster job creation and retention, because we must not only stop the brain and talent drain to other states and we must be proactive, like we’re doing with the TV and film industry in my own city, and bring that to Beverly Hills. Movies are an important piece to our community thriving and our region thriving. We look at Senate District 24 and when you think about it, you see Hollywood, you have Hollywood and Highland, you have the beaches, you have the peninsula, you have these iconic places that are seen all throughout television, and we need to make sure that we’re doing all that we can to promote that.

BHC: It’s been reported that you spoke out publicly against AB 715 in an endorsement interview recently. Can you clarify your position on this law designed to curb antisemitism in schools?

Erickson: We must ensure that students are safe in our schools. The rise in antisemitic targeting and violence must be actively combatted, as must racism, sexism, heterosexism, transphobia, classism and oppression of any kind. As a former educator and President of the ACLU of Southern California, I believe schools must remain places where students can learn, ask difficult questions, and engage with ideas openly and respectfully. We must build the kind of educational communities where our children are nurtured and loved, with part of that being a deep commitment to ethnic studies and thinking critically about the world around them. I reject the Trumpian notion that seeks to stifle free speech. Instead, we must invest in schools that build courageous and kind changemakers. We can protect both student safety and the integrity of our classrooms by working closely with families, educators, and community leaders. I’m proud of my long record standing up against antisemitism and all forms of hate, and I remain committed to partnering with the community to ensure our schools and our state are places of respect, understanding, and safety for everyone. Sadly, my competitors in this race would rather further enflame these issues than sit down and have a real conversation about how to fight antisemitism both here in SD24 and across the United States and the world.

BHC: Beverly Hills is directly impacted by state laws such as Builder’s Remedy and SB 79 that are changing the height of buildings allowed through local zoning codes. What are your views on how these laws affect housing in District 24?

Erickson: Housing and land use development are the number one thing that elected officials get to deal with when it comes to how we’re responsibly planning for our cities and our communities. I’m the only person running that has direct experience with both Builder’s Remedy as well as housing laws that impact and take away local control. I come at the housing issue from an economic standpoint. So, when we’re not building enough housing, we’re not investing in our communities, and that’s why we’re seeing budget deficits as well as a lack of investment in our own cities, because people are staying stagnant. Housing stock is not moving, and we are not doing the job building housing, and so that is why the state is coming in and taking away our local control.

At the end of the day, my own streamlining items that I have passed in West Hollywood are not about removing any type of input. It was about removing bureaucratic bloat. I actually found that the processes in place can be streamlined, but when applications are sitting on desks for six months to a year, that’s hundreds of thousands of dollars not being directly invested back into our cities, or essentially having vacant properties stand still and projects do not move because they can’t get financing, because the market is so volatile right now. When it comes to directly addressing Builder’s Remedy, I’m the only person that is running that has that direct knowledge because when we had Builder’s Remedy projects in West Hollywood, we went back and worked with those developers and got them to not only increase the amount of affordable housing that they would build, but make their projects fit better into our communities and still be able to be built at the same time.

Having someone that has that direct knowledge on who to call, how to invest and how to build are important first steps. As a senator, we have to deal with saying to local cities, ‘Here’s what you need to do in order to meet these goals.’ And that’s where [California Department of Housing and Community Development] and RHNA numbers are top of mind for Beverly Hills residents, because people sit there and say, ‘How are we going to build all this housing?’ Well, we need to work with local cities to not only build housing, but making sure we’re exposing and showing how the state gets to these goals and these numbers, and by providing transparency, I think it will help remove some of the frustration people see when they’re saying, ‘Where did you get 3,500?’

BHC: How do you hope to bolster public safety throughout the district if elected?

Erickson: I want to take a lot of the models that we’ve worked on together here in West Hollywood. Not every city has the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Other places have their own police department, and so we need to make sure that those police departments are funded in the ways that they don’t have to scrimp and ask voters for more money. How are we fully funding recruiting classes, as well as other recruitment so people can work in these jobs and live in the communities in which they serve? The number one way in which we can do this is by allowing technological expansion to work throughout the district. Most importantly, the state has taken away a lot of local control when it comes down to technological aspects such as speed cameras, red light cameras, these are things that we can take the burden that is causing different cost analyses to not work and give them directly back to the departments themselves.  

The post John Erickson Emphasizes Beverly Hills Priorities in State Senate Platform appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Arts and Culture Commission Advances 2026-27 Work Plan appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

There is no specific threat against the event or Los Angeles, but federal officials have issued warnings about the transmission of a sequence of numbers in Farsi, the language spoken in Iran, that could be a signal to operatives, according to published reports. 

Reports also emerged this week that the FBI recently warned police departments in California that Iran could retaliate for the American attacks by launching drones at the West Coast.

A source with knowledge of the memo said the warning was issued based on intelligence received by the U.S. Coast Guard, but that it has not been deemed credible “at this time,” the Los Angeles Times reported.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said on March 11 at a news conference that he’s aware of the apparent threat of Iranian drone strikes on California. He said when the war started, he activated the state emergency operations center.

In a March 12 statement to the Courier, Beverly Hills Police Department Chief Mark G. Stainbrook said, “The Beverly Hills Police Department is closely monitoring developments nationally and internationally and remains in constant communication with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. We will use every available resource and partnership to protect our community. Anyone who attempts to carry out a crime in Beverly Hills will be swiftly identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

This week, the  Los Angeles Police Department also indicated that it is monitoring all developments.

“We want to reassure every Angeleno that we continue to coordinate with all of our federal, state, and local partners for intelligence and information sharing during the ongoing Middle East conflict,” the LAPD told City News Service. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it also remains on heightened alert as authorities monitor developments related to the conflict in the Middle East.

The department said public safety remains its top priority and officials are watching for a range of potential threats, including lone-actor attacks, sleeper cells and cyber-related risks.

“Out of an abundance of caution, and in recognition of current religious observances, the department has continued increased patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions, and other prominent locations throughout the county,” the department said.

At the Academy Awards, enhanced security measures will include vehicle screenings, the deployment of bomb-sniffing dogs, pre-deployed SWAT teams, undercover local officers and federal agents and snipers on rooftops.

A one-mile security perimeter will be in place around the theater.

“The FBI routinely works with our local law enforcement partners responsible for security at special events in and around Los Angeles, including the Academy Awards, in order to share intelligence and provide resources where needed,” Laura Eimiller, spokeswoman at the bureau’s Los Angeles field office, told City News Service on March 11. 

City News Service  

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A warning is given. Mary Godwin Shelley appears on screen, back from the dead, to announce her disappointment in her early demise (poetic license because she died in her 50s) and her unfinished work—she had intended to write a companion piece to Frankenstein, pun intended, one that would be entirely from the female perspective. After Mary’s onscreen warning of what’s to come, we are transported to Chicago in the 1930s. The city is owned by Lupino, the gangster controlling all the rackets and cops in town. He does not cotton to women with big mouths and the jars behind him attest to his dislike of mouthy women. Ida, a wild thing, unapologetic of her sex, both gender and employment, has run afoul of the big boss. Slapped around by his henchmen, Ida takes a fatal fall and is hastily buried. (Note for those not versed in film history: combine Ida and Lupino and you have the name of one of the first successful female directors in the talkie era.)

Frankenstein, heretofore called Frank, has been wandering the earth for eons, alone and in desperate need of companionship. It is not mere coincidence that his travels have taken him to Chicago where he alights on the doorstep of Dr. Euphronious. He has heard that she is capable of reanimation. She is reluctant to try again because all previous successful experiments had been on animals. He is very convincing. First order of business, a not too stiff stiff. Under cover of night, they steal off to the nearest cemetery and dig up a fresh corpse, the recently deceased Ida.

Electrodes and wires akimbo, sparks fly, literally and figuratively, and a recognizable Ida, hair statically enhanced, emerges from the laboratory gurney. The primary side effects, however, are the indigo stains at her mouth and along her arms resembling a Rorschach test gone awry. Still, all in all, not a bad try. Stripped of memory, she can be whatever he, or primarily she, makes her to be. He’ll call her Penelope; she’ll make it Penny, but either way, she’s the Bride.

Arm in arm, emerging from Euphronious’ elegant mansion, Frank wants to take her to the movies. He wants to share his love of screen star Ronnie Reed, the handsome song and dance man. She does not yet understand, but Ronnie Reed is everything Frank wants to be. He daydreams himself on screen mimicking the dance steps and melodies of his hero (think Peter Boyle as the monster with top hat and tails, performing “Putting on the Ritz” in “Young Frankenstein”). Ronnie Reed and the Bride are Frank’s Achilles’ heels.

They are, to say the least, an unusual looking couple and, inevitably, attract the wrong kind of scrutiny. Frank has always had a hard time gauging his own strength and the body count begins to rise. Running afoul of the law, they take it on the lam, stealing a car and capturing the imagination of the public following their exploits in the news. Detective Jake Wiles and his intrepid secretary/assistant Myrna Malloy (as in Myrna Loy, the box office queen in the 30’s) are on the case but always a step or two behind. The wily Wiles knows, however, that Frank will be stopping at every theater showing a Ronnie Reed movie along the way and begins to track him by the movies playing along their escape route.

Penny is the catalyst, fighting alongside Frank and driving the getaway car. Her independence and “take no prisoners” approach has lit a fire in women across the country who copy the indigo pattern on Penny’s face and chant “Me Too, time’s up.” They are Bonnie and Clyde on no particular mission. Their relationship has been growing and Penny, now devoted to Frank, is willing to make it legal. Forces are combining to thwart their plans.

Gyllenhaal has made a film of sound and fury signifying nothing, but that is, in a way, her point. She has mashed everything up and doesn’t stay on one thing too long. Yes, there’s a momentary feminist bent but this is an entertainment not a diatribe. The adventures of Frank and Penny, whose true identity eventually becomes known as they are chased not just by the police but by Lupino’s men as well. They skip merrily from one misadventure to another, growing closer as the chaos increases. They are partners in crime and love and what Dr. Euphronious has joined together, let no man cast asunder.

Although criticized by many for its meanderings and stunted themes lacking in development, I would propose that this is exactly the point. Feminism may be a somewhat undeveloped undercurrent but “The Bride” is pandemonium and an homage to many of Gyllenhaal’s favorite things. I have caught a few of the obvious homages like Ida Lupino and Myrna Loy, but there are, no doubt, many others. The color palette is frighteningly bold, with its primary colors bleeding off the screen. The playlist is a mishmash of songs, old and new, from the canon of 30’s hits like “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling” and punk rock songs from Fever Ray to the occasional dip into Schubert. Stay for the end credits and be treated to the song you knew had to be coming. Hildur Guđnadóttir has created a punk score that both mirrors and contrasts with the mood on screen.

Costuming by three-time Oscar winner Sandy Powell contributes to the bright and messy themes. Production designer Karen Murphy has created a specific time and place set that locates the film in the here and now of the era using the saturated tones chosen by Gyllenhaal. Cinematographer Lawrence Sher blends the real with the surreal.

And what a cast! Jessie Buckley is Ida/the Bride/Mary Shelley and carries this hodge podge on her often bared shoulders. Christian Bale, as you’ve never seen him, plays the subdued Frank awakened by his love for the Bride, a somewhat reluctant Clyde Barrow to her shoot from the hip Bonnie. Annette Bening is the easily convinced Dr. Euphronious and Jeannie Berlin is her hilarious maid and Igor-figure Greta stealing everything but the wall paper. Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie’s brother,  plays the movie god Ronnie Reed, seen primarily in on-screen movie clips doing his own singing and dancing. There may be something more than transference in Frank’s idolization of this star. The sympathetically crooked Detective Wiles is Peter Sarsgaard, Maggie’s partner in real life; his assistant, the lovely Myrna Malloy is played by a luscious Penelope Cruz.

Initial box office returns indicate that “The Bride” may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it was mine and time will tell if this worthy film might gain more traction in cult status as people gradually catch on to the joke.

Now playing at The Grove and other theaters throughout Los Angeles. 

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

The post ‘The Bride’—Here She Comes, Ready or Not appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The item was placed on the agenda by Board President Judy Manouchehri, who requested that the board hold a study session to learn more about how technology is being used in classrooms and how it impacts students. 

“I am interested in the developmentally appropriate use of technology in the classroom and beyond,” she said. “The problem is that what you want for your 4-year-old is different than what you want for your 10-year-old, is different than what you want for your 14-year-old, and is different than what you want for your 18-year-old. We, as a board and as a district, are tasked with getting it right for so many different age levels and for so many different purposes.” 

Manouchehri added that she has heard various points of view from teachers in the district regarding the use of tech in the classroom, particularly the widely used classroom program iReady. 

“I think that [teachers are] on both sides of the coin,” she said. “Some of them want to do the iReady. Some of them don’t want to do the iReady. And it’s hard for me to answer them one way or another, because I don’t have enough information.” 

All board members were in support of holding a study session on the issue. Board Member Amanda Stern noted that some programs are perhaps deployed too frequently but added that technological skills are a necessary part of education in the current moment and looking ahead. 

“Let’s look at the reality of, say, 2030,” she said. “Some of the emerging core skills that are projected at that time are AI and big data…technological literacy, as well as understanding systems in computers.” 

Stern added that most college campuses have thoroughly integrated apps and software into their learning environments. 

“That is just a part of our world,” she said. “So, we really need to make a demarcation between the very young brains and making sure that the students that we graduate from our schools are those that are career ready and poised to be economically independent and having viable careers. And very often that involves a minimum of, say, understanding how the cloud works and … Google Docs and all that sort of thing.”

BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss agreed to look at schedules and propose some options for a study session. 

In other business, the board heard from the president of the Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) Israel Club about a controversial speech given on Feb. 17 at the school by internet personality Ben Azoulay. 

Azoulay faced allegations of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 2008 when he was 18. His  online content includes derogatory speech about women and exhortations for students to stop their education at a young age. 

The club president said that BHHS knew in advance about Azoulay’s talk and approved the event. 

“In planning this event, I submitted all the required forms, and the event was approved by the school, and I have documentation proving this,” he said. “Why would the school explicitly approve a guest speaker to come on campus, then subsequently penalize us for bringing him?” 

These comments seem to contradict statements from the district. In a comment to the Courier following Azoulay’s address to students, Superintendent Alex Cherniss said, “Had the principal or district known ahead of time, [Azoulay] would have never been approved to speak to this student club.” 

The club president additionally stated that as a result of Azoulay’s talk, Rabbi Daniel Illulian, whom the club president described as the club’s “rabbi and spiritual mentor,” has been indefinitely banned from entering the school. 

Speaking to the Courier at the end of February after the event took place, Illulian stated that he knew about the allegations against Azoulay in advance of the talk. 

“I did hear of alleged stories…and I reached out to him,” Illulian 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.” 

Public records reviewed by the Courier include a civil lawsuit in which Azoulay admitted his guilt on a charge of oral copulation with a minor, and in at least one public video posted to Azoulay’s Instagram account, Azoulay states that he was held in jail for 30 days. 

Illulian additionally stated that he offered Azoulay some guidelines about what would be appropriate to talk about, and, calling his speech “incredible,” said that Azoulay “really inspired the kids.” 

In a statement to the Courier following the event, Manouchehri said of the talk and permitting Azoulay on campus that she was “deeply disappointed that this oversight occurred.”  

The post BHUSD Board Discusses Restricting Education Technology 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.

As reported in the Courier, the Metro Purple (D) Line Extension is set to open its first phase, from Koreatown to Beverly Hills, on May 8. New stations will open at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega. According to Metro officials, the journey from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles to the edge of Beverly Hills will take approximately 20 minutes. Plans call for the line to eventually extend to Westwood/West LA. 

The D Line extension is part of Metro’s “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative, put in place to enhance transit infrastructure for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Traveling through Mid-Wilshire to experience the culture, cuisine and commerce across diverse neighborhoods will be easier, faster and more accessible. The opening of Section 1 of the D Line extension also brings us three stops closer to connecting Metro to the Westside, including the 2028 Olympic Village at UCLA where the world’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes will reside,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and City of Whittier Council Member. “That connectivity from Downtown LA to the Westside will serve as a lasting legacy for all Angelenos.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The event also honored Patricia and John Nickoll with the Douglas M. Mancino Spirit of Humanity Award, which was renamed this year in memory of Mancino, who was a co-founder of CBF and who died in September 2025. 

The dinner was attended by over 500 people. The total funds raised have not yet been calculated. 

The evening began with a cocktail hour and silent auction, offering items for bidding such as a VIP tour of the Beverly Hills Fire Department and ride-along in a fire truck; a Porsche driving experience and four tickets to an L.A. Rams game.  

Emcee Fritz Coleman, the vice chairman of the board and retired NBC4 weathercaster, made opening remarks. He welcomed attendees and took a moment to honor Mancino.  

“Tonight, we come together in celebration of courage and compassion and community,” said Coleman. “We also recognize the inspired contributions and leadership of Douglas M. Mancino, who we lost this last year.”

The nonprofit CBF offers services such as medical care, reconstructive surgeries and emotional and psychological support to children who suffer burn injuries and their families. Their support continues throughout the child’s and family’s years of recovery. 

Jessica Pashkow, who co-chaired the dinner with her husband, Pash Pashkow, also addressed attendees.

“This evening is more than an event,” she said. “It’s a promise—a promise that no child will endure the long road of burn recovery alone.”

During a live auction, guests were invited to bid on items including a seven-night stay in a luxury villa in Costa Rica, lunch with Wyle on the Warner Bros. lot and a vacation at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

In remarks during the program, Patty and John Nickoll expressed their gratitude for the honor of receiving the Douglas M. Mancino Spirit of Humanity Award.

“Patty and I are thrilled to receive this honor from the Children’s Burn Foundation,” said John.

“Doug Mancino was a dear friend, and to receive the Spirit of Humanity Award in his name is truly special and meaningful to us,” said Patty. 

Dami Mokuolu, a burn survivor who was injured at age three and a half and went through more than 50 surgeries, spoke to the audience about his experience healing from his burns through help from CBF. 

“I vividly remember returning to school while under excruciating pain from surgeries, having to endure that pain on a daily basis all while just trying to fit in, being bullied and ridiculed for what made me different,” he said. “What brought me solace was knowing that I wasn’t facing this alone. CBF gave me the medical, emotional and physical support to move forward. They provided me with a safe place to call home … this is the path that has shaped me into the confident and resilient man you see today.”

Wyle, the executive producer, writer, director and star of “The Pitt,” acknowledged his parents in the audience during his remarks. Wyle noted that his mother is a nurse and his stepfather was a Marine who later served in a photography unit and took time-lapse images of healing burn wounds. 

“I was raised to know two things: health care workers do angel work, and burns are as bad as bad as it can get,” he said. “I’ve spent a good deal of my professional career working in television emergency departments, but I am not an actual physician … the real heroes are the health care workers who dedicate their careers and lives to helping others.”

Speaking to the Courier after the event, Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton praised the work of CBF. 

“Burn prevention saves lives, and the work of Children’s Burn Foundation plays a vital role in supporting both prevention and recovery,” he said. “Members of the Beverly Hills Fire Department were proud to be part of the evening and to see so many from the medical community, burn survivor families, and supporters gathered to honor Patricia and John Nickoll, whose generosity has made a lasting impact in the Beverly Hills community. Events like Giving New Hope highlight the power of community coming together to support children and families on their journey to recovery.”

For more information or to donate, visit www.childburn.org.  

The post Noah Wyle and Nickolls Honored by Children’s Burn Foundation appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Demeter replied that preparation should begin “now.” 

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

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

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

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

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

The commission approved the request unanimously. 

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

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

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

The Planning Commission will meet again on March 12. 

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

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.

Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes against Israel and allied military bases across the Gulf, including in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Israel has expanded the campaign into Lebanon. Six U.S. servicemembers have been killed thus far and as of press time, the conflict is escalating.

After the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles and the greater Los Angeles became home to the largest concentration of people of Iranian descent outside of Iran. The Courier reached out to several prominent members of that community residing in Beverly Hills. They shared their thoughts on the death of Khamenei and the dream of returning to a democratic Iran.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian provided this statement:

“This is an emotional time as we watch the events unfolding in Iran,” she wrote. “Many in our community have deep family ties, personal memories and strong emotions connected to what is happening. Information is still developing, and reports continue to evolve. Please check in on your neighbors. If you see something concerning, report it. And most importantly, let us remain united. We are strongest when we stand together. We pray for peace.”

Former Beverly Hills Planning Commissioner Joe Shooshani said that when he learned about Khamenei’s death, he allowed himself to dream of returning to Iran for the first time in 50 years.

“We found out he was dead early in the morning after the first day,” he said. “There was happiness, shock, sadness, all sorts of feelings when your biggest enemy dies. Happiness is a part of it, some sadness, some reservation, what’s going to happen, is it going to succeed, not going to succeed. You feel like now you can go, maybe go back to the old country and see it. I haven’t been there in 50 years. One of my dreams is to go back and see where I was born, and my childhood.”

Shooshani’s family, including his two older brothers and sister, came to Beverly Hills from the western city of Hamadan fifty years ago, fleeing Jewish persecution. He added that he was grateful to the U.S. for acting to end the Iranian regime.

“After forty, fifty years, things are turning and we can hopefully get back the country,” he said. “We are very thankful to Trump for what he’s doing, and I think he will succeed.”

While it is impossible to predict what the future holds for the governance of the country, Shooshani believes the best possible outcome is for exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to lead Iran’s transition to a democracy.

Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Board Member David Mirharooni said his parents came to Beverly Hills in 1978 for their honeymoon and never returned. His parents were born in Tehran and his father’s family was from Kermanshah. 

After the U.S. struck Iran and Khamenei died, Mirharooni said that he was filled with joy and the hope that his family could one day return.

“My culture, how I speak, the languages that I speak, the mannerisms that I have, are very identifiably Persian,” he said. “And to be able to one day say to my wife and kids that I’m able to now travel freely to that country because we’re no longer being persecuted is very hopeful. That’s where I have that joy, to be able to potentially, without persecution, without looking at me down because I’m Jewish, to be able to go to a country and teach my kids and, God willing, my grandkids one day, what our culture is all about and how I was raised is a very exciting time.”

Mirharooni added that he hopes the result of the war is to bring back democratic ideals to the Iranian people.

“I think that the war is necessary to root out the regime, and to the extent that the regime is there, I think that the war is going to continue,” Mirharooni said. “Ideally, the regime gets changed immediately. And I don’t know who that leader is but ultimately, it’s a leader that represents the values that are not religious based; the Western values that were there in the 1970s, the Western values that Israel has, the Western values that the United States has.”

Former Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board President Nooshin Meshkaty said she immediately jumped and hugged her husband when she learned about the death of Khamenei. She later participated in the celebrations at the Westwood Federal Building along with her community.

“I have three children, and you know the joy that you feel when your children are born. This was even a bigger pleasure,” she told the Courier. “Just imagine that you have given birth to 90 million free people. You feel like there is a path forward for them to be able to reach that light at the end of the tunnel.”

Meshkaty immigrated from Iran along with her five siblings in 1977 to pursue an education in the U.S. She went on to become heavily involved in the Beverly Hills community while working as an Instrument Electronics Engineering Manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

As someone who has spent her life advocating for democracy in Iran, Meshkaty said she hopes the military action will lead to the Iranian people being able to choose their own government.

“I am so sad to hear the six lives that we’ve already lost within our troops from the U.S.,” she said. “But I’m hoping for minimal casualties throughout as this mission gets completed, and as it was stated by our president, this is a mission to hopefully change the regime in Iran, to remove all the obstacles for people to be able to rise up and choose their next government.”

Meshkaty added that she also hopes Pahlavi will become the leader of Iran and help transition the country to democracy. She added that Americans can urge their representatives not to advocate against the war.

“I want to encourage everyone to not be involved with your party-line activities. Focus on the humanitarian act and remember how evil this regime is and what they have been doing to 93 million people in Iran,” she said. “Look at this as a rescue mission, more than you would look at it as a war.” 

The post Beverly Hills Iranian Community Responds to Conflict appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Moderated by journalist Alex Cohen of Spectrum News, the event was a collaboration between Jewish Federation Los Angeles (JFEDLA), Jewish California (formerly JPAC), Jewish Community Relations Bay Area and 12 cosponsors. It drew an in-person audience of approximately 1,000 and more than 3,400 online viewers. 

Speaking to the Courier, Rabbi Noah Farkas, JFEDLA’s president and chief executive officer, described the importance of holding the event at this moment. 

“We really need to understand, as Californians, where these candidates stand on issues important to the Jewish community around antisemitism, Israel, education, even prosperity and affordability and taking care of Holocaust survivors,” he said. “The best way to do that is to bring everyone in a room and ask them a question and hear what they have to say.”

Jessie Kornberg, the Skirball’s president and CEO, added that the community wants real answers. 

“It’s important for these candidates to hear that we are not here to be pandered to,” she said. “We’re not here for a superficial conversation. We want to know how all of California is going to thrive in any future administration. We want to make sure Jews are included in that calculus. We want to make sure we don’t revert to stereotypes.” 

The candidates who participated in the forum were former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, political commentator Steve Hilton, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, entrepreneur Tom Steyer and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell. 

During their opening remarks, the candidates each described their connection to or support for the Jewish community. 

“I don’t want our Jewish community just to be safe or just be tolerated,” said Mahan. “I want you to be celebrated for the deep civic, cultural, economic contributions you make to this state every day, and as governor, I will be your biggest ally.” 

Steyer noted that his father served as a naval officer in the Second World War and was the assistant to the chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials. 

“If you’re wondering how deeply I care about diversity, about the Jewish community, specifically knowing where [antisemitism] can go, knowing the increasing number of events, stop wondering,” he said. “I understand where this can go, and I couldn’t possibly take it more seriously.”

Speaking about Assembly Bill 715, which was passed in 2025 and creates new accountability systems and stronger responses to antisemitism and discrimination, each candidate emphasized the importance of the legislation. 

Hilton said his focus would be on enforcement. 

“I think we’re very good in this state at passing laws and then not really enforcing them,” he said. “We have to make sure this actually happens … we’ve got to make sure that every single part of our system roots out the ideology of division and hate and anti-Jewish hate.”

Villaraigosa drew attention to a pin on his lapel, which appeared to depict the Israeli flag. 

“When you start talking about aggressor and oppressor and basically say that Israel doesn’t have a right to exist—I wear this pin because I believe in Israel’s right to exist,” he said. “I wear this pin because I know what ‘from the river to the sea’ means. I stood with this community [in years past], and I will stand with this community.”

All candidates stated that they reject the idea of severing ties with Israel or divesting from partnerships with the country. 

“You don’t have to agree with the government of Israel to be able to say strongly and clearly that Israel has a right to exist, to defend itself, to be proud of its history, of its culture, its people … in Silicon Valley, I’ve lost count of how many brilliant entrepreneurs, investors I’ve met from Israel who have brought incredible innovation to our state, and that exchange is something we need to continue to invest in,” said Mahan. 

Asked about activities conducted in the state by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Swalwell stated that if elected, he would use emergency powers if necessary, and “go on offense every single day.”  

“The next governor of California has to build a firewall between President Trump, his ICE agents and all Californians,” said Swalwell. “For 14 years, I have represented a community where 40% of my constituents were born outside of the United States … I have voted against ICE funding. They need to be stripped down from the root to the stem. I have introduced legislation that would take away their qualified immunity. They think they’re invincible. They’re not.” 

The candidates will compete in the primary election on June 2. The top two vote-getters in the primary will advance to the general election on Nov. 3.   

The post Gubernatorial Candidates Convene for Jewish Coalition appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The conversation focused on navigating leadership roles, supporting other women, setting and breaking boundaries, risk-taking and balancing a variety of personal and professional roles. The panel was moderated by Brooke Thomas, morning anchor for Good Day LA and featured business owners, tech and media entrepreneurs.

The conversation began with each guest speaking on what “owning their future” meant to them. Anastasia Soare, the founder and CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills, spoke about how her definition of success changed over many years after immigrating to the U.S. from Romania and later building a worldwide business.

“Success, to me, was to have a job, to be able to speak the language, to be able to have some money to pay my rent, and have a decent life,” she said. “That was the success in 1990, and 10 years later, I launched my line, opened a store in Beverly Hills and launched a product line. Success at that time was to be able to put the products in so many hands. In 2018, the big success was the company was valued at $3 billion, and that was success that I couldn’t even dream of when I came here. Today’s success, to me, is to be able to give back.”

The conversation shifted to unexpected career pivots, and Liz Hernandez, a podcast host and creator of the brand WORDAFUL, spoke on how her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis inspired her to pivot from entertainment news to creating her own podcast.

“So, when the moment came where my mother was losing her words, I thought my personal legacy can’t be what Britney Spears had for breakfast,” she said. “That’s where WORDAFUL was created. That’s where the intention of this podcast, which is called ‘No Room for Small Talk,’ started. It’s really wanting to be of service. I want to be able to pour into my community, because they were there for me through all my transitions, through all the pivots, which just felt like natural growth. And when your community watches you grow and watches you go through grief, all you want to do is pour back into them. And so, this podcast, to me, feels very much like a classroom.”

Alexa Mateen-Abdi, co-founder of Tinder and CEO and creative director of lifestyle brand LALA LEXA and a Beverly Hills native, spoke on how she pivoted from working for a large company like Tinder to doing what she always wanted, having her own handbag line. She added that in running her own business, she was able to take ownership of her life by controlling how much her business grew, which allowed her to invest in her roles as a mother, wife, sister and daughter as much as she wanted.

Durana Elmi, the co-founder, education and outreach officer and chief experience officer of supplement company Cymbiotika, spoke about getting her strength from a community of women and her parents, who immigrated from Afghanistan.

“The most important thing for me has been to have a strong network of women,” she said. “Many of us are moms up here, and you always have that mom guilt. I did today, just coming here and balancing it all, whether you have a significant other, or a company, and then just being present for your loved ones. So, the women in my life, and there’s many of them that are here today, have really just helped me, guided me. … And I think that supporting yourself with women, like-minded women, women that you look up to, I was telling Anastasia when I was at UCLA, I used to drive by her little shop and say that one day I hope I can afford to get my brows done.”

Nazarian, the daughter of Iranian immigrants and the first Iranian American woman to be elected mayor of Beverly Hills, spoke on the impact of her immigrant parents and how her vision of leadership changed throughout her life.

“One thing that my mom always told me is she didn’t have an opportunity to go to university, and that wasn’t common for a lot of women in Iran at that time, and she always said that the one thing that no one can ever take away from you is what’s up here,” she said. “So, make sure to educate yourself, and that doesn’t have to be formal education. If you are interested in something, if you care about something, be the best at your craft. Really train yourself, encourage yourself, trust yourself and work hard at it. I believe in hard work, just like all of these ladies up here, they’ve all worked extremely hard to be where they are today. And the other thing is to refuse a victim mentality.”

The night ended with each guest sharing how setting specific boundaries helped their businesses grow and allowed them to invest in their personal lives. Hernandez told the audience that the most important boundaries she established were around her own behavior.

“I always say ‘no’ is a complete sentence,” she said. “The most important boundaries I’m learning in this season are the boundaries I have for myself. It’s about, what am I consuming? It’s about making sure I’m getting enough sleep. It’s about boundaries with my inner dialogue, that I’m not allowed to beat myself up. I have to be kind to myself.”

“Self-love is the greatest form of self-discipline,” Elmi added.

The panel resonated with the audience, who gave a standing ovation to close out the night.  

The post “Women Owning Their Futures Event” Draws Positive Response appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The court agreed with the city’s interpretation. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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“F-1,” with a cast that boasts Brad Pitt, relies primarily on its occasionally exciting racing footage at actual Formula One tracks like Abu Dhabi and Las Vegas. The movie itself suffers from a lack of originality with the theme of an old-timer (Pitt) agreeing to come back into the game after a devastating accident years before to help out a close friend (Javier Bardem) and mentor a young turk with potential (Damson Idris). No surprises. The characters are all stereotypes and the script actually dulls some of the racing rivalries. Still, the star power and the race footage brought lots of eyeballs to this Apple-produced film. See it now on Apple.

Both “Frankenstein” and “Train Dreams” were intended for streaming by Netflix and released only nominally in theaters. “Frankenstein,” a creation by Guillermo del Toro, is a visual masterpiece but never seems to heat up despite casting two hunks in the roles of Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) and the monster (Jacob Elordi). Del Toro is a master at painting a picture, and he more than succeeds with his “Frankenstein,” from the chilly Arctic locations to its Victorian London environs, but the possibilities of making this a more universally themed classic seem to have been missed. The relationship between Victor and his monster is clearly love/hate with slight homoerotic overtones. The yelling, screaming, fright and fighting is there, but what is missing is the emotion, leaving the film all form and no substance.

“Train Dreams” is a real puzzle. A critical darling, it left me completely cold and surprised by its nomination. Starring Joel Edgerton, directed by Clint Bentley and based on a novella by Denis Johnson, it is a character study of one man’s life in the woods as he makes his way through the forests of Oregon as a lumberjack. Chopping trees is hard work and leaves little time to bond with his fellow men. Passively, always a watcher and rarely a participant, he sees racial violence against Chinese co-workers, bar room fights and death by falling trees. Finding a wife, he determines that he will build a better life for his small family, one that eventually includes a daughter, but even that is thwarted when, in fitting tribute to the vicissitudes of nature, they are lost in a forest fire. Never giving up hope, he lives the rest of his life in solitude, always with the hope that they are not dead and will eventually find their way back to him. Life goes on around him and the changes are massive, ones that, again, he views impassively. And then he dies. That’s it.

Most of the nominations for actors have already been mentioned. A few, however, were not in Oscar-nominated films. Ethan Hawke was nominated for his role in “Blue Moon,” a movie I absolutely hated. Hawke was better in the film than I credited him with. He portrayed Lorenz Hart, the prolific and brilliant lyricist of songs like “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” “Falling in Love with Love,” “Isn’t It Romantic” and, of course, his least favorite creation, his golden goose, “Blue Moon.” Hawke portrays him at the end of his life, miserable, a closeted homosexual, alcoholic and no longer collaborating with Richard Rodgers. It is the opening night of “Oklahoma” and Hart is beside himself with anxiety. Perhaps I was mostly put off by the tricks used to disguise the 5’10” Hawke as a man of the petite stature of 5 feet at best. The gyrations needed to make him look short were distracting.

Rose Byrne received a Best Actress nomination for her stunning turn as an overwhelmed mother in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” The Golden Globe winner for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical was a head-scratcher. This was a very dramatic role, but the Globes had already given Best Actress in a Drama to Jessie Buckley for “Hamnet” and, no doubt, felt a need to honor Byrne for her brave performance. The Globes has done this in the past when they felt the need to honor two different actors who should have been in the same grouping. Case in point was when they shoehorned Matt Damon in “The Martian” into the Comedy and Musical category. Byrne is very good but has a tendency to play this role at the top register, leaving her very little room to maneuver to the quieter moments.

Kate Hudson’s Best Actress nomination was for her role in “Song Sung Blue,” playing Claire, part of a Neil Diamond tribute duo. The film, one of my favorites of the year, did not get a lot of love from the Academy and Hudson campaigned hard for the film and her role in it. As Claire, she showed the range and depth of a middle class woman who finds happiness in life with the right partner only to be felled in a freak accident and have to claw her way back to health. It could have been cliché. Even though this is based on a real person, the “finding happiness in love and life, losing it all and then working to regain it” is not a new concept. That Hudson breathes life into this formula is a tribute to her acting.

What were the surprises and snubs? There were several. From my point of view, “F-1” was a nod to commercial success. It was certainly deserving of all the technical nominations it received, but it was a stretch to call this overworked scenario full of stereotypic characters a viable Best Picture. I feel similarly about “Train Dreams,” which left me cold from beginning to end. I still can’t figure it out. Ethan Hawke’s nomination for “Blue Moon” was a surprise but, given that Paul Mescal was the actor who would probably have gotten that slot, it was, as they say, six of one half a dozen of another. Elle Fanning’s Best Supporting Actress nomination still puzzles me. She’s fine but doesn’t rise to the level of the others in the very fine “Sentimental Value.”

The snubs were more plentiful. The omission of “Wicked for Good” was startling. It was a box office behemoth with the same wonderful cast and marvelous effects. Of no more substance than “F-1,” it surely deserved a place at the same table.

Jesse Plemons, as critical to “Bugonia” as Emma Stone, was, for some reason, not nominated in either the Best or Supporting Actor category. It’s a puzzlement, as the lyrics from “The King and I” express. I was surprised that Jennifer Lawrence did not get a nomination for her harrowing portrayal of a woman in the throes of mental illness brought on by postpartum depression, exacerbated by an unfaithful husband and an unfriendly environment in “Die, My Love.” Lawrence was outstanding in a film that wasn’t, so it’s probably similar to a great player on an unremarkable team not getting an MVP. Kathleen Chalfant was amazing in a little-seen film called “Familiar Touch.” She portrayed a woman descending gradually into dementia as she adjusts to her new assisted living quarters. Rarely, if ever, has the slow tumble into memory loss, with occasional flashes of lucidity, been depicted with such sensitivity and subtlety. Criminally underused in film and on stage, Chalfant has always been an actor of immense depth.

My favorite film of the year, “The Life of Chuck” was ignored along with Tom Hiddleston, an actor who deserved a nomination. Granted, this small film, based on a Stephen King novella, had an interesting but confusing structure, starting at the end and ending at the beginning, it demanded a great deal of attention on the part of the viewer to put the puzzle pieces together. But the clues are all there in a poem by Walt Whitman and Carl Sagan’s explanation of the Cosmos, leading to the eventual understanding of the intersecting parts and players. It is totally satisfying and begs to be watched multiple times (I’ve seen it four times and each deepens my understanding of King’s intentions). Hiddleston portrays Chuck with colors that I didn’t even know existed. Assured from end to beginning (remember it starts with Act Three and ends at Act One), he is the everyman for every occasion. As this film, and his stage work, attests, Hiddleston is so much more than Loki! See it on Netflix.

Watch the Oscars on ABC and Hulu on March 15 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time. Conan O’Brien is your host.  

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

The post Hits, Misses and Oscars, Oh My Part II appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Clinton released the following statement with her announcement.

“I know what it takes for someone to succeed as a legislator: it requires a deep knowledge of policy, a passion for collaboration, and a sincere commitment to serving their constituents. I’m proud to endorse Brian Goldsmith for the California State Senate because he offers a rare combination of skills, relationships, and experience. 

I’ve known Brian since he worked on my 2000 Senate race, and since then, he has made a positive impact as a journalist, entrepreneur, and adviser to Democrats around the country. Brian will be an extraordinary State Senator, and I am excited to see the difference he will make for California.”

Goldsmith, who delayed the start of college to work on Clinton’s 2000 U.S. Senate campaign, expressed his appreciation for her support:

“I am incredibly honored to have earned the endorsement of one of my heroes, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Secretary Clinton has broken barriers her entire career and served our country with distinction for decades. As first lady, she fought to pass the Children’s Health Insurance Program—which to this day covers more than 7 million kids nationwide. As a senator, she brought Democrats and Republicans together to pass important legislation and helped to rebuild New York after 9/11. As secretary of state, she built alliances and negotiated ceasefires. 

And of course, she won millions more votes than Donald Trump in 2016—and our country, and California, would have been far better off had she won the election. I am truly humbled to have her support.”  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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On Oct. 6, 2025, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (“AB”) 325, amending the Cartwright Act to directly address algorithmic price coordination. The law became effective Jan. 1, 2026, and makes California the most aggressive state in regulating pricing algorithms, across all industries. The legislation makes two specific practices illegal. First, it prohibits using or distributing a common pricing algorithm as part of an agreement to restrain trade. Second, it prohibits using or distributing such an algorithm if the person coerces another to adopt the recommended price or commercial term.

The proponents of AB 325 stated: “It doesn’t matter if price fixing happens behind closed doors or through artificial intelligence, it’s wrong either way. Californians face an affordability crisis, with basic needs like food and housing increasingly priced beyond their means. Unknown to consumers, digital tools are accelerating the “price crisis,” resulting in higher costs and fewer choices. AB 325 updates California’s antitrust laws to address modern technologies being used for illegal price fixing.”

AB 325 defines a common pricing algorithm as any methodology, including software or other technology, used by two or more persons that uses competitor data to recommend, align, stabilize, set, or otherwise influence a price or commercial term. This definition is deliberately broad. The statute does not distinguish between public and non-public competitor data, meaning that even algorithms using publicly available pricing information could violate the law if they facilitate coordination among competitors. The legislation applies across all industries operating in California, not just rental housing.

AB 325 also fundamentally changed how antitrust cases can be litigated in California. Previously, plaintiffs alleging price-fixing had to meet a high pleading standard, demonstrating facts that excluded the possibility that defendants were acting independently. Under the new law, plaintiffs need only show that the existence of a conspiracy to restrain trade is plausible. This relaxed standard makes it substantially easier for cases to survive early dismissal and proceed to discovery, where plaintiffs can obtain internal documents and communications that reveal coordination.

California paired this legislation with Senate Bill (“SB”) 763, which dramatically increases penalties for Cartwright Act violations. Criminal fines for corporations jumped from $1 million to $6 million per violation. Individual violators face penalties up to $1 million per violation, increased from $250,000. The Attorney General and district attorneys can seek civil penalties up to $1 million per violation. These penalties are cumulative, meaning they can be imposed in addition to other remedies available under California law.

The significance of this legislative framework came into focus even before the law took effect, as two large settlements were announced that dealt with algorithmic pricing. On Nov. 18, 2025, California Attorney General Bonta announced a $7 million settlement with property management company, Greystar Management Services LLC. As part of the settlement, Greystar agreed to stop using any software that uses competitively sensitive information to align rent prices.

On Nov. 24, 2025, the federal Department of Justice announced a settlement with RealPage for the company to change its business practices to cease having its software use competitors’ nonpublic, competitively sensitive information to determine rental prices in runtime operation and cease using active lease data for purposes of training the models underlying the software, limiting model training to historic or backward-looking nonpublic data that has been aged for at least 12 months.

The combination of new legislation, federal enforcement, and state prosecution creates new legal risk for landlords and other real estate companies using pricing algorithms. The practical implications extend beyond the real estate industry, as AB 325 can apply to any industry using algorithmic pricing. 

The legal landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with enforcement likely to intensify as prosecutors have additional tools in their arsenal to essentially catch up with technology. As artificial intelligence and machine learning become more prevalent in business operations, AB 325, and the federal and state enforcement mechanisms will govern a wide range of commercial activity. For businesses trying to set pricing with algorithms, the combination of AB 325’s broad prohibitions, dramatically increased penalties, and relaxed pleading standards creates substantial compliance obligations that require immediate attention. 

Pooja S. Nair is a Partner and Chair of the Food, Beverage, and Hospitality Department at Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP. She represents clients in real estate litigation and complex business disputes involving contracts, employment, intellectual property, and fraud. Her insights have appeared in Law360, Daily Journal, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times. Before joining ECJ, she led the Food and Beverage practice at TroyGould and practiced white-collar defense at Foley & Lardner. She also serves on nonprofit boards and has been recognized as one of Los Angeles’s Top Litigators and Trial Attorneys and Most Influential Women Lawyers by the LA Business Journal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beverly Hills municipal elections will be held on June 2.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They are wrong. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., yet fewer than half of women recognize it as their greatest health threat. Among the most alarming trends: The number of women 35 to 54 experiencing heart disease and heart attacks is increasing.

For decades, heart attack death rates declined sharply, thanks to improved research, standardized treatment guidelines and widespread use of effective medications and procedures. While heart attack deaths are still much lower than they once were, the increase in heart problems among younger adults is worrying.

Multiple factors are driving this shift. Low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behavior are major contributors, along with the growing diabetes and obesity epidemic, socioeconomic stressors, and environmental factors such as poor air quality, natural disasters and other influences.

Still, there is good news: Heart disease is largely preventable. And for women in particular—who may not experience obvious symptoms or whose symptoms are subtle—knowledge is a powerful prevention tool.

Here are five things every woman needs to know to protect her heart.

More women die of cardiovascular disease than all cancers combined

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S., causing one in three deaths each year. While men tend to develop cardiovascular disease earlier, women are more likely to experience poorer outcomes.

Historically, younger women with heart disease were less likely to receive evidence-based treatments such as statins and more likely to be told they were “too young” to have heart disease—or simply advised to lose weight. These delays and dismissals have had serious consequences.

Landmark research, including the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study, which I led for the National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, helped reveal how heart disease often presents differently in women and prompted important changes in diagnostic and treatment guidelines. Despite these advances, women with heart disease are still more likely to be misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed or undertreated—sometimes delaying care that could save their lives. Knowledge can help women advocate for themselves.

Women often experience different heart attack symptoms than men

The so-called “Hollywood heart attack”—tingling in the left arm that leads to sudden, crushing chest pain—is common in men and can occur in women as well. But many women experience subtler symptoms, including shortness of breath, nausea, unusual fatigue, back or jaw pain, or chest discomfort that doesn’t feel severe or dramatic. 

Because these symptoms don’t match common expectations of a heart attack, they also have historically been overlooked or minimized. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Heart attacks can occur even if your arteries are clear

An increasing number of heart attacks are occurring in people without significant blockages in the major coronary arteries, a pattern seen more often in women. While men’s heart disease more commonly involves blockage of large arteries, women are more likely to experience dysfunction of the heart’s smaller blood vessels. This condition can lead to ischemia—a critical reduction in blood flow to tissues or organs—with no obstructive coronary artery disease, or INOCA. 

Even women who are physically fit can develop INOCA. In the past, if a woman had heart attack symptoms but a “normal” angiogram that showed clear major arteries, her condition might not have been recognized. Continued awareness and ongoing education around INOCA are helping clinicians better diagnose and treat these patients.

Heart disease develops silently over time

By the time someone has a heart attack, the disease process may have been underway for a decade or more. While heart disease can be managed with highly effective treatments, the most powerful strategy is prevention.

An estimated 80% of heart disease cases are preventable with lifestyle modifications. These include staying current with annual health screenings and knowing cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, exercising at least 30 minutes daily, getting up from sitting throughout the day (a sedentary lifestyle is considered as strong a risk factor as smoking), managing stress, getting seven to nine hours of sleep, avoiding smoking and maintaining a nutritious diet.

Also, certain life stages and conditions unique to women, such as pregnancy and menopause, can affect long-term cardiovascular risk and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Prevention is about good habits, not deprivation

A Mediterranean, plant-based diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, healthy fats such as olive oil and lean proteins is recommended for heart health. Think of it as a diet of freshness, abundance, color and beautiful foods. Parents are encouraged to help ensure their children make healthy food choices, too.

Heart health isn’t about deprivation—it’s about building habits early that can prevent disease down the road.  

C. Noel Bairey Merz, M.D., is director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, the Linda Joy Pollin Women’s Heart Health Program, the Erika J. Glazer Women’s Heart Research Initiative and the Preventive Cardiac Center in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. She also is professor of Medicine and the Irwin and Sheila Allen Trust Chair in Women’s Health Research at Cedars-Sinai. 

The post What Every Woman Needs to Know About Heart Disease appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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

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

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

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

Vice Mayor Craig Corman also said he wished the city conducted a broader search but added that Gohlich was the best candidate for the job and that his compensation is in line with market rates.

Gohlich thanked the Council for the agreement.

“I want to give my sincere thanks and gratitude to all of you,” he said. “I’m very excited in taking on the role as city manager and committed to doing my best for the city and its residents.”

In other business, the City Council approved a General Plan amendment to update the city’s Open Space Element in response to state law requirements.

Senate Bill 1425 mandates that every city update its Open Space Element by 2026 to include equitable access to open space, rewilding opportunities, strategies to combat climate change, and support for the state’s biodiversity and climate goals.

In her report, Principal Planner Chloe Chen identified 25 existing open spaces and recreational facilities in the city, as well as one planned for the future, adding that green spaces south of Santa Monica Boulevard demonstrated greater needs of improving park access. The amendment for city parks and open spaces includes increasing safe and equitable access, especially where the city’s aging population is located, increasing urban forestry, water management, public education and engagement, and regional coordination.

Corman argued for changing the language in the amendment to not mandate continuous metrics to be reported from parks and open spaces.

“It’s all well and good to want to do certain things but when you specifically commit to developing metrics or doing studies every so years, I get a little concerned that we’re going to be adding a lot of work to the Public Works staff that not necessarily is going to take us to where we want to go,” he said.

Mirisch and Corman both encouraged language in the amendment that promotes the city acquiring more land and green spaces whenever possible. The Council approved the amendment with Corman’s changes.

The Council also approved an agreement with Western State Builders, Inc. for the La Cienega Park Playground Renovation project in the amount of $1,498,598. The playground was built in the 1980s and last updated in 2007.

The renovations will feature two distinct play areas, new swings, rotating swivel play platforms and a performance stage for outdoor youth programming. The renovations are scheduled to be completed in summer 2026.

The post Council Approves Contract With New City Manager and General Plan Amendment appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In a statement, Corman said, “As a Councilmember and Vice Mayor, I’ve given a lot of thought to who would best represent our city in Sacramento. I’m pleased to endorse Brian Goldsmith, because he has a keen understanding of the issues we’re facing and the ability to build bridges between different groups to get things done for our community and the state.

I’m glad to see someone with Brian’s character and qualifications step up and run, and I look forward to working with him as we meet the challenges and opportunities ahead for Beverly Hills.”

Mirisch also released a statement announcing his support.

“I am certain that Brian will be an excellent member of the State Senate representing our community. A Beverly Hills resident, Brian understands the challenges and needs of this city, and I am particularly impressed with the leadership role he has played in combating antisemitism in California and around the country, a cause near and dear to my heart. Brian leads with intelligence and passion, and I am proud to endorse him and look forward to working closely with him in the future.”

Senate District 24 includes the cities of Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Lomita, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Santa Monica, Torrance, West Hollywood, and Westlake Village; the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Bel Air, Beverly Grove, Brentwood, Fairfax, Holmby Hills, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Little Holmby, Mid City West, Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, Sunset Hills, Venice, Westwood, and Westwood Village; and the unincorporated Los Angeles County communities of the Santa Monica Mountains and Marina Del Rey

The post Vice Mayor Corman and Councilmember Mirisch Endorse Goldsmith for State Senate appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In the housing element of its general plan, the city has committed to facilitating the development of 557 affordable housing units on city properties. The commitment is a partial fulfillment of the city’s requirement under state law to develop 3,104 housing units for all income levels by 2029.

As part of its general plan, the city has also committed to developing 125 affordable units at 8401 Wilshire Blvd., which is known as Gale Yard.

Gale Yard consists of three city-owned parcels which were being used until October 2025 by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) in relation to construction of the D-Line extension project. The city is now determining what to do with the property.

Located at the northwest corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Gale Drive, Gale Yard is approximately one block east of the Wilshire/La Cienega Metro Station and directly alongside the Clock Market building. In all, Gale Yard totals 31,280 square feet.

The city hosted two public forums in 2022 to discuss the possible development of Gale Yard. During the second forum, four priority outcomes were identified: public safety, enhanced vibrancy, parking and housing.

Members of the public who participated in the forums expressed a strong desire for a police substation on the site or nearby. The group also voiced excitement about the possibility of redeveloping the area to support new businesses such as retail and the arts.

In regard to parking, commenters suggested that vehicles should be accommodated underground in order to preserve valuable surface area and mitigate spillover into nearby residential neighborhoods.

At the Feb. 11 Study Session, several residents spoke out against the development, citing some of the same concerns such as parking and safety as those who participated in the 2022 forums.

Carly Steel, who lives in the area, said that for many of her neighbors, the proposed development is part of a trend that is “all too much, too soon.”

“We already have some of the highest crime rates in the whole of Beverly Hills, the recent homicide being notable,” she said. “It’s created a lot of stress … we’re also the first adopters of the Metro. We’re going to be the end station for several years; that’s another unknown, conditions that we don’t know what to expect, but what we can see from the precedent of the City of L.A., it’s most likely not going to improve our safety. And now we’re going to be the first ground zero to have affordable housing.”

Steel said that she and many of residents of the area would like to see the development at Gale Yard be devoted to senior living.

During discussion, councilmembers noted that additional environmental testing could help the city understand the site conditions at Gale Yard.

However, if the city does not make good on its commitment to develop affordable housing, it risks having the state decertify its Housing Element.

The lack of a certified Housing Element in the past led to 16 Builder’s Remedy applications being filed.

Councilmember Lester Friedman agreed that further environmental testing is needed, however he emphasized that it must be completed in a timely manner. He also stressed the importance of taking residents’ opinions into account.

“I think we really should do those [environmental tests], but I think we need to do those really quickly,” said Friedman. “I don’t think we can delay moving forward … if we go to an RFP, I would want to make sure that the developer listens to this tape or watches this tape, because that’ll give them an idea of where the community wants to have additions to it. I would think that we need to point out the fact that parking, retail, senior uses are really paramount to incorporate into the property.”

Vice Mayor Craig Corman agreed.

“I see no harm in, if the Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies show that this parcel, the Gale Yard, is buildable as we initially anticipated, coming back at that meeting with a draft RFP — which we’re not even issuing until we have community input on—I just think we need to be efficient in the way we proceed here,” he said. “If we do it too piecemeal like, we could run out of time, and that’s something I don’t think any of us want to have happen.”

The post City Takes Step Toward Gale Yard Development appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The individuals who received paperwork for City Council include several newcomers to public elections as well as several incumbents.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, City Councilmember Lester Friedman and Cultural Heritage Commissioner Andy Licht all pulled nomination paperwork for the City Council race on Feb. 9. Joining them were Beverly Hills Cookies owner Barry Axelrod, filmmaker Jonathan Mariande and another individual whose name has not yet been made public

The candidates will run to fill three seats currently held by Nazarian, Friedman and John Mirisch. Elections will be held on June 2.

It remains unclear as to whether Mirisch’s name will appear on the ballot. Beverly Hills Municipal Code (BHMC) 2-1-21 limits City Councilmembers and City Treasurers to three total lifetime terms. That code was put in place in 2022, the same year that Mirisch was elected to his fourth term.

California’s Government Code Section 36502(b) states that City Council term restrictions apply “prospectively only,” but city officials assert that Mirisch may not run again because his previously served terms count towards a councilmember’s total tally.

Mirisch would be running for his fifth term.

Mirisch filed a petition for writ of mandate against the city on Jan. 12 in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking to compel the clerk’s office to accept his nomination papers. A hearing is set for Feb. 23.

As of press time, Mirisch was not permitted to pull nomination paperwork from the City Clerk’s office.

It was not clear whether Howard Fisher, the incumbent City Treasurer, had pulled nomination paperwork as of press time.

Speaking to the Courier on Feb. 9, candidates expressed an overarching desire to maintain Beverly Hills’ strengths and work to solve problems facing the city.

Axelrod, whose store is located on South Beverly Drive, said that residents and businesses in that part of the city need representation.

“I think I have enough knowledge about Beverly Hills in general, the residents and the businesses to be able to make a difference,” he said. “A lot of the store owners [on South Beverly Drive] are a little bit dismayed. They don’t know what to do. They’re not experienced, or they don’t understand the new retail policies that Beverly Hills has to follow due to government and society regulations.”

Nazarian, who appeared at the City Clerk’s office with her husband and two of her adult children, voiced her hope to continue strengthening the city as a community.

“I am so excited and energized for this election season,” she said. “It’s my honor and privilege to be able to serve the city of Beverly Hills, and I am looking forward to getting things done for our community as we listen, as we learn, as we grow as a stronger, safer and more united Beverly Hills.”

Friedman, who will run for his third term on the council, expressed his desire to focus on the city’s economic well-being.

“Most important is the financial security of our city, because right now, that’s where we’re teetering,” he said. “We’re at a point where our budget is balanced. The forecast is that we will not have a balanced budget, but there are things that we can do to make sure that we stay within our means, and that’s what we need to do while not degrading any services that we have.”

Mariande said he was motivated to “get involved instead of just talk about things.”

“I think we’ve gone through a lot of turbulent times, a lot of polarizing times … I’m setting roots down here, and I really like the city of Beverly Hills a lot,” he said. “I think being involved would really energize me, and I think it sounds like there’s a lot to do.”

Licht, who pulled paperwork alongside his wife, said in a statement that he seeks to bring experienced, responsible, community-focused leadership to City Hall.

“I’m running because I want Beverly Hills to be the safest city in the country, while preserving the quality of life and community character that make it so special,” he said.  to the Courier, he said he is “very excited to begin this process.”

Prospective candidates have until March 6 to file their nomination paperwork, at which point they become official candidates.   

The post Filing Period Begins for City Council Race appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Ahmed cited the city’s interpretation of Measure TL, the term limits ordinance adopted in 2022.

The ordinance states, “The City Clerk … shall not accept or verify the signatures on any nomination paper for any person [that] will result in a City Council term that exceeds … three (3) total terms of office as a City Councilmember.”

Mirisch, who served three terms before the passage of Measure TL and is currently serving a fourth term that began the same year the measure was adopted, argued that the city is unlawfully applying the ordinance by counting terms served before Measure TL was adopted.

As previously reported by the Courier, Mirisch is challenging the city’s actions in a Petition for Writ of Mandate.

In a statement to the Courier this week, Beverly Hills City Attorney Laurence Wiener indicated that the city stands by the 2022 initiative.

“The term limits initiative was passed in 2022 by more than 81% of the voters in the city of Beverly Hills,” Wiener said. “That initiative provided that councilmembers had a lifetime limit of three terms, including terms served before the initiative was adopted. After the initiative was adopted, a court of appeal held that it was appropriate to count past terms. Furthermore, the city of Indian Wells recently adopted a term limits ordinance that counts the past terms and that was upheld in 2024 by a trial court. The city recognizes that Councilmember Mirisch does not agree with the city’s interpretation of the court of appeal opinion and has brought a lawsuit to challenge that. However, the city is obligated to enforce an initiative that has been adopted by the voters of the city of Beverly Hills.”

A court hearing on the matter is set for Feb. 23. A favorable ruling will give Mirisch two weeks to submit the required signatures on his nomination papers. Mirisch noted that if his petition is denied, he would consider filing an appeal to run in a future election.

“If I am allowed to run again, I would be allowed to serve two more terms because the city instituted term limits. Three [terms] are the maximum. Term limits passed at the same time I got reelected, so that counts as one term,” he said. “Let’s say I were fortunate enough to get reelected, I would automatically run for another term? No, I think it very much depends on who else is running, the situation our city is in, and where I’m at in my own life, but at this juncture, I feel I still have a lot to give, and want to make the case to the residents about why having me on the council is a plus for the city.”

Mirisch emphasized his record of defending the city against housing laws implemented at the state level, and his support for an amendment to the California Constitution that would restore control of urban planning and zoning solely to cities.

“Community-based decision making is always best because it’s closest to home,” he said. “I believe Sacramento’s goal is to eliminate single-family neighborhoods. … We need to allow families and people who have not had the ability to own homes in the past to become homeowners, to expand the middle class. To me, that’s extremely important. I think the American Dream is still to own.”

Mirisch, as the only City Councilmember who lives south of Santa Monica Boulevard, also said he hopes to continue putting residents first if reelected and wants to bring a diversity of voices to City Hall.

“We have had in the past councilmembers who sometimes put developers first, or staff first or businesses first,” he said. “They’re all very important, but the heart and soul of the city is the residents. … We are at a crossroads now where you see what’s happening with the city, with Builder’s Remedy, with trying to ensure the safety of the city, where surrounding us, there are not models of good government, and we need to protect our quality of life and our residents.”

The post Mirisch Blocked From Pulling Election Papers appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Dustin Seemann, the district’s assistant superintendent, said in a presentation that all elementary grade levels completed i-Ready diagnostic tests in the fall and winter and will complete another at the end of the school year. Each grade level showed improvement from the first test to the second, with significant decreases in students performing below grade level and increases in students performing at or above grade level.

During Seemann’s presentation, Board President Judy Manouchehri noted the difference between the same data presented to the board one year ago.

“This time last year, we had this conversation, and it was a totally different presentation in terms of where our students were,” she said. “It looks like we are in much better shape, and I would say, in much better control of the academics and the learning.”

Board Member Rachelle Marcus said that she was “tremendously impressed” with the changes in student performance among those who are reaching or exceeding grade level.

The diagnostic testing was also used to identify students who would benefit from High Impact Tutoring, which was fully launched in grades three through 10.

Reporting on the Spanish Dual Language Academy, which was rolled out at El Rodeo Elementary School and Horace Mann Elementary School this school year, Seemann said the program has opened enrollment for the 2026-27 school year. To date, 21 families at Horace Mann have committed to the program and 14 families have committed at El Rodeo.

Finally, Seemann reported on student engagement with extracurricular activities. According to his presentation, an additional 232 students in fifth through eighth grade engaged in off-season activities this year, including wrestling, volleyball, swimming, water polo, cheer and flag football.

Fall extracurriculars added 47 students, including 26 to the girls’ flag football team and 21 to the boys’ flag football team. Winter extracurriculars added 73 students altogether to girls’ and boys’ basketball, an academy team and a competition cheer team.

Superintendent Alex Cherniss said he plans to continue focusing on and building the district’s athletics program.

“My vision is to make those that want to choose athletics be the very best, and we need to start at a very young age … so this is just the start,” he said. “I want to continue to put resources into athletic performance, so our kids get the best equipment, the best training, and so by the time they get to high school and compete, no matter what it is, they’re going to be the best athletes.”

In other business, the board appointed local parent and investment strategist Sam Namiri to the District Finance Committee. Speaking briefly at the meeting, Namiri emphasized the importance of economic responsibility.

“I think it’s really important to be fiscally prudent and responsible so that not only are we catching up for the lack of funding in the past, but making sure future generations don’t struggle and make up for lack of funding that we do in our time period,” he said.

The board additionally approved an agreement with the law firm Orbach, Huff and Henderson for ongoing legal services. Marcus voiced concern about the necessity of bringing on another law firm since the district already contracts with Best, Best and Krieger.

Cherniss responded by noting that Orbach, Huff and Henderson specialize in “entertainment-type, revenue-generating contracts for school districts” such as advertising, billboards, signage and facilities rentals.

“The purpose of this agreement would be specifically for our enterprise fund and for revenue-generating opportunities,” he said. “They have experience with that … this is a transactional attorney that specializes in this. I’ve worked with them in the past.”

The board approved the contract in a 4-1 vote, with Board Member Amanda Stern voting no.

In a 3-0 vote, the board additionally formally rejected a claim set forth in a lawsuit filed by district parent and attorney Daniel Lifschitz, which alleged that the board violated its own bylaws by denying the position of vice president to Stern and instead installing Board Member Sigalie Sabag to the position.

Stern and Marcus abstained from the vote.

During the public comment period, district parent Ellie Kadz spoke at length about an alleged chat group with over 100 members of the BHUSD community. The chat, she said, included “character attacks” and “defamation.”

“A highly vocal subset regularly assign motives, mock others and circulate serious accusations about community members in a way that would not be acceptable in any setting,” she said.

Kadz has written several op-eds praising Board Member Russell Stuart, Sabag and Manouchehri for the Beverly Hills Standard, a digital publication founded by Stuart.

The post BHUSD Hears Update on Student Performance appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Anderson’s family roots ran deep in the city of Beverly Hills, as he was the great-grandson of Margaret Anderson and the grandson of Stanley Anderson, the original owners of the Beverly Hills Hotel, the first commercial structure in the city.

A commercial real estate broker by trade, Robbie would go on to devote his life to sharing the history of Beverly Hills and supporting the city. Drawing from his vast historical archives and memorabilia of the city, Robbie authored “The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows: The First 100 Years” in 2012 and “Beverly Hills: The First 100 Years” in 2014 as the city’s official centennial historian.

“Robbie embodied everything that we love about our city,” former Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse told the Courier. “He was a force and a visionary. He really helped shape Beverly Hills, both through his DNA and his history and his ancestry to how he lived every single day of his life. He loved Beverly Hills with every ounce of his being and only really wanted the best for our community. It was his passion. He was the ChatGPT, Google, the encyclopedia of Beverly Hills before any of that even existed. He would be the go-to for any questions about Beverly Hills.”

Robbie, along with Bosse, also designed and funded the rebuild of the world-famous Beverly Hills sign at Beverly Gardens Park and later the Lily Pond, eventually becoming one of the most photographed locations in the world.

Along with his wife Jeanne, Robbie philanthropically supported the Virginia Robinson Gardens, helping expand the garden’s programming for children and restoration funding the orchid greenhouse.

Robbie served as president of the Beverly Hills Rotary Club, a board member of the Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission, director of the Beverly Hills Tournament of Roses Committee, co-chair of the Beverly Hills Community Charitable Foundation and consulted with the city of Beverly Hills on its Master Plan.

As part of his work with the Beverly Hills Historical Society, Robbie made his centennial history of the city completely free and accessible on the society’s website.

“No one was more devoted to preserving and sharing Beverly Hills’ rich history and legacy than Robbie,” Todd Johnson, president and CEO of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, told the Courier. “His remarkable collection of Beverly Hills memorabilia, paired with an extraordinary memory for detail, made him a true steward of our community’s present and past.”

Rooted in his family’s history, Robbie strove to share where Beverly Hills came from, particularly the women who built the city, including his great-grandmother and Mary Pickford, said Kevin Miller, executive director of the Beverly Hills Historical Society, in an interview with the Courier. The city would go on to have 10 different female mayors in its history.

“One of Robbie’s other favorite phrases was ‘Every time he drinks from the well, he thanks the woman who dug it,’ and that’s how he saw his great-grandmother, Margaret,” Miller said.

Beyond his contributions to the city, Bosse said that Robbie’s character always stood out.

“He was a gentleman,” she said. “He had true integrity, and his word was his word. He was kind, he was funny, he was loyal, passionate and a real friend to not only anyone lucky enough to be close to him, but he was a real friend to our community. He made Beverly Hills a family and he was the best of the best.”

At the Feb. 12 Beverly Hills City Council meeting, Mayor Sharona Nazarian closed the meeting with a tribute to Robbie.

“Robbie and his wife Jeanne devoted decades of service to the city and we are grateful for the mark they have made on Beverly Hills,” she said. “I hope that we can honor his legacy in the future with the naming of a city street, perhaps. We are honored and blessed to have known such a wonderful human being, whose generosity and spirit and care touched many lives. Since Tuesday, we have lowered the city flag here in City Hall in his honor.”

Robbie is survived by his wife, Jeanne, son, Jack, daughter-in-law, Amanda, grandchild, Emmett, and step-grandchildren, Lila and Nova.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Beverly Hills Rotary Club, Clare Foundation or Virginia Robinson Gardens.

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Although both sides would deny it, the timing of the Golden Globes broadcast on Jan. 11 announcing its winners is, no doubt, designed to influence Oscar voters, whose nomination ballots were due on Jan. 16.  The Globes especially like to point out their prescience because many of their award winners will also walk away with the golden trophy on March 15. Year in and year out there is a great deal of overlap, helped by the fact that the Globes give contenders two shots at the Best Picture and Actor top prizes because they have two categories: “Best Motion Picture (Actor) Drama” and “Best Motion Picture (Actor) Comedy or Musical.” The Golden Globe winner in Drama was “Hamnet,” for Best Musical or Comedy, it was “One Battle After Another” (a comedy?). Best Actor and Actress in a Drama were, respectively, Wagner Moura for “The Secret Agent” and Jessie Buckley for “Hamnet.” Best Actor and Actress in a Musical or Comedy were Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme” and Rose Byrne for “If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You” (very few if any yucks in that one). Voting for the Oscars has just begun and ends Feb. 18.

Although Box Office receipts for most of the Best Picture nominees were not stellar, the few exceptions were for “F-1” and “Sinners,” although the late 2025 premieres of “Marty Supreme” and “Hamnet” are showing strength in the early 2026 returns. And…the Award for best  Box Office and Commercial Appeal should go to “F-1” and “Sinners.”

“Sinners” definitely deserves its place at the table. To call it a horror film or zombie movie is to diminish the actual artistry of this innovative film starring Michael B. Jordan (nominated in the Best Actor category) as twin brothers trying to build a business in an unfriendly (to say the least) environment. Character development, dramatic twists and turns in a story that is as much about prejudice as it is about perseverance, and outstanding acting make “Sinners” one of the front-runners for Best Picture. Director Ryan Coogler, nominated for Best Director, uses metaphor in a way that makes this film transcend its so-called “horror” genre. I never saw any of it coming and if you haven’t seen it, catch up with it on MAX.

“One Battle After Another,” like “Sinners,” takes an innovative approach to the oft-told “apocalypse” genre and finds ways to make it new. With a cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio (nominated in the Best Actor category), Sean Penn (nominated for Best Supporting Actor) as a slimy villain just this side of V from “V for Vendetta” and Benicio del Toro (also nominated for Best Supporting Actor) as a low key but heroic counterpoint to Penn’s character. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (nominated for Best Director), he tells a complex story of the fight against man’s inhumanity to man with humor and depth. It probably has a marginal lead over “Sinners” for Best Picture, although both are deserving. Watch it on MAX.

“Sentimental Value” is a sleeper. A Norwegian movie (also nominated for Best International Film), it tells the story of an actress, Nora, at a crossroads with her career, her family and her life in general. It’s all complicated. Her father, Gustav, a famous film director, abandoned the family after his divorce from his psychotherapist wife. Their two daughters continued to live in his family home with their mother, a home that had been in his family for generations. With the death of his ex-wife and his career in decline, he returns to claim the house, evicting daughter Agnes and rekindling all the resentments that Nora had held in check. Ulterior motives abound because Gustav has a script and he needs Nora to play the lead role, one based on their family dynamics and his hidden demons. Directed flawlessly by Joachim Trier (nominated for Best Director), who proves that no matter how familiar the story, there’s always a new approach and his approach is filled with complexity and character development. Starring the incomparable Stellan Skarsgård as Gustav, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, Renate Reinsve, Nora, nominated for Best Actress, with Elle Fanning, as an American actress and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, playing Nora’s sister Agnes, both nominated for Best Supporting Actress. This small, thoroughly engaging and thoughtful film garnered five major nominations, the same number of major nominations as “One Battle After Another,” and both were nominated in their respective writing categories.

“Marty Supreme” was a real surprise and very worthy of its spot on this roster. Who could ever have imagined that a movie about a professional ping pong player and conman would find its way to the Oscars? The script is inventive, the directing by Josh Safdie, Oscar-nominated for Best Director, is fast-paced, and the acting, oh the acting. Timothée Chalamet is nothing short of brilliant in the role of Marty Mauser and was rewarded with a nomination for Best Actor. He makes the film positively soar with his Machiavellian antics. His Marty goes well beyond misrepresentation into the realm of amoral deception all in the name of getting to that next international tournament. Aided ably by Gwyneth Paltrow as a jaded ex-movie star caged by her captain of industry husband, played by a brilliant and absolutely chilling Kevin O’Leary, the Canadian businessman and “Shark Tank” producer. Odessa A’zian is Rachel, who will stop at nothing to trap Marty for herself. Watch for a very subdued and effective Fran Drescher as Marty’s mother. This is Timothée Chalamet at his zenith and illustrating, once again, his ability to melt seamlessly into a role, bringing us with him. If I had a vote, it would be for him.

I was very much looking forward to “Hamnet,” one of my favorite books of the last several years. I broke my hard and fast rule to judge a film on its own and not on its underlying material and was disappointed. The setting of Elizabethan England was lush but the story was somewhat flat. Shakespeare, played by Paul Mescal, was thunderstruck by the beauty and free spirit of Agnes when he first saw her. He was the Latin tutor of her brothers and she was the Cinderella daughter of her father’s first wife, unbeloved by his second. Director Chloé Zhao, nominated for Best Director, focuses almost the entire story on Agnes, Oscar-nominated Jessie Buckley. Shakespeare is often the missing ingredient in the story of his wife raising their children on her own as he goes off to direct his plays in London. Uninterested in his life, she focuses on the day- to-day difficulties of their hard scrapple life. Losing their son, Hamnet, to the plague is devastating, and it is only this that seemingly brings them together. As bland and plodding as the film was throughout most of the runtime, it makes up for it in the last sequence when Agnes finally goes to London to see the play that bears their dead son’s name, “Hamlet.” It proves again that a spectacular ending can resurrect a moribund film.

Nobody could have been more surprised than I was to find “Bugonia” an engaging and remarkable movie. Having sworn off the films of Yorgos Lanthimos after “Kinds of Kindnesses,” I realized it was the only one of the 10 nominations for Best Picture that I hadn’t seen. Starring his muses Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone, staples in his previous films, they tell the story of a bedraggled duo of conspiracy theorists who are convinced that a Pharma CEO, the Oscar-nominated Stone, is part of an alien network hell bent on subjecting and then destroying the population of earth. Kidnapping her, it is a battle of wills and brains between the outmatched Teddy (Plemons) and the brilliant Michelle (Stone). Not an easy film to follow, Lanthimos’ signature hyperreality and supersaturated colors do end up with a surprise, killer finish, one that, if not out of thin air, is definitely out of this world.

“Secret Agent,” like “Sentimental Value,” is also nominated for Best International Film. Telling the story of a heroic individual, marked for death because he disrespected a corrupt businessman with powerful governmental ties, he decides it’s time for him to return home to Recife and reconnect with his son. Together they will leave Brazil for a safe haven elsewhere, or at least that is the plan. Anchored by the stunning performance of Wagner Moura, nominated for Best Actor and winner of both the Golden Globe and the Cannes Film Festival for Best Actor, his Marcello takes us into the clandestine world of others trying to escape the injustice about to be meted out for spurious reasons. Director Kleber Mendonça Filho drags you slowly into a spiderweb from which the characters cannot escape. It is a film very much for today when thin-skinned politicians target political rivals, seek retribution and misuse the judiciary. Yes, this is a film of and about Brazil but sadly it’s no longer just Brazil.

Part II will highlight Best Film nominations that puzzled me or were not up to the level of those discussed in Part I, as well as Best Actor nominations that were not part of movies nominated in the top categories. And then, there are the surprises and snubs, because there are always some, although everyone has their own opinions of what they were. You get my opinion.

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

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The two-story, 55,000-square-foot athletic facility will feature three full-size combination basketball and volleyball courts, a wrestling room, fitness center, bleachers, weight training facilities, locker rooms and offices. The new facility will replace the current Konheim Athletic Building, which will be demolished following the facility’s completion. Construction by Swinerton Builders began in fall 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in early 2027 with an estimated cost of under $60 million.

“Sports builds character. It builds skills that the classroom can’t teach,” said Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Public Information Officer Colby Gilardian. “It’s important that we have athletics and education go hand in hand. So having a dedicated space, brand new facilities to support our student-athletes is so important.”

The new building is currently visible while driving along Moreno Drive, between the Grand Lawn and the Swim Gym.

“The contractor on the project, Swinerton, is doing quick work of all the masonry that needs to be done first, so you can see that most of the shell of the building is almost there,” said Executive Director of Maintenance, Operations and Construction Will Karrat. “All the path is slate, and we’re going to start pouring some concrete flatwork to help move things along and start putting up some walls on the first floor of the building pretty soon.”

As part of the athletic facility renovations, the district is building an outdoor eight-lane, 25-yard swimming pool that will allow BHHS to host swim meets and water polo matches. The pool will also serve as a community pool, accessible to the public. The existing Swim Gym, as featured in “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), will also remain.

“Currently, the plan is to have both pools available, for use by our students and by the community,” Karrat said. “It’s a high demand thing to have, because the community loves to use the pool, and of course, our athletes need to use the pool, so the second one is going to be very beneficial, wonderful.”

The new Konheim Athletic Building will also include a designated room for the BHHS Athletic Alumni Hall of Fame, featuring Beverly Hills’ most renowned student-athletes in its history, including tennis legend Louise Brough Clapp. Clapp, who grew up playing tennis at Roxbury Park and went on to become a Wimbledon and United States Tennis champion, donated one of her Wimbledon trophies to the Hall of Fame.

Following the completion of the new Konheim Athletic Building, the district will gear up to start construction on a new south side athletic field, which can begin once the old Konheim Athletic Building is torn down. The new field will be complete with stadium seating and a track. The BHUSD Board of Education also awarded a bid to the Nazerian Group and tBP/Architecture on Jan. 27 for a new 110-space parking lot along Olympic Boulevard for $4,429,600 to help support the school’s new facilities.

“The new Konheim Athletic Building marks more than the start of a new facility; it symbolizes a renewal of hope, opportunity and pride for our entire BHUSD community,” BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss told the Courier. “This state-of-the-art home for athletics will empower our students to push beyond boundaries, build lifelong bonds and experience the joy of excellence every time they step into the gym. What we are building here honors our past, elevates our present and inspires every learner to reach higher, dream bigger and stand taller, together in a community that believes deeply in their potential.”

The district has recently completed several major construction projects at BHHS, including the new 1,200-seat Peters Auditorium, the Salter Family Theatre, six new tennis courts, a new softball field and the renovated Grand Lawn is expected to open in the coming months.

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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.

Over 30 million people worldwide now use AI mental health apps, with usage accelerating throughout 2025. Not surprisingly, younger people are leading the charge. About 36% of Millennials and Gen Z say they’re open to trying AI for mental health support, compared to 28% of older generations. For many younger people, chatting with an app feels less intimidating than sitting across from a therapist. These apps are always available. Feeling anxious at 2 a.m.? The app responds in under 30 seconds. No waiting rooms, no scheduling conflicts, no sitting in traffic.

It’s important to distinguish between AI chatbots designed specifically for mental health—like Woebot, Wysa, and Youper—and general-purpose AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini that we have discussed in the past. Mental health apps are built with clinical frameworks (like CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), tested in peer-reviewed studies, and designed with safety protocols for crisis situations. General AI chatbots, while often providing excellent general advice, aren’t trained in therapeutic techniques and lack the specialized safeguards needed for mental health support.

The AI mental health market is exploding. From $1.8 billion in 2024, it’s expected to reach nearly $12 billion by 2034. Investors are pouring in money—over $6 billion in the first half of 2025 alone—with most going to AI mental health startups. These apps have found sustainable business models through monthly subscriptions (usually $30-40), partnerships with insurance companies, and integration into telehealth services.

Several platforms have emerged as favorites:

Woebot Health uses CBT techniques in a chat format. Think of it as texting with a therapist who specializes in helping you challenge negative thought patterns. Clinical studies show users experience less depression within just four weeks. It’s even partnered with CVS Health.

Wysa serves over 3 million people in 65 countries and works with major healthcare systems like the UK’s National Health Service. About 80% of conversations happen entirely with AI, though you can add human coaching if you want. Users report feeling significantly less anxious after regular use.

Replika started as a general AI companion but has become popular for combating loneliness, especially among older adults. With over 10 million downloads, it keeps people engaged 48% longer than typical social media apps.

Youper connects with your fitness tracker to understand how your physical state affects your mood. Users who stick with it see a 48% decrease in depressive symptoms and 43% reduction in anxiety.

These apps are now available in over 30 languages worldwide. In Australia, 28% of people have tried AI mental health support. Many mental health professionals (43%) use AI tools themselves for tasks like notetaking and research.

California tech companies have been early adopters. Several Silicon Valley firms report 28% fewer burnout-related absences and about $380 saved per employee yearly after adding AI mental health tools to wellness programs. Even traditional California industries—from entertainment to agriculture—are piloting these programs. The Department of Veterans Affairs is testing Woebot for PTSD treatment with promising results. Schools use chatbots to give students confidential support. Even the Red Cross deploys AI chatbots after disasters to help survivors.

The research is encouraging, with studies showing people using AI CBT programs experienced 64% better outcomes than control groups. AI can even analyze patterns in patient records to predict suicide risk with 80-90% accuracy, potentially saving lives through early intervention.

The catch? Only a few apps like Woebot and Wysa have been rigorously tested in peer-reviewed studies. Most haven’t been studied beyond eight weeks, so we don’t know much about long-term effectiveness.

Privacy concerns loom large. No algorithm can replicate human empathy or adaptive intuition. AI chatbots frequently misinterpret complex emotions and must direct users to human support during crises.

Algorithmic bias threatens inclusivity. AI models trained primarily on Western data may poorly serve diverse cultural or linguistic contexts, potentially reinforcing existing inequities rather than reducing them.

California is leading the national charge to regulate this emerging industry. In October 2025, Governor Newsom signed a bill establishing the nation’s most comprehensive AI chatbot safety law, effective January 1, 2026. The law requires AI companions to clearly disclose they’re not human, implement suicide prevention protocols, protect minors from sexually explicit content, and remind users every three hours that they’re interacting with AI—not a licensed therapist.

As of October 2025, three U.S. states—Illinois, Nevada, and Utah—have enacted laws banning or severely restricting AI therapy without human oversight. Illinois and Nevada comprehensively prohibit AI chatbots from providing or advertising therapy without licensed professional intervention. Utah imposes strict disclosure and privacy requirements.

Internationally, the EU, UK, Australia, and Japan are considering regulations focused on transparency, risk assessment, and mandatory oversight.

The field is evolving at breakneck speed. Apps that exist today may look completely different in six months, and regulators are struggling to keep pace. What’s considered safe and effective practice is still being defined in real-time. If you’re considering an AI mental health app, verify it’s still available in your state, check recent reviews, and confirm any clinical claims are current—yesterday’s research may not reflect today’s version of the app.

AI therapy won’t replace human therapists, but it’s becoming an integral part of mental health care. For millions without access to traditional therapists, these digital tools offer something previously unavailable: immediate, affordable support when one needs it most. The question isn’t whether AI belongs in mental health care, but how we ensure it serves everyone safely and effectively.

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Metro staff apprised commissioners on the status of construction at two stations that will open in Beverly Hills: one at Wilshire and La Cienega boulevards, and another at Wilshire Boulevard and Reeves Drive (Beverly Drive Station).

The extension project is being completed in three sections. The Wilshire/La Cienega Station is part of Section 1, and the Beverly Drive Station is part of Section 2. Section 1 also includes new stations at Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue, and Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Construction for Section 1 started in 2014. Work on Section 2 got underway in 2018.

According to Metro, work on the Wilshire/La Cienega Station, which is expected to open this quarter, is near completion. The restoration of utilities between La Cienega Boulevard and South Hamilton Drive was finished in December 2025, and restoration on the south side of Wilshire Boulevard is “substantially completed,” according to a report written by city staff.

This month, Metro anticipates completing the replacement of curbs and gutters both north and south of Wilshire Boulevard in the area that has been under construction. Ramps along several parts of Wilshire Boulevard are also expected to be removed.

“Section one is very, very close to opening,” said Beverly Hills Project Manager Christine Chung at the meeting. “Metro CEO will be announcing the official date when determined.”

The Beverly Drive Station is expected to open in spring 2027. Construction on the station resumed on Jan. 2 following a holiday break, and crews are currently working on both the interior and exterior of the station, including the escalator and elevator shaft, stairways and walkways, plumbing, and electrical work.

Metro is also currently working on preparations to reopen North Canon Drive at Wilshire Boulevard by March 14. An existing soundwall has been removed as part of that effort.

Going forward, Wilshire Boulevard between Crescent and El Camino drives will be maintained as two lanes in each direction between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and may be reduced to one lane in each direction overnight.

According to the same report written by city staff, miscellaneous utilities work, including sewer mains, manholes and water main connections are substantially complete.

The art that will be featured in the Wilshire/La Cienega Station was deeply inspired by the city of Beverly Hills.

Artist Mariana Castillo Deball collaborated with one of the lead paleontologists during excavation for the Wilshire/La Cienega Station. According to Clare Haggarty, the director of public arts and design at Metro, the land for that station produced more fossils than any other area.  Deball utilized the recovered relics for fossil rubbings which she then included in her station artwork.

Artist Todd Gray, inspired by early designs for the Saban Theatre, created pieces for the entrance of the station intended to conjure the idea of a blueprint and descending into a theatrical space.

The entrance of the station will feature artwork by Devon Tsuno, a fourth-generation Angeleno whose grandfather worked as a gardener in Beverly Hills for 30 years. Tsuno’s piece depicts azaleas and other plants descending along the escalator walls into the station, inspired in part by his family history.

“A lot of azaleas were planted in gardens here that his grandfather had a hand in,” said Haggarty. “So, it has a really personal connection to the artist.”

Other contributors were inspired by historical elements of Beverly Hills, the people who live and work in the city and the city’s theaters and connection to the world of cinema.

Commissioners expressed their endorsement of the visual components of the upcoming station.

“I’m truly blown away,” said Commissioner Michael Karric. “It’s really impressive, just how much thought and just how intentional it really is in conjunction with the actual station. The fossils—that’s incredible. I can’t wait to tell people about it when I’m waiting for the train … I can’t express how excited I am about it. Thank you for all your hard work and everything you do to make the Metro feel like a place that’s welcoming and safe and interesting.” Commissioner Negar Kamara echoed Karric’s sentiments.

“This was absolutely fascinating,” she said. “I am so impressed by all the diversity, the people, the artists, the artwork, you know, from history to the vegetation to the community and the people in our community.”

Sections 1 and 2 of the Metro D Line Extension project are funded largely through federal grants and Measure R, which was approved by voters in 2008. The entire extension will cross nine miles of the city when it’s complete, starting at the Wilshire/Western Station and ending at the Westwood/VA Hospital Station.

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The conference is a nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more, of which there are over 1,400 in the U.S. It affords the mayors of such cities the opportunity to connect and share resources, as well as to engage directly with the president and Congress.

On Jan. 29, Nazarian participated in a panel entitled “Bridging Policy and Practice: Shaping America’s Health Future” alongside Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and several other mayors and experts.

The panel examined the ways in which state and national health policies bolster outcomes for residents. Nazarian spoke in part about Beverly Hills’ investment in initiatives such as wraparound services for unhoused individuals, the Nurse Practitioner Program and the Beverly Hills Wellness Network.

Speaking to the Courier, Nazarian said that her participation on the panel was a chance to demonstrate “how local governments can lead in delivering effective human services and health care solutions.”

“The discussion reinforced that while policy frameworks are often set broadly, meaningful impact happens at the local level, where programs are designed with direct knowledge of community needs … other cities can learn from the importance of aligning policy with practice, building programs that are measurable and adaptable, and leading with compassion while maintaining accountability,” she said.

The meeting ran from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30 and was attended by more than 270 of the nation’s mayors. It was led by USCM President David Holt, the mayor of Oklahoma City.

“America’s mayors continue to be the most effective and unifying leaders in our nation,” said Holt in a statement. “In a time of divisive national politics, we are bringing our residents together to get things done, and we also work together as mayors across bipartisan lines. This Winter Meeting of our nation’s mayors was an opportunity for our mayors to come together to speak with one voice in the nation’s capital. It’s also an opportunity to learn from one another, exchange best practices, and support each other as peers.”

Panels held during the conference featured experts on housing, technology, safety and more. Among the conversations about technology included many discussions about artificial intelligence, seen by experts as playing a key role in the future of municipal planning.

One such panel, featuring authorities including the head of data center markets at Siemens USA and the chief legal officer of Edison Electric Institute, considered the impact of AI and other advances on the demand for electricity, energy reliability and workforce readiness.

Another featured Waymo’s regional head of state and local policy for the Eastern United States.

Nazarian said that such discussions offered information that elected officials could potentially apply to Beverly Hills.

“Engaging with mayors from across the country provided valuable insight into best practices,” she said. “I was curious to learn about how cities are using technology and emerging tools, including AI, to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.”

She was also impressed by the sense of unity among cities.

“There was clear alignment around the need for collaboration, innovation, and responsible planning, particularly in addressing housing, health care, and major global events on the horizon,” Nazarian said.

Beverly Hills will take part in hosting several major events coming to Los Angeles County over the next few years, including the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games in July 2028, and the FIFA World Cup soccer games in the summer of this year. Nazarian said that one of the most productive conversations at the conference spoke to the needs of cities during such occurrences, including ways in which cities can coordinate regionally while “still preserving local authority and community character.”

Another major issue facing Beverly Hills is Builder’s Remedy, a state law that allows developers to bypass certain local building codes in exchange for affordable housing. Some discussions at the conference spoke to this concern.

“Local decision-making remains critical, especially as cities navigate state mandates,” Nazarian said. “A recurring theme among mayors was that housing solutions must be thoughtful and context sensitive. There was broad consensus that increasing housing supply will require building vertically in appropriate areas.”

Upon leaving the conference, Nazarian said she was pleased to be able to come back to Beverly Hills with new ideas, and to leave Washington, D.C., having advocated for residents.

“Despite the extremely cold weather in Washington, D.C., the energy and purpose of the conference were unmistakable,” she said.

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“Sirāt” is as full of life as it is of death; of the found and the lost. Luis is a father who has ventured into the unforgiving Moroccan desert with his young son Esteban. The pulsing bass of the subwoofers, the scantily clothed hordes, heads and bodies shaking, sweating and dancing in ecstasy in the relentless heat announces that he has found his destination. They are searching for his daughter and Estaban’s sister, Mar, who disappeared months ago into the black hole of rave culture. Determined to find her, they pass out flyers with her picture without result. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, far from any urban areas, a battalion of army vehicles arrives to evacuate the ravers from riots that are taking place elsewhere in the country.

An intrepid crew of outcasts decides to flee and continue on to the next rave, alleged to be in Mauritania, to the south of Morocco. Luis, in his ill-equipped car with his son and their dog, is determined to follow them despite their warnings. The terrain will be punishing, at times over rocks and treacherously narrow unpaved paths. The professional ravers drive two ancient, well-broken-in massive Land Cruisers, large enough to sleep in and still carry all their living necessities. Luis will not be dissuaded. He has bonded with this group of international (French, English and Spanish) misfits: Josh, Stef and Jade, tatted and equal to the men, one-legged Tonin and Bigui, jolly, profane and missing part of one arm. Like camp followers, this intrepid group goes on instinct, not maps, to follow their dreams. Exiled from mainstream society, they find beauty that others overlook.

Luis is Laxe’s everyman. Like most of us, he lives an ordinary, anonymous life and, like most of us, he keeps life at arm’s distance, comforted in the lack of challenge, startled when confronted by something outside his norm. This is exactly what happens to him on the road trip he’s chosen, one he hopes will bring him to his daughter. Instead, he is confronted head-on by life and death, changing him immeasurably both for good and bad. This band of merry ravers lives life as it comes, facing its challenges and asking nothing more than continued adventures. Unrooted, unprepared, they relish this arduous journey not just for the goal at the end but for the unexpected that they face on their way. Luis, for whom his son and daughter are everything, has taken this trip not to bring his daughter back but to connect, to see her again. With his daughter’s disappearance, his world has been thrown off its axis. He is perplexed by this motley group. Do they not have families who miss them? They are as puzzled by him as he is of them. Of course, they have family; it is their cherished family with whom they live and travel every day. Family is not who you are born to, it is who you choose. They are the people St. Francis was thinking about when he said, “Grace is found especially among the excluded.” They are the very embodiment of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth; Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy;  and “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

The tone of “Sirāt” is its strength because starting off as a careless, happy, almost joyous road trip, an adventure to add to the many they have already experienced, it changes abruptly, a jagged chasm opened by an unexpected 7.5 earthquake, making us understand that how one confronts death is deeper and more fundamental to living than how one faces and lives life.

The cinematography by Mauro Herce sets the screen on fire. The Moroccan desert with its terracotta plateaus rising from the flat, beige Sahara, wisps of heat rising from the flat surfaces disturbed only by the gyrating bodies communing with the thumping bass of the loudspeakers is visceral imagery. The relentless danger from the unpaved roads followed by the intrepid family of voyagers is in direct contrast to Herce’s beautiful mountain backdrops that belie the dangers of the road. His photography of the rocky terrain is such that you feel the sting of their sharp edges. His color palette is as intense at times as it is muted at others. Herce has made the relentless landscape a character as important as the humans traversing it.

Kangding Ray’s score is immersive. As important to the film as the photography, he transitions seamlessly from the thumping boom of the rave’s techno beat to soothing, almost spiritual background music as they head off down the road until it disintegrates into cacophony as they face increasing obstacles along the way. He won the Soundtrack Award at Cannes for his score.

The actors, the majority of whom have only one credit on a television news series called “Arte Journal” in 1998, inhabited this movie and draw you into this heart of darkness with their amazing depth and focus. Working together as a cohesive unit, a bond that must have been shared before, the ravers are Stefania Gadda as Steff, Joshua Liam Hererson as Josh, Jade Oukid as Jade, the extraordinary one-armed Richard “Bigui” Bellamy as Bigui, the mesmerizing anchor of the group, and their graceful, peg-legged leader Tonin Janvier as Tonin. Bruno Nuñez Arjona plays young Esteban with wide-eyed wonder and the adolescent penchant towards danger.

The main reason, if any other were needed, to see this or any other movie is its star, Sergi López, an internationally acclaimed Spanish actor with credits that range from del Toro’s masterpiece “Pan’s Labyrinth” to his César-winning role in “A Friend Like Harry.” Whether playing heroes, villains or anything in between, his malleable face expresses longing, fear, hope, tragedy and the will to live. Both his sense of defeat and his will to continue are written not just on his face or in his voice but in his body and whole being. For me, López is an actor that I will watch regardless of the material, and he has always surprised me, that rare actor who is as effective in French and English as he is in his native Spanish. He elevates the material and this is even the case when the underlying story was already close to perfection.

Director/writer Oliver Laxe, collaborating with writer Santiago Fillol, winner of the 2025 Jury Prize at Cannes, has given us a story that is as universal as it is specific, bringing all the elements, photography, music and acting, together in a cohesive whole that will have you reeling. Submitted by Spain for awards consideration, it has been nominated for both an Academy Award and an Independent Spirit for Best International Film.

In Spanish, French and English with English subtitles.

Opening Feb. 6 at the Landmark’s Nuart Theatre.

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

The post ‘Sirāt’—Between Heaven and Hell appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The circumstances surrounding her resignation are not clear, however Collins-Williams filed a lawsuit against the district and the BHUSD Board of Education in January 2024. The suit alleges discrimination on the basis of age, race and gender; a hostile work environment; retaliation and a violation of the labor code protecting whistleblowers.

In the complaint, Collins-Williams, who is Black, alleged that the district’s culture “traumatiz[ed]” students, parents, community members and staff of color.

The lawsuit states that Collins-Williams was passed over for the job of deputy superintendent after being considered for and, she thought, “groomed” for the position. The suit states that instead, the district hired a younger Caucasian woman with no prior relevant experience, then promoted the new employee and raised her pay multiple times.

Meanwhile, Collins-Williams claims she was tasked with working towards rectifying data that showed that administrators at BHUSD disproportionately disciplined students of color. According to a court filing in Sept. 2024, Collins-Williams alleged that administrators “continue[d] to misrepresent and/or underreport this disciplinary data” and “endorsed a racially hostile work environment, which included racial slurs and racially discriminatory policies directed at Plaintiff” and other Black students and teachers.

In April 2025, attorneys for Collins-Williams were granted a motion to compel the attendance of former BHUSD Superintendent Michael Bregy at his continued deposition, answers to deposition questions and the production of documents.

The district declined to comment for this story. As of press time, an attorney representing Collins-Williams has not replied to the Courier’s request for comment.

A jury trial is set for her case in May.

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Launched in January, the city’s Green Business Program distinguishes establishments that have made strides in addressing water efficiency, energy conservation, waste reduction, recycling and pollution prevention. The program is also part of the statewide California Green Business Network, which offers assistance programs to qualifying small businesses. The benefits of environmental sustainability include product improvement and conservation of resources.

The city’s certified Green Businesses include Alo Yoga, Le Swim, LA Main Physical Therapy, Le Rêve Beauty Lounge, Kartoon Studios, Clark Street Bakery and Selfish.

Sustainability practices range from using recyclable materials for packaging to in-office recycling programs to reducing carbon emissions from travel. Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian celebrated the initiative.

“Beverly Hills has long led by example when it comes to sustainability,” Nazarian said. “Sustainability works best when it is collaborative, not burdensome or punitive. By educating, supporting, and working together, we can make thoughtful choices that protect our environment while building a better future for our children as a united community.”

Kartoon Studios, a global media company specializing in kids and family entertainment, qualified as a certified Green Business due to its sustainable practices.

“We’re really big on trying to reduce our carbon footprint here. It’s something that we take seriously, and it’s something that we wanted to not only try to incorporate within our own business model, but we also wanted to figure out a way to use that business model to inspire our core audience, which is children,” said Michael Riley, head of social and environmental initiatives. “We started to figure out that we can be more sustainable in numerous ways, from the way we produce some of our content to how we run our office here. We started by fixing all of our light fixtures with more sustainable lights; we started recycling programs here at our office and we started electronic recycling programs.”

In addition to internal company incentives to take the bus to work and recycle, Riley added that Kartoon Studios is using its distribution app to make public service announcements to promote messages about reducing waste, picking up litter and turning off the lights as well as exploring ways to minimize emissions through the technology it uses to produce entertainment.

Riley also said that the city’s recognition for its sustainable work is important to promote a more environmentally conscious community.

“We love our community here in Beverly Hills, and we really want to be that light on the hill in order to help inspire other businesses to also become green certified,” he said.

Zack Hall, the founder and CEO of Clark Street Bakery in Beverly Hills, said that sustainability is at the heart of how the bakery operates on a daily basis. Hall said that the bakery sources local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible, uses biodegradable or recyclable packaging for takeout products and employs composting and recycling programs.

“Prioritizing sustainability isn’t just good for the environment; it’s fundamental to our business ethos,” Hall said. “We believe that bakeries should be part of a healthy community. When developing our products, our first thought was that they should not only taste good but also be something we felt comfortable serving to our family and children. And that ethos continues beyond just the food.”

Hall added that the city’s recognition helps encourage businesses to utilize more sustainable measures and encourages customers to shop at environmentally conscious places.

“For us, this recognition is both an honor and a responsibility,” he said. “It acknowledges that Clark Street Bakery meets sustainability benchmarks and signals to our customers that we are committed to leadership in environmental stewardship. It also connects us to a community of like-minded businesses that are collectively advancing a greener local economy, something we’re proud to be a part of.”

Samantha Anahid, the owner of Le Rêve Beauty Lounge, said that her business model focuses on using vegan products for all types of nail care.

“When I opened this location, my purpose was to keep people’s nose, face, everything as healthy as we can and avoid any fungus,” Anahid said. “I’m a nurse too, and that was my goal, to keep here as green and non-toxic as I can.”

Anahid said that her products are water-based instead of oil and hydrate her clients’ nails rather than exposing them to any toxic ingredients.

“I wanted something different for the community,” she said. “And I just want to let everyone know that we are here to protect them and support their health.”

Certified Green Businesses will receive a window decal to display to customers. Any business in Beverly Hills can apply to the Green Business Program by visiting the city’s website.  

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Nazarian led a crowd of community residents and visitors along Rodeo Drive to celebrate the diverse tapestry of Beverly Hills businesses, stopping along the way at Two Rodeo Drive, Westime, Breitling, Maximilian Büsser & Friends, Henry Jacques, Porsche Design, Peter Marco, Stefano Ricci, House of Dior and Sweet Angeles.

“I think that the city is booming, and it shows the strength and the relevance of Rodeo Drive, of Beverly Hills and our partnerships,” Nazarian said. “It’s a great opportunity for our businesses to collaborate with one another. We already see so many people walking by and they have shopping bags because they decided to just stop and buy something on the street as well. It’s really a way to activate our businesses.”

The event highlighted the luxury brands and high-end retailers that make up Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills, offering the highest level of individually tailored customer service.

“I always talk about Beverly Hills being a village, and the community really supports local business, and the mayor’s initiative is wonderful because we’ve gone through on all kinds of different streets through her mayoral term,” said Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Johnson. 

The tour began at Westime, a luxury watch store at the top of Two Rodeo Drive, where Westime President Greg Simonian invited attendees to look at luxury watch items and experience the store’s individually tailored customer service.

The crowd moved on down the road, where jewelry retailer Peter Marco showed off one of the best jewelry collections in the world, and Stefano Ricci, a luxury designer menswear store, invited people in to peruse Italian cashmere and leather.

“It means everything to us, because we are a big community here in Beverly Hills, so we have to support one another,” said Stefano Ricci General Manager Philip Wiseman. “A lot of people get intimidated to actually come into our store because it’s such a grandiose store, and it’s absolutely fantastic, and we want to share that with everybody. We are here to serve, and I want everybody to know that, and I want them to experience a little piece of luxury.”

Bill Wiley, director of the CBRE real estate firm that manages Two Rodeo Drive, highlighted the level of retail experience offered in the city.

“This is a bucket list kind of place for people to come, and we never lose sight of that,” Wiley said. “You have the finest shops, but the people that work in the stores are the top of the retail game. These people are experts at customer service. So, the idea that everything is customized; that’s what makes it so much different than shopping online.”

The crowd then made its way to the recently opened House of Dior boutique. Visitors were able to browse red-carpet-worthy dresses, artwork of all kinds, along with some of the most luxurious fashion items available in the world. On the third floor is where the Monsieur Dior restaurant is located, helmed by the only three-Michelin-starred female chef in America, Dominique Crenn. 

Guests then entered the fourth floor, where the balcony gave way to a stunning panoramic view of the Hollywood Hills. After a day of visiting some of the most celebrated retail stores in the world, attendees soaked in the view, surrounded by the highest art and fashion, a combination that can only be found in one city: Beverly Hills.

“We’re excited to be able to celebrate and to continue to have Beverly Hills be the place that everybody wants to come and shop, dine, stay and ultimately live,” Nazarian said.  

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The 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.  

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The commission’s vote was unanimous. Commission Chair Jeff Wolfe was not present at the meeting. 

The project, developed by applicant Hamilton Drive LLC and SDLP Holdings LLC and property owner Leo Pustilnikov, will include 90 residential units, including 16 earmarked for low-income households and two earmarked for very low-income households. 

A one-level subterranean garage will provide 13 parking spaces, and a combination of private outdoor living space on the units’ balconies and common outdoor living space on the rooftop will provide residents with a total of 9,997 square feet of open space. 

Currently, 214 S. Hamilton Drive houses a two-story duplex and a detached garage built in 1935, and 216 S. Hamilton Drive houses a two-story triplex and a detached garage built in 1941. In total, the project site comprises 10,400 square feet. 

The applicant submitted a preliminary application in October 2023 and a development plan review application in April 2024. The application was deemed complete by the city in January 2025.

Pustilnikov is also listed as the property owner of four other Builder’s Remedy projects in the city. 

During public comment at the Jan. 22 meeting, residents spoke about their concerns regarding parking, privacy and noise. 

Frances Burrell, a resident of S. Hamilton Drive who lives next door to the proposed project in what she described as a three-unit condominium building, expressed her apprehension about the proximity of the development’s proposed balconies to her residence. 

“Our front doors face the south side of the project, and there’s actually very little space between our two buildings … there’ll be balconies on all sides of the [new] building,” she said. “When I look out my front door or my bedroom, there’ll be all these windows and balconies, so everyone can see into my place, and I can see into theirs … it’s just very, very dense, on a very small street.” 

Other residents, concerned about traffic and parking, noted that the neighborhood is already heavily impacted by vehicles traveling in and out of the area for shows at the Saban Theatre. The theater is located on Wilshire Boulevard approximately one-half of a block north of the proposed development. 

“It’s my understanding that no specific parking or traffic studies have been undertaken to assess where the vehicles of future occupants, their visitors, and service providers will be accommodated,” said resident Davida Hagan, who also lives on S. Hamilton Drive alongside the proposed development. “Without such analysis, it is difficult to understand how the increased demand for parking will be managed … the street regularly experiences traffic congestion, particularly during the regular performances and events at the Saban Theatre. The introduction of additional residential units without sufficient onsite parking is likely to further existing traffic and parking challenges.”

Several commissioners voiced their displeasure with the limited scope of their ability to deny the project based on its lack of adherence to the city’s General Plan and other regulations. 

“We who are sitting here are bound to follow the law, and we may not agree with it. It may be very, very difficult for us,” said Commissioner Myra Demeter. “Some of these are very, very dear issues to my heart as a resident who has experienced many of these problems, but I understand the Builder’s Remedy—although it is not consistent with the General Plan, it is not consistent with setback, it is not consistent with the modulation, it is not consistent—the state has demanded that we do not consider that in our deliberations.”

A representative for the development said that at last count, in April 2024, four out of the five  units on the project site were occupied. Beverly Hills Project Manager Edgar Arroyo said that renters in the buildings who may face eviction due to the project have certain rights provided by the state. 

“The tenants have a right to remain in the unit [until] six months before construction activities start on the site … [and] they have a right to return at the prior rental rate if the demolition of the project never happens and the property’s returned back to the rental market,” he said. 

In response to several commissioners’ concerns about three street trees that stand to be removed during construction, a condition was added stipulating that the developer will replenish the trees to the best of their ability. 

That condition read, “The applicants shall coordinate with the community development department and the city arborist regarding replacement of at least one street tree and shall provide replacement of up to three trees if determined to be feasible by the city.”

The project has now entered a 14-day appeal period during which anyone may appeal the commission’s decision to the City Council. 

The commission’s vote marked the 10th Builder’s Remedy project approved since October 2025.  

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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.

The two actions taken by the board were challenged before, during and after the meeting, including in a complaint and petition for writ of mandate, declaratory and injunctive relief filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Jan. 26 by district parent Daniel Lifschitz. 

In his filing, Lifschitz argued that Board President Judy Manouchehri, and Board Members Sigalie Sabag and Russell Stuart—who together form a majority on the board—violated the board Bylaw 9100 in voting to deny Board Member Amanda Stern the vice presidency at the mandatory board organizational meeting in December 2025. 

At the time of that meeting, Bylaw 9100 existed in a version passed in 2024. Its terms stated that the vice presidency shall be determined in a rotation according to term of service and number of votes received. Stern received the highest number of votes in comparison to the other two board members—Sabag and Stuart—with the same length of service in the current term. As such, she was in line for the vice presidency. 

The lawsuit filed by Lifschitz alleges that the majority “elected to brazenly violate Bylaw 9100 based upon nothing more than animus towards Dr. Stern. They cited defamatory (and ultimately pretextual) reasons for lacking confidence in Dr. Stern’s fitness to lead, then assumed ad hoc authority to instead install Sabag as the vice president by majority vote.”

In addition to his complaint, Lifschitz appeared in court on Jan. 27 on an ex parte application for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the board from changing the bylaws and electing Sabag to the vice presidency at the board meeting later that day. His application for extraordinary relief was denied by a judge, but the lawsuit will nonetheless proceed.

After the judge’s ruling on the TRO, the district sent out a press release with the heading “Beverly Hills Unified School District Prevails over Lifschitz; Gipson Hoffman & Pancione.” Gipson Hoffman & Pancione is Lifschitz’s employer. His lawsuit against the district was filed by him as a plaintiff acting as his own attorney. 

Lifschitz’s employer, the Gipson firm, is not involved in the case. Nonetheless, the release with their name on it was distributed by the district to members of the firm. 

In the release, the district states that BHUSD “prevailed” over Lifschitz and that the judge’s decision “reaffirm[ed] that the board conducts its business lawfully, transparently, and in full compliance with applicable law.”

“The judge said no such thing,” Lifschitz told the Courier. He went on to describe the release as a  “thuggish attempt in intimidation” that is “beneath the dignity of the district.” 

He added, “The retaliatory nature of this tactic only underscores the majority’s unprofessionalism and serves as further evidence of why the lawsuit against them must and will continue.”

At the board meeting on Jan. 27, the board voted to revise Bylaw 9100 to strike the language regulating the terms of the vice president’s selection. It also removed language stating that no board member shall serve more than one consecutive year in the same office. 

The vote to revise the bylaw passed by a 3-2 vote, with Stern and Board Member Rachelle Marcus voting no. 

The board then took another vote to elect Sabag as vice president by a 3-2 vote, with Stern and Marcus again voting no. 

The board stated that its rationale for the reconsidered election was an alleged violation by Stern of California’s Ralph M. Brown Act, which governs the conduct of public officials in meetings. The Brown Act prohibits “any use of direct communication, personal intermediaries, or technological devices that is employed by a majority of the members of the legislative body to develop a collective concurrence as to action to be taken on an item by the members of the legislative body.”

Sabag raised allegations of Brown Act violations against Stern at the board’s Jan. 13 meeting. She stated that Stern had spoken with her as well as Board Member Rachelle Marcus prior to the December 2025 organizational meeting. 

Sabag and Stern have differing accounts of the conversations. But, Stern was accused at the Jan. 27 board meeting of conducting a prohibited “serial meeting” in violation of the Brown Act. A serial meeting involves a majority of the board discussing board business in one-on-one communication with the intent to decide on a course of action. 

Stern responded that her actions were “scarcely a Brown Act violation.”   

“Neither I, nor anyone acting on my behalf violated the Brown Act, as no collective action was taken or caused by me on a non-discretionary matter,” Stern said.

The board majority nonetheless cited a 90-day obligation to “cure” Stern’s Brown Act violation and proceeded to revise the bylaw and reelect Sabag. 

The Courier has reached out to the district and to its counsel Michael Travis, who appeared by video at the hearing, to clarify the specific authority governing the board’s curative actions. 

A representative for the district said it would not comment on litigation. As of press time, the Courier has not received a response from Travis. 

Speaking on her own behalf, Stern later told the Courier that “The voters made it clear that the ‘will of the people’ was that the board conform to the bylaws and thereby install me as vice president by the end of 2025. That failed to happen. I am hopeful that the board will correct their course of action. Meanwhile, I wish to showcase our district in a positive light, and I am excited about some recent student accomplishments.” 

The post BHUSD Board Changes Bylaws, Installs Sabag appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Under the tutelage of her friend Stuart, she begins her journey with the hawk. Ironically, it’s not Helen training the bird, but the bird who is training Helen. Completely absorbed in the project, the recalcitrant hawk takes over her life. It’s a long road toward trust and the bird, at the beginning, won’t eat or obey. She takes him everywhere, something that displeases the resident directors, who remind her that pets are not allowed in campus housing. As she explains to one and all, her bird, now named Mabel, is not a pet.

As she becomes more and more absorbed in what may have started as a hobby but is now a life choice, she begins to neglect her classes, students and work. Her best friend Christina, still around despite the ghosting behavior of Helen, watches out for her friend as she goes down the rabbit hole of obsession.

Helen’s memories of significant moments with her father blend into her total consumption of Mabel’s behavior. Mabel is more attached to Helen than the jesses, the leather straps that keep her secured to Helen’s wrist as she trains. This is an inverse relationship because the more independent and proficient at hunting untethered Mabel grows, Helen becomes more dependent on the bird, worrying whether it will return or whether it will find its prey. Helen, the formerly neat and natty lecturer, nails done, hair coiffed, attire immaculate, gradually descends into slovenliness from dress to hygiene. Her classes are neglected and her future in doubt, Helen sees only the hawk, a substitute for her lost attachment to her father.

“H Is for Hawk” is based on the memoir by Helen Macdonald, who spent a year training a goshawk after her father passed away suddenly from a heart attack. It is a slim story made better by the extraordinary cast. In an undeveloped role, Lindsay Duncan as Helen’s mother, exudes care and concern. Denise Gough is Helen’s best friend Christina, whose loyalty is a touchstone both to Helen and the film. Brenden Gleeson as Helen’s dad, is always a welcome presence and a highlight of this small movie. It is easy to understand how wonderful an influence he was on his daughter, and how great a loss his absence is. Gleeson is an actor who would make the telephone book (remember those?) fascinating reading. Simultaneously gruff and warm, as a father he would be irreplaceable. Claire Foy is an exceptional Helen. She lets you see all the enthusiastic promise that her character held and breaks your heart as you see her obsession take over every aspect of her life, an obsession that merely masks but doesn’t replace her aching loss. Helen becomes a case study in depression.

The narrative is slight and ends rather abruptly, but it’s still an absorbing film full of character development and depth. Mabel the goshawk is, at turns, frightening and loveable, undergoing changes that dominate the screen and her mistress. The cinematography is excellent, highlighting the beautiful countryside around Cambridge. The film never drags, and just the falconry alone is worthwhile experiencing.

Now playing at the Laemmle Monica Film Center.

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

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Ten months into her mayoral term on the City Council, Nazarian said she considered her run for reelection carefully before coming to any conclusions.  

“Running for reelection was not a decision I made lightly,” she said. “I thought deeply about where Beverly Hills is as a city, the challenges we are facing and whether I could continue to be effective in helping guide us forward. I listened carefully to our residents and business community, and what I heard again and again was the need for steady leadership, strong public safety, and a mayor who will continue to fight for Beverly Hills.”

First elected to the City Council in 2022, Nazarian was installed for her first mayoral term in 2025. Prior to serving on the council, she was a Public Works Commissioner and a Human Relations Commissioner. She also previously served on the Beverly Hills Police Chief’s Advisory Board and as president of the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills.  

In addition to Nazarian’s seat, voters will elect representatives to two other open positions on the council in June, including those currently held by Councilmembers Lester Friedman and John Mirisch. 

Nazarian holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Alliant University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Southern California. She has lived in Beverly Hills for over three decades with her husband and three sons.

During her time on the council and as mayor, Nazarian has focused her efforts on public safety, community engagement and promoting small businesses. She cites as a core part of her work her collaboration with the Beverly Hills Police Department to implement AI as a tool for streamlining reports and processes, including the adaptation of AI Blue Script. 

Nazarian additionally oversaw the launch of BH Wellness, a program through which residents can receive unlimited emergency and non-emergency medical transportation per household for $90 per year. 

Her mayoral term introduced initiatives such as Spotlight with Sharona, which highlights local businesses; Straight Talk with Sharona, town halls in which she invites an expert or local authority for an hour-long public discussion; and community-building efforts for young adults and active adults. 

Nazarian, who was on the City Council when the events of Oct. 7 transpired, has been a strong supporter of the plans to erect a garden and memorial to those lost on that day. 

“Public safety is not only about technology and enforcement,” Nazarian said of the memorial effort. “It is about compassion, remembrance and standing together as we educate the next generation, so such atrocities never happen again to any race, religion, or cultural background. Oct. 7 reminded us that safety, vigilance, education and unity must go hand in hand.”

Nazarian’s tenure as mayor has not been without its challenges. Among them has been preparations for the upcoming opening of the city’s first Metro stop at La Cienega and Wilshire boulevards. Nazarian worked with officials at Metro and elsewhere to finalize an agreement to develop a safety plan for the station. 

“Greater mobility must be matched with greater preparedness,” Nazarian said. “We are planning ahead and building public safety into the infrastructure [of the station] from day one.”

Another issue that has taken center stage during Nazarian’s term as mayor is Builder’s Remedy, the state law that allows developers to circumvent certain local zoning laws in exchange for providing affordable housing. Ten such projects have been approved despite strong opposition by residents and other stakeholders.

Nazarian acknowledged that while the city cannot ignore state law, she and other officials have worked closely with legal and planning experts to scrutinize Builder’s Remedy applications. Nazarian told the Courier that she has “flown to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento to advocate for our city.”

“Our responsibility is to protect our neighborhoods while navigating difficult state mandates,” she said. 

Nazarian told the Courier that her experience on the council and her background in mental health uniquely position her to serve the community. 

“During my time in office, I’ve learned to anticipate challenges rather than react to them, and to fight relentlessly for Beverly Hills while staying grounded in what is legally and fiscally responsible … that experience and the impact on our community will guide every decision I make going forward,” she said. 

Looking ahead, Nazarian said she has already begun preparations for upcoming events such as the LA 28 Olympic Games, the Paralympics and the World Cup by convening a dedicated task force with regional and local partners. 

If elected to a second term, she said, “Economic vitality remains a core priority for me.” 

“Our most important issues are safety, economic vitality and preserving what makes Beverly Hills special … my vision is a city that supports residents, local businesses, keeps our streets clean and safe, and attracts thoughtful investment while protecting neighborhoods,” she said.

Nazarian added, “I serve the residents of Beverly Hills,” she said. “Every decision I make is guided by what is best for our community. I hope to continue serving our city with integrity, experience, and heart.”  

The post Nazarian Will Seek Reelection to City Council 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.

The event, part of Mayor Sharona Nazarian’s “Never Again is Now” initiative, was focused on bearing witness to the horrific events of the Holocaust and World War II. It was co-organized by student advocate Eleanor Samuel and moderated by Frank Mottek, the host of KABC’s “Mottek on Money.” 

“Tonight’s program is … a call for all of us to come to action,” said Nazarian. “We’re living in a moment when hatred, antisemitism, dehumanization are once again being normalized in ways that are deeply, deeply troubling. We do this to educate. We do these events to educate so such atrocities never happen again to any race, religion, culture or background.”

Mottek began by asking each panelist to share their interpretation of the meaning of “bearing witness” and their story of living through the Holocaust. 

Panelist Susanne Reyto spoke first. Born in 1944 in Hungary, Reyto entered the world just six days before the Nazi invasion of her country. She and her mother were still in the hospital when the Nazis arrived and established their headquarters on the hospital’s grounds. Reyto and her family eventually immigrated to Australia. 

“It was very difficult, but we had no choice,” she said. “We had to learn a new language. We had to learn a new way of life, and coming from totalitarianism to freedom is not so easy … however, [we learned] to deal with it and knowing what my parents had gone through, the learning lessons of resilience, hope and after surviving, thriving and really doing as well as one can.”

The next survivor to speak, Eva Perlman, shared her story of being born eight months before Hitler came to power. Perlman described her family’s survival as the result of “absolute miracles.” Her family soon moved to France but still required help from neighbors.  

“We owe our lives to many non-Jewish people who helped us,” she said. “Any non-Jew in whose house we lived, whether they were our landlord or landlady, risked their lives by sheltering us. No Jew could survive in Europe unless we had help from non-Jews. So, I’m eternally grateful to some of the people in my life.”

Panelist Joseph Alexander, who turned 103 in November, survived 12 concentration camps, including Auschwitz and Dachau. Born in a small town in Poland, Alexander and his family fled after the Nazis invaded and forced many Jewish residents to leave. They were later sent into the Warsaw ghetto, where Alexander lived for six months. 

“You can’t even imagine the life of the ghetto, how terrible, how bad it was,” he said. “You walked out in the morning, was dead people on the streets, on the sidewalks, everywhere.”

Eventually, Alexander was sent to a concentration camp and moved “from one camp to another,” he said, until he finally landed in Auschwitz, where he narrowly missed being sent to the gas chambers. His group was divided into two lines, and when a guard wasn’t looking, Alexander ran to the other line. 

“I didn’t run back to the other side, I wouldn’t be here talking to you tonight,” he said. “The people [in the other line] went straight to the gas chamber.” 

Finally, panelist Ella Mandel, born in 1926 in Poland, shared her story of being 13 years old when the Nazis invaded and closed the Jewish community off in a ghetto with barbed wire. Mandel described a horrific day in which her family and neighbors were called to the cemetery by the Nazis for what was called a “selection.”  

“‘Selection,’ where Jews were involved, would always be sad, sad, very sad,” she said. “As we got to the cemetery, they picked the small children, put them against the wall, in every child’s face, head, a bullet. We started crying and screaming, ‘What are you doing?’ They said, ‘Deutschland, Germany has no room for children, no room for grandparents. All those are going to be shot and left in the cemetery.'”

Among those murdered was Mandel’s 9-year-old sister. 

The panel closed with each survivor’s story of coming to America and their hopes for future  generations. 

“If … the young generation was able to … be informed enough and feel strong enough to withstand all the hatred and to stand up to the bullies, perhaps you can eliminate some of the hatred around us,” said Reyto. “And it’s only doing it every day, and we can never give up, because we never know what tomorrow brings, and we have to prevent the worst things from happening.”  

The post Holocaust Survivors Tell Their Stories at ‘Bearing Witness’ appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The Wilshire/La Cienega station will be an end-of-line station for about a year before the Metro D Line further expands west. Although the station is scheduled to open in early 2026, City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey confirmed during the meeting that the station will not open until after February.

As an end-of-line station, city staff are preparing for the final train arrival at the Wilshire/La Cienega station at around 2 a.m. each night. Potential impacts include increased early-morning loitering, greater demand for behavioral-health interventions, sanitation impacts in and around station areas, and increased calls for service from adjacent businesses. The city is planning to distribute information flyers to nearby businesses and residents to inform them of proactive steps they can take ahead of the station’s opening, said Human Services Administrator Enisha Clark.

In addition to two dedicated police officers always present at the station, Clark said that the Beverly Hills Police Department is working to increase overnight security coverage, and the Beverly Hills Fire Department will hire a human service specialist to provide hands-on social service support at the station. Anyone can call the Beverly Hills Outreach and Assistance Team hotline for support at 310-285-BHOT, which will be staffed 24/7.

City staff will evaluate key metrics during the first phase of the opening, including the number of people who offload the final train, late-night engagements, calls for police support and environmental conditions, and then continue to adjust accordingly, Clark said.

Councilmember John Mirisch encouraged staff to conduct outreach about how residents can best utilize trains coming in and out of the station, including possible senior TAP cards.

Councilmember Lester Friedman said he feels the city is prepared for the station ahead of the opening.

“One of the things that as long as I’ve been on the council is that we knew we had to prepare for this day that is coming,” he said. “I feel very confident that we have done that preparation, and now it’s just a matter of getting that word out to our community, so they know what to expect and who to contact if there are any issues.”

In other business, Beverly Hills City Librarian Karen Buth presented the Beverly Hills Public Library’s annual fiscal report for 2024-25 to the Beverly Hills City Council on Jan. 21.

Library usage remained strong throughout 2024-25, Buth said. About 450,000 people entered the library, a slight decrease from 2023-24, and the library saw more than 300,000 checkouts and renewals, an increase from 2023-24. Additionally, the number of people attending library programs continued to grow in 2024-25, with about 15,000 virtual attendees and more than 10,000 children attending library events.

The library also saw a 57% increase from 2022-23 in digital checkouts with more than 60,000 in 2024-25. Due to the increase in usage, the library expanded the hours of the Roxbury Book Nook, located in Roxbury Park.

In terms of successful library programming in the past year, Buth pointed to events such as Puppy Power Storytimes, Preschool Dance Parties, the BHUSD Elementary Art Show and storytelling during Jewish American Heritage Month. The library also saw 709 participants for the Annual Summer Reading Club, with children totaling 6,129 reading hours over the summer.

Buth updated the council on how the library met its goals for 2024-25. The library was successful in implementing a new online library catalog that patrons can access, while also working with schools to ensure every student has a library card by the third grade, as mandated by Assembly Bill 321. In further improvements, the library moved its integrated library system to the cloud and moved maintenance responsibilities to Innovative Interfaces, Inc. The library also completed the painting and carpeting of the second floor to match the first floor.

Additionally, the library began housing the Paley Archive, a media and broadcast collection that teaches the history of entertainment, sports and news. 

For 2025-26 goals, the library has already established new programming with silent movie screenings with live musical accompaniment. Other goals include increasing storytime for babies and developing programming for school-age children.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian then presented the Shining in Beverly Hills public recognition to the Beverly Hills Public Library.

“The Beverly Hills Public Library is a robust hub for lifelong learning with a vast collection of reading materials, access to a large selection of electronic resources, library assistance, access to the historical collections for teens, children and adults, passport services and a rich slate of literary and cultural events like author discussions and community book reads,” Nazarian said. “The library’s history reflects the community’s growth and commitment to accessible, high-quality learning spaces. Its ongoing programs and resources foster a love of reading and learning across all ages.” 

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“A Private Life” is a multifaceted title referring not just to psychiatrist Lilian Steiner (Foster) who has compartmentalized all the parts of her life, but also to the patients in her practice. Certainly everyone has a private life, a life separated from the professional, the family and the inner self, but not all of them are quite as complicated as the many rigid lives of Dr. Steiner. A psychoanalyst, she tries to make her patients adhere to the times she has allotted them. Not pleased one evening when a client shows up unannounced, she reluctantly lets him in. He’s through, he tells her. He has been coming to her for many years in an effort to stop smoking and, until just last week, he still smoked. What did the trick, he tells her, was not her therapy but his visit to a hypnotist who cured him in one short session. Not only is he no longer in need of her services but he’s angry that his sessions on her sofa did him no good. Stoically, she reminds him that much more than smoking was discussed and that cures for specific ills are not guaranteed. Off he huffs, vowing never to set foot in her office again.

More problematic news follows when she learns that Paula, a longtime patient, has died. Lilian is floored. Attending the funeral, she is confronted by Paula’s outraged husband who, inexplicably, blames her. Leaving, she records his reaction. His guilt, she thinks, is misdirected at her. But she’s troubled. Tears begin to pour down the cheeks of the formerly implacable Steiner. This has never happened before and she is powerless to stop the flow, no matter the situation. Perhaps her ex, Gabriel, a leading ophthalmologist, can help. Examining her, he is amazed. “I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen you cry,” he says. “I’m not crying,” she exclaims. “It’s my eyes that are.” He tells her that everything is normal. “Did something happen?” “No,” she replies. “Nothing special.”

Still, the tears keep coming. Paula’s daughter arrives with the information that Paula’s death was a suicide using the pills prescribed by Steiner. Though she can submerge her feelings, she cannot stop the tears. She continues to see patients; her tears continue to flow. Frustrated to the point of exhaustion, she does the unthinkable and visits her former client’s hypnotherapist, Jessica, a woman who specializes in Ericksonian hypnotherapy, where focus on the present is given precedence over Freud’s self-exploration of past events. Remarkably, Jessica tells her she can’t stop her from crying because something within her needs to cry, needs to be in mourning. What she will do, however, is take her back to the past; open a portal to a past life that might give credence to what she’s feeling. Skeptical, Lilian allows Jessica to hypnotize her, and what she finds in this imagined past is remarkable, opening something within her, symbols that may have representations in her present.

Lilian clings to the past life portal that has been opened, finding in it another way to dismiss the here and now. Remarkably, the tears have stopped. Now she must unravel the death of Paula, convinced she couldn’t have missed the symptoms. Listening to one of Paula’s taped sessions, she discovers a possible hint to her death, a secret that Paula kept. She must have been murdered. Meeting Gabriel for dinner, she enlists him as her partner in solving what she is certain is a crime. She becomes more convinced than ever that foul play is involved when she returns home to find her office ransacked and the critical tape of Paula’s last session missing.

It is at this point that Zlotowski’s film veers away from psychodrama and into the realm of the slightly wacky, as Gabriel and Lilian follow what they think are clues to what Lilian is convinced is a murder, drawing them closer together than they have been in years. At this point the film has a slight “Only Murders in the Building” tone that might have worked a bit better if it hadn’t been a complete left turn. Nevertheless, this departure from the somber opens up the character of Lilian, who up until now was what one might politely call a stiff. The challenge of the chase, underscored by the weird past life scenario, serves to allow Lilian to relate more humanely to those around her, especially her much maligned son and the grandchild whose mere presence makes her wince. Zlotowski’s intent is to present Lilian as a new woman, less self-involved and more willing to deal with the ambiguities in her own life.

Zlotowski, both as director and co-writer with Anne Berest, was, perhaps, a bit overly ambitious. The various turns in tone and subject matter don’t always work but, if you stay with it until the end, the character development of Lilian Steiner from therapist to human being is quite satisfactory. Helping enormously is the amazing cast she assembled. Jodie Foster, a four-time Academy Award nominee and two-time winner, is remarkable as Steiner. A still-beautiful woman, aging gracefully, the lines etched along her mouth attest to years of stress and no release, characteristics endemic to this physician. Foster is able to convey tension and coldness in her posture as well as her eyes. She is a marvel to watch and would be reason enough to see the film.

But Foster isn’t the only stellar member of this cast. Daniel Auteuil, star of countless iconic films and an icon himself, plays Gabriel, Steiner’s husband. His warmth offsets her froideur; their chemistry is palpable. Nominated for 14 César awards (the French Oscar) and winner of two, he lends importance to any film in which he appears and he is one of the reasons to stay with this one. Virginie Efira, a César winner for “Revoir Paris,” plays Paula and capitalizes on the mystery of her character, making a big impression with the little screen time she has.

Mathieu Amalric, familiar to American audiences for his roles in “Munich” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” is a 10-time César nominee (for writing, directing and acting) and three-time actor César winner, playing Paula’s surviving husband Simon, his anger and sadness colliding effectively into explosiveness. A favorite of mine is Vincent Lacoste who plays Steiner and Gabriel’s son Julien. His realistic disappointment can be read all over his being, engendering sympathy as the neglected son of a troubled mother. A César winner for “Lost Illusions,” you would do yourself a favor to see this exquisite film (streaming on Amazon). Sophie Guillemin plays Jessica the hypnotherapist with conviction and Frederick Wiseman, a highly regarded documentarian and French favorite, is Dr. Goldstein, Steiner’s former professor, now colleague, whether he’s willing to admit it or not. The nonagenarian Wiseman approaches his role with a well-earned twinkle in his eye. Don’t miss his outstanding documentary “Menus Plaisirs – Les Troisgros” on PBS Passport.

Editor Géraldine Mangenot keeps the flow continuous even when the tone changes and cinematographer George Lechaptois makes his relatively dark palette find depth as the film takes a film noir turn.

Any reservations I have, and I do have them, relate to the choppy way in which Zlotowski changes the tone. Veering from personal crisis to a somewhat ineffective film noir homage, she then segues into a rather unconvincing farcical-mystery investigation. She finally arrives at a satisfying, if too hasty, romantic-comedy reconciliation between Steiner and her ex. The parts never completely coalesce into a whole. Although primarily a character study of the psychiatrist, in lesser hands, Steiner’s personal rehabilitation would not ring true, but Foster, the consummate actor, makes it believable.

In French with English subtitles.

Now playing at the Laemmle Royal 

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

The post ‘A Private Life’—Under a Microscope appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

According to a release from the BHPD, at 12:42 p.m. on Jan. 16, the department received numerous 911 calls reporting a suspect with a weapon assaulting an individual. Witnesses also stated the suspect used his vehicle to run over the victim.

Patrol officers arrived on scene within two minutes.  A containment was quickly established, and the suspect was subsequently taken into custody without incident.  

The victim was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

The investigation has determined that the suspect and the victim were involved in a verbal altercation. During the altercation, the suspect struck the victim multiple times with a metal object, then got into his vehicle and drove into the victim, running him over.

The suspect fled to a nearby building and was quickly detained by BHPD officers.

The exact relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victim is not known at this time. The suspect, Christopher Cornelius, 54, of San Bernardino, was booked into BHPD Jail for 187 PC Murder and his bail was set at $2,000,000. 

Cornelius has an extensive criminal record that includes violent crimes.

The BHPD urges anyone with information to contact the department at 310-550-4951. 

The post BHPD Homicide Investigation Continues appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Licht is a film producer and a principal of Beverly Hills–based Licht Entertainment. He previously ran for City Council in 2022.

“I have a good ability to bring all segments together,” Licht said in an interview with the Courier. “I have experience with budgets, from producing movies and dealing with major studios to planning on the Planning Commission. I create a unifying influence in everything I’ve done in my career, including on commissions, and that’s what I want to do on council. I spent the last year speaking with residents and business leaders and listening to what matters to them most, and I think it’s time for fresh thinking on council.”

There are three open positions on the City Council in this year’s municipal elections, currently held by Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Councilmembers Lester Friedman and John Mirisch.

Licht has begun assembling his executive committee, which includes City Councilmember Mary Wells, Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education Member Russell Stuart, former mayors Linda Briskman, Barry Brucker, and Nancy Krasne, as well as Planning Commissioner Gary Ross and former Planning Commissioners Joe Shooshani and Tom Hudnut. 

Recently, the city has faced more than a dozen Builder’s Remedy projects—developments that utilize state law to sidestep certain zoning, density, and height restrictions. Licht said his experience on the Planning Commission makes him uniquely equipped to evaluate these projects in the best interest of the city.

“Maybe we’ve been a little too reactive,” he said. “I do believe we should have clearer communication and maybe stronger planning. It was difficult because the state kept moving the goalposts every time the city came back with new solutions for the housing element, which made things very challenging. I think we need to start earlier in the process and work with the state to avoid these lawsuits, which cost us a lot of money.”

As chair of the Planning Commission, Licht cited his work on reducing the height and making other adjustments to the One Beverly Hills development as part of his efforts to “preserve the charm” of the city.

Licht said his biggest priority if elected would be public safety, especially for Jewish residents.

“There’s a lot of antisemitism out there,” he said. “Maybe we partner law enforcement with Jewish organizations and enhance patrols and visibility around synagogues, community centers, and schools. I think it would be helpful to adopt best practices.”

He also hopes to work with the police and fire departments to prevent future wildfires in the wake of the Palisades Fire. After hearing from firefighters about the potential danger of Franklin Canyon burning—which could significantly damage Beverly Hills—Licht said he plans to work with the City of Los Angeles to proactively clear brush in the canyon.

Licht emphasized that he is building a coalition of residents from across the political spectrum that includes all neighborhoods of the city. If elected, he said he hopes to protect renters as much as property owners and encourage more collaboration among renters, landlords, and City Hall. He also emphasized the city’s need to protect seniors by helping them age in place.

“We should have policies that prevent displacement and unfair treatment,” he said. “A city that protects its vulnerable residents is a stronger city. I believe in rent control, but landlords must ensure their apartments meet Beverly Hills standards.”

Licht pointed to his experience building consensus on commissions and negotiating movie contracts as evidence of his ability to get things done. He said that if elected, he plans to represent the interests of all neighborhoods.

“I consistently push for thoughtful planning and balance legal requirements with Beverly Hills’ long-term interests,” he said. “My guiding light has been to embrace the future while preserving the charm. I’ve lived in Beverly Hills since 1964, and it’s a community that’s incredibly important to me.”

Beverly Hills residents will go to the polls on June 2 to vote on three City Council seats and the City Treasurer. 

The post Andy Licht Launches City Council Campaign appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The council decided to keep the voluntary expenditure ceiling for candidates at its current limit, voted to adopt certain new campaign contribution limits and voted to approve additional funding for the city’s election budget. 

Beverly Hills’ municipal election is scheduled for June 2. Voters will elect three City Councilmembers to the seats currently held by Mayor Sharona Nazarian, Councilmember Lester Friedman and Councilmember John Mirisch. Voters will also elect a City Treasurer, the office of which is currently held by Howard Fisher. 

Friedman announced on Jan. 16, in an exclusive to the Courier, that he will seek reelection. Mirisch has indicated that he intends to run for reelection, however it is unclear whether he will be permitted to do so due to existing term limits. Mirisch filed a petition for writ of mandate on Jan. 12 in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking to compel the City Clerk’s office to accept his nomination papers. And as reported by the Courier on pg. 1 of this issue, Commissioner Andy Licht has announced his candidacy. 

Fisher has not yet announced whether he will run for reelection.

During their discussion on Jan. 21, the council considered whether candidates’ voluntary expenditure ceiling should be increased from $100,000 to $110,000. The issue was last considered in October 2023, when the sitting council at that time voted to increase the ceiling from $80,000 to $100,000. 

Councilmember Mary Wells expressed her opinion that the ceiling should be kept at $100,000. 

“Having that expenditure cap [for a candidate] to be able to accept supports not having our local elections just get so out of control in terms of spending,” she said. “The more that happens, the more that ratchets up, then the more it excludes people that would want to run, because it’s just too daunting.” 

The council then discussed campaign contribution limits. Prior to last night’s vote, contributions were capped at $500 for candidates who accepted the voluntary expenditure limit and $125 for those who did not accept it. 

Wells and Vice Mayor Craig Corman, who together formed the City Council Liaison Elections Ad Hoc Committee, recommended increasing the cap to $500 for all candidates. Explaining his reasoning, Corman said he believes that differentiating the amounts that candidates may accept is a violation of federal law. 

“It’s been my belief for a long time that actually violates the First Amendment as found in a Supreme Court case back in 2008, Davis v. FEC … that’s why the proposal is to have the limits the same, whether you agree to the [voluntary expenditure] cap or not,” he said. 

During a back-and-forth about case law and precedent regarding campaign contribution limits and voluntary expenditure limits, Corman and Mirisch were interrupted by Nazarian who said that the discussion felt “like we’re in a courtroom.”

Speaking to Corman, Nazarian said, “I think each person should have an opportunity to speak, and then it’ll be your turn.” 

Mirisch responded that he was interested in what Corman had to say, and the discussion continued. 

The council agreed to keep the voluntary expenditure limit at $100,000, which did not require a vote because it did not represent a change to the Beverly Hills Municipal Code.  

It then voted 3-2 to adopt an ordinance increasing the campaign contribution limit for certain candidates for city elections, with Corman and Mirisch voting no. Based on that vote, the campaign contribution limits for candidates who do not accept the voluntary expenditure ceiling will be $400. For those who do, the ceiling will be $500. 

Notification will be provided to voters as to whether a candidate has accepted or not accepted the voluntary expenditure limit. 

The council voted unanimously to approve a funding request of $210,000 from city staff for the election budget, bringing the total budget to $295,000. According to a report prepared by staff, the current funding set aside for elections is insufficient due to increasing costs and an increasing number of elections. 

In other business, the council voted to amend various sections of the BHMC to adopt a transit-oriented development alternative plan pursuant to California Senate Bill 79 (SB 79). SB 79 increases the allowable density, floor area ratio and height for certain housing developments located within a given proximity to transit. By creating and adopting an alternative plan, the city can exert some level of local control over the location of the residential densities mandated by SB 79.

City staff prepared three alternative plan scenarios that distribute the density in varying ways. The council voted to adopt “Scenario 3 (‘La Cienega Focused Scenario’),” which focuses new density around the La Cienega/Wilshire Boulevard Metro stop. According to a report prepared by city staff, Scenario 3 is consistent with previous discussions about revitalizing the city’s southeast area. 

The election filing period for nomination papers and candidates’ statements is Feb. 9 through March 6, however the deadline for non-incumbents will be extended to March 11 if an incumbent does not file by March 6.  

The post City Council Takes Action on Election Spending and Contributions appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Council members provided feedback and amendments on priorities for the year, ranging from enhancing public safety at the newly opened La Cienega Metro Station to implementing artificial intelligence to respond to traffic violations to strengthening long-term fiscal responsibility and developing city infrastructure.

The first priority item was to prepare public safety at the upcoming Metro stations set to open in Beverly Hills, including the La Cienega/Wilshire Station and the Beverly Drive Station. The council planned to complete the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Public Safety Center at the La Cienega/Wilshire Station and prepare a policing model for the Beverly Drive Station.

As part of initiatives to increase public safety, the city will continue expanding the number of closed-circuit television cameras and installing automated license plate readers (ALPRs) at prioritized intersections. The funding for the ALPRs will be part of a budget enhancement for fiscal year 2026-27. Councilmember Mary Wells stated her support for increasing police enforcement of speeding and excessive noise within the city.

Another goal for increasing public safety is to “aggressively recruit new and lateral police officers,” which will also require a budget enhancement, according to the staff report.

The council then transitioned to providing direction regarding transparent governance and strengthening long-term fiscal sustainability.

Because the city had to unexpectedly hold a statewide election in November 2025 for Proposition 50, city staff requested a budget enhancement to hold the June 2026 election for City Council and City Treasurer.

The city also plans to conduct citywide tax analyses and a comprehensive citywide fee to implement further cost-saving measures.

In focusing on improving city infrastructure and community quality of life, the council provided direction on various avenues and city facilities.

In regards to the city parking structure located at 440 North Camden Drive, bids will be released in February for seismic renovations. Construction will begin in  April. For the structure at 461 N. Bedford Drive, bidding will occur in April or May, with construction beginning in July. Staff has been focused on waterproofing and seismic renovations but is redirecting to focus on painting in the future. The city is also working to implement Level 2 electric vehicle chargers in city parking structures.

Another priority of the council moving forward is to lobby the state of California and work with other local cities to develop realistic goals for housing development, especially in the wake of Senate Bill 79, which will change local zoning ordinances that are proximate to transit centers.

“The unrealistic expectations of the state of California are really crippling us in moving forward in keeping the character of our city,” Councilmember Lester Friedman said. “At some point in time, there have to be realistic goals.”

The post City Council Outlines Fiscal Priorities for 2026-27 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

California state law requires all cities to have an OSE, which provides guidance and regulations for open space, park space and recreational amenities. Beverly Hills’ element was originally adopted in 1977 and last revised in 2010 as part of the city’s General Plan update. It is being revisited based on the requirements of California Senate Bill 1425 (SB 1425). That statute requires  municipalities to address issues such as equal access to open space, climate resilience, the restoration of ecosystems to their natural states and consistency with other elements of their General Plans. 

The update process in Beverly Hills started in August 2025 with a review of the existing conditions, literature and relevant policies by city staff and infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, as well as feedback from the city’s public works and community services departments. 

According to a report prepared by city staff, Beverly Hills currently has 145 acres of open space such as parkland, recreational facilities and playgrounds. 

In a presentation made at the Jan. 8 meeting, Deborah Hong, an associate planner with the city, said that some of the major proposed updates to the OSE include increased public education, needs assessments, ongoing improvements to public transportation and collaboration with state and local governing bodies. 

The proposed changes incorporate more support for expanding bike lanes and pedestrian routes, as well as other non-vehicular means of access to open space.

City staff also suggested implementing an annual calendar of events to inform the community about existing environmental-focused programming. The revised draft further recommends wildfire protection strategies such as structures that are resistant to flames, an increased reliance on the state’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones designations when considering the location of buildings and trees and using landscaping that is more likely to mitigate risk. 

Other suggested changes include needs assessments at public parks, periodic updates to the Beverly Hills Garden Handbook and the implementation of stormwater capture strategies. 

If approved by City Council, the changes to the General Plan will be implemented by the city’s community services division and public works staff. They will be funded through Capital Improvement Program general funds.  

The post Planning Commission Moves Open Space Element Forward appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Homeowners’ associations or HOAs have become a dominant feature of the modern housing market, shaping both what communities look like and how people experience homeownership. According to CalMatters and Census Bureau data, 67% of all new single-family homes built in 2024 nationwide were in communities with HOAs, and California residents paid a median of $278 in monthly fees, among the highest in the nation. In many parts of California, buying into an HOA is the default for new homeowners, meaning that HOA obligations and limitations now operate along with more traditional obligations of property ownership.

HOAs in California are formed through private agreements but they exercise authority that directly affects how people use their homes and common areas in their neighborhoods or condominiums. HOAs exist through recorded declarations of covenants, conditions, and restrictions, along with bylaws and rules. HOAs are generally governed by HOA boards, which have the power to make sure their rules are followed, and to impose fines on homeowners who do not follow those rules. 

HOAs can govern a wide range of issues, including whether a homeowner may repaint a door, change landscaping, install solar panels, renovate a kitchen, rent out a unit, replace windows, park in a particular spot, or even keep certain items visible from the street. In many communities, HOAs also control access to shared amenities and impose mandatory monthly assessments.

AB 130 operates within the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (the “Act”), which provides the statutory foundation for HOA governance statewide. The Act governs elections, assessments, meetings, records, and enforcement authority. It was designed to create uniformity and predictability within the HOA governance system, and to provide a mechanism for homeowners to appeal certain HOA actions. 

AB 130 is a significant addition to the structure under the Act. AB 130 sets limits to the enforcement authority of HOAs. Enforcement actions, in which an HOA can levy fines or impose compliance demands on homeowners, are one of the most common sources of HOA conflict. Disputes frequently arise over architectural rules, landscaping requirements, alleged noise violations, pet restrictions, use limitations, or maintenance standards. Historically, these enforcement disputes often turned on informal practices and managerial discretion by the HOA, giving HOAs wide latitude in enforcing regulations.

AB 130 creates additional due process rights for homeowners in enforcement actions by their HOA and sets a limit on the amount of fines that can be imposed. Under the statute, an HOA generally cannot assess a fine of more than $100 per violation, except for health and safety regulations. 

The fee cap means that an HOA cannot use the threat of fines as a significant source of financial leverage against homeowners to ensure enforcement. HOA proponents claim that this cap on fines may result in homeowners choosing to ignore the rules because they can only be fined once for a maximum of $100. If a violation threatens health or safety, higher fines may still be permitted, but the association must have a defensible basis for that conclusion and must make required findings. 

Additionally, HOAs must give homeowners a meaningful opportunity to cure violations before they can impose any fines or take other disciplinary action. At least 10 days before any meeting to assess a fine, the HOA must notify the homeowner in writing, and provide the meeting’s date, time, location, and the nature of the violation and requested fine. Homeowners have the right to attend the meeting and speak to the HOA board. 

If a homeowner cures the violation before the meeting, the HOA cannot discipline the homeowner or impose any fine. If curing the violation would take longer than the time between the notice provided and the meeting, the homeowner makes a financial commitment to cure the violation, and if they do so, the HOA may not assess a fine or take any other disciplinary action. 

After a meeting, if the homeowner and HOA reach an agreement, they must create a written resolution signed by both parties, which is enforceable in court as long as it is consistent with the HOA’s governing documents and the law. If the homeowner and HOA do not agree, and the HOA imposes discipline or charges a fine, the board has to provide written notification of the decision within 14 days. 

AB 130 formalizes the process for HOA fees and fines and gives homeowners more due process opportunities to cure or challenge fines. Additionally, the cap on fines of $100 for the same violation limits an HOA’s ability to use fines as a hammer to ensure compliance with rules. The statute’s impact is especially relevant in communities with high property values and complex developments. In these communities, associations frequently oversee architectural standards, renovation approvals, and use restrictions. 

At its core, AB 130 rebalances the power between homeowner and HOA by making enforcement harder to impose quickly and more difficult to use as leverage. In communities where HOA rules meaningfully affect renovations, aesthetics, and the day-to-day experience of living at home, the changes will have a significant impact. 

The post California HOA Reforms appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The council voted unanimously to vacate the Planning Commission’s approval of the project at its original height of 14 stories, remand the matter to the commission for further consideration at a height of 26 stories and grant in part related appeals with amendments. 

A preliminary application for the project was filed by developer 9229 Wilshire Skyline LLC on Dec. 14, 2023. Formal entitlement applications were submitted on April 15, 2024, and the application was deemed complete by the city on Jan. 10, 2025. 

The project proposed at that time was a 14-story, mixed-use Builder’s Remedy development with 116 units, 60 hotel rooms and ground-floor retail space, as well as three subterranean parking levels with 140 parking spots. 

On Oct. 29, 2025, the Planning Commission conditionally approved the project’s request for a development plan review, conditional use permit and density bonus permit. 

However, on Oct. 28, 2025, the applicant submitted a revised application for the project. The new design proposes a 26-story mixed-use building with 195 residential units, ground floor retail and seven levels of above-grade parking for a total of 252 parking spaces. 

Unlike the initially proposed project, it does not include a hotel component. 

The last-minute submission was permissible under the state’s Housing Accountability Act (HAA). 

City staff did not have time to properly process the new application, and instead considered and approved the development as outlined in the original application. In response, two appeals were filed to the City Council: one by the applicant requesting that the approval be set aside and the revised project be processed instead, and one by the Beverly Hills Citizens Coalition, a group of residents with concerns about the project. 

At its Jan. 13 meeting, the council focused its discussion primarily on the applicant’s appeal, which was submitted on the grounds that the commission’s decision violated the developer’s right to revise a Builder’s Remedy application, constituted arbitrary and capricious action and violated the HAA, denied the developer procedural fairness and due process and demonstrated evidence of bad faith and a potential violation of the HAA. 

Several residents spoke out against the project during the public comment period of the meeting.

Several councilmembers expressed their dislike of the project, but noted, as they have in the past that there is little they can do to deny Builder’s Remedy projects. 

The council voted unanimously to send the matter back to the Planning Commission, and to refund the appeal fee of $7,101 paid by the Beverly Hills Citizens Coalition.

In other business, the city unanimously approved a resolution condemning the Islamic Republic of Iran’s response to recent peaceful protests. The resolution condemns the regime’s violent and extreme tactics including shutting down internet and phone lines and use of tear gas and live ammunition on citizens. 

The chamber was full of people supporting the resolution, some of whom could be seen weeping and draped in Iranian flags during public comment. 

The council received a standing ovation following the vote. 

The post City Will Consider 26-Story Development on Wilshire appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The project would build an underground heavy rail line connecting the Van Nuys Metrolink Station to the Expo/Sepulveda E Line Station. The project will also connect to the G Line on Van Nuys Boulevard and the future Metro D Line at Wilshire and Westwood boulevards, creating a direct transit connection through one of the most congested corridors in the region. The rail line would ease transportation to UCLA, L.A. County’s third-largest employer, and other major job centers in the Westside such as Century City and Beverly Hills, by providing commuters a 20-minute total journey from the Valley to UCLA.

Efforts to put light rail along the Sepulveda transit corridor date back decades. In 2016, L.A. County voters approved Measure M, which included efforts to improve transit between the San Fernando Valley and West L.A. in two phases, with the first connecting the Valley to West L.A. and the second that would add a connection to Los Angeles International Airport. The project then went through years of environmental reviews, feasibility studies and community responses.

Measure M allocated $5.7 billion in funding for the project. Additional funds will be needed for construction, and Metro is considering utilizing a public-private partnership to finance the project.

According to Metro, the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project has the potential to offer public transit to approximately 63,000 to 124,000 daily riders, reduce travel time that is usually about 40 to 80 minutes by car to about 18 to 33 minutes by transit and improve environmental conditions by reducing vehicle emissions.

In July 2025, Metro released a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) of five proposed routes that drew varying reactions. Residents of Bel Air opposed possible plans that involved building tunnels under the residential neighborhood. An on-campus station at UCLA as well as reduced commercial and residential acquisitions were also included as part of the approved Modified Alternative 5.

The project was praised by representatives from numerous climate action groups and public transportation advocates during public comment. Supporters celebrated the possibility of reducing emissions from vehicles traveling on I-405 and reducing the transit time from the Valley to West L.A.

Opponents of the project noted the high cost and disruption that would come from years of construction. Jonathan Brand, the executive director of the Bel Air Association, expressed his opposition.

“The Bel Air Association is categorically against tunneling under Bel Air residences,” he said. “One thing that hasn’t been mentioned is the budget. There’s no money to pay for this. It’s going to cost an excess of $30 to $40 billion and the suggestion is to make your existing infrastructure safe and clean for people to ride prior to embarking on new ventures.”

Mallory Mead, LA Metro communications manager, confirmed that tunneling would occur in the Bel Air neighborhood as part of the project. However, the project would use Tunnel Boring Machines and Sequential Excavation Method that “generally produce no noticeable noise, vibration, or settlement at the ground,” according to Metro. Metro pointed to recent construction for the D Line extension and K Line as examples of tunneling that had minimal disruption to surrounding neighborhoods.

After passing the Planning and Programming Committee, the full Metro Board will vote on the final approval of the project on Jan. 22. 

The post Metro Committee Approves Sepulveda Corridor Project appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The news came on the heels of multiple indications of trouble for the company, including the sale of the land below Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, a change in leadership and reports that the company could not pay its vendors. 

News of the impending bankruptcy broke in late December, when Saks Global reportedly missed an interest payment of over $100 million on bonds. Shortly thereafter, Marc Metrick stepped down from his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), handing the reins over to Richard Baker. 

The company then announced that former Neiman Marcus CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck would take over for Baker.  

In the immediate aftermath of its Chapter 11 filing, Saks Global announced that it had secured an approximately $1.75 billion financing commitment. According to a statement issued by the company, its stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks OFF 5TH remain open and operational to serve customers. 

“This is a defining moment for Saks Global, and the path ahead presents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the foundation of our business and position it for the future,” said van Raemdonck in a statement. “In close partnership with [our] newly appointed leaders and our colleagues across the organization, we will navigate this process together with a continued focus on serving our customers and luxury brands.”

According to documents filed in court, the company’s estimated assets and liabilities are listed between $1 billion and $10 billion. 

The sale of the land below Neiman Marcus at 9700 Wilshire Blvd. to New York-based private real estate firm Ashkenazy Acquisition Corp. was announced in late December. 

In Beverly Hills, Saks Global is pursuing a major development at and around the site of the historic Saks Fifth Avenue Women’s Building at 9600 Wilshire Blvd. The two-block project sits inside the rectangle created by Camden Drive, Bedford Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, extending approximately halfway south on the Bedford and Camden blocks. 

Michael Forbes, the city’s director of community development, told the Courier in an email that the project is proceeding as planned. 

“Saks told us that the bankruptcy filing is not expected to have any effect on the project and that they will continue moving forward with the entitlement process for the City Council to consider the project,” he said. 

The post Saks Global Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The writ seeks to compel the clerk’s office to accept Mirisch’s nomination papers for the June 2, 2026, municipal election to the Beverly Hills City Council. The nomination period opens on Feb. 9. 

As previously reported in the Courier, Mirisch’s candidacy is on its face precluded by the provisions of Measure TL, which was adopted in 2022 and codified as Beverly Hills  Municipal Code section 2-1-21 (“the Ordinance”). 

The Ordinance provides, “The City Clerk . . . shall not accept or verify the signatures on any nomination paper for any person [that] will result in a City Council term that exceeds . . .three (3) total terms of office as a City Councilmember.” 

Mirisch has completed three previous terms as a City Councilmember and is currently serving his fourth term, which expires in June 2026.

The petition alleges that any refusal by the city to accept his nomination papers will constitute an unlawful, retroactive application of the Ordinance, given a state mandate that “any proposal to limit the number of terms a member of the city council may serve on the city council shall apply prospectively only.” (Gov. Code, § 36502(b)).

The petition cites as authority a 2012 Attorney General opinion indicating that “[a] term served on a town council that was served prior to the effective date of a local initiative term-limit ordinance may not be counted against the term limit imposed by that ordinance.”

Moreover, the petition argues that a 2023 court case that the city is expected to rely on,  San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors v. Monell, actually supports Mirisch’s position and is otherwise distinguishable. 

This is a developing story which will be updated online. 

The post Mirisch Files Writ of Mandate to Allow Candidacy appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

On Dec. 16, Board Member Judy Manouchehri was sworn in as the board’s new president and Board Member Sigalie Sabag was sworn in as the board’s new vice president, despite having received fewer votes in the most recent election. The board’s bylaws state that when multiple board members have the same term of service, “they shall serve as vice president in descending order of the number of votes received in their most recent election.”

At the Dec. 16 meeting, Stuart, Manouchehri and Sabag voted against Stern’s installation. Manouchehri criticized Stern’s actions while on the board, stating that she could more closely adhere to the Brown Act and not make “false statements to the public about closed session matters.”

On Jan. 13, following comments from district parents and students in her support, Stern decried her treatment by fellow board members, saying it humiliated her and caused chaos, and demanded to be installed as vice president.

Stern pointed to her accomplishments as a board member, including making a safety plan for graduation and increasing cybersecurity, and said that a record 7,102 voters supported her in the last election. Stern also condemned Board Member Russell Stuart’s social media posts and held up a photo of one that said, “Cheers to my haters! Be patient. So much more is coming,” and asked the room if they would tolerate the same behavior from their teenage children.

Board Member Rachelle Marcus, who nominated Stern for vice president, also criticized Manouchehri’s statements against Stern, calling them a “pre-planned attack for personal goals” and saying she was “appalled.” Marcus’ comments were met with applause from the gathered audience.

During public comment, district parent and attorney Daniel Lifschitz demanded Stern’s installation and threatened a lawsuit against the district if it did not abide.

“At least one person on this dais went to law school and should understand how separation of powers works,” he said. “You may also want to refresh your recollection of how mandamus works because that’s what I’ll be suing you under if you refuse to discharge your sworn ministerial duties under the bylaws and continue to perpetuate this charade that Miss Sabag was lawfully installed as vice president in a shameful December coup. … Do your job or I’ll see you in court.”

Stuart defended the board majority’s actions in voting against Stern and argued that the board has improved the district in the past year in numerous ways. During his comments, audience members shouted their disapproval at Stuart. Stuart then replied to Lifschitz and said, “I can’t believe you’re a freaking lawyer,” before getting up and leaving the meeting.

Manouchehri addressed Stern directly at the end of the meeting.

“While what I said has been described by many, I spoke to you from my heart and I spoke with you softly and not in an aggressive way,” she said. “I was voting my conscience based on not your views, but the interactions that we had had. I think you know that I respect your perspective, and I respect your opinion, and I acknowledge what you bring to this table, and I understand your anger. I hope that we can, like we did tonight, continue to work together.” 

The post BHUSD Faces Litigation Threat in Wake of Stern Controversy appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

After serving twice as mayor during tumultuous times locally and nationally, he said he is running “to finish the job.” 

“I had hoped that two terms would give me the time to address and begin implementing many of my priorities,” Friedman told the Courier. “But as we know, man makes plans, and you know who laughs. My years as mayor were upended by unforeseen and society-changing events: the pandemic, George Floyd civil unrest and the Palisades and Eaton fires.”

Friedman, an attorney, mediator and judge pro tem, was first elected to the City Council in 2017 and again in 2022. Prior to serving on the council, he spent six years on the Beverly Hills Traffic and Parking Commission, acted as chair of the Beverly Hills Taxi Review Committee and served on the Blue-Ribbon Commission for Santa Monica Boulevard Reconstruction. 

He was installed for his first mayoral term in 2020 and his second in 2024. 

Friedman’s seat will be one of three open positions on the council in this year’s municipal elections, including those currently held by Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Councilmember John Mirisch. 

If reelected to the council, Friedman said he plans to focus on security, economics and managing growth. 

“We need to prepare our infrastructure and reassess our public safety services—police and fire,” he said. “The good news is that Beverly Hills has already begun investing in the tools that enhance and support the work of our police and firefighters. But we need to do more.” 

Noting that economic projections in the city predict a deficit and tourism is down, Friedman said he intends to examine the factors behind those realities and tackle them head-on. 

“Our business district is facing real challenges,” he said. “For example, the fire at Porta Via has had a ripple effect on adjacent businesses. Several have now closed. Canon Drive is one of the city’s most vibrant districts. I want to work with business and property owners to help get these fixtures in our community open again. We need to recognize our economic opportunities and then capitalize on them.”

During Friedman’s most recent term on the council, Beverly Hills has faced over a dozen Builder’s Remedy projects: developments that utilize state law to sidestep certain zoning, density and height restrictions in the city. 

The result has been displeasure and disappointment among many impacted residents and businesses. Without going into detail, Friedman acknowledged the issue and said the council is exploring its options. 

“We are facing tremendous legal obstacles with the state’s illogical imposition that thousands of new apartments be built in Beverly Hills,” he said. “But there are legal remedies the council is pursuing.” 

While serving as mayor of the city from 2024-25, Friedman was heavily involved in efforts to combat rising antisemitism, hosting over 200 North American mayors for the Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism and launching Beverly Hills’ Oct. 7 Memorial. 

He was on the political front lines when the Palisades and Eaton fires blazed through Los Angeles in January 2025 and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. 

Dealing with those emergency situations, Friedman said, afforded him the opportunity to lead through watershed events—and learn how to better the city in the process. 

“The knowledge I gained from each of these crises led to the beginning of real improvements in the city’s security infrastructure, including more license plate readers, our drone program and most significantly, the 24/7 real-time closed-circuit television system,” he said. “I’m very proud to have initiated or expanded these programs with the backing of the council and [Beverly Hills Police] Chief Stainbrook.” 

Friedman also noted that serving as mayor during the 2025 wildfires gave him the chance to examine ways to strengthen the city’s emergency responses. 

“The aftermath of the fires had reverberations for Beverly Hills even as we emerged unscathed … [Beverly Hills] Fire [Department] Chief Barton and I worked to begin assessing our future fire needs,” he said. “How do we protect our residents? What are our vulnerabilities?” 

Friedman has lived in Beverly Hills for more than 40 years. His wife, Simone Friedman is also involved in public service, having served on the Recreation and Parks Commission and as chairperson and president of the Beverly Hills Education Foundation. Together, they have four children and six grandchildren. 

In addition to his work with the city, Friedman has been the official scorer for UCLA Men’s Basketball, the Pac-12 Conference Basketball Tournament and the NCAA West Regional.

“The security and prosperity of Beverly Hills is my priority,” Friedman said. “I bring the experience, ideas and knowledge that are needed to protect our quality of life as we meet the challenges ahead.” 

The post Friedman Will Seek Reelection to City Council appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In the days following the incident, BHUSD mobilized facilities and safety teams to conduct a thorough inspection of the entire El Rodeo Elementary School campus. This included:

• A comprehensive assessment of all classrooms and learning spaces

• Air quality testing to confirm a healthy environment post-incident

• Electrical inspections confirming power to all instructional areas

• Installation of temporary generators to ensure consistent and reliable power

• Continued coordination with Southern California Edison and the Beverly Hills Fire Department

“We are grateful for the swift response of our city’s first responders and proud of how quickly our teams worked to ensure the safety and readiness of the campus,” said Dr. Alex Cherniss, BHUSD Superintendent. “All systems are operational, and El Rodeo Elementary School is fully prepared to welcome students back.” 

The post Small Fire at El Rodeo Contained Quickly appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The intersection is used daily as a pedestrian route to and from campus for students and families of the Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy, located about 500 feet north of the intersection at the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Doheny Drive. Families with children ranging in age from pre-nursery through middle school cross the intersection after dropping off their students and proceeding westbound on Whitworth Drive. The approval was made after the city conducted a traffic study of the intersection in response to an influx of resident requests in spring 2025.

The all-way stop control is a response to the high volume of vehicles and pedestrians at the intersection, drivers speeding through the nearby Whitworth Drive and Doheny Drive stoplight, limited visibility for north and southbound drivers and recent collisions, said Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter. Carpenter said that the intersection did not meet the criteria of traffic volume and collisions for all-way stop control established in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices but noted that both Beverly Hills and Los Angeles do not file reports for non-injury crashes.

“We do hear from residents that there are a lot of property damage-only collisions that they’re observing so if there were more police reports, it’s possible that this would have met the warrants,” Carpenter said in her presentation. “Our analysis is that all-way stop control would help reduce these conflicts, especially during school arrival and departure times.”

The intersection at Whitworth and Oakhurst drives is one of three out of 13 intersections along Whitworth Drive without all-way stop control.

“Residents have reported that this inconsistency is confusing for north-south drivers who are expecting east-west traffic to stop at Oakhurst as it does at many other intersections along Whitworth,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter added that school staff at The Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy expressed support for the increased safety of the project but were wary of the potential to congest traffic. The intersection is shared with the city of Los Angeles and city staff collaborated with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation on the project.

Beverly Hills resident Rick Corcoran urged the commission to address traffic congestion on streets nearby the Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy during drop-off and pick-up during public comment. While he still supported implementing all-way stop control, he expressed concern that the additional stop signs would further clog an already congested area.

On weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., almost 4,000 vehicles cross the intersection, according to the staff report. During one evening in October, city staff counted 1,119 vehicles crossing the intersection from 3 to 5 p.m.

Commissioner Michael Karric said the inconsistency of stop signs along Whitworth Drive proved the need to add stop signs.

“I don’t see how it could impact the school any more than it already is,” he said. “It’s just gridlock around the school at that time, so I don’t know if adding a stop sign is going to make a huge difference.”

Commissioner Negar Kamara said she supported the project for the positives that it would bring to the neighborhood.

“I also support this—number one, for safety reasons, number two, for what you mentioned as far as the sight distance for vehicles driving north and south,” she said. “I support it because there is no fiscal impact to the city and lastly, I support it for the residents’ support. It makes so much sense.”

In other business, Carpenter presented the findings of intersection safety studies conducted by Street Simplified, LLC at three high-priority intersections—Robertson and Wilshire boulevards, Robertson and Charleville boulevards, and Beverly Drive and Carmelita Avenue. At Robertson and Wilshire boulevards, most collisions were caused by drivers violating the right-of-way of other drivers and pedestrians while making left turns. At Robertson and Charleville boulevards, the findings provided details on how drivers come into conflict with pedestrians attempting to cross, especially since the intersection is popular among pedestrians and cyclists. At Beverly Drive and Carmelita Avenue, many collisions are caused by drivers violating posted stop signs and driving at unsafe speeds, making it one of the most dangerous intersections in the city.

Following the report, the Public Works Department will work with the Beverly Hills Police Department to enact safety measures.  

The post Commission Approves Four-Way Stop Signs at Whitworth and Oakhurst appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Jake Levine, who served as a policy analyst in the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change under President Barack Obama and advocated for solutions to climate change on the White House National Security Council under President Joe Biden, is facing off against U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman, who is seeking his 16th term. District 32 includes parts of the San Fernando Valley, West Los Angeles and the area directly north of Beverly Hills.

Levine is centering his campaign around lowering the cost of housing and childcare and making clean energy more accessible.

His plans include establishing a national housing development bank to bring down the cost of lending, bolstering the film economy in Los Angeles and offering immigrants a pathway to citizenship.

After serving in the White House, Levine worked in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office and helped launch the California Climate Action Corps, a service program for young people to address climate change. He also represented clean energy advocates in court against the Trump administration to defend clean air protections. In the wake of the Palisades Fire in January 2025, which destroyed his parents’ home, Levine founded the Department of Angels, a nonprofit to help fire victims rebuild.

Other than Levine, nine other challengers will contend for Sherman’s seat. The two candidates with the most votes in the June primary will then face each other in the November 2026 general election.

A native of the Pacific Palisades, Levine lives in Brentwood with his wife and son and is the son of former U.S. Rep. Mel Levine.

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

BHC: For those who might not know, please tell us about your connection to District 32.

Levine: I grew up in the district. I grew up in Pacific Palisades and in Brentwood. I went to schools in the district. I graduated from Harvard-Westlake. Both of my parents grew up in Beverly Hills. My aunt and uncle on my dad’s side still live in Beverly Hills. My parents both went to Beverly Hills High School. I went to El Rodeo for elementary school. So, my family goes way back in this place, and it’s a place I’m excited to bring the next generation into.

BHC: How did your father, former U.S. Rep. Mel Levine, inspire your political candidacy, and what has he taught you about being an elected official?

Levine: It’s definitely my father, but also my family, starting with my grandparents’ generation. In fact, my grandmother was on the school board in Beverly Hills. My grandfather, Max Greenberg, had a life of service as a lawyer. He served as the national chairman of the Anti-Defamation League in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. I think that my father’s decision to serve in public office, my mom’s decision to become a trial court judge, just stemmed from a feeling of responsibility to give back to the community, particularly when you’re blessed with the kind of values and upbringing and resources that were in my family. It’s been a long time since my dad’s been in office. And what has been so valuable to me about that is having a true friend in this and somebody that I can go to with any concern, free of judgment, and can help me think through it with impeccable judgment, and the kind of values that he lived in his life.

BHC: How did you decide that now was the time to run for Congress against an incumbent who has represented District 32 for 15 terms?

Levine: We’ve reached a moment in this country’s history that is a perilous moment. We’ve got a president that has run roughshod over the Constitution and the separation of powers, and I just think that the leaders who have gotten us to this moment, people like Brad Sherman, who have been well-intentioned and who have served for a long time, they’re no longer equipped to deal with the times that we’re in and to help lead us out of these crises.  

BHC: What do you see as the biggest issues affecting District 32 and how do you plan to address them if elected to Congress?

Levine: I think there’s a range of issues that people are really concerned with, starting with public safety and the basic effectiveness of some of the core fundamental functions of government. I think what is happening on the streets of L.A. every day with ICE and the unlawful detentions—I come from a Jewish family. When you look at what happened in World War II and the Holocaust, it is usually those in our society who are the most marginalized who are the least able to stand up to unlawful discrimination, detention and civil rights violations. It is incumbent on all of us as Americans to stand up and protect our immigrant community in this moment.

BHC: What about issues affecting our readers in Beverly Hills and why are you equipped to handle them?

Levine: Beverly Hills, in a lot of ways, has been an exemplar for effective municipal governance, with a mayor and a City Council that have provided a lot of leadership on issues from antisemitism to policing. I think some of the public safety issues that we see across the district are being tackled in Beverly Hills in a way that can be potentially a model for elsewhere. But I think that also, as we confront our housing crisis across the state, and as we confront the need to lower the cost of living, people in Beverly Hills are worried about housing density being put in places that might not be appropriate for that. I think that the history of the single-family home in Los Angeles is a proud history. It’s part of what makes Los Angeles a special place to raise a family. But also, I know that there are places in Beverly Hills that have been seen as appropriate for building more affordable, more accessible housing that can be a source of stability for young people. So, we can look to Beverly Hills as sort of a model for how to balance the need for bringing more housing into the system and doing that in a way that is appropriate to the character and the history and the legacy of a community.

BHC: A lot of your platform has centered around improving the response to natural disasters in the wake of the Palisades Fire. On the year anniversary of the disaster, how do you hope to address the conditions that led to the fire to ensure that it does not happen again?

Levine: I think there’s a very important role for the federal leadership in this district to play. I would want to see a plan executed to ensure that resources are in place to run drills and make sure that we have all of the assets available to contend with the kinds of fires that we know are going to be more common. 

Right in our district, we have the opportunity to transition from fossil resources to clean solar batteries. In fact, one of the things that’s most exciting about the rebuild in the Palisades is people are looking at the confluence of fire resilience with climate sustainability, homes that are both non-combustible, but also energy efficient, that, in some cases, are using solar power and batteries to be able to disconnect from the grid. We’re working on undergrounding the power lines. It’s a mix of better emergency response and goes back to the resources on public safety. We have the same number of fire stations in L.A. County today that we had in the 1970s.  The population has grown significantly, congestion has been exacerbated, so the time it takes for a fire truck to get to a fire has doubled, which means life and death.  

BHC: What are your specific plans to implement solutions to affordability?

Levine: I think home ownership is a really important tenant of life in America. It’s an opportunity for people to build equity, to generate stability in their own personal economic world and life and stability in their family life, and that is out of reach for too many people in Beverly Hills, in Los Angeles, in California. The average age of a first time home buyer today is older than 40 years old. In 1960, it was 23 years old, and so you could start building equity in a home. You could start laying down roots. You could get married and start a family so much earlier with the stability of a home. The policy that we want to put on the table is a national housing development bank, one that would help bring down the cost of capital for people who are unable to finance the construction of a home, other types of apartment buildings, larger developments, but who otherwise have projects that would be appropriate to work on. And so the idea behind it is to really accelerate our ability to build and to bring home ownership ultimately into view for young people and for people for whom it has been out of touch and out of reach.  

The post Jake Levine Believes He Should Lead CA District 32 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The renovated lawn along the west side of Moreno Drive will feature two distinct grass sections for students to use. The lawn will run across the entire Building B with a pathway leading to the school’s attendance office, ending at the new Konheim Athletic Building, scheduled to open at the end of 2026. The Grand Lawn, once the centerpiece of BHHS’s campus where graduation was held, will be used by teachers to host classes and by students as a place to eat lunch, study and make memories with friends. 

Funded through local bond measures, the Grand Lawn renovation is being overseen by management firm Fonder-Solari and carried out by construction firm Swinerton Inc.

“The students have been without it for so long, and just to have a space that really exemplifies who we are as a community and who we are as students means so much,” said Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Public Information Officer Colby Gilardian.

The renovations involved concrete flatwork, landscaping, irrigation and installing lighting, cameras and Wi-Fi, said Will Karrat, the BHUSD executive director of maintenance, operations and construction. The Grand Lawn renovation will dramatically change BHHS morning drop-off, as a new traffic lane along Moreno Drive will be added, Karrat said. The new lane will allow students to be safely picked up and dropped off in front of the high school, rather than having to drive all the way into the school’s main entrance. The lawn will also be surrounded by a new wrought iron fence, with cameras installed and each gate monitored by security guards.

Karrat added that in planning the renovation, it was important to provide enough green space while also selecting grass that would be easy to maintain.

“So, we wanted to keep the old look of having it being a grand lawn, and not just have it be a brown space,” Karrat said. “We wanted to have a lot of green so that’s what we’re going to incorporate into the lawn area. And then there’s two sections of raised areas, or small little hillsides that will be covered with drought-tolerant plants that we’re hoping it’s not going to require a lot of maintenance. It will hold up through the years, certainly.”

The reopening of the Grand Lawn coincides with other construction projects at BHHS that have been completed or are near completion in the new year. The fall saw the reopening of the Salter Family Theatre in Building 3, a 125-seat theater with modernized equipment for audio-visual technology, lighting systems and a redesigned backstage area. This year will also see the reopening of the Peters Auditorium, a 1,200-seat theater space that will open in conjunction with the BHHS Dance Company’s annual performance. The show is slated to run from Jan. 28-30 and will be the first production at the newly renovated Peters Auditorium in more than 10 years. 

In planning the Grand Lawn reopening, increasing campus safety was as important as providing an open space for students, Gilardian added.

“We obviously want the most modernized campuses and to give our students the tools and resources to succeed as best as possible within the facilities, but we also want to be courteous neighbors,” Gilardian said. “Our current Board of Education is really committed to finishing our facilities construction. We don’t want to be in construction forever, but we also want our facilities to be the best it can be. And so we feel like now is the golden age.”

BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss welcomed the renovation as a new chapter for BHHS.

“The Grand Lawn has always been the heart of our campus,” Cherniss said. “For generations, it welcomed students each morning and served as a place for connection, reflection and celebration. From daily lunches and studying to milestone moments like graduations, it holds deep meaning for our school community. After being closed for many years, we are now in the final stages of restoring this space back to our students, where it belongs. As superintendent, it is incredibly meaningful to help guide this moment, and I look forward to the many ways our students will soon learn, gather and grow here every day.”

The reopening of the lawn is especially significant for longtime BHHS faculty members who remember when students would congregate and make memories on the lawn before and after class.

“I am very excited for the reopening of our front lawn,” said BHHS math teacher Elaina Reilly. “It will be wonderful to again have a beautiful, natural space where students can gather, play and make high school memories.”  

The post Beverly Hills High School Grand Lawn Reopens After 10 Years appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Saks Global is reportedly seeking funding to keep its businesses afloat. In the meantime, the company has sold the two-city block Neiman Marcus site in Beverly Hills to the New York-based private real estate firm Ashkenazy Acquisition Corp. Neiman Marcus, located at 9700 Wilshire Blvd., will remain operational. 

The price of the acquisition was not made public, however in a press release, the sale was compared to the recent acquisition of the Wilshire Rodeo Plaza for approximately $211 million, and the $90 million purchase of 8942 Wilshire Blvd. by Alo Yoga. 

As of press time, Saks Global has not responded to a request for comment. 

In other changes at the company, CEO March Metrick stepped down and was replaced by Richard Baker, Saks Global’s executive chairman. 

Saks Global is currently behind a major development project in Beverly Hills. The project, which was approved by the Planning Commission in August, includes the construction of four new buildings, consisting of two six-story residential structures and two commercial buildings, one six stories and the other seven stories. A spa, boutique hotel, membership club, retail space and office space will be included in the commercial buildings. 

The development will also include the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the historic Saks Fifth Avenue Women’s Building at 9600 Wilshire Blvd. as well as the creation of an underground parking structure with 744 spaces and new public outdoor space. 

The project parcel is bordered by Camden Drive, Bedford Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, extending about halfway down the Bedford and Camden blocks towards Charleville Boulevard.

According to Michael Forbes, the city’s director of community development, Saks Global has not reached out with any changes to the plan.  

“So far we have not heard anything from them on this issue or any effect it may have on the project,” Forbes said in an email to the Courier.  

The post Saks Global Makes High-Profile Changes Amid Rumors of Impending Bankruptcy appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Municipal elections scheduled for June will see local voters choose representatives to fill three seats on the Beverly Hills City Council and elect a new City Treasurer. Candidates for City Council will vie for positions currently held by Mayor Sharona Nazarian, Councilmember John Mirisch and Councilmember Lester Friedman.

Nazarian is currently serving the final year of her first term. Elected to the council in June 2022, she served as vice mayor in 2024-25 and is now serving her mayoral term. Friedman is currently serving the last year of his second term. He was first elected to the council in 2017 and again in 2022. Friedman served as mayor in 2020 and 2024. 

Mirisch’s bid for reelection challenges section 2-1-21 of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code (BHMC), which limits City Councilmembers and City Treasurers to three lifetime terms. 

BHMC 2-1-21 was passed as Measure TL in 2022. Simultaneously, Mirisch was elected to his fourth term. City officials have argued that a councilmember’s previously held terms count toward their total lifetime tally, meaning that Mirisch has reached his term limit.  

Mirisch and his attorney Eric George argue that Mirisch is still eligible to run, pointing to California’s Government Code Section 36502(b). The code applies City Council term restrictions “prospectively only” to future terms that haven’t been served yet.  

The council was scheduled to discuss the matter at a closed session in December 2025 but did not get to it because of time constraints, Mirisch told the Courier.  

In response to questions about whether the city will allow Mirisch to run again, City Attorney Laurence Wiener told the Courier in an email, “At the moment, no one has officially filed as a candidate for a City Council office.”

The filing period for anyone interested in running for City Council is Feb. 9 to March 6. According to the city, if an eligible incumbent doesn’t file by March 6, the deadline extends to March 11 for other potential candidates.

Because the filing period has not officially begun, representatives from the city declined to state whether Friedman and Nazarian will run for reelection or whether there are any challengers. 

“An individual is formally a City Council and/or City Treasurer candidate once their nomination filing has been completed and approved by our office,” City Clerk Huma Ahmed told the Courier in an email, adding, “They may make announcements of their ‘intentions’ to run for office … but it’s not official until their nomination paperwork is complete.”

Current City Treasurer Howard S. Fisher is finishing his second term in office. Treasurers are allowed to serve three terms. Fisher has not yet confirmed whether he is running for reelection, and no candidates for the office are currently listed on the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

The election for City Council and City Treasurer will be held on June 2. 

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represents District 3, which includes Beverly Hills, will also reach the end of her current term this year and is running for reelection, according to a representative for her campaign. Horvath was sworn into office in 2022. Prior to her election as a county supervisor, she served as a West Hollywood city councilmember and mayor.  

For some time, speculation has grown that Horvath is considering a run for Los Angeles mayor, although she told the Los Angeles Times in October 2025 that she had no plans to do so. As of press time, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk lists one individual, Tonia Arey,  challenging Horvath in the Nov. 3 election.

Voters will also choose representatives for the California State Senate and Assembly in November. 

California State Senator Ben Allen represents District 24, which includes Beverly Hills, and will reach his term limit this year. At least 12 candidates have announced their intention to run for his seat, including Brian Goldsmith (D), Sion Roy (D), Brittany McKinley (D), John Erickson (D), Ellen Evans (D), Eric Alegria (D), Kristina Irwin (R) and Mike Newhouse (D). 

Goldsmith, a resident of Beverly Hills, told the Courier in April that his mission will be to “listen to my neighbors, here and across the district, and work for better results from our state government.”

California State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D) represents District 51, which includes Beverly Hills. Zbur has filed a statement of intention to run for reelection. Colin Hernandez (D) and Dick Lucas have also filed statements of intention to run. 

Elections will be held on Nov. 3 for Congressional Districts 36, which includes Beverly Hills, and 32, which abuts some of the northwestern outskirts of the city.

District 36 is currently represented by Congressman Ted Lieu (D), who is up for reelection. According to the U.S. Federal Elections Commission (FEC) website, other candidates who have registered and filed a financial report include Melissa Leah Toomim (R), Houston Brignano (R) and Rustin Knudtson (D).

District 32 is currently represented by Congressman Brad Sherman (D), who is up for reelection. According to the FEC website, other candidates who have registered and filed a financial report include Jake Levine (D), Jake Rakov (D), Christopher Ahuja (D), Anna Wilding (D), Larry Thompson (R), Dory Benami (D) and Josh Sautter (D). 

The Courier will continue to follow election news and updates throughout the year.  

The post Busy Year Ahead for Local Elections appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In a separate statement, she said that Tanenbaum was “a great man who gave his immense passion, heart, soul and intellect to serve his fellow man. The world will be a smaller place without him.”

Robert K. Tanenbaum served as mayor of Beverly Hills in 1988 and 1992. An accomplished attorney and author, his most recent publication, “That Day in Dallas—Lee Harvey Oswald Did Not Kill JFK,” was released in June 2025. 

Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1942, Tanenbaum received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) on a basketball scholarship before graduating from UC Berkeley School of Law. 

As an assistant district attorney in New York County, Tanenbaum served under District Attorney Frank Hogan. During his tenure, Tanenbaum ran the homicide bureau, served as chief of the criminal courts and led the District Attorney’s legal staff training program. 

Tanenbaum rose to national prominence when he was appointed deputy chief counsel for the congressional committee investigation into the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

In Southern California, Tanenbaum worked as a special prosecution consultant on the Hillside Strangler case and handled a number of other high-profile matters, including the defense of Amy Grossberg and the representation of eight Black plaintiffs in a significant racial profiling case. He taught Advanced Criminal Procedure for four years at UC Berkeley School of Law and conducted continuing legal education seminars for practicing attorneys in California, New York and Pennsylvania.

Tanenbaum’s legal work informed his writing, which was prolific. As the author of 34 fiction and nonfiction books, Tanenbaum drew on his experiences in the court system for books such as “Echoes of My Soul,” which examined the murders of two young women in 1963 and the twisted turns that led to their killer, and “Badge of the Assassin,” which recounted Tanenbaum’s investigation and trials involving members of the Black Liberation Army who assassinated two New York Police Department officers. 

“Badge of the Assassin” was later adapted as a television film featuring James Woods as Tanenbaum. 

“That Day in Dallas” alleges that the government’s handling of the investigation into Kennedy’s assassination was deeply flawed and dishonest.  

In a video interview with Open Road Media in 2011, Tanenbaum described the inspiration for, and deeper purpose of his writing.

“The stories I tell flow from the kinds of observations and participation when I was very much active in the justice system,” he said. “In my novels, we come to recognize the dark side of human nature and the angelic side of human nature, and it’s that confrontation that causes us to reflect on how we want to deal in our own private lives.”

Tanenbaum is remembered as a loving father and grandfather whose greatest pride was his family. 

“I am forever grateful for his friendship and love,” former Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse told the Courier. “He treated me like a big brother, always looking out for me with support, guidance, wisdom and integrity. He loved our community with every ounce of his being and never was shy with his opinions. He had a presence that equaled his tall stature and was equally passionate with his love for Beverly Hills. I will miss his ‘Hey kiddo’ endearing texts and true friendship.” 

In an Instagram post, City Councilmember Mary Wells wrote, “I will greatly miss having Bob Tanenbaum in my corner. He told it straight, welcomed debate, and stood firmly by those he believed in. Fiercely loyal and deeply principled, Bob was both a mentor and a dear friend.”

Jimmy Delshad, who served as mayor of Beverly Hills in 2007 and 2010, said in a statement to the Courier, “I mourn the passing of Robert Tanenbaum—former Beverly Hills mayor and celebrated author—who came into my life first as a thoughtful critic and demanding teacher, and over time became a trusted mentor and a dear friend. In his final book he left me a gift I will forever cherish, writing, ‘for Jimmy Delshad, a great mayor and a dear friend with utmost respect and admiration,’ words that reflect the generosity, integrity, and depth of character that defined him.”

Patti Tanenbaum told the Courier that her husband lived the past year with gusto and saw multiple projects through that were very important to him. 

“He got so much accomplished this past year that he was hoping to, and I’m so grateful for that,” she said. 

In the interview with Open Road Media, Tanenbaum spoke briefly about his dreams for the future when he was a child in New York. 

“When we were kids and came to Coney Island, came to the beach and went on the rides and went to Nathan’s that had those great hot dogs and French fries, we always knew we’d make it,” he said. “We were invincible. We were fearless. We were Americans from Brooklyn; there was nothing going to stop us.”

Tanenbaum is survived by Patti, to whom he was married for 58 years; their three children, Rachael, Roger and Billy; daughter-in-law, Paige; and two grandchildren, Virginia and Joey Dodge. 

A memorial service will be held for Tanenbaum on Jan. 11 at 3:30 p.m. at Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries, located at 5950 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles.  

The post Robert K. Tanenbaum, Former Mayor, Dies at 83 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Builder’s Remedy was added to the government code in 1990 and heavily modified in 2024, resulting in what many called “Builder’s Remedy 2.0.” The provision allows developers to circumvent certain city codes, including those governing building and zoning, in exchange for providing a certain number of affordable residential units in cities lacking a certified Housing Element.

In Beverly Hills, a major turning point for developers seeking to make use of Builder’s Remedy occurred in August 2025, when Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin ordered city officials to process the application for a proposed 19-story, mixed-use development at 125-129 S. Linden Drive. 

Kin determined that the city violated California’s Housing Accountability Act and Permit Streamlining Act in its decisions regarding the project, and the case has effectively set precedent for other, similar projects. 

Of the 16 applications submitted to the city, nine were approved by the Beverly Hills Planning Commission in October 2025. Another was denied, four are currently in litigation, one will be heard by the Planning Commission in January, and one is on hold at the request of the applicant. 

The nine projects approved by the Planning Commission are: 

• An eight-story mixed-use development with 135 residential units at 333-353 S. Beverly Drive;

• A 12-story residential project with 65 residential units at 346 N. Maple Drive;

• An 11-story residential project with 25 residential units at 401 N. Oakhurst Drive;

• A 13-story residential project with 53 dwelling units at 9430 Olympic Blvd.;

• A 13-story mixed-use development with 75 residential units at 9441 Olympic Blvd.;

• An eight-story mixed-use development with 105 residential units at 9467 Olympic Blvd.;

• A 19-story mixed-use development with 30 residential units at 145 S. Rodeo Drive;

• A 14-story mixed-use development with 116 residential units at 9229 Wilshire Blvd., and 

• An eight-story residential development with 55 residential units at 232 Tower Drive.

Two of those projects have been appealed to the City Council. The project proposed for 9229 Wilshire Blvd. was appealed by an interested party and the applicant. That hearing is currently scheduled for Jan. 13, according to a representative from the city. Additionally, the applicant submitted a revised project which is currently being reviewed by the city. The revised project would be 26 stories with 195 residential units.

The project at 232 Tower Drive was also appealed to the City Council by the Carthay Beverly Hills Neighbors, a group of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles residents. A hearing date for that appeal is pending.  

In November 2025, the Planning Commission denied a request for a development plan review and density bonus permit for a proposed 26-story project at 8844 Burton Way. Dave Rand, an attorney representing the developer, told the Courier at the time that the commission “completely and flagrantly ignored the law.” 

In a recent email to the Courier, Rand said that “We have made it pretty clear in our papers to the city and in response to questions from the press that the applicant will sue the city if the project is denied. Obviously, the City Council has the opportunity to ensure that does not happen by following the law and approving the project.”

The four applications involved in litigation include two side-by-side developments at 8800 and  8820 Wilshire Blvd., both of which would be 19 stories and include retail space and residential units; a 15-story residential building at 140 S. Camden Drive; and and the development at 125-129 S. Linden Drive.

In March 2025, two nearly identical lawsuits were filed regarding the Wilshire Boulevard projects claiming that the applications were unfairly denied. Trial setting conferences are scheduled for both complaints in January. 

The city was sued by the developer of the Camden Drive project in June 2025 in a complaint that challenged the city’s determination that the application for a Builder’s Remedy project was forfeited. 

Finally, the city filed an appeal in the Linden Drive case in November 2025. 

As part of the 16 Builder’s Remedy applications submitted to the city, two were proposed for projects on Hamilton Drive. An eight-story residential development at 214-216 S. Hamilton Drive will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on Jan. 22, and an application for a residential development at 211-217 S. Hamilton Drive has been placed on hold at the applicant’s request. 

The post Builder’s Remedy Projects Moved Forward in 2025 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Occasionally, the discussions on the board are robust and passionate, and they are also open and transparent,” she said. “We have five board members who are, in their own very important way, trying to do the best for this district.”

In an interview with the Courier, Manouchehri said that her priorities for BHUSD will center on the implementation of the district’s strategic plan. As its six broad priorities, the plan cites student achievement, teaching and learning, student engagement, facilities completion, fiscal responsibility and school safety and security.

“The strategic plan establishes a true meeting of the minds, where everybody can see what the priorities are, and we are all on the same page and moving towards the same goals,” Manouchehri said. “These are the pillars that we believe will lead us to continued improvement and success [and] keep us all accountable for the year moving forward.”

During the past several years, the board has had multiple discussions about student test scores. State testing results from 2024 showed that approximately 31% of third through eighth graders and 11th graders fell below grade-level standards in English Language Arts. In the same year, approximately 42% of those students fell below grade level in math.

“There has been a very honest and transparent conversation about making sure that our students’ basic educational needs are being met, and we believe we can do even more than that,” said Manouchehri. “Our students are diverse, and the intention is to meet all of our students’ needs whatever they may be.”

As president, Manouchehri will head up a board comprised of Board Members Amanda Stern, Rachelle Marcus and Russell Stuart and Vice President Sigalie Sabag.

Marcus was elected to the board in 2018 following a 50-year teaching career in the district. Stern, a board-certified school psychologist, was elected to the board in 2020. Stuart, a security expert and owner of Beverly Hills Guns, was elected to the board in 2024. Sabag, a consultant and business owner, was also elected to the board in 2024. 

Relations between the board have been tense at times. At its organizational meeting on Dec. 16,  Manouchehri read a lengthy, prewritten speech to Stern implying that Stern has violated a number of terms of the board, including adhering to the Board Governance handbook and California’s Ralph M. Brown Act, which governs the way elected officials conduct public meetings. 

Manouchehri then voted alongside Sabag and Stuart to not appoint Stern to the vice presidency for which Stern was next in line, according to the board’s bylaws. 

Still, in speaking to the Courier, Manouchehri disagreed with a characterization of the board as being divided on the issues, noting that the board votes 5-0 “on almost all votes.” 

“The board is a very good representation of our community,” she said. “I don’t shy away from having difficult conversations, and that’s the duty of the board. We are occasionally 4-1 and we are occasionally 3-2, and it does seem that the occasional 3-2 votes get a lot of attention, but I will note that we have been 5-0 on the vast majority of votes.”

She also emphasized the fact that since a majority of the board is prohibited by the Brown Act from discussing agenda items outside of open session, conversations witnessed by the community are happening for the first time. 

“The conversations are not happening behind closed doors,” she said. “Conversations are happening transparently and in real time during open session meetings. And that means we, as board members, are listening, hearing, sharing and learning from one another in real time. It’s a valuable process, and it’s not an easy one.” 

The board has also recently faced some pushback from the community. In March, Stuart and Sabag were served with notifications of an intent to circulate recall petitions against them. In the months prior, board meetings were packed with community members protesting certain staffing decisions made by the district. 

To that end, Manouchehri encourages members of the public to “speak to your board members and to get to know all of them.”

“Some of us have believed that a little bit more change has been necessary and advisable in this last year,” she said. “I think it’s really about being able to see what the vision is and getting to know board members to trust their visions and how they’re trying to improve the district.”

To Manouchehri, that improvement has already begun. She noted that a student was accepted to Harvard University last year, and one of this year’s graduating seniors recently announced their acceptance to Stanford University. 

The district has also revamped its college and career counseling center which Manouchehri said now, “matches and mirrors that of the private schools.” The district is establishing an AI task force to prepare students for future careers and expanding their athletic programming to include girls and boys flag football teams, tennis, golf, swimming and wrestling, she said. 

“We know that BHUSD students are the best of the best, and can be the best of the best,” Manouchehri said. “And the board’s responsibility is to help them realize that.”  

The post Manouchehri Looks Ahead to Her Term as BHUSD Board President appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Residential streets surrounding the venue will be posted with no-parking signs. For more information on the complete list of closures, please visit beverlyhills.org/goldenglobes.

STREET CLOSURES

North Santa Monica Blvd.

• Westbound Full Lane Closures: Complete lane closures, from Wilshire Boulevard to Century Park East, from 9 p.m. on Jan. 9 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 12. 

• Eastbound Full Lane Closures: Complete lane closures, from Century Park East to

Wilshire Boulevard from 2 p.m. on Jan. 10 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 12.  

Alternate Routes: South Santa Monica Boulevard to remain open in both directions.

Wilshire Boulevard

Eastbound/Westbound Lane Reduction: Lane reductions take place at 6 a.m. on Jan. 2 until 9 p.m. on Jan. 14; Eastbound/Westbound Full Closure: All of Wilshire Boulevard between Comstock Ave. and North Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed from 10 p.m. on Jan. 10 until 6 a.m. Jan. 12; Eastbound Lanes of Wilshire Boulevard: Overnight eastbound closure from Comstock to North Santa Monica Boulevard from 10 p.m. on Jan. 1 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 2. This same closure will occur again for the same duration Jan. 12 through Jan. 13. 

Whittier Drive, Carmelita Ave., Elevado Ave. and Lomitas Ave.; Trenton Drive and adjacent alleys: Select streets will have limited closures with local access only to residents beginning at 10 p.m. on Jan. 10 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 12.

Parking Restrictions:

Parking will be completely restricted (no exceptions) from 6 a.m. Jan. 11, until 6 a.m. Jan. 12:

Whittier Drive: Wilshire Boulevard to Elevado Ave; Carmelita Ave: Wilshire Boulevard to Walden Drive; Elevado Ave: Wilshire Boulevard to Walden Drive; Trenton Dr: Whittier Drive to Wilshire Boulevard; Walden Drive: Santa Monica Boulevard to Elevado Ave.; Lomitas Ave: Wilshire Boulevard to Walden Drive.

The Golden Globes Hotline will be active on Jan. 11 from 2-8 p.m. at 310-550-4680. 

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Man-su is living the good life with his lovely wife Miri, two children and two golden retrievers in a bucolic suburb in a custom home with all the amenities. He’s earned it. Working for one of the leading paper factories in the country, he’s good at his job, one he’s held for almost 25 years. He’s the very picture of self-satisfaction as he fires up his Weber Grill to barbecue the eel that has been sent to him in appreciation from his company. Certainly he is spending above his means, but he’s not worried. The eel was a symbol of the esteem in which he’s held and will, he is sure, result in a promotion and raise. Company loyalty is something he can count on— until he can’t. Called into the office, with a large group of other staff, he is told that their company is being merged with another and he is among many being made redundant. Not to fear, he is told. With his ability, experience, Japanese language skills and their self-help seminars, he should find a job in no time … or at least within three months. After all, he was, at one time, Pulp Man of the Year.

But this is no mere temporary layoff; paper companies across the country are consolidating and Man-su is still unemployed after many months. It’s not just the lack of money, but the loss of face. Overdue bills are piling up and they are behind on their mortgage. So sure that he would be back at work in no time, he continued spending and living a high life that they can no longer afford. His wife has realized that they are in a hole and has taken a job, and by doing so has seemingly announced their loss of status to the rest of the world, or at least to their social set. Still, Man-su will not retrench or retreat. What he needs is a new plan.

There are very few available jobs after all the company mergers and Man-su has graphed out where they are and against whom he might be competing. Of the dozen or so men who are out of work, he has determined that only two or three would be his direct competitors. How can he stand out against them? How can he get the job that might go to one of them instead? Man-su is a realist. Reviewing their skills and comparing them against his own, they would probably be higher on the ladder. The odds are stacked against him and that, in itself, calls for drastic action. He will eliminate the competition, literally and figuratively.

He is adept at mapping out the competition, where they live and what their weaknesses might be. He knows where to find his rivals but dispatching them efficiently without leaving clues is not his strong suit.

Most of the humor in this film is derived from Man-su’s attempts to kill his rivals. It must be said that he does get better at it the more he tries. But this is only one of the tools that director Park Chan-wook uses to highlight the ills of society. Unlike corporate America, the working man in Korea, much like the “company man” of Japan, has come to expect the same loyalty from their employers as they have given to them. Company men like Man-su, protective and loyal to the men (it is almost always men) they supervise, were always led to believe that there would be a pay off. The pay-off they were expecting has become a kiss-off at the end of the road. At the same time, Chan-wook is poking fun at the Korean version of American-style consumerism, spending and debt accumulation. Man-su’s superficiality is underscored by his wife’s willingness to live a simpler life, one they can afford. She is Chan-wook’s heroine, willing to step back from her position in society and work, protect her children and loyally stand by her man.

Especially pointed is a scene in which American businessmen arrive at the factory to judge its suitability as a target. Their dismissive attitude towards the workers is a harbinger of things to come, highlighting the disconnect between honor and profit that will soon take place.

The characters are well drawn; that their development is sadly lacking, in most cases, is a deliberate choice. That no one learns anything from their actions is the point. The writing is sharp, with contributions from Chan-wook, Lee Kyoung-mi, Don McKellar and Jahye Lee. It is significant to note that both Chan-wook and McKellar, creators of the HBO television series “The Sympathizer,” were expelled from the WGA for continuing to write for that series during the strike in 2023. As a Korean film, the sanctions were not applicable.

The acting is uniformly good. Lee Byung-hun as Man-su becomes more finely tuned in his actions as he “matures” into a more adept murderer. Son Ye-jin, Miri, is the very picture of a helpful wife, supportive but worried, only slightly, as she sees her husband edge closer to mania and become more secretive. The first target of Man-su’s plot, Bummo (Lee Sung-min), much like Man-su, has been living above his means and has taken to drink; his wife Ara (Yeom Hye- ran) has reached her limit with him. He has become a weight around her neck and, whether inadvertently or deliberately, she aids Man-su against her husband.

There is no argument that “No Other Choice” is darkly humorous. The ending is a killer, so to speak, but not literally. It is a payoff that makes the bloated 2½ hour run time worthwhile. The problem is that in each setup, it takes too long to get to the payoff, making the film drag. My enthusiasm would have been greater if “No Other Choice” had been 90 minutes long.

In Korean with English subtitles.

Opening Dec. 25 at the AMC Grove 14 and the AMC Century City 15. Opening wide Jan. 2. 

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

The post ‘No Other Choice’ appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Housing

Senate Bill (SB) 79, known as the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, will limit local zoning laws and allow multistory housing construction in areas proximate to transit centers. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2026, and could reshape housing in many cities across California. Reactions have been contentious and varied throughout the state. The Beverly Hills Planning Commission approved a recommendation to the City Council to adopt an alternative plan to SB 79 that allows the city to exert some local control.

“This is another case of Sacramento taking away local control,” said director of community development Michael Forbes at a Nov. 12 City Council Study Session.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, landlords in California will be required to provide a working stove and refrigerator in every rental unit for new or renewed leases, according to Assembly Bill (AB) 628. The law updates the legal definition of a habitable dwelling unit to include the essential kitchen appliances.

Education

AB 715, authored in part by California State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, who represents Beverly Hills, established a new Office of Civil Rights to end antisemitism and discrimination in schools. The law will also mandate the appointment of an Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator, tasked with tracking and reporting antisemitism in California schools and advising local agencies on addressing antisemitism.

“Every student deserves to be safe, valued and respected—no matter who they are or what they believe,” Zbur said. “At a time when hate is rising and antisemitism is sweeping our communities, AB 715 reaffirms California’s commitment to inclusion and standing up against bigotry in all its forms.”

AB 49 prohibits schools from allowing immigration enforcement officers on campus without a warrant. The law will also prohibit schools from disclosing academic and personal records of students to immigration enforcement officers without direct parental consent or a warrant.

SB 760 will require schools to provide at least one all-gender restroom available to students and staff.

Technology, AI and Consumer Protection

AB 723, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, requires licensed real estate brokers and salespeople to clearly disclose when an image used in real estate marketing has been digitally altered and makes it a criminal offense to fail to make this disclosure.

The bill is part of a larger effort to more closely regulate artificial intelligence in California. SB 942, the California AI Transparency Act, will also take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and requires covered providers to offer AI detection tools and include disclosures that certain content is AI-generated. Senate Bill 243 will require technology companies to clearly and obviously disclose that AI chatbots are not real humans when utilized by users. The new law will also require companies to ensure chatbots do not produce content involving suicide or self-harm for users. Additionally, SB 53 will require large frontier AI developers to publicly publish a framework on their website describing how the company has incorporated national standards, international standards and industry-consensus best practices into their frontier AI framework.

“California has proven that we can establish regulations to protect our communities while also ensuring that the growing AI industry continues to thrive,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “This legislation strikes that balance. AI is the new frontier in innovation, and California is not only here for it—but stands strong as a national leader by enacting the first-in-the-nation frontier AI safety legislation that builds public trust as this emerging technology rapidly evolves.”

Additionally, businesses with 20 or more locations in California will be required to list major food allergens on menus beginning July 1, 2026, under SB 68.

Employment and Labor

The statewide minimum wage will increase to $16.90 per hour for all employees, beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

SB 642, effective Jan. 1, 2026, will prohibit employers from asking job applicants about their salary history, but if the information is voluntarily given, it can still be used to decide salary amounts. Employers must also give employees pay scale information for their current roles upon request.

Public Safety and Criminal Justice

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, local and federal law enforcement officers will be prohibited from wearing masks to conceal identities while enforcing the law. The law comes after officers from federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, conducted mass immigration raids and arrests throughout Los Angeles County and California in 2025, often wearing masks and concealing their identities.

SB 303 criminalizes threats of mass violence made against schools, houses of worship and medical facilities.

AB 250 establishes a two-year window, from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2027, during which plaintiffs can revive civil claims for sexual assault even if the statute of limitations has expired. 

The post New Laws in 2026 to Bring Changes appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I am excited to welcome Chris to his new role,” said Community Services Director Stephanie Harris. “He has successfully managed various divisions over the last year, including the Park Ranger program, Administrative Support, Arts and Culture and most recently the Youth Recreation division. I am confident his leadership will continue to be an asset to the department and our city.”

Paulson joined the city of Beverly Hills in 2021 from the city of Claremont where he served as Assistant City Manager and Community Services Director.  Prior to Claremont, he spent 10 years at the City of Alhambra in various roles.

Paulson will assume his new role on Feb. 7, 2026, allowing for transition with the retirement of current Assistant Director Patty Acuna in March. 

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The fire was reported by a passerby at 5:46 a.m., Berardinelli said. Firefighters were deployed to the scene and stopped the fire around 6:20 a.m. Porta Via’s roof partially collapsed and experienced significant damage. Adjacent properties also experienced smoke damage, Berardinelli added. The last fire department unit vacated the location at 10 a.m. after ensuring the fire was completely extinguished and any salvageable items were retrieved.

Porta Via is currently closed, and the fire department is investigating the area.

“Early this morning, our Beverly Hills restaurant experienced a fire that resulted in significant damage. We are incredibly grateful that no one was injured and thankful for the quick action of the Beverly Hills Fire Department,” Porta Via owner Peter Garland said in a statement posted on social media.

“Our hearts are very much with our team, our neighbors and the community that has supported us for so many years,” he added. “We will continue to share updates as they become available, but for now we are closed.”

The adjacent Tesoro Beverly Hills / Best Gift Store Ever also experienced “immense damage” from the incident. A social media post by the store’s owner, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Tara Riceberg, stated that firefighters needed to access her store in order to control the blaze.

“It’s toast, despite not burning,” Riceberg wrote in the post. “Today, I’ve been overwhelmed with messages of love, support, offers of help to clean up, restock and GoFundMe.”

Berardinelli commended the passerby for reporting the fire and said that the community support for the affected businesses and the fire department has been overwhelming.

“The fire was called in by somebody walking by and the fact they smelled smoke and went and noticed something and called the fire department, that kept what was a big incident from becoming even bigger,” Berardinelli said.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian thanked the BHFD in an Instagram post.

“My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the fire early this morning at Porta Via, as well as the neighboring businesses affected,” Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian said in a statement posted on social media. “I want to sincerely thank the Beverly Hills Fire Department for their swift action, professionalism and heroism in addressing the incident quickly and safely. We are grateful that no injuries were reported.”

To support the staff of Porta Via, visit the GoFundMe at:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-porta-via-staff-after-christmas-fire?attribution_id=sl%3A76455f31-9132-4350-a544-862c6dc26b2a&lang=en_US&ts=1766886338&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_tb&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link.  

The post Porta Via Restaurant Significantly Damaged by Fire appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I am very pleased to welcome Maribel to the City Clerk’s Office,” said Beverly Hills City Clerk Huma Ahmed.  “In her new role, she will lead the development and implementation of a new Citywide Records Management program along with providing support in City Clerk operations. I am confident her impressive experience in public records processing will be of tremendous benefit to our office and the community.”

Mena most recently served as an Associate Director with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the Privacy, Governmental, Liaison and Disclosure (PGLD) division, where she led national Disclosure and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) programs—the federal counterpart to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). She oversaw a nationwide team responsible for managing the IRS’s official FOIA records program and portal. Her experience also includes transitioning paper-based and electronic archives to fully automated workflows. 

She assumed her new role on Dec. 15. 

The post Mena Assumes Role as Assistant City Clerk appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

It also conditionally approved an architectural review for a façade remodel in an existing parking structure that will be converted into ground floor retail space, and a sign program for tenants who may occupy that space. 

One of the single-family residences approved by the commission will be located at 509 N. Rodeo Drive. According to a staff report, it will replace a demolished structure at the same location. 

The design for the home is described by the applicant as inspired by European architecture. The project will have a symmetrical front façade and material finishes that include smooth light-gray stucco, precast trim, slate roof tile, wrought-iron railings and aluminum-clad wood windows. 

During discussion, commissioners expressed concern about the flatness of the façade and a lack of sufficient landscaping in keeping with design standards for the city. 

“I think you need a lot more large trees in the front than what you’re proposing here,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Daniels. “It is a rather bland, flat, uninteresting façade. I mean, we can’t design it for you, but landscaping would help a lot to offset that blandness of the façade.”

Chair Rebecca Pynoos agreed. 

“Part of our charge, our criteria for what we’re supposed to look at is that the proposed development’s design appropriately minimizes the appearance of scale and mass and enhances the garden-like quality of the city, and appropriately maximizes the use of open spaces within the proposed architectural style,” she said. “And I have to say … we’re still not there yet with elements of this property.” 

Following a discussion that included various design suggestions, the commission approved the request with five conditions addressing the property’s landscaping, façade windows, paving and pediment. 

The second single-family residence reviewed by the commission will be located at 708 Sierra Drive. 

The applicant described the project’s architectural style as “modern farmhouse,” incorporating light-colored stone veneer, cement plaster, wood accents and a standing seam metal roof. The front façade features multiple front-facing gables, black metal windows and a street-facing garage. 

Commissioner Evan Meyer expressed his disappointment over the destruction of the previous home on the lot but also voiced his support for the design of the new home.  

“I always hate it when some of these name architect[ural homes] that were designed really elegantly and understated are being torn down … the good news is, I think what you have proposed is just a really nice departure from what we see so often in our commission,” he said. “We get a lot of these very boxy, rectangular-shaped homes with very little articulation, and I think this is a much more interesting approach.” 

Other commissioners largely agreed with Meyer. Some expressed concerns over certain portions of the front façade as well as the roofline, and the final approval was conditioned with revisions to those elements of the project. 

Finally, the commission approved an architectural review of a façade remodel and sign program at 450 N. Roxbury Drive. 

The site is an existing parking structure. The city’s Planning Commission in November 2024 conditionally approved the conversion of nearly 6,800 square feet of the structure into retail floor area. 

Brian Nelson, a representative for the project, told the commission that the conversion seeks to encourage foot traffic in the area. 

“The impetus is about creating some pedestrian-friendly storefronts along a street that really doesn’t have them at the moment … this side [of the street] in particular is mainly office fronts,” he said. 

Meyer voiced his support for the proposal. 

“Overall, I think this is well-designed, good-looking,” he said. “I think it will be a much better use of space and hopefully help activate that section of the street which, as you mentioned, is very quiet on the retail front. I think this is a positive change of use.”

Daniels asked the applicant “how confident” they are that they can lease a “seven-foot-high retail space.”  

“That’s a very low space,” Daniels said. “As clever as I feel you have been with the design and the concept to turn parking into retail, which I think is excellent, I’m just wondering, have you thought about that?” 

Michael Farahnik, another project representative, acknowledged that leasing might be challenging because of the structure’s height.  

“That’s going to be one of our impediments as far as trying to lease this space,” he said. “So, we’re going to have to lease this space as, Beverly Hills Triangle address that’s not perfect … our position is going to be, build it and they will come. We are the only folks on Roxbury that can revitalize that street.”  

The post Design for Two New Residences Approved in the Flats appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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.

This holiday season, I hope you give yourself the gift of a pause, a time to reflect and make wise decisions about how to spend your energy, time, and resources in 2026. What are your overarching goals? Did you move forward in 2025? What are you most grateful for? What brought you happiness?

Then, be brave and flip the coin. What didn’t go as planned? What adversities did you face? When did you stumble? What lessons did you learn?

The answers to these questions help guide us so that next year can be better. Yes, each year can surpass the last! How can we create our best year yet? The answer shouldn’t be left to chance. While luck may play a role, sustained effort, education, and endurance are crucial for most of us.

I often reflect on my friend Kerry Gruson, whose life changed drastically when she was strangled and left for dead by a stranger. She now lives with Post-Traumatic Parkinson’s Disease and can hardly move, and her voice is a mere whisper. Yet, in the 52 years since her assault, she has led an extraordinary life, competing at the highest level of sports with her able-bodied partner. Kerry’s voice is quiet, but her message is loud and clear: “Together We Can.” Kerry and Caryn Lubetsky have earned three Guinness World Records and have been featured in multiple documentaries for their remarkable athletic achievements.

These women embody what psychologists call a growth mindset, the belief that our abilities and emotional resilience can expand with effort and intention. Developed by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck through decades of rigorous research, the growth mindset is the understanding that our most fundamental abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Intelligence and talent are not fixed traits but capacities that can evolve throughout our lives. Those with growth mindsets embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and view effort as essential to mastery. At 78, Kerry’s life keeps getting better and better.

The growth mindset contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes our character and intelligence are static. People with fixed mindsets often avoid challenges, give up easily, see effort as fruitless, ignore useful feedback, and feel threatened by the success of others. The practical truth is this: when we believe we can grow, we actually do, and the reverse is also true. As Henry Ford said 100 years ago, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, either way you are right.”

The transition into a new year creates a “fresh start effect,” allowing us to see ourselves differently. This psychological clean slate enhances our motivation and makes us more likely to pursue goals. The New Year acts like a reset button for our brains, giving us permission to begin again.

When we enter January with a growth mindset, we actively create conditions for our brains to rewire themselves. We’re opening new neural pathways, strengthening connections that support new behaviors, and becoming different individuals than we were the year before.

A growth mindset thrives not on perfection but on awareness. If 2025 brought challenges, whether personally, professionally, or emotionally, you are not alone. Viewed through a growth mindset lens, discomfort becomes useful. The questions shift from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What is this teaching me? What skills are required? What strengths am I discovering?” In short, how does this challenge help me grow?

Self-compassion is vital to a growth mindset. Harsh self-judgment for unmet goals or mistakes anchors us to a fixed mindset. Letting go of unfruitful projects, relationships, or habits is not about minimizing pain; it contextualizes it. A growth mindset is grounded in resilience, marking the difference between being a victim of circumstance and a student of life.

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it clears space for what better aligns with your goals. Neuroscience illustrates this through synaptic pruning, where unused connections are trimmed to make room for stronger ones. You’re allowed to prune as well.

Traditional resolutions focus on doing: exercising more, earning more, or dieting. While worthy, they often fail because they lack a foundation in identity and sustainability. A growth mindset asks, “Who do I want to become in 2026?” The variations of this identity are endless. Perhaps you want to become someone who values curiosity over certainty, who leads with kindness, who finds joy in the small moments, and who provides optimal conditions for their body and mind.

People often struggle to change because they aim for dramatic reinventions. A growth mindset works through ongoing micro-experiments aligned with personal goals. These are easy, low-pressure behaviors that are more sustainable. Small steps, like five-minute meditations or reading two pages of a book, allow for progress without the overwhelming pressure of trying to reimagine everything overnight. Micro-experiments reduce fear and increase confidence, creating opportunities for your brain to forge new pathways. Be creative in your approach.

Your psychological ecosystem matters as much as your habits. Emotions and mindsets are contagious. For 2026, consider spending more time with curious rather than critical individuals. Seek mentors who challenge you kindly. Join groups that inspire learning and reduce exposure to those who reinforce a fixed mindset through limiting beliefs. One positive change I made in 2025 was joining a local Rotary club. My inbox now fills with invitations to volunteer and uplifting photos from events even when I can’t attend. This community of do-gooders has brought me a warm and wonderful feeling of belonging.

Think of the new year as a blank page, not an exam. You don’t need to prove anything, just explore, learn, and continue evolving into a better version of yourself. Embracing a growth mindset for 2026 means prioritizing progress over perfection, compassion over criticism, and curiosity over fear. It embodies the knowledge that you are, at any age or stage, capable of learning, expanding, healing, and transforming. Your brain is designed to grow, and the new year presents a unique opportunity to harness that capacity.

This year, may you strive toward becoming the person capable of achieving your dreams, shaped not by pressure but by possibility. Here’s to a beautiful 2026, one where your brain’s remarkable capacity for growth harmonizes with your heart’s deepest intentions. Embrace the journey and allow yourself to transform and I hope you have your best year yet!

“Becoming is better than being.” — Carol Dweck 

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Sant Ambroeus, an Italian restaurant company that traces its roots back to a 1936 Milanese cafe with multiple locations across New York City, Paris and Florida, will bring its first California location to Beverly Hills in 2026. The historic restaurant will take over the Il Fornaio space at 301 N. Beverly Drive.

“They are taking over the Il Fornaio space at the end of January and are going to do some pretty big remodels there,” said Todd Johnson, president and CEO of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. “Their goal is to open up in the latter half of the year, probably October. It’s Italian. We don’t have a shortage of Italian restaurants, but they’re really good. It’ll do well.”

The French-Mediterranean restaurant Azur, “a refined yet relaxed destination inspired by the timeless spirit of the French Riviera,” according to the restaurant’s website, will open at the former Tatel space at 453 N. Canon Drive early in 2026.

A new upscale, maximalist Italian restaurant with contemporary design named Bad Roman will be arriving at the former Palm Steakhouse location at 267 N. Canon Drive.

Another Michelin-starred chef will arrive in Beverly Hills in 2026 with the opening of Sushi Nakazawa, where Chef Daisuke Nakazawa will bring his award-winning omakase to 145 N. Robertson Blvd.

North Beverly Drive will see other business openings in the new year. Blue Elephant Café will bring new coffee fare to the city and will be located at 300 N. Beverly Drive in the old Pottery Barn space. Two high-end, outdoor shoe stores will come to the city, Anta and Salomon, and will both be located on N. Beverly Drive. Cinq à Sept, a women’s contemporary fashion store, will also arrive in the city.

Johnson said that the new openings only skim the surface of all that is in store for Beverly Hills in the future. Members of the Chamber of Commerce and city staff regularly meet with business owners in cities across the country and the world to find the best possible fits for Beverly Hills. Another one that is on the horizon of coming to Beverly Hills, Johnson said, is Cote Korean Steakhouse from owner Simon Kim, the first and only Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse.

Beverly Hills’ name recognition, safety and location make it a prime market for new businesses, he added. 

Johnson also highlighted the success of recent openings in the city, including the opening of La La Land Kind Café’s first reserve location, located at 341 N. Canon Drive. The eclectic coffee shop offers an array of specialized pastries, matcha and espresso drinks. Additionally, Pura Vida Miami, a restaurant focused on offering health-conscious and sustainable meals opened to rave reviews at its first California location, at 439 N. Beverly Drive.

The opening of the Metro D line station at Wilshire and La Cienega boulevards by March 2026 will bring even more business to Beverly Hills, said Johnson. He noted that the city is implementing additional safety measures in the area.

“La Cienega and Wilshire, that whole corner will start rejuvenating itself,” he said. “A lot of younger people will just take the subway or an Uber or a Waymo or whatever because you don’t want a car. So, I think we’ll get there. It’s been a long haul, and will continue to have some challenges, but we’ll overcome them.” 

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For Alderman Duxbury (Roger Allam), the owner of the local mill, there is another loss to contend with. He founded and funds the local choral group, and their director has just enlisted. Replacement choices are few. The local photographer has a suggestion that won’t go down easily. Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes) has returned to town and may be available. As undertaker Herbert Trickett (Alun Armstrong) points out, he won’t be a popular choice. Guthrie has spent many years in Germany as a much-respected artist. The locals will look unfavorably on what they perceive to be consorting with the enemy during these times. But Guthrie it is and it will be Bach’s St. Matthew Passion that he will be conducting. But possibly not. The anti-German feeling extends to anything written by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Mendelsohn. Instead, he chooses “The Dream of Gerontius” by Elgar. They are aghast. Elgar? Composer of “Pomp and Circumstance”? Guthrie explains that Elgar has more facets than marches, and he had a grand success in Germany conducting the “Gerontius.”

Guthrie, his standards high, calls for auditions, and every available voice in town is conscripted into his army of music. A few gems are found, but everyone else will be used to fill out the background. More problematic is the Alderman. He demands to sing lead tenor. He is the right age to play an old man dying and being led away from the devil by an ethereal young maiden; a tenor, however, he is not.

Every member of the choral, young and old, has their own drama going on. For Lofty, Ellis and their friend Mitch, it’s about girls and how to get them. For Mary, the young Salvation Army soprano and one of the gems, it’s finding her voice and who she is; for Bella, it’s discovering where her passion lies. Is it with her missing-in-action fiancé Clyde or her new flirtation with Ellis? Life becomes even more complicated when Clyde returns, minus a limb but eager to rekindle their romance. A former star of the choral, Clyde is reluctant to return to the choral when he realizes he’s been replaced in Bella’s heart. Pressure is exerted and he acquiesces, bringing with him his beautiful tenor. They need a star tenor to anchor the production and it isn’t the Alderman. If Guthrie rewrites the scenario of “Gerontius,” making the old man a young man, Clyde, who is dying in the war, reframing all the other actors as soldiers and Mary as a nurse then they would have a viable scenario. Even the Alderman is thrown a bone and promised the role of the devil.

It’s all highly suspect, reworking Elgar’s composition, but they are in a small village so it’s unlikely he’ll find out. But Mary has learned that he is receiving an honorary degree in Manchester, less than an hour away, and without Guthrie’s knowledge she invites him to a rehearsal. What are the chances? Elgar arrives and discovers their plans, going ballistic and threatening them all with a lawsuit. What started off promisingly ends very badly as he huffs off to the limo that brought him. Will they proceed? You will have to wait and see.

The plot is a good one, but Bennett has overladen it with subplots, denying each its own proper development. His ambition to tie the  inhumanity of war into the embrace of music that would soothe the savage beast was noble but far too diffuse. It was as if Bennett wove a tapestry, but forgot to tie the threads and they unraveled. It often feels like a play with too many characters. The enigmatic character of Guthrie shows very little depth. His time in Germany leaves us with questions and no answers, only hinting at his former life. His character has some marvelous unspoken moments, but subtext is one thing and total inscrutability is another.

All of the characters interact easily and knowingly but we’re not in on the game. There is enough drama in fitting disparate, sometimes dissonant souls into a life-defining concert, but it is a drama that is blunted by the many poorly defined interactions outside the rehearsal hall. Too much going on is the same as not enough.

The fault doesn’t just lie with Bennett’s screenplay but also with his longtime collaborator Hytner. It is the director’s job to keep things moving for the audience to engage and help the actors deepen their performances. The pace is often glacial, hovering too long on a meaningful look or an unspoken moment of longing. One of the greatest theater directors working today, it is surprising that he was unable to drive the action so that there was a compelling pace.

The cast was filled with famous names who should have lit up the screen. Roger Allam, the Alderman, is a star of stage, television and screen. He was the original Javert in “Les Misérables,” so it was a nice piece of acting for him to sing poorly as Girontius. The other elders, have little to define them. The youngsters were all good, especially Jacob Dudman as Clyde who effectively portrays a heartbreak that involves more than lost love. Ralph Fiennes as Guthrie was good, but it’s disappointing that he wasn’t great. He is little more than a tense, mysterious man who withholds emotion from everyone.

The true bright spot in all of this is the appearance of Simon Russell Beale as the officious, grandiose and lecherous Elgar. Arriving like a summer wind and exiting like a howling storm, this man of genius lets it be known that he has no equals and certainly not in the hinterlands. His performance makes you wish there had been more of that energy in the rest of the production.

“The Choral” is a good movie and worth a view. Its themes are effective and universal. I was just hoping it would be better and more resonant.

Now playing at the Laemmle Royal; wide release to follow on Jan. 16. 

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

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The commission also heard reports from the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD).

The Kindness Week initiative was launched in 2022 to align with the national Random Acts of Kindness Week and “to promote civility, compassion, and community connection through inclusive programming and public engagement.” Kindness Week in Beverly Hills will take place Feb. 8-14, 2026, with each day devoted to acts of kindness or community building.

In a presentation, Joana Torres, the city’s community services manager, outlined the plan for each day of the event. Feb. 8 will serve as a Day of Giving at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market, at which four organizations or entities will be the recipients of donations from the community. 

The West Side Food Bank and Midnight Mission are confirmed as recipients thus far. 

Commissioner Laura Margo also brought up the possibility of providing items for local families in need. 

“I was wondering if we could possibly throw around some ideas about how to help them,” she said. 

The commission discussed the possibility of creating Amazon wish lists that are linked to a QR code, which those who wish to donate could scan on Giving Day. 

On Feb. 9, a Valentine’s Day dance for the Beverly Hills Active Adult Club will take place at the Roxbury Park Community Center. On Feb. 10 and 12, the Boys and Girls Club Kindness Van will visit Beverly Vista Middle School and Beverly Hills High School (BHHS), and Feb. 11 will serve as Walk to School Wednesday. 

Commissioner Noelle Batista suggested including a “kindness public assembly” near the Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park or in Beverly Canon Gardens. 

“[It could be] a ‘honk for kindness’ as people drive by,” she said. “You see so many areas for protesting, and it can be very hostile in that area. So, if it’s just a very positive display, I think that would be nice.” 

The commission also heard from BHPD Executive Officer Lt. Kevin Orth on the city’s most recent crime statistics. Orth reported that crime continues to trend downward but noted that there is often an uptick during the holidays. 

To that end, he offered safety tips for the season. 

“Be aware of your surroundings, set your alarm, make sure your car door is locked,” he said. “If you are shopping, not leaving items inside the car where they are in plain view for people, and if you see something, please say something. Call our non-emergent line, or if necessary, the emergency line, of course. And then just try to keep property such as bags, purses, near you, not unattended, even if it’s for a moment.”  

BHUSD Board Member Amanda Stern gave a presentation showcasing some of the district’s year-end events as well as an update on college acceptances and construction completion at BHHS. 

Noting that the district is seeing “some great four-year college acceptance rates,” she said that those rates are an important metric for how the district ranks with the U.S. News and World Report. 

Stern also reported that the BHHS Grand Lawn is expected to be unveiled at the end of January, the school’s new gym will be ready in approximately one year, and that a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Peters Auditorium is planned for Jan. 28, 2026. 

At the Dec. 18 meeting, Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse reported that the new, integrated Health and Human Relations Commission will meet on the fourth Monday of every month beginning on Jan. 26, 2026. Several commissioners on the Health and Safety Commission will term out within the next year. 

The City Council voted in March to merge the Human Relations and Health and Safety Commissions after finding significant overlap in the work of the two bodies.  

At the end of the meeting, commissioners highlighted and praised the work of city staff, including Torres, Muse, Management Assistant of Community Services Lori Tanner and Project Staff Assistant Christina Garcia. 

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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.

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It also voted to recommend that the City Council adopt a general plan amendment, a zone change to amend the land use map, and land use element, and zoning map and a draft ordinance amending sections of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code to adopt a transit-oriented development alternative plan.

The showroom on North Canon Drive will feature AFEELA electric vehicle models and will allow customers to review model specifications. 

According to the applicant, Sony Honda Mobility of America, Inc., which owns the newly created AFEELA brand, approximately 90% of sales transactions happen online. The showroom, which will have frontage along North Canon Drive and North Santa Monica Boulevard, will be used for appointments, consultations and test drives. 

The showroom will keep up to three display cars and two test-drive cars on-site. The company’s additional inventory is stored in Torrance, according to a staff report.

Customer deliveries will also happen off-site, as will vehicle service, maintenance and repairs. 

Test drives will begin at the showroom’s valet area, and continue in a loop along North Canon Drive, South Santa Monica Boulevard, South Moreno Drive, North Santa Monica Boulevard and back onto North Cañon Drive. 

The project site will provide three dedicated employee parking spaces on-site, with two additional parking spaces reserved for test-driving vehicles.

At the Dec. 11 meeting, J. Thongnop, the senior director of marketing for Sony Honda Mobility of America, Inc., explained that AFEELA is a joint venture between Sony and Honda. 

“AFEELA is meant to bring together two brands that have backgrounds in both intelligence and mobility, but also we’re adding in entertainment as we’d expect from the Sony side of things,” he said. “We’re really excited to be opening up our location in Beverly Hills. We want to consider it our flagship, and we understand the importance of being a good citizen.”

The company also has a pop-up location in Century City. 

The commission spoke favorably of the proposal in its discussion of the request. 

“For me, in terms of land use and in terms of economic viability, this is a desirable tenant with a desirable product and a desirable location,” said Commissioner Gary Ross. 

Commissioner Terri Kaplan thanked the applicant for “playing by the rules.” 

“I’d like to acknowledge the applicant and thank you for … coming to the city for a special event permit as opposed to just showing up and starting to do what you wish to do,” she said. “Thank you. I hope you set an example for others.”

The permit was unanimously approved, with Commissioner Myra Demeter absent from the meeting. 

In its vote to recommend that the City Council adopt a general plan amendment, a zone change to amend the land use map and land use element, and zoning map and a draft ordinance amending sections of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code to adopt a transit-oriented development alternative plan, the commission addressed requirements set forth in California State Senate Bill (SB) 79. 

SB 79, which was signed into law in October and goes into effect in July 2026, increases the allowable density, floor area ratio and height for certain housing development projects located within certain distances from transit-oriented development stops. 

In its report, city staff outlined three possible scenarios for alternative plans that would allow the city to exert some level of local control over the requirements of SB 79. The commission did not agree on which scenario to support; however, it did support the creation of an alternative plan. 

The recommendation passed 3-0. Commissioner Terri Kaplan recused herself from the discussion due to a conflict of interest. 

The proposed plans will now go to City Council for review.  

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The agreement, which will remain in effect through June 2029, includes a 3.5% increase in year one, a 6% increase in year two and 5% increases in both year three and year four. The base pay of employees who have earned a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree will increase by 2.75% and is cumulative if multiple degrees are earned. The amendment also caps the amount of compensated time off officers can accrue and use at no more than 220 hours per year.

The BHPOA includes police officers, trainees and sergeants in the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD). The terms of the contract will be applied retroactively to Nov. 29, the beginning of the pay period following BHPOA member approval.

Councilmember John Mirisch said he voted against the agreement because he does not support collective bargaining agreements due to California’s public pension system. He also thanked the BHPD for its work in keeping the city safe and fostering a positive relationship between residents and police personnel.

The agreement follows contentious negotiations since the BHPOA’s MOU expired on June 30. The union accused the city of failing to compensate members at a rate on par with nearby departments. In several messages to registered voters, BHPOA President Christian Bond said that the city was losing officers and a level of safety to other cities. At an Aug. 5 City Council meeting, Hunt-Coffey refuted several of Bond’s claims. 

In June, the BHPOA also issued a vote of no confidence in Chief Mark Stainbrook, followed by sending a cease-and-desist letter in July, alleging that Stainbrook engaged in retaliatory behavior against Bond.

Peter Brown, who represented the BHPOA in negotiations, said that the agreed MOU offered police personnel some of the highest wages among competing agencies.

“We used a total compensation survey to evaluate a marketplace, and the marketplace is pretty much the surrounding agencies,” he said. “Beverly Hills is fairly high up on that survey. … While I can’t guarantee that you will be number one in this survey throughout the entire four years because I don’t know what all the agencies are going to do, you’re going to be pretty close to that throughout the term of this survey.”

Brown added that the timing of the four-year agreement is key as it will carry the department until after the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, both of which take place in Los Angeles. Bond thanked the Council for the agreement.

“On behalf of myself and the entire Beverly Hills Police Officers’ Association, I want to say how genuinely appreciative we are for your commitment to listening, collaborating and working toward an agreement that reflects both the needs of our officers and the values of this incredible city,” he said.

Mayor Sharona Nazarian, along with every member of the City Council, thanked the BHPOA and the BHPD for their work in helping the city.

“This agreement was a long time coming. It required patience, persistence and good faith negotiations on all sides, and I’m pleased that we were able to reach a conclusion that was fair, responsible and one that our officers feel great about,” she said. “Safety and security of our residents and visitors is our number one priority and we also appreciate our police department immensely. They serve with professionalism, integrity and dedication, and this agreement reflects our appreciation for their service and our investment in a strong and respected police department.”

In other business, the Council approved an amendment to the architectural agreement for the planned Oct. 7 memorial with Broskin LLC for design services for a total not to exceed $216,100. The project is expected to cost a total of $1.5 million with $500,000 funded from the city and the rest from private donations. The city has so far received $28,087.18 in donations for the project. 

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In 2023 and 2024, a series of antitrust class action lawsuits targeted NAR and real estate brokerages and brought NAR’s rules and practices under scrutiny. These lawsuits alleged that NAR’s industry practices and rules unlawfully restrained competition and inflated costs for home sellers. In a federal case in Missouri, Burnett v. NAR, a jury held unanimously that NAR and the defendant brokerages “knowingly and voluntarily” engaged in a conspiracy with the goal of “raising, inflating, or stabilizing broker commission rates paid by home sellers” by following and enforcing NAR’s “Cooperative Compensation Rule.”

The jury awarded $1.8 billion in damages, which could have been trebled to $5.4 billion. In March 2024, NAR announced that it would settle the lawsuit rather than appeal. However, one remaining corporate defendant, HomeServices of America, is still litigating the case and not part of the NAR settlement. As part of the settlement, NAR agreed to pay $418 million and to make some changes to its rules and practices to address the antitrust concerns raised in the lawsuit.

Those changes affect long-standing rules about how homes are marketed, and agents are paid. The above-mentioned Cooperative Compensation Rule had required listing brokers to offer compensation to buyer brokers through the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS. Critics argued that this locked in commission structures that consumers rarely questioned or negotiated. 

Under the settlement, those MLS-based compensation offers were eliminated. Sellers can no longer advertise buyer-broker commissions through Realtor-affiliated MLS systems, and buyer agents must now enter into written representation agreements with their clients before showing homes. These agreements are required to clearly disclose how the agent will be compensated and by whom. 

Changes from the NAR settlement are most noticeable for home buyers. Beginning in July 2024, an NAR rule requires MLS participants working with buyers to enter into written agreements with their buyers. As a result, buyers are now being asked to sign paperwork earlier, sometimes before touring a single property. They may be asked to discuss compensation with an agent before they have fully settled on whether they want representation at all. 

Open houses have also taken on a more structured tone. In many markets, including Beverly Hills, brokerages are increasingly careful to clarify that the agent hosting an open house represents the seller, not the buyer, unless a separate agreement is in place. Sign-in sheets, written disclosures, and explicit statements about agency relationships are becoming more common. 

Listing practices have shifted as well. Because compensation is no longer displayed on the MLS, buyers and their agents must gather information more deliberately. Conversations about whether a seller is willing to offer compensation to a buyer’s agent now occur off-MLS and are often tied to negotiation strategy. This has the potential to change how offers are structured and how services are priced, particularly as buyers compare what different agents offer and how they charge.

The settlement has also curtailed certain pre-marketing practices, such as extended “coming soon” listings that limit exposure to a narrow audience. These rules aim to promote broader access and reduce the perception that insiders receive preferential treatment. 

What has changed most significantly is not the dollar amount of commissions, but the timing and transparency of the conversations surrounding them. The settlement has forced compensation discussions to move from the background to the foreground of a transaction. This shift does not eliminate negotiation leverage or professional judgment, but it does require that both be exercised more openly, with fewer assumptions and clearer documentation. 

NAR’s recent strategic plan emphasizes transparency, local flexibility, and consumer trust. However, one year into the rule changes, the actual impact of the rule changes on Realtor commissions appears minimal. Redfin reported in August 2025 that the average buyer’s agent commission for homes sold in October 2025 was 2.34%, compared to 2.45% one year ago. 

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During a court appearance on Dec. 17, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle continued Nick Reiner’s arraignment to Jan. 7. He is currently being held without bail in the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles and appeared at the hearing in a suicide prevention vest. 

The charges against Nick Reiner include the special circumstance of multiple murders along with a special allegation that he used a knife to commit the murders. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

“Prosecuting these cases involving family members are some of the most challenging and most heart-wrenching cases that this office faces because of the intimate and often brutal nature of the crimes involved,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said at a Dec. 16 news conference. “Their loss is beyond tragic, and we will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice.”

Nick Reiner’s defense attorney, Alan Jackson, asked the public to respect the judicial process after the arraignment postponement on Dec. 17.

“This is a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family. We all recognize that. Our hearts go out to the entire Reiner family,” he said. “There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case. They need to be thoroughly but very carefully dealt with, and examined, and looked at, and analyzed. We ask that, during this process, you allow the system to move forward in the way that it was designed to move forward, not with a rush to judgment, not with jumping to conclusions but with restraint and with dignity and with the respect that this system and this process deserves, and that the family deserves. So, with that, we are set for Jan. 7 for an arraignment. That’s the next court date and that’s all I have to say at this point.”

Nick Reiner struggled with addiction and was in and out of rehabilitation centers. He was arrested the night of Dec. 14 in Exposition Park near the University of Southern California without incident, Hochman said. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell did not provide any details regarding Nick Reiner’s arrest or how he was identified as the suspect. There is also no information available on a motive for the killings as of press time.

According to media reports, the couple’s 28-year-old daughter Romy Reiner discovered the bodies. Romy, along with her older brother Jake Reiner, asked for privacy in a public statement made on Dec. 17.

“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” they said. “The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”

“We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life,” they added. “We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”

Rob Reiner came to national prominence in the 1971-79 sitcom “All in the Family,” where he played Archie Bunker’s son-in-law, Michael “Meathead” Stivic. He then went on to direct some of the most celebrated films of all time, including “Stand By Me” (1986), “The Princess Bride” (1987), “When Harry Met Sally …” (1989) and “A Few Good Men” (1992).

Before becoming one of the most celebrated filmmakers of all time, Rob Reiner graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1964. He and his family moved to Beverly Hills from the Bronx, New York when he was 12 years old.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Reiner, a proud Beverly Hills High School alumnus whose extraordinary life and work left a lasting impact on our community and the world,” Beverly Hills Unified School District Superintendent Alex Cherniss said. “Once a Norman, always a Norman. Our thoughts are with all who are grieving this profound loss.”

While at Beverly, Rob Reiner befriended fellow actors Albert Brooks, Larry Bishop and Richard Dreyfuss. The group went on to form an improvisational comedy troupe called The Session. In a 2023 CBS News interview, Rob Reiner returned with Brooks to Beverly Hills High School, where the two friends reminisced on how the school shaped their lifelong friendship.

“This is the first time both of us have been back since we graduated,” Rob Reiner said during the interview. “It brings back no memories,” he jokingly added.

Michael Schniderman, a 1967 BHHS graduate and a local handyman at Pioneer Hardware, said he remembers when Rob Reiner, Brooks and Dreyfuss organized a rock concert at the high school featuring The Doors and Sam and Dave. Schneiderman also remembered the kindness that Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner’s father, showed him when he performed handyman work at the family’s Beverly Hills residence.

“Rob came from a sweet family,” he said. “They had compassion, they had humanity. And the fact of the matter is that what happened is a tragedy. You could say it’s an American tragedy.”

Longtime Beverly Hills resident and founder of Writers Bloc Presents Andrea Grossman described Reiner as a “creative genius” in a tribute posted to the Writers Bloc website. Rob Reiner was a frequent moderator for Writers Bloc presents forums, appearing in a program as recent as September in Beverly Hills for his own book, “A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap.”

“There’s so much to say and to admire about Rob: his movies, his activism, his willingness to stand for meaningful and just causes both social and political,” she said. “His impact on our cultural and political landscape was profound. We are stricken, shell-shocked, and heartsick by the murders of Rob and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Our hearts are with their loved ones during this devastating time. We will miss Rob’s art and his voice.”

After briefly studying at UCLA, Rob Reiner went on to create some of the most beloved films of all time. He also devoted himself to political causes by supporting a tobacco tax in 1998 that would pay for early childhood programs and championed a constitutional right to same-sex marriage. He was also an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, calling him a danger to democracy.

Rob Reiner’s memory will forever be enshrined in the city of Beverly Hills, where his portrait hangs as part of the high school’s Hall of Fame. 

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Residents have long expressed concerns about the new station. Wilshire/La Cienega will temporarily be an end-of-line location, meaning that there are no stops past it. That designation can result in more riders disembarking into the surrounding area. 

The station will remain an end-of-line location until Phase 2 of the Metro’s D Line extension is complete, which is currently projected for the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027. 

“The good news is this is going to be a temporary issue, but … there are always going to be new people who come [off the Metro and into the city],” said Councilmember John Mirisch. “So, I think we just have to manage it as best we can.” 

The city has poured considerable resources and time into ensuring the safety of the area when the Metro station opens. 

The station will have an above-ground public safety kiosk that, according to the same representative from the city, will be staffed by Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Community Service Officers (CSOs). 

The council approved six CSO positions in its 2025-26 budget. According to the same representative, the city is in the final stages of hiring for those positions and plans to have the officers trained and available when the station opens. The kiosk will not be complete at that time, but a temporary structure will be erected. 

The council also approved eight additional sworn BHPD positions to patrol the neighborhood around Wilshire/La Cienega. The same city representative did not make clear whether those positions have been filled, but said that they are “part of the overall department staffing and the city is continuously recruiting and hiring,” and that BHPD is “prepared to deploy the necessary officers to support the community and area surrounding the station.”

Metro will provide two sworn police officers and one sergeant on duty 24/7, and at least one fare enforcement official.  

Additionally, Metro is in the process of developing its own police department that will serve the entire Metro system, including Beverly Hills. 

The creation of that department is expected to take several more years. In the interim, the city is negotiating with the Los Angeles Police Department to provide officers below ground. Those officers are on track to be in place for the station opening. 

At its Dec. 16 meeting, the council focused its discussion largely on how to provide services to Metro passengers who may need help, including people experiencing homelessness, and ways to communicate with local businesses that may be affected by the station and the increased foot traffic it will generate. 

Beverly Hills’ existing structure for providing services to people experiencing homelessness is a collaboration between multiple partners including the Beverly Hills Fire Department, BHPD, the Beverly Hills Outreach Team, contracted security and a Department of Mental Health clinician.

“Beverly Hills is already ahead of many jurisdictions with end-of-line stations due to our established Beverly Hills Homeless Collaboration Team and the city’s consistent One City, One Team approach,” a staff report notes. 

City staff also discussed at length how outreach and communication with businesses and residents in the neighborhood of the station will be conducted. 

Enisha Clark, the city’s Human Services Administrator, said at the meeting that feedback from those living and working in close proximity to the station will be collected regularly. Since safety data is already gathered on a routine basis, the city will be able to easily track and compare the impact of the station in terms of individuals exiting the Metro who may pose safety concerns. 

“We already know what our city looks like currently … so we have a baseline,” she said. “We’re not working from scratch. So, as we are seeing numbers increase, or influx, we have that data to go back and say, ‘This is what we’re seeing in our city.’ We can attribute it to [the new station] and really ask for that backup support.”

Clark added that businesses and residents will be encouraged to use the city’s 24/7 hotline, 310-285-2468, for reporting non-emergency issues involving people experiencing homelessness, and that a letter will be sent to businesses along the Wilshire Corridor, in the Business Triangle and along South Beverly Drive with information about how to contact the city if help is needed. 

Members of the City Council expressed their satisfaction with the work being done by the Human Services Department. 

“While we support increased mobility and access, we must also ensure the safety of our residents living nearby these stations, the safety of our community, our businesses, the safety and dignity of visitors and individuals experiencing crisis,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “So, I think this is balanced, it is compassionate, and most importantly, it reflects leadership that values safety, a proactive approach, having people get the care that they need with empathy, dignity and preparedness.”  

The post ‘We’re Prepared’: City Council Discusses Metro Safety at Study Session appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“It’s wonderful to see so many from the community with us here tonight for this special moment in this difficult time in the world,” Deputy City Manager Keith Sterling said in his opening speech. “We’re here to celebrate together as Beverly Hills always does. We’re a resilient community.”

Hundreds of community members, families and visitors gathered as the sun set over Beverly Gardens Park. The night was illuminated by the shining lights of the Menorah and decorations set up throughout the park to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Mayor Sharona Nazarian began her speech by denouncing the antisemitic terror attack on Dec. 14 that took place at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Australia, and claimed the lives of 15 people. 

The city lowered its flag to half-staff on Dec. 15 and increased security around houses of worship and public events in the wake of the attack and a shooting at Brown University. Nazarian thanked the Beverly Hills community for standing in unity.

“Just yesterday on what marked the first day of Hanukkah and the celebrations we saw in Australia, once again, the world saw the horrors of terrorism fueled by antisemitism. Our thoughts and prayers are with those victims,” she said. “Hanukkah can teach us that light can endure even the most overwhelming odds of hatred and darkness. When the Maccabees were attacked, a small amount of oil burned for 8 days, a miracle. Today, we are witnessing miracles, and we can see them if we are willing to open our eyes and our hearts. Being able to stand here freely together as a united community celebrating faith and tradition without fear, that’s a miracle.”

Nazarian also stressed the importance of coming together during difficult times.

“In Beverly Hills, unity is not just a word, it’s a choice we make again and again,” Nazarian said. “In Beverly Hills, we will always stand up to hatred, discrimination and antisemitism because never again is exactly right now. Tonight, as we light the menorah, let us also light something within ourselves: hope, compassion and a quiet confidence that even in a most complicated world, even in a world that can feel cold, unsympathetic and even divided, light will win.”

The Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy children’s choir then performed a celebratory rendition of “I Have a Little Dreidel” to raucous applause from the gathered crowd. Nazarian was then joined by the Beverly Hills City Council and Rabbi Cantor Arik Wollheim of Beth Jacob Congregation for the official lighting. Members of the Beverly Hills Police Department, Beverly Hills Unified School District, city staff and hundreds of community members were also in attendance for the lighting.

Wollheim then lit a candle and with the help of Mayor Nazarian, kept the candle burning as he sang the Hanukkah blessings. The children’s choir came back onto the stage. With the help of the entire City Council, the gathered crowd raised their voices together as the menorah was illuminated. 

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Prior to Sabag’s election, Board Member Amanda Stern was nominated for the vice presidency by outgoing Board President Rachelle Marcus. Stern’s nomination appeared to be in keeping with the board’s bylaws, which state that the vice president is determined by rotation based on how long each member has served on the board during their current term. 

The bylaws state that if, as is the case with the current board, multiple board members have “the same term of service, then they shall serve as vice president in descending order of the number of votes received in their most recent election.”

In November 2024, Stern, Sabag and Board Member Russell Stuart were all up for election with Stern up for reelection. Stern received the most votes with 26.85%, followed by Sabag with 25.26% and Stuart with 24.74%. 

Manouchehri, Sabag and Stuart voted against Stern’s nomination for vice president. Stuart later nominated Sabag, who was approved in a 3-2 vote. Marcus and Stern voted against Sabag’s appointment. 

Reading from a statement during the comment period discussing Stern’s appointment as vice president, Manouchehri directed a lengthy speech at Stern, listing a number of what she called “key governance capabilities.” 

“For example, adhering to the Brown Act, adhering to the Board Governance handbook … not responding to the media, not calling the media and asking them to run certain articles in order to bash other board members, not relitigating board votes in the papers, not making false statements to the public about closed session matters, and not misleading the public when you voted unanimously with the rest of the board in closed session and more,” Manouchehri said.

It is not clear what articles or media Manouchehri was referencing. The Courier has not received requests or phone calls from Stern. 

Directing her comments to Stern, Manouchehri claimed that she “pleaded with you on more occasions than I would like to count to please be mindful of these behaviors … with respect to you being an officer of the board, I have been very torn … but as a trustee whose sworn duty is to this district, I believe I have no choice but to vote no.”

Speaking at the end of the meeting, Stern referenced an incident in 2023 in which Manouchehri used profanity in board communication, calling Manouchehri’s actions “unacceptable, abusive and toxic.” 

“I continue to want to work on this board very much, but I’m not at all surprised,” Stern added. “It’s shocking too, because the bylaws say that if you got the most votes, and that would be me, you have the longest term, then that is the person who becomes the vice president. So, it’s shocking that you guys would just go against the bylaws, ostensibly because Mr. Stuart got the lowest number of votes and you want him to be president … please don’t assume that I go around and gossip or divulge information, because it simply isn’t true.”

In a statement to the Courier on Dec. 17, Stern said that “word reached” her that the vote against her had been planned, so she had been expecting it. However, she said, “What was shocking was Mrs. Manouchehri’s prepared statement full of false allegations, which was very hurtful.” 

Stern added, “Our school mission statement asks for ‘respect and integrity’ and a ‘culture of honesty.’ This is critical for board members, as we serve as role models … my colleagues know well that I aim for peace and kindness even through differences. I look forward to productive and positive work on behalf of our students.”

BHUSD told the Courier in a statement that the board “appropriately followed the law,” noting that the board bylaws and state education code both stipulate that the board is required to “elect a president, vice president, and a clerk from its members.”

“The BHUSD Board of Education fulfilled its obligation to elect a president, a vice president, and a clerk … The contradictory language in [the bylaws] which appoints a board member to the office of Vice President absent a legal vote by the school board is invalid and does not supersede education code” or other language in the bylaws, said the district. 

Speaking to the Courier about why he voted against Stern’s appointment and in favor of Sabag’s, Stuart said he made the decision he thought was best for the community. 

“I just simply said, I am going to vote for the person that I feel is best suited for the job for the next 12 months,” he said. “It’s nothing personal.”  

The post New BHUSD Board Officers Are Appointed Amid Shake-Up appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I am thrilled that Cindy will be our next City Planner,” said Michael Forbes, the City’s Community Development Director.  “She is deeply respected by her team as a strong technical planner and leader. Her diverse experience and institutional knowledge will continue to be of great benefit to our community.”

Gordon joined the city of Beverly Hills in 2011 as an Assistant Planner and has promoted through the years to Associate Planner, Senior Planner, Principal Planner, and Project Manager. 

She has two bachelor’s degrees, in Community & Regional Planning and Sociology, from Iowa State University, and a Master’s degree in City & Regional Planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Gordon is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners.

She will assume her new role on Dec. 15.

The post Gordon Named Assistant Director of Community Development/City Planner appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Pioneer Hardware, the century-old business that has been in a city-owned building at 333 N. Crescent Drive since 1983, was notified that a 10% rent increase will take effect in 2027, owner Jeff Tilem told the Courier. The rent, which is currently $7,271.08 per month, would increase by $741.12 starting in 2027 and then increase by 3% each year thereafter under the new five-year proposal. The proposal is more than any previous rental increase, and Tilem said it would force the store to close at the end of 2026.

“This is a city resource for the people that live here,” said Tilem. “When it rains, and water is coming in your house and you need [materials], you don’t want to go online and wait for it to be delivered. You want to go get it and have it. Or you’re 75 years old and something’s not working, and you want it to be fixed. You bring it to us, and we fix it. That can’t be replicated.”

Bonnie Fleming, who has shopped at the store for years out of convenience, said the store fulfills a variety of needs for her. If she needs a flashlight after an earthquake, or help assembling toys for her grandkids, or a new cutting board for Thanksgiving and does not want to drive far, Fleming goes to Pioneer Hardware.

“I go in there for anything,” she said. “My daughter, she said, ‘I’ve got to go over to Mercedes to get my round battery for my key.’ And I said, ‘Go over to Pioneer Hardware. Ask for Ryan. You will get your little battery; he will put it in your key, and it’s done.’”

Roberta Magid, who has shopped at Pioneer Hardware since 1968, said the store’s handymen services have been essential for her.

“I have a problem, and they have handymen here—all terrific, really nice,” she said. “I was worried about coyotes, because I live in the hills, so I called up, and they sent somebody and put a gate up. It feels like a little small community again. This is the only store where you feel that way.”

Magid said that Pioneer Hardware is one of the last small, neighborhood-oriented businesses in the city.

“It’s like a small town on this one block, and they’re taking it away,” she said. “They want to take away something that means so much to so many people. For what, a few dollars?”

In addition to the rent increase, Tilem told the Courier that his business has suffered since August, when the city installed a Throne Lab portable bathroom in the adjacent parking structure. Not only has that brought the smell of human waste, but the toilets frequently leak, causing customers to say they will not return while the bathroom is there. Tilem said that the city has also failed to fix stock room walls in the back of his store that continuously leak, and damage merchandise every time it rains.

In a written response to Tilem’s concerns, the city took the position that the rental increase is reasonable. It noted that Pioneer Hardware currently pays less rent per month than it did in 1988, and the increase will “still be well below today’s fair-market value.” The increase will bring their rent to a price-per-square-foot basis of an amount similar to the next-door Beverly Hills Market, approximately $1.90 per square foot, said Lauren Santillana, public information manager of the city of Beverly Hills.

“Today, Pioneer Hardware pays less rent than they did 37 years ago,” Santillana said. “The city has regularly held rent flat and reduced rent several times over their 42 years. All things considered, the city’s proposed increase is modest, and Pioneer has until 2027 to plan for it.”

Santillana also said that the Throne Lab bathroom has decreased incidents of homeless people relieving themselves in a nearby stairwell, and the city plans to further extend ventilation following customer and tenant complaints. The city is also considering more extensive repairs for the store’s stock room walls, Santillana added.

She added, “The city and the community value having a locally owned hardware store that might not be possible at current market rents.” 

The post Pioneer Hardware Signals Proposed Rent Increases Could Force Closure appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Let’s start with the challenge of gift giving. Consider skipping the parking lots, long lines and inflated prices, and instead expand your creativity.

If you’re new to AI, start simple. Use tools like ChatGPT, Gemini or Claudeai to brainstorm gift ideas tailored to specific people in your life. Describe their interests, your relationship, and your budget, and discover creative possibilities you might not have considered.

Use AI price trackers to ensure you get the best deals. Watch AI gift-wrapping tutorials to make your gift looks extra special. Smart budgeting apps can prevent overspending and assist in tracking gifts as they are purchased. By engaging visual search tools, you can upload a photo of an item you like and let AI find similar options instantly.

If you want to go a step further, you can try crafting personalized poems, songs or stories. Input key memories or qualities, and work with the AI to refine the output until it captures your sentiments perfectly. Imagine giving your daughter, granddaughter or BFF a custom poem that weaves together cherished memories—like your summer trip to Hawaii, late-night chats, and Black Friday shopping sprees. AI can help you create touching verses that surpass any store-bought item. 

Similarly, you could create a personalized song for your partner or friend, incorporating inside jokes and meaningful dates into a unique melody of your relationship. AI can help turn your feelings and memories into lyrics set to music, resulting in a cherished gift. For family historians, AI can compile and narrate family stories, transforming old photos and anecdotes into a cohesive narrative that becomes an heirloom. Parents can even use AI to create personalized holiday stories featuring their children as characters and print their own books, making bedtime reading extra special. 

If you have a foodie in your life, AI can generate a custom cookbook based on their dietary preferences and favorite flavors, complete with beautiful pictures. Remember the adage, “You are only as good as your prompts,” so keep editing and have fun. 

According to Professor and AI faculty fellow Jessica Kizorek, “AI is unlocking creativity for people who never considered themselves artists. Now, anyone can write rhymes, generate images, produce videos, create songs, layout custom books, and curate multimedia experiences. Using AI this holiday season isn’t cheating; it’s opening doors to meaningful human exchanges that will be remembered for years to come.” As a psychiatrist, I value the idea of tapping into the neuroplasticity of our brain and forging new pathways. This makes gift giving the win-win process it is supposed to be.

Beyond gifts, AI can inspire creativity in holiday projects you might never have attempted otherwise. Want to design custom holiday cards featuring your family in various artistic styles? AI image generators can assist. Struggling with writer’s block for a holiday newsletter? AI can help you draft and refine your message while maintaining your authentic voice.

For those hosting gatherings, AI can suggest party themes, create shopping lists, generate decoration ideas tailored to your space and style, and even help craft the perfect playlist by analyzing your musical preferences and the desired mood.

Need to accommodate various dietary restrictions at your holiday dinner? AI can instantly generate menu options that satisfy vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free guests while keeping the festive spirit intact. It can also help you plan balanced meals for the days surrounding big celebrations, ensuring you don’t abandon your wellness routine.

Not sure what to do with leftovers? Photograph them, upload the images to ChatGPT or your favorite AI site, and ask for meal ideas incorporating them. You can also request a shopping list and recipes to expand your menu.

AI isn’t just software—it’s being built into appliances too. Hostess Crystal Conner shared that she had her best Thanksgiving ever thanks to her smart oven. Yes, her oven now features built-in AI that ensures dishes come out perfectly every time with little or no effort on her part. Smart refrigerators will alert you when supplies run low, bringing us closer to the world of the Jetsons. Robot vacuums and mops are also available to help you keep holiday messes to a minimum and may serve as a popular gift option this season.

AI will also assist with holiday travel—from generating destination ideas and booking hotels and airfare at the best prices, to building your daily itinerary, finding local restaurants and attractions, and providing real-time translation services. It can even help you navigate airports, track flight delays, and adjust plans on the fly.

As we learn to utilize AI to reduce the stress and busywork that often overshadow the holidays, we can create more time and space for genuine connection, creativity, and joy. AI can help you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time laughing with family, savoring delicious food, and creating memories that will warm your heart long after the decorations come down.

During this season of gratitude and celebration, I encourage you to approach AI with curiosity and an open mind. Experiment, play, and discover how these tools might serve your unique needs and values. The future of holiday celebrations isn’t about technology replacing tradition. It’s about technology empowering us to honor traditions more fully and create new ones with greater ease and joy and make each year better than the last. 

The post Holiday Hack: Using AI to Optimize Your Holiday Season appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The board voted to increase its monthly compensation from $240 to $1,200. The raise comes after the passage of Assembly Bill 1390 in October, which increased maximum monthly stipends for school board members in California. Under the new law, in districts with an average daily attendance between 1,000 and 10,000, school board members can receive a maximum of $1,200 per month. The board unanimously passed the motion on second reading and will review compensation for the student board member later.

“We put in so much time and effort that there’s no way to even compensate what we’re doing,” Board Member Sigalie Sabag said in favor of the proposal.

The board also unanimously approved a district trip to the Consumer Electronics Show— an annual electronics trade show that takes place in Las Vegas in January—at $4,000 per person for an unspecified 2-5 board and administration members.

“Attending CES provides staff with firsthand exposure to cutting-edge technologies and advanced AI tools, allowing them to deepen their understanding of emerging innovations and bring back critical insights that keep BHUSD forward-thinking, future-ready and aligned with best practices in educational technology and AI integration,” the proposal read.

Kimberly Lifschitz, a district parent, raised concerns over the cost of attending the conference, the lack of clarity on who would be attending and the district’s rapid implementation of Artificial Intelligence. She said the expense for a consumer trade show that is not open to the public is unreasonable when her son’s district school is consistently short staffed with classroom aides. Lifschitz also raised the concerns of the mental health impacts of AI.

“Four [thousand] per person but we don’t get names or an accurate head count—could it be because there is zero reason for school board members and district personnel to attend a consumer tech trade show?” Lifschitz said. “This is just plain insulting.”

BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss argued that attending CES was relevant to the school district due to the cybersecurity training, robotics courses and AI training that it offers. He added that command center technologist Ryan Damavandi, robotics teacher John Castle and public information officer Colby Gilardian may attend the conference to bring back lessons on technology.

“There is cybersecurity training as part of this and that will be a great investment for us … We know our parents really care about security,” Cherniss said. “It looks like it’s a worthwhile investment as we continue to talk about AI, we continue to talk about cybersecurity, ways to keep our kids safe, ways to provide the best education.”

Earlier in the meeting, parent Daniel Lifschitz raised concerns about a social media post from Board Member Russell Stuart in which Stuart replied “FAFO” to a post on X about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s daughter condemning President Donald Trump for calling her father “retarded.” Walz has a disabled son. Stuart then posted “feelings activated, facts overruled,” to clarify his comment.

Lifschitz, the parent of a disabled child, noted, “Is this the type of belief we should want someone in charge of overseeing education not only harbor but feel comfortable enough to express to the world without any apparent second thought?” he said. “If this is the example we’re looking to set for our kids, I fear the district’s legal troubles are only beginning.”

Stuart did not respond to the substance of Lifschitz’ comments. 

The board also unanimously approved an agreement with LA High Tech Enterprises to install vape detectors at Beverly Vista Middle School for a total cost of $64,127.11. Vape detectors were previously installed at Beverly Hills High School. The agreement comes after Board Member Russell Stuart said the vape detectors had been effective and revealed how many students were consistently vaping at a Nov. 1 Health and Safety Commission meeting. 

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The Courier observed the operation first-hand, during an exclusive ride-along.

“We get tons of complaints: speeding, illegal U-turns, running stop signs, racing vehicles, all that kind of stuff,” BHPD Chief Mark Stainbrook told the Courier. “We want to send a message, at least on the West Side, that we’re not going to tolerate this kind of driving and behavior with these racing vehicles.”

Beverly Hills City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey personally thanked the officers from participating agencies for taking part in the operation. Those officers spread out around the city, stopping drivers for running red lights, clogging intersections and distracted driving. In total, 31 citations were issued for using a cellphone while driving, 12 for running a red light, seven for illegal u-turns, one for loud exhaust and others for impeding, making an unsafe left turn, having an expired registration and others.

“Anytime we do enforcement, we also talk about education,” Executive Officer Lt. Kevin Orth told the Courier. “So, when we bring other officers from other agencies, it just helps us to put out a bigger presence. If you’re driving down the street and see police stop people, most people check their speed, do that kind of thing. And the long-term goal is safety, of course, because accidents occur when people run stop signs, red lights or are speeding.”

To prevent excessive engine noise, a persistent problem in the city, Orth said the police department is obtaining decibel meters to measure when cars exceed set levels.

“We get quite a few complaints from people about loud cars, motorcycles, racing and exhaust,” he said. “So, if we know there’s a problem in a certain area at a certain time, we’ll put an officer there, like what we’re doing over here in the business district. And then once we have the decibel meter, then we can show that there’s a violation.”

Orth added that the biggest problem he encounters with drivers is distracted driving and community members can protect themselves and others by putting their phone down and not driving aggressively if they are in a rush.

“When you’re in a rush, like you’re running late, or you’re distracted is when a lot of violations start to occur,” he said. “In those moments, you’re trying to get there, you’re trying to beat the light, or you’re trying to make this call, you come around the corner and then there’s a stop sign. Or maybe you’re unfamiliar with the area, you’re coming in for an important meeting, you’re already running late, you’re parking and the next thing you know, you’re in an accident. “So, I would say if you can limit being in a distracted space, the more, the better.”

BHPD Lt. Eugene Kim, the bureau commander of traffic, told the Courier the operation was a success in utilizing all the city’s resources to prevent traffic violations and keep residents safe.

“Overall, it looks like it’s been a very successful event,” Kim said. “It really shows the partnership with not just the community, but also all our allied agencies working on this together. We also brought together multiple divisions and bureaus within our police department, so our Real-Time Watch Center is providing overwatch and safety. We have our own dedicated dispatching system, so we’re really putting it all out for traffic enforcement.” 

The post BHPD Takes Extra Steps to Ensure Traffic Safety on Eve of the Holidays appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

As part of that discussion, it also considered changes to the medical taxation structure, which will be incorporated into a city-wide business tax modernization study being conducted by the city’s Finance Department.

The council’s discussion served as an annual update and the requisite three-year review of an ordinance adopted in 2022 that revised the city’s medical use regulations to allow the conversion of existing commercial space to certain medical uses, prohibited so-called “specialty clinics” and prohibited medical uses on the ground floor of commercial buildings.

Councilmembers were charged with ensuring that an increase in converting commercial spaces to medical use spaces hasn’t created unforeseen problems to commercial or residential properties and uses. 

The ordinance adopted by the City Council in 2022 served as a continuation of an urgency ordinance adopted in November 2020 that offered flexibility for commercially zoned properties during the COVID-19 pandemic, when commercial spaces were being vacated. 

Since the adoption of the ordinance in 2022 to October of this year, 88 permits have been issued for the conversion of commercial space to new medical uses. 

Of those, 17 were issued between January and October, including a nail spa that was converted into a medical spa, a general office space converted into an ambulatory surgical site and several office spaces converted to dental offices. 

In 2024, 13 permits were issued; 25 were issued in 2023; and between 2020 and 2022, 33 were issued. 

At the Dec. 9 meeting, Chloe Chen, the city’s principal planner, said that brokers and other interested parties have expressed “a high level of interest in allowing medical uses on the ground floor,” which could have positive impacts for the city because it would help fill existing vacancies. 

Susie Herrera, a representative for Cedars-Sinai, spoke in favor of expanding medical use during the public comment period. 

“Cedars-Sinai has a long history of serving Beverly Hills, and we are proud to provide world-class care to these residents,” she said. “Today, the need for care in the community is growing faster than our ability to meet it within the city’s current land use framework. Pediatric primary care appointments now average a three-week wait, and geriatric care often exceeds one month. With an aging population and rising demand for accessible, high-quality care, these pressures will only continue to increase. For this reason, we’re seeking to expand our services and footprint in Beverly Hills.”

During a discussion about the possibility of allowing medical uses on the ground floor of buildings, some councilmembers cited the negative impact on foot traffic in areas that are considered highly walkable. 

“For me, it’s almost a non-starter in terms of the high pedestrian areas,” said Councilmember Lester Friedman. “I just can’t see there being medical use in those areas. I think it would really impact significantly the pedestrian areas.”

Mayor Sharona Nazarian expressed a similar concern. 

“I feel that this is a challenging predicament, because on one hand, we want to support businesses and we have space that is vacant, and on the other hand, we don’t want to saturate our ground-level spaces with primarily medical spaces, especially in areas we want to promote the walkability,” she said.  

All members of the council said that they would like to see the results of the business tax modernization study before making any further decisions. 

“I support the study, so that we see what is in the best interest of the city and the residents, and bringing in revenue for the city, but also preserving the quality of life that we want to ensure in the future,” said Nazarian. 

In other news, the council adopted a resolution to approve an updated Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, which is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to a staff report, the goal of the plan is to “promote sound public policy designed to protect citizens, critical facilities, infrastructure, private and public property and the environment from natural and manmade hazards.”

The updated version of the plan reflects the city’s experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased risk for power outages due to severe weather events and the most current data on wildfire risk. 

Additionally, the council awarded a contract for more than $7.7 million to Palp Inc. (doing business as Excel Paving Company) for resurfacing Wilshire Boulevard between South Santa Monica Boulevard and Stanley Drive, San Vicente Boulevard between Clifton Way and Wilshire Boulevard, and other local streets to restore areas that have been impacted by Metro’s D Line Extension.    

The post City Council Considers Changes to Medical Uses in Commercial Spaces appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Eden is a wild child. Sexy, outrageous, unfettered by the restraints of society, she goes her own way, certain of her younger brother Nati’s approval and belief in the lack of boundaries she sets. As far as she is concerned, they have no secrets; they share everything. Ragged, raw, untethered, Eden demands attention and obedience. On Nati’s birthday, she has him kidnapped, terrifying him until he is released to her on a cliff overlooking the deep blue sea. She finds it hilarious; he, not so much. Eden exudes an almost incestuous adoration of Nati, one that clearly has him on edge, unnoticed by her. Finally escaping her bacchanal, he texts someone he is on his way. Distracted, a car slams into him and his young life ends almost before it begins.

Lost, angry, self-focused, Eden spends the evening after his funeral dancing with abandon at the techno nightclub she frequents on a daily basis. She would rather lose herself in her married lover’s arms than take the time to mourn, and if he won’t comply she’ll find others who will. When she suddenly learns that her brother had a girlfriend, someone he hid from her, she loses whatever small control she had over her emotions and determines to find this other person. Stalking her, she’s outraged by how ordinary this girl is. Her name is Maya and she lives with her mother. She is modest, studious and an inconceivable match for the beloved brother she thought she knew so well. Approaching her, at first with malice and eventually with curiosity, Eden is determined to unravel this other part of Nati’s life, one where he was the very picture of middle-class bourgeois desire—chaste girlfriend, pre-med aspirations, quiet evenings without the kind of drama that defines Eden. Maya is everything that Eden is not and the reverse is also true.

What Eden comes to recognize, however, is that a bond with Maya will keep Nati alive in both their hearts and minds and they begin to melt into one another. Eden is intent on turning Maya into her mirror image. Maya is her Pygmalion and she hasn’t got a chance.

Nesher has written a character study of Eden, an extremely flawed young woman. Throughout most of the film she is irredeemable, a classic example of clinical narcissistic personality disorder. Nesher gives us some insight into causation: a bitter divorce between the parents, a mother intent on self-healing to the disadvantage of her two children, a manipulative father and an obsessive relationship with a malleable younger sibling. While there may be extenuating circumstances, all we see is the end result: a toxic, unempathetic young woman who thinks nothing of upending the lives around her.

It is apparent that while Nesher intended to show the growth of Eden from oblivious to more cognizant of her behavior, she spent far too much time on the negative side, leaving not enough room to account for the growth she’d like us to believe Eden experiences over the time frame, with mourning rituals as the marking points from the funeral, to Shiva, to the one-month memorial, to the one-year visit to the graveside. There are two difficulties inherent in the way she approaches her subject. The first is that Eden is so unpleasant throughout most of the film that it’s difficult to stay with her. She’s just not someone you want to spend that much time with, and Nesher almost “lost me at hello,” to misuse a movie quote. The second is that by shortcutting Eden’s development to maturity and empathy, primarily experienced through the eyes and actions of Maya, she loses the kind of gradual character development Eden needs.

The production values are very good. Editing is smooth, costuming highlights Eden’s sensuality and the cinematography underscores the milestones experienced by Maya and Eden, highlighted by stunning scenery in the Sinai. Lia Elalouf, as Eden, in her debut performance, won the Best Leading Actress at the Ophirs  and deservedly so. It is a performance that is unchained and fearless. Darya Rosenn, as Maya, played her character with believable warmth and empathy, showing a well-paced character growth that was, alas, missing in Eden, one that enhanced the film and carried the audience with her during her development. Both actresses should have long careers.

Nesher’s film rises and falls with Eden. She was so focused on the interesting, outrageous and egregious aspects of Eden’s personality that she left too little time for her to gradually grow, mature and recognize the damage she has caused. We see the end result but not enough of the development leading up to it. Eden has cut a swath of personal destruction that leaves little room for one single incident to sell the transition to empathy.

In Hebrew with English subtitles.

Opening Dec. 12 at the Laemmle Royal 

The post ‘Come Closer’—But Don’t Get Burned appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Malice”

This clever revenge tale is too obvious from the beginning. The so-called innocent helper who is always there when you most need him and don’t realize that he set up that need is a thriller. The ultra-wealthy Tanner family is vacationing at their villa in the Greek Isles. Jamie Tanner (David Duchovny) is annoyed that wife Nat has invited friends Jules and Damien and their family to spend time with them. The Tanner nanny is rather useless but Adam, the tutor for Jules’ and Damien’s kids, is uber helpful, at the ready for any errand. He seems always to be around.

But Adam has a hidden agenda, one that will eventually become clearer, if not to the Tanners, at least to the viewers. Soon, things go missing, accidents happen, calls are misdirected, and the nanny is hospitalized from an almost deadly food poisoning, leaving the Tanners in need of the solicitous services of Adam, whose tutoring gig has come to an end.

Returning to London, more untraceable catastrophic events begin to engulf the Tanners, specifically Jamie, as their fortunes begin a precipitous fall.

Bloated, even at 6 episodes, it is evident from the start that the very wide-eyed innocence of Adam is at the root of all evil. Even though he is such an easily unmasked villain, it still takes time to uncover his motives. There would have been myriad ways to make this all-too-apparent scenario a bit more subtle, thus making each oncoming catastrophe less obvious. Jack Whitehall (“Bad Education”) as Adam lacks the depth necessary to keep the viewer completely on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Nat, played by Carice van Houten (“Game of Thrones”), and Jamie, an excellent David Duchovny, are convincing as the targets of Adam’s misdeeds. Christine Adams, Jules, is convincingly unaware, but Raza Jaffrey, Jules’ husband Damien, has a star turn in the episode where he is on the path to unlocking Adam’s duplicity.

I prefer my thrillers a bit less obvious.

Now streaming on Amazon.

“Down Cemetery Road”

This should have been a slam-dunk series. Starring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, with an appearance by the fabulous Adam Godley, all gold standard British actors, it is based on a book by Mick Herron, author of the books on which “Slow Horses” is based, and written for television by Morwenna Banks, also the writer of the “Slow Horses” series. How could this go wrong? Wrong may not be the optimal word, but uninteresting is. Bloated at 10 episodes and obtuse in the underlying mystery, “Down Cemetery Road” is not engaging.

Sarah (Ruth Wilson) has too much time on her hands. When an adjacent building blows up, an ambulance arrives to take away the two dead and the one survivor, Dinah, a ten-year-old. Sarah is immediately concerned about the welfare of Dinah and runs into roadblock after roadblock when she attempts to visit her in the hospital. Convinced that there is a nefarious plot afoot, she makes her way to the office of private investigators Zoe Boehm (Thompson) and her husband Joe Silverman (Godley). Joe is a sympathetic listener and desperate for a case, any case. Zoe, not so much. But when Joe turns up dead, Zoe finally begins to investigate and realizes that there is something underhanded going on.

The villains are many, each with different agendas, everyone seems to be in danger and the pitfalls abundant with increasing stakes. Amazingly, I didn’t end up caring, maybe you will.

Now streaming on Apple.

“Death by Lightning”—Dead on arrival

One of my all-time favorite biographies is “Destiny of the Republic” by Candice Millard. She tells the story of the fateful collision of events and people, all of which relate to the assassination of President James Garfield, a truly extraordinary man. The book explores the intersection of major mid-19th century figures, all of whom crossed paths at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia: Joseph Lister, father of antisepsis, Alexander Graham Bell and Senator James Garfield, soon to be elected president. Separate chapters are devoted to Charles Guiteau, the delusional individual who would eventually be on a self-proclaimed mission from God to assassinate Garfield, a man who he felt needed to be eliminated to save the union.

Mike Makowsky, the writer of this limited series allegedly based on the book, decided to take a different approach, choosing instead to present a rather fictionalized version of Guiteau, a man whose grandiosity and narcissism were the hallmarks of his failed life and needed no embellishment. Other characters fare worse. Chester Arthur, Garfield’s Vice President, and Roscoe Conkling, senator from New York, Arthur’s patron and Garfield’s political enemy, are presented as little more than foul-mouthed drunken buffoons. None of the important players in the death of Garfield are well defined, either by their roles in his death or who they were in life. Any significance is eventually taken care of in chyrons at the end.

An overabundance of exposition and too little development is the hallmark of Makowsky’s script. My bias comes through here, but I felt that too much time was spent on Garfield’s pre-presidential development, reducing the time spent on his potential as a president, one into which he was almost co-opted into the job. Of Alexander Graham Bell, little is mentioned of his close tie to Garfield and his desire to use his scientific knowledge to try to save his life. His resulting invention, a precursor to the X-ray machine, would find better use in the fields of World War I. Garfield’s attending physician, Dr. Willard Bliss, an opponent of Joseph Lister’s antisepsis methods, was the real killer and therein lay the most important part of the story, one that was given short shrift. For the rest of his life he was rightfully haunted by the expression “Ignorance is Bliss.”

Nick Offerman (Chester Arthur) and Shea Whigham (Roscoe Conkling) are reduced to stereotypes, good old boys intent on drinking their way through life. In real life, the roles of both were important and Chester Arthur rose to temporary greatness after Garfield’s death, something that would never be surmised from this tale. Bradley Whitford is excellent as James Blaine, first as a rival to Garfield and later as his most important supporter. Zeljko Ivanek (Dr. Bliss) plays the doctor arrogantly, as he should be. Michael Shannon is an excellent empathetic Garfield. The star turn was given to Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau, a man he, ironically, resembles. His prominent position in the limited series matches the position he was given in the book. Interestingly, the writer soft-pedals his personality. Yes, he was crazy as a loon, but he was also considerably more malevolent than seen here, spreading havoc across the country and even in Europe before he “discovered” that his true calling was politics.

With the exception of the fictionalized version of Guiteau, so little is actually learned about any of these men that it begs the question, “What story was he telling?” I’m not an impartial judge of this material because of the enormous liberties and direction that Makowsky took with this excellent work of nonfiction. “Death by Lightning,” at a mere four episodes, was a jumbled mess because the writer didn’t know how to frame his narrative in a meaningful and cogent manner. Watcher beware.

Now streaming on Netflix.

The post ‘Drowning in TV Part 2—Too Much and Not Enough 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.

Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse gave an update on the pickleball court renovations at La Cienega Tennis Center and Roxbury Park. Muse said that the resurfacing of the courts at both La Cienega and Roxbury has been completed and that new wind screens have also been installed. The resurfacing included 12 new pickleball courts at La Cienega and four new courts at Roxbury Park. Muse added that the last part of the Pickleball Pilot Program is the rollout of the “Playbypoint” app that will aid in scheduling the different courts and be implemented in January.

Commissioner Tara Riceberg expressed concern over possible injuries that could occur due to the narrow spacing between each court, since they were drawn according to Pickleball USA’s recommended guidelines. She recommended staff communicate to players to take extra caution. 

City staff is currently deciding on a contractor for the La Cienega Park Playground Improvements Project and will update the commission once a selection is made, said Recreation Services Manager Adrine Ovasapyan. The Beverly Hills City Council approved the playground redesign in September, which will feature a natural environment theme with topographic changes, vibrant colors, a rubber pour-in-place safety surface, new trees, benches, fencing and an ADA travel path also serving as an imaginary stream.

Ovasapyan also updated the commission on large park signage. Staff has conducted a full inventory of all signage in city parks to determine the best ways to update signage to be as effective as possible. Staff will return with a thorough plan on the best ways to update signage, she added.

Chair Deborah Termeie emphasized the importance of park signage after witnessing a dog owner violate park rules at Roxbury Park by walking her dog unleashed. Muse said that unleashed dog walking has been an ongoing problem due to owners walking their dogs unleashed before park rangers arrive at 7 a.m. Staff is currently working on solutions, Muse added, which include having park rangers track repeat offenders and also by increasing the visibility of the dog park, where off-leash walking is permitted. Riceberg also suggested the possibility of implementing enclosed batting cages where dogs could run around unleashed safely. Termeie added that owners should be aware of coyotes in the area near Roxbury Park.

Riceberg also commended staff on working with residents to allow the use of personal grills to cook food at parks if they have dietary or religious restrictions and want to avoid the public grills. At Roxbury Park, visitors can call the community center to arrange to use their own grills, which staff evaluates on a case-by-case basis.

Muse also updated the community on the status of digital displays at Roxbury Park and La Cienega Community Centers, which show flyers, slideshows and event photos, and are updated monthly to promote programs and activities to reduce printed materials. Muse said that a digital display was placed in the Roxbury Park Community Center lobby, but he is considering a new location for the display after community members expressed a desire for the display to be more visible to passersby. The La Cienega Community Center digital display was placed in a location in the lobby that is visible from outside the building, he added. 

The post Commission Discusses Park Improvement Updates appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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.

The station is part of Section 1 of Metro’s D Line Extension, which also includes new stations at Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea  Avenue, and Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. 

The extension will also include a new station at Beverly Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, which is part of the project’s Section 2 and is expected to open for operations in the spring of 2027. 

The construction update, which was given at Metro’s Oct. 15 board meeting, included details about completed work on the D Line Extension and next steps for the project. According to Metro’s Senior Executive Officer Jim Cohen, who delivered the presentation, work on Section 1 is 98% complete. 

“We will continue systems integration testing … and achieve a substantial completion in January of ’26 with the target of revenue service in the winter of ’26,” he said. 

Calling the project “very technically complex,” Cohen said that during construction on the Wilshire/La Cienega station, workers at one point encountered more groundwater than anticipated, necessitating the installation of French drains to dry out the bottom and the invert of the station. 

At the Oct. 15 meeting, Metro’s board approved an increase of $4 million that will go toward the remaining street restoration in Beverly Hills. Metro will coordinate with its contractor and the city to complete all work in the public right-of-way. That work includes engineering reviews, construction coordination, inspections and the administrative efforts. 

In addition to street restoration, the work that remains to be done on Section 1 includes final systems and safety testing, inspections, preparing for service and other finishing touches, according to a Metro representative. 

“These final steps are taken to ensure the stations, tunnels, trains and support systems all operate safely and reliably before opening,” the representative told the Courier in an email.  

Throughout the month of December, Metro will collaborate with first responders to perform live-emergency drills at the Wilshire/La Cienega station that are also necessary to complete prior to opening the station for public use. Incorporating emergency response vehicles and equipment, the drills will include the simulation of an active shooter, train fire and other rescue and response scenarios. 

“These simulation drills will allow First Responders to train in the new subway station to respond in the event of an emergency,” said the Metro representative.   

During his presentation, Cohen said that workers are already preparing for the drills. 

“Right now, they are reviewing each one of the stations, making sure it’s ready for the drills, and getting ready to put in the final details,” he said.  

The D Line Subway Extension is being completed in three sections. Sections 1 and 2, which include the Wilshire/La Cienega station and the Beverly Drive station are primarily funded through Measure R, which voters approved in 2008, and a pair of federal grants. 

When complete, the extension will span nine miles, beginning at the existing Wilshire/Western station and ending at the yet-to-be-completed Westwood/VA Hospital station. 

Construction began on Section 1 in 2014 and on Section 2 in 2018. 

The city of Beverly Hills has devoted considerable time and resources to ensuring the safety of the Wilshire/La Cienega station. The station will have a public safety kiosk staffed by community service officers who will have the authority to patrol the area and write reports. 

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian has spoken publicly about the city’s efforts to recruit more police officers to patrol the area, and the city is developing partnerships with nearby agencies for additional security.  

Tim Lindholm, Metro’s chief program management officer, said at the Oct. 15 meeting that Metro is not able to offer a definitive opening date yet because so much testing remains to be done. 

“We just hit a pretty good milestone down there in the tunnels,” he said. “We hit about 50% of our SCADA testing … soon, when we feel a little more comfortable about how we’re doing with our testing, we will be able to declare a date.”  

The post Wilshire and La Cienega Metro Station to Open First Quarter of New Year appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Stuart filed his complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court on Aug. 7 for injuries he sustained while attending the Rodeo Nights, Holiday Lights event in November 2024. At that time, he was hit at the intersection of Camden Drive and Wilshire Boulevard by a car driven by carjacking suspect James Portul. 

Portul drove over a curb and struck Stuart, along with several other people. 

Stuart, who was purchasing a balloon for his daughter at the time he was hit, was rendered unconscious. He was taken to the hospital in an ambulance and suffered a broken arm and ribs, among other injuries. 

Stuart’s complaint alleges a dangerous condition of public property. It seeks damages from the city including medical expenses, damaged and destroyed property and more.

The city filed an answer on Oct. 9 denying the allegations and setting forth several affirmative defenses. It is seeking the repayment of attorneys’ fees and costs related to the lawsuit.

The city also filed a cross-complaint against Portul, who was detained near the accident and later pleaded guilty to carjacking and hit-and-run with injury. 

Alleging that Portul was “responsible, in whole or in part, for the injuries, if any, suffered by plaintiff,” the city claims that Portul should be required to pay a share of the judgment and reimburse the city for any payments it makes that exceed its share of negligence. 

In response to a request for comment, the city referred the Courier to a statement provided in August in which City Attorney Laurence Weiner called Stuart’s accident “unfortunate,” but also said that the allegations in his complaint are “unreasonable” and that the city will “defend the case vigorously.”

Barry Novack, the attorney representing Stuart, told the Courier that he has served the city with discovery, and that the city requested an extension to the 30-day response period. 

“We are waiting to get that discovery response back to see what their position is,” he said.

Among the documentation Novack is requesting are photographs and videotapes depicting the incident, including footage from drones and law enforcement body cameras; documents relating to the planning and organizing of the event; and evaluations and analysis of whether K-rails at the location of the collision would have prevented or minimized Stuart’s injuries. 

“Once we get that discovery, it will give us two pieces of information,” Novack said. “It will let us know who are the persons most knowledgeable in terms of setting up the planning for the pedestrian safety for the event, and we will be able to see what standards they used, what was their criteria, why they had K-rails sitting around on the sidewalk doing nothing when they could have been used to protect pedestrians.”

Calling a vehicle jumping the curb a “reasonably foreseeab[le] event,” Stuart’s initial complaint alleges that K-rails and other barriers were put up near Camden Drive and Wilshire Boulevard and could have been used where the collision occurred as well. 

“These barriers could have been placed in the street at that location to alert drivers that the roadway was closed to through traffic, or on the edge of the sidewalk to protect pedestrians,” the lawsuit states. 

Novack also suggested that more K-rails were set up at this year’s holiday lights festival as a result of Stuart’s lawsuit. 

“What we’ve been arguing is their lack of proper pedestrian barrier protection, and if you go look … at a lot of the corners, they have either K-rails set up or they have these meridian protection barriers,” he said. “So, I think this lawsuit has accomplished one positive thing so far.”  

The post Discovery Underway in Stuart Lawsuit Against the City appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Gehry Partners chief of staff Meaghan Lloyd said that his death followed a brief respiratory illness.

Gehry recently designed the Louis Vuitton flagship store that will open in Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle in 2029. Bernard Arnault, the Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton’s parent company, the luxury conglomerate LVMH, expressed his sorrow over Gehry’s passing.

“I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Frank Gehry, in whom I lose a very dear friend and for whom I shall forever retain boundless admiration,” Arnault said. “I owe to him one of the longest, most intense, and most ambitious creative partnerships I have ever had the privilege to experience. His oeuvre, crowned by the Pritzker Prize, is immense. He will remain a genius of lightness, transparency, and grace. Frank Gehry—who possessed an unparalleled gift for shaping forms, pleating glass like canvas, making it dance like a silhouette—will long endure as a living source of inspiration for Louis Vuitton as well as for all the Maisons of the LVMH group. With the Fondation Louis Vuitton pour la Création, he bestowed upon Paris and upon France his greatest masterpiece, the highest expression of his creative power, commensurate with the friendship he bore our city and the affection he showed for our culture. My wife, my children, and I express our deepest condolences to his wife, Berta, and to his children.”

Born Frank Owen Goldberg on Feb. 28, 1929, in Toronto, Canada, Gehry moved with his parents to Los Angeles after finishing high school and enrolled in art and architecture classes at L.A. City College.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from USC in 1954, and that same year changed his last name to Gehry.

Gehry gained the attention of the design and architecture world thanks to his renovations of his own Santa Monica home, which he remodeled into a livable work of art using unexpected materials such as corrugated metal and chain link fencing.

He went on to become the most recognized American architect since Frank Lloyd Wright. He received international acclaim for the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris and many more structures.

In the hours following the announcement of his death, condolences and remembrances have poured in.

“Frank Gehry didn’t just design buildings—he created spaces that lift up artists and have brought generations of people together,” L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn posted on X. “His design of the SELA Cultural Center on the LA River will be a lasting gift to the families of Southeast LA. We’ve lost a giant. Thank you, Frank.”

In a statement, L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis said that working alongside Gehry was “one of the great honors of my life.”

“Frank’s brilliance was matched only by his generosity of spirit, and his ability to see possibility where others saw limits transformed not only the County of Los Angeles and communities across the world, but all of us who had the privilege to work with him,” she said.

Gehry is survived by his wife, Berta, and four children.

The post Legendary Architect Frank O. Gehry Dies at 96 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

On Nov. 17, an attorney representing the project’s developer filed an appeal with the City Council over the commission’s decision. Three days later, on Nov. 20, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) sent a Notice of Potential Violation (NOPV) to the city regarding the commission’s vote. 

In his appeal letter to the city, attorney Dave Rand argued that the commission’s decision was illegal. 

“The Commission broke the law,” the letter states. “The City Council must correct this.”

In its NOPV, HCD concluded that “City Council should be mindful of the specific requirements for making findings of denial … [i]f the City Council is unable to make such findings, HCD urges the City Council to approve the Project.”

A preliminary application for the proposed project was submitted by developer Crescent Heights in December 2023. Following revisions, the final proposal called for a 26-story residential building with 200 units, including 22 affordable units. 

The project utilizes Builder’s Remedy, the state law that permits developers to circumvent certain local development codes in exchange for providing affordable housing units.

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Planning Commission voted 4-1 to instruct city staff to draft language denying a request for a development plan review and density bonus permit for the project. That language was revisited at the commission’s Nov. 5 meeting, at which time the commission voted 3-2 to adopt the proposed denial resolution.  

Members of the commission who voted to deny the project cited an array of reasons. Commissioner Gary Ross alleged that the applicant “played games with what is and isn’t feasible,” alluding to a provision in state law that prevents city officials from imposing conditions on Builder’s Remedy projects that would render them infeasible. 

Commissioner Myra Demeter called the negotiation process with the developer “disturbing,” and ultimately concluded that the project “is not really going to work for me,” adding that she does not mind if it is appealed to City Council. 

Vice Chair Lou Milkowski said he believes that the project will have a negative impact on health and safety because it is not aligned with the city’s general plan. He then called the development “a mammoth monstrosity.” 

In his 13-page, strongly worded appeal to city officials, Rand outlined the reasons for his allegation that the denial of the project was unlawful. 

A large portion of the letter deconstructs Commissioners Ross, Demeter and Milkowski’s verbally stated reasons for denial, again calling them “illegal.” 

“[T]he three Planning Commissioners who voted to deny the Project did not state any valid bases for denying the Project during their verbal deliberations … the Commission went on a fishing expedition looking for any possible basis to reject the Project,” the letter states. “Ultimately the denial was devoid of any legitimate legal or evidentiary basis and therefore must be overturned.” 

In its Nov. 20 NOPV, HCD primarily addressed the reasons given by the commission for its Oct. 21 decision. Those reasons included allegations that affordable units were not adequately dispersed throughout the building and that the project posed health and safety risks. 

HCD wrote that neither of those reasons appears to be valid. 

State law stipulates that affordable housing units must be dispersed across more than one floor, which they are in the project proposed by Crescent Heights. 

“HCD reinforces to the City Council that dispersal of affordable units as proposed by the applicant should not be identified as a reason for denial,” the NOPV states.

With regard to concerns about health and safety risks, cities may only deny Builder’s Remedy projects on those grounds if they make written findings, supported by overwhelming evidence, that demonstrate a specific, adverse impact on public health and the impossibility of mitigating or avoiding that impact. 

Members of the commission expressed concern that public health would be impacted by traffic near the development and by the height of the building, which they worried would not allow for emergency access. 

Based on its review of a transportation assessment prepared for the Burton Way project, HCD stated in its letter that “there is no ‘significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact’ related to traffic” and that the department is “not aware of any evidence in the record that would suggest that emergency access to all floors of the building would be an issue.”

HCD also pointed out that city staff came to the same conclusion in their Oct. 21 report. 

The NOPV was the third communication from the state regarding the city’s handling of the proposed project at 8844 Burton Way. A Notice of Violation was issued by HCD on Dec. 2, 2024, and a Letter of Technical Assistance was sent on Oct. 28. 

The developer’s request for a development plan review and density bonus permit will now go before the City Council. According to a representative from the city, no date has been set yet; however city officials believe it is likely to be heard in February. 

In a statement to the Courier, Rand said that the city will face “substantial penalties if it fails to reverse the Planning Commission’s decision and approve this Project.”

“We are hopeful the appeal hearing is promptly scheduled and that the City Council follows clear direction from the state to approve the project,” he said. 

The post City Receives Notice of Potential Violation for Denial of Burton Way Project appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

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.

The temple hosted a “Symposium on AI and Public Safety” by the Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles that focused on the use of artificial intelligence in enhancing public safety. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the scene around 10 a.m., according to media reports, where 40 to 50 protesters were holding signs and chanting “free, free Palestine.” During the event, four registered guests began to protest inside the temple. They were escorted out by security. According to a statement from the temple, one of the protesters broke a vase, and another spat on a security officer. 

“Today we saw a disturbing outbreak of hate outside Wilshire Boulevard Temple that resulted in arrests for battery and the destruction of property,” Rabbi Joel Nickerson of Wilshire Boulevard Temple said in a statement. “These individuals targeted the Jewish community and chose to disrupt a community event on synagogue property that was focused on advancing public safety in Koreatown. We appreciate the strong support we have received from elected leaders and law enforcement and look forward to working with them to ensure that those responsible for this hateful and illegal conduct are held accountable. No one should be targeted in the city of Los Angeles on account of their faith.”

In social media posts leading up to the event, the Palestinian Youth Movement and Koreatown for Palestine focused on keynote speaker Goni Saar of Elbit Systems—an Israeli defense firm that produces military weapons and technology—described by organizers as “war criminals and genociders.”

“We do not believe the lie that Elbit Systems and the genocidal state of Israel, which has attacked five of its neighbors in the last two years, and uses their technology to target humanitarian relief sites, refugee camps and hospitals will be able to make L.A. safer,” the Palestinian Youth Movement said in an Instagram post.

Mayor Karen Bass said that she reached out to Nickerson to offer her support in a post on X.

“Today, I received reports that individuals interrupted a private event at the historic Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Koreatown, calling attendees antisemitic names and damaging property inside the temple,” she wrote. “This behavior is abhorrent and has no place in Los Angeles. I spoke with Rabbi Nickerson to ensure he and his congregation know that the city of Los Angeles stands with them and fully condemns these attacks.”

Bass added that additional LAPD officers were deployed to patrol nearby areas of worship. Temple officials said in a statement they were working with law enforcement to “ensure that these hateful groups are not able to target our synagogue in the future.”

The Jewish Federation Los Angeles condemned the incident in a statement.

“We are outraged and condemn this antisemitic behavior in the strongest of terms,” they said. “There is no place in our community—or anywhere—for antisemitism and hate disguised as dissent.”

In a statement, Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto noted, “I received accounts about disturbances in front of and inside the Wilshire Boulevard Temple complex in Koreatown. The accounts I was provided describe behavior that crosses the line into criminal activity.

Our office will review referrals from law enforcement and prosecute any crimes established to the fullest extent of the law.”   

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Twenty-five mayors from 15 different countries attended the conference, titled “AI: Empowering the Cities of Tomorrow,” which explored how local leaders can use artificial intelligence to address the challenges of city management. Mayors from cities in England, Uganda and other countries in Europe, Africa and Central America attended. Nazarian also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, senior party leaders and several Israeli mayors to better understand the country’s municipal priorities.

“Visiting Israel’s innovation hubs was eye-opening,” Nazarian said. “I saw practical solutions to issues that every city faces, such as easing traffic, improving emergency response and making services more accessible. I also met companies working on new approaches to mental health support, which is an area close to my heart. We heard from the next generation, teenage youth from various religious backgrounds who pitched AI programs and ideas to improve quality of life.” 

Nazarian said she studied the best practices of Israeli security and public safety at the conference in an effort to implement new ideas in Beverly Hills.

“One highlight was visiting the Jerusalem police department, where we compared notes on their citywide safety center and our own Real Time Watch Center,” she said. “Even though the systems have different names, the mission is the same: keep communities safe, stay prepared and make sure residents feel protected. I was proud to share some of the initiatives I have launched during my mayoral term, such as AI Blue Scribe, BH FireWatch, and BHPD Live Link.”

As a result of the conference and continued collaboration with the Beverly Hills Police and Fire departments, Nazarian said that Beverly Hills residents can expect more initiatives centered on public safety and mental health recovery.

“Before leaving for Israel, I met with our fire department to learn about tools that can support first responders dealing with [post-traumatic stress disorder],” she said. “That kind of innovation strengthens the well-being of the people who protect us. … Residents can expect continued improvements in areas like public safety, traffic and mobility, and customer service. The goal is never technology for its own sake. It is about using the right tools to make life easier, safer and more connected for everyone in our city.”

Nazarian added that one of the most compelling aspects of the conference was witnessing how “Israelis turn life occurrences, war and challenges into opportunities.”

“Their innovation grows out of necessity, but it is guided by optimism and determination,” she said. “I saw communities working together to strengthen safety, improve daily life and support one another. It strengthened my belief that when leadership puts people first, meaningful solutions follow. That spirit reflects how we approach our work in Beverly Hills, where we can use AI and technology as a force multiplier toward unity and toward a forward-thinking approach towards every step we take.”

Nazarian said that Israel’s programs can serve as a blueprint for implementing AI in a wide range of public safety programs.

“I’m bringing back an optimistic sense of purpose, solutions and ideas that can strengthen our work here at home. I have always been a strong supporter of utilizing AI and technology. It is the path to the future,” she said. “Israel’s example shows how resilience and creativity can drive meaningful progress. For Beverly Hills, that means exploring programs and technologies that enhance quality of life, improve safety and support mental health. Our city has always been a leader. This trip reinforced that we can continue to partner and lead while staying rooted in unity, compassion and a deep commitment to serving our entire community.”

Beyond exploring the best technology for public safety, Nazarian also said she was deeply moved by being able to visit holy sites throughout Israel.

“Standing at the Kotel, walking through the Al-Aqsa Mosque area and visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was deeply moving,” she said. “These sites remind us of our deep shared history and our shared humanity. It was a powerful reminder that even with our differences, we are all connected, and that unity is always our goal and well worth pursuing.” 

The post Nazarian Attends American Jewish Congress Conference in Israel appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

My latest thumbnail sketches include series that premiered as long ago as last summer and as recently as last week. It seems to be a case of diminishing returns because few of the new offerings rise above the mediocre. And of course, this is always just my impression; a glance at Rotten Tomatoes will illustrate the wide range of opinions on offer.

Luckily, wading through the morass of offerings occasionally produces a gem or two.

“Chief of War”

Power struggles, greed, jealousy, passion. These are universal themes, and the new series “Chief of War” explores them in depth as they relate to Hawaiian unification struggles in the late 18th century. This exquisitely produced period piece presents an account we know so little about. Although historical fiction, there is an authentic feel to this story that is magnetic.

Oahu, Maui, Hawaii and Kauai are separate kingdoms with their own monarchical structure. Peace between the islands has been tenuous at best, but when the ruler of Maui yearns for more power and riches, he turns his eyes and army to Oahu. Falsely declaring that Oahu is preparing a war to invade the other islands, he gathers a great army to strike first. His most fearsome warrior, Ka’iana, is nowhere to be found. When he eventually appears, he is vilified by both the king and the king’s duplicitous sons. Ka’iana, a skilled soldier, fights ferociously against the people of Oahu, but discovers that this war was a ploy by the Maui king to subjugate the people of the island, decimating their army and killing their king, a mere boy. Considered disloyal, Ka’iana is hunted and, as witnessed by others, thrown off a high cliff to a certain death in the sea.

This is merely the start of Ka’iana’s journey, one that will intersect English and Spanish privateers before he is able to make his way to Hawaii, where he will reunite with family and ally himself with Kamehameha. Kamehameha, living in peace, has become the mortal enemy of the new king, Keoua. When Keoua’s father died, he declared his son, Keoua, to be his rightful heir to the throne, but gave the important position of Guardian of the God of War to Kamehameha. Keoua, outraged by the legacy given to his cousin, plots to overtake and kill him. It is Ka’iana’s allegiance to Kamehameha that propels the narrative.

It is a violent history and “Chief of War” is not for the faint of heart. This is not the Western warfare we are used to experiencing but an even more personal, exacting and horrifying use of spears, daggers, and incredible feats of strength. These men are big, seemingly enormous and fit beyond imagination. The male pulchritude on offer is reason enough to watch, but add to that great writing, terrific characters and incredible production values as seen through the cinematography by Matthew Chuang and Michael Snyman. Co-created by Thomas Pa’a Sibbett and Jason Momoa, the cast is led by the fabulous Momoa as Ka’iana, a better actor than you ever imagined. Cliff Curtis, that chameleon-like Maori actor who first grabbed attention as a Latino drug kingpin in “Training Day” and stole “Three Kings” as the haunted Arab refugee, here gets his teeth into a villain of Maori origin, as are most native Hawaiians. “Chief of War” is excellent and tells a story you probably didn’t know. Watch this first.

Now streaming on Apple, this is a must-see.

“All Her Fault”

“All Her Fault” is a terrific new thriller about family. Going to pick up her little boy, Milo, from a play date, Marissa discovers that not only is he not there but there never was a play date. Her son is missing, and there’s no sign of what happened. He’s been taken, but by whom? As each episode rolls out, more pieces of the puzzle are gradually forced into place. Unbeknownst to Marissa, supportive husband Peter knows more than he’s telling. Peter and Marissa are wealthy denizens of a glamorous Eastern seaside suburb with perfect lives like their perfect neighbors. Is this a kidnapping for ransom or a plot against the parents? Each episode unlocks one more drawer full of paranoia, secrets and subterfuge. Revealing any more details would diminish the tension and thrill of this series at the root of which is every parent’s nightmare.

Gifted with an extraordinary cast led by Sarah Snook as Marissa, Jake Lacy as Peter and Dakota Fanning as one of the neighbors who may or may not have her own secret. The twists and turns come hard and fast with an ending that fulfills the promise of the beginning and is enhanced by the character development of each member of this so-called perfect community. Scratch the surface and the creatures come into the light.

Now streaming on Peacock.

“Chad Powers”

This is a starring vehicle for Glen Powell that takes advantage of his twinkling bad-boy persona as Russ Holiday, an arrogant, extremely talented college quarterback. Playing in the Rose Bowl for the national championship, he spectacularly screws up his final play, loses the game, blames everyone but himself and, in a fit of anger on national television, upends a child in a wheelchair. All NFL hopes are dashed as he becomes the face of rude entitlement and failure. Several years later, just when the clouds begin to lift and he’s about to get a contract with a rival league, his past deeds come back and bite him you know where. Even for this no-name league, his infamy is too much for them to risk.

All Holiday knows is football. Still unrepentant, what he needs is another chance, an anonymous chance. And such a chance appears in the shape of a podunk college team in Georgia. In a leap of bad faith, he disguises himself as a nobody from nowhere and walks on. With the help of the school mascot who, unlike everyone around him, recognizes Holiday and signs on to the challenge of helping him with his new identity as Chad Powers.

“Chad Powers” benefits from a good cast with Steve Zahn as a very put-upon head coach with health and marriage issues and Perry Mattfeld as his daughter Ricky who is one of his assistant coaches. Of course, this is a highly unlikely scenario but suspend belief and you will be entertained.

Now streaming on Hulu.

“The Girlfriend”

The episodes of this ingenious series are each divided into two parts, in a girlfriend vs. mom scenario. Daniel has come home with a new girlfriend, Cherry, and his very controlling mother, Laura, has taken an immediate dislike to her. Each half episode looks at the same scene through the eyes of one woman and then the other. The interpretations of the same events, phrasing, motions are parsed through the eyes of Cherry, on the one hand, and Laura, on the other. Is Cherry a manipulative bitch only interested in the family money? Is Laura an overly controlling mother who can’t let go of her son? Who is right? Who is wrong? What is actually happening? And caught in the middle is Daniel who loves them both and doesn’t want to have to choose.

Each episode will keep you guessing and shifting your alliances. Well-scripted, the real draw is the acting. Olivia Cooke as Cherry is at turns innocent and manipulative. Robin Wright, wonderful as mother Laura, will make you hate her one moment and sympathize the next. Lots of hairpulling and angst, the supporting cast includes Waleed Zuaiter, Ben Miles and Anna Chancellor.

Now streaming on Amazon.

“The Paper”

If you’ve missed “The Office,” have no fear because “The Paper” is a direct descendant. Using the same “mockumentary” format, the camera follows a ragtag group of quasi-journalists as they try to keep a small-town midwestern newspaper afloat. Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) has just been hired to be editor-in-chief of this weekly throwaway, the “Toledo Truth Teller,” previously run by managing editor Esmeralda Grand, a hottie whose strength, if you can call it that, is planting false social media meant to enhance herself and using volunteers to download wire service articles. She is none too pleased with the arrival of Ned. This motley crew is beyond inept but Ned, despite blowback from Esmeralda, is determined to bring team spirit.

If you miss “The Office,” then this is the show for you. Created by Greg Daniels, also the creator of “The Office,” and Michael Koman, a veteran writer of SNL, the similarities and structure are deliberate, right down to the character of Oscar Martinez, the paper’s accountant. Martinez, played by Oscar Nuñez, was the accountant for Dunder Mifflin now working at the “Toledo Truth Teller.” Like he was at Dunder Mifflin, Oscar still hates being followed by a camera crew around the office, an office that is shared with Softees, a toilet paper company.

Now streaming on Peacock.

This list does not include returning favorites and they are favorites for a reason. “The Diplomat” (Season 3) not only lives up to the standards it set in the first season but at times even exceeds them. It is definitely a series to be binged and devoured. “Slow Horses” (Season 5) offers a delectable sendup of Roddy, the tech expert without any redeeming social value; and “Only Murders in the Building” (Season 5) has its ups and downs but is still very entertaining.

Part 2 will discuss new series that have attracted attention but are not up to the standards of the above shows.  

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

The post ‘Drowning in TV Part 1’—Coming Up for Air appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The district must pay $9.6 million to Siegman, per the jury’s Nov. 26 decision. 

Speaking to the Courier, attorney Stephen Weisskopf, who represented Siegman, expressed his contentment. 

“We are very happy with the jury, we are very happy with what they did,” he said. “We are happy for Laurie more than anything else.” 

In the suit, Siegman alleged that Hank “Henry” Friedman sexually abused her from 1978 to 1981. She also alleged that district officials knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take action to protect her and other students. 

Siegman’s complaint, which was filed in 2020, took advantage of a California law which granted an extension of the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits alleging childhood sexual abuse. 

The first trial in the case took place in March 2024. It resulted in a hung jury on the issue of whether school officials knew or should have known about the abuse.

A second trial began in October and resulted in the current verdict. The jury unanimously concluded that administrators or supervisory employees were negligent, and that several district employees knew or should have known about the abuse. 

The jury also unanimously concluded that the negligent supervision of Friedman was a substantial factor in harming Siegman.

Friedman must also pay Siegman $6.4 million.

In a statement, Siegman expressed her relief and gratitude. 

“I am profoundly grateful to the victims and witnesses who had the courage to share their stories during my trial,” said Siegman in a statement. “After all these years, having the truth acknowledged means more than I can express. I am also thankful for the incredible legal team that stood by me and fought tirelessly on my behalf.”

BHUSD provided the following statement to the Courier: 

“This case involves allegations dating back more than 45 years. District counsel is reviewing all legal options, including a potential appeal. Importantly, our Superintendent, with the support of the Board, located insurance policies from the 1970s that previous administrations were unable to find. As a result, the Beverly Hills community will likely not bear the financial impact of this matter. While we respect the legal process and all parties involved, our focus remains on moving forward and continuing to create safe, supportive learning environments for every student.” 

The post Former Student Wins $9.6 Million Verdict Against BHUSD appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Moreno has served as Acting Captain of the Field Services Bureau since May 2025. He has also held additional key roles, including Patrol Officer, Crime Suppression Officer, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Internal Affairs Supervisor, and, most recently, Traffic Bureau Commander. 

“Captain Moreno is a valuable member of the Beverly Hills Police Department and brings 29 years of dedicated law enforcement experience. We are pleased to have him in this permanent leadership position and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to have on our officers and the Beverly Hills community,” said Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. 

The post Moreno Promoted to Rank of BHPD Captain appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“’Unpacking Israeli History’ is amazing,” said Rabbi Erez Sherman, a senior rabbi at Sinai Temple who oversees the Sinai Temple Israel Center. “Noam Weissman is doing a beautiful job in explaining … difficult subjects in a very nuanced way.” 

Weissman’s podcast debuted in the fall of 2020 and is produced by OpenDor Media, which develops content related to Judaism and Israel. Since its launch, “Unpacking Israeli History” has featured guests ranging from hostages held by Hamas following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks to Palestinian activists to historians and experts on the Middle East. 

Bergman’s most recent book is “Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel’s Targeted Assassinations,” and he is a staff writer for the New York Times Magazine and Israel’s daily newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth. He is known for his expertise on Israel’s Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations, also known as Mossad. 

Weissman and Bergman began their conversation by discussing how Bergman convinces individuals who are unauthorized to speak publicly, such as those involved with classified intelligence operations, to open up about their work. 

Bergman explained that while each has their own individual motivations, something that ties them all together is that as Israeli intelligence officials, they are on the front lines. 

“In Israel, these people are … the final frontier,” he said. “They take the first front in order to defend Israel. And at the end, they want people to know, and leave their footprint in the history of Israel … there is no country in the world where intelligence and special operations have a more decisive, consequential impact on the history of the country.”

Moving on to discuss the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Weissman asked Bergman whether he considered the assault a failure of Israeli intelligence. 

“Were things ignored?” Weissman asked. “Were things miscommunicated? Why was there such a blind side for a country with such amazing military, amazing intelligence?”

Bergman responded that a number of mistakes aligned on the part of Mossad that ended in the attack. Calling it a “perfect storm,” Bergman said that “everything was working against” the Israeli intelligence community. 

“Nothing worked, from the political level to the National Security Council to the military to the intelligence,” he said. 

Bergman asserted that Mossad and the Israeli government were spending most of their energy and efforts preparing for a war against Hezbollah, not Hamas. Between 2006 and 2023, he said, 70% of the overall resources of the Israeli intelligence community were invested in preparing for a war with Hezbollah. 

“The wisdom was that there will never be anything more than limited runoffs of hostilities from time to time against Hamas, that this is the marginal issue, where someday, earlier or later, there will be a war with Hezbollah,” he said, adding that “only something like 5% to 7% of everything was to prepare for the war with Hamas.”

Bergman also attributed the failure to “vanity.” 

“[Mossad was] speaking about intelligence supremacy, of superiority, before the October 7 War,” he said. “When you are intelligence officer and you say, ‘I have intelligence superiority,’ even if you have, once you said that, you lost. Because you’re no longer questioning the fact that maybe someone is totally deceiving you.”

Weissman and Bergman took written questions from the audience at the end of the event, including inquiries about which Israeli stories should be more widely known, whether the Saudis will normalize relations with Israel and what is still misunderstood about Israel. 

Speaking to the Courier after the event, Sherman said he was struck by the revelation of how little the Jewish community at large truly knows what goes on behind the scenes of Israeli intelligence operations. 

“That evening made me realize that what we do know is that we don’t know,” he said. “I don’t want to say it’s out of our control, but there’s a lot of pretty amazing people out there that are doing heroic things that we will never know.”

He added that he was struck by a comment Bergman made about intelligence officials doing what they do not for the thrill, but to save lives. 

“That was a really selfless answer,” Sherman said. “It made me think about how each of us has the ability to save lives in different ways. Noam does it through podcasting and having these conversations. Ronen does it by being deep into the Mossad and what that looks like. So, it really makes you think of, what job am I doing, and you’re doing, and each of us to make sure that the world’s a safer place.” 

The post Ronen Bergman Describes ‘Perfect Storm’ That Led to Oct. 7 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Chief Barton explains that there are three common occurrences for fire department calls that increase during the holiday season: kitchen fires, candles, and overloaded electrical systems. 

“If somebody’s cooking a big meal and they’re tired, they might go sit down and maybe have a sip of wine, and then forget they’ve left something cooking on the stove, which overflows or hot grease catches fire,” explained Barton. “Never leave a stove unattended and share the cooking responsibilities, so someone is always watching.” Barton also cautions residents on the use of deep fryers for frying turkeys. “If you don’t do it right it can cause a huge flash and a big fire. If you’re in a brush area, you want to make sure that your fryer (or barbecue) is away from the brush because you don’t want something to catch the brush on fire. You just need to be extremely careful.”

“Everybody likes to have candles lit during the holidays, and candles are great. However, people will often light them and leave them to burn down unattended, potentially catching something on fire, which leads to a house fire,” said Barton. “Don’t leave them lit in rooms that are unattended, and make sure they are all blown out before going to bed.”

Elaborating on electrical fire concerns, Barton explained, “Something we see more of during the holidays is overloaded electrical systems where people want a whole lot of lights up, and they just plug in extension cord to extension cord or circuit breaker to circuit breaker.  They overload the system, and it shorts out and causes a fire. Make sure extension cords are UL listed and not an imitation. If it is UL listed with a surge protector, it is designed to trip if overloaded. If it’s not UL listed, the surge protector could fail, cause a short, and lead to a fire.” 

When asked about the potential for Christmas trees catching fire, the Chief had these tips: “Make sure you keep your Christmas tree watered so it stays green. Try to get it as late as possible or as close as possible to Christmas. As soon as Christmas is over, take it outside. The city will come and pick it up through January. Just remove all decorations and leave by the garbage bins. Most importantly, you need to get it out of the house because as soon as the needles dry out, they catch on fire very easily. We’ve had a couple of those fires; big, big fires because of Christmas trees that burn.”

Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook asks that everyone stay alert during the holidays. “We need people to be our eyes and ears, and call when they see suspicious activity. Don’t hesitate to call. Theft, especially retail theft, increases dramatically throughout Los Angeles at this time of year.”

As people become more distracted with shopping, entertaining guests, and running errands, that overwhelm is what criminals are counting on, so it’s important to prioritize your personal safety. Stainbrook advises, “When shopping and you park your car at two or three o’clock in the afternoon, it’s daylight, but when you return, it will likely be dark. You know you’re going to be carrying gifts, so think about where you park and when you might come back. If you’re concerned at all, ask for a security guard to escort you or be on the phone with somebody as you walk, so they know your location. If somebody does confront you, give them whatever they ask for and get out of there. Call the police right away and let us know.” 

“We see a lot of people who leave expensive items in their cars, especially gifts and packages. They put them in their car, and they walk back to do more shopping. Lock your car and don’t leave any items of value in sight.”

While you are enjoying time out at dinner or on vacation, it’s important to safeguard your home best you can. “People have alarm systems, but they often don’t use them. Make sure that if you leave your house, you turn on your alarm. If you leave for vacation, let the police department know, so we can provide extra patrol around your house, and let your neighbors know you’ll be gone. Also, try to remove delivered packages from your porch right away,” explains Stainbrook. “In the event that someone does break into your home while you are there, don’t confront them. Let them take whatever they want so you are not injured and call 9-1-1 right away.”

The end of year is a time when all charitable organizations are asking for donations, so it is especially important to confirm that anyone asking for money is legitimate. Fraud increases during the holidays. Stainbrook cautions, “Beware of anybody calling, texting or emailing you saying that they’re from a charitable organization. If you do get an email, check the source to be sure it is from that organization. No one should text you saying you owe money, a fine or anything like that. We get that a lot; people who think they’re paying a fine, parking ticket or a toll, and it’s just fraudulent. No one from a government agency or police department is going to contact you by phone or text to tell you that you’ve committed some violation, and you owe money.” He added, “If you get a call from someone saying they represent the Beverly Hills Police Department and they’re asking for funds, don’t give it to them. Call the police department and let us know.”

Chief Barton shared his most memorable holiday call. “A family that was having Thanksgiving dinner at their new house decided they would start the fireplace for the first time. As soon as they started the fire, they heard squawking. It was a bird that was in the chimney, so they put the fire out right away. They called the fire department, and then we spent hours saving a crow that had decided to make a nest in the fireplace. The smoke caused the crow to become disoriented, but we were able to rescue it, and it survived, but it took a lot of work to get that crow out! We had nine firefighters on scene because it was very labor intensive. The chimney was hard to get down to catch the crow because there were all kinds of bends. In the end, everyone was OK and happy. The funniest part was we had invited our families to the station to eat dinner with us, but nine of us left our families to eat without us. A few hours later we returned, and told them we saved a bird, then we got to eat our bird!”

Chief Stainbrook recalled a funny Thanksgiving Day call as an officer with the LAPD. “I was working Thanksgiving Day and there was a stray dog that was a beautiful Akita. And I knew it was somebody’s because it had a collar. Animal control wouldn’t come out because it was the holiday, and they just asked us to take the dog back to the station. As I was trying to get the dog into my car and take it back to the station, it bit me on the hand. Since it was on Thanksgiving, all the officers were teasing me about being the turkey leg for the dog!”

Both Chief Barton and Chief Stainbrook wish everyone a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season. Remember, many of our firefighters and police officers are working on holidays away from their families, so if you see them, thank them! 

Make sure you are always in the know when it comes to safety by signing up for the city’s alerts. Text “BEVHILLS” to 888777 for general alerts and text “BHPDALERT” to 888777 for police alerts. For questions about emergency alerts call 310-285-1025. Visit beverlyhills.org/jicbh for complete safety information. 

The post Guest Column | Chiefs Barton and Stainbrook on Keeping Safe this Holiday Season appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Ashamedly, I must admit that I knew little about the suffrage movement, only that American women did not get the vote until 1920. The trip down that aisle was long, circuitous and very, very slow. The opening number, “Let Mother Vote,” sung by Carrie Chapman Catt, one of the important leaders of the early movement and a protegee of Susan B. Anthony, cleverly illustrates the approach of the older suffragists. Always ladylike, she makes the appeal that mothers raised their sons to do good and be respectful and the respectful thing to do would be to give their mothers the vote. President of the leading suffrage organization, the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), she ruled with her iron fist in a velvet glove.

Alice Paul arrives on the scene in 1913. Tired of waiting and seeing that the “ladylike” approach is going nowhere, she has other ideas, ideas that are rebuffed by Catt. Paul forms her own organization, taking a more direct approach by organizing a march in Washington to show the strength and volubility of these young women. A rift developed between Catt’s NAWSA and Paul’s new group, the National Women’s Party. Both recognized that a constitutional amendment would be necessary, but getting there was a stumbling block to them both.

Especially notable is the role of Woodrow Wilson, president throughout most of this battle, and his patronizing refusal to take the movement seriously. Although portrayed as a buffoon without nuance, it should be noted that historically, Wilson was the very antithesis of equal rights. His record on civil rights runs to the overtly racist and he jailed Paul and her supporters for protesting in front of the White House in the guise of treasonous activity that was counter to national security. Like all the other characters in this play, the men are played by women.

It must be said that the play is inventive and the musical approach is meant to go down like a spoonful of sugar. The difficulty in telling this story is that everything comes off as episodes, separate scenes without enough yarn to knit them together, much like watching the tableaux at the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. “Suffs” is all exposition, much told musically but not entirely effectively. The songs overwhelm the narrative. There is a song for everything, something that denies both the development of the individual characters and the story beyond its exposition. Recognizing that my opinion lies outside that of the Tony voters, Taub’s music is overly familiar. She has borrowed from the best; many times I was reminded of the scores of “Hamilton” and “Rent.” I was frustrated because I recognized refrains from other musicals but just couldn’t quite pinpoint from where they were borrowed.

She has a big story to tell, but because of the episodic way she has chosen, many important characters are shoehorned into scenes that do them little justice. The primary example of this is the introduction of Ida B. Wells, one of the most important figures in the history of civil rights who was shoved to the side by the leaders of the suffrage movement who, historically, found it more expedient to make it an all-white association. Treated tangentially is Catt’s homosexuality, presented in a lament as she sings “If We Were Married” to her longtime companion in life and in the movement, Mollie Hay.

There is no “pow” finish, just a clever tip of the hat to Paul and her continuation of the fight in the 1970s as she campaigned for the Equal Rights Amendment. Interestingly, however, Catt’s post-vote accomplishments were sidelined. She was the founder of the League of Women Voters.

The cast was good, but perhaps due to the ensemble nature, no one leaped out. Maya Keleher is a sincere and emotional Alice Paul and Marya Grandy is a steely Carrie Chapman Catt. Danyel Fulton never quite catches on as Ida B. Wells, some of which may be the nature of the way she was written, but I would have liked a bit more fire. Laura Stracko as Alva Belmont, a wealthy woman underwriting Paul’s group, stopped the show with her antics and furs. The costumes were evocative of the era and the use of the minimalist stage was inventive, although the choreography was rather perfunctory.

I wished I had liked it as much as the majority of the opening-night audience. I just wished it had been better.

Now playing through Dec. 7, Tuesdays through Sundays. Check the Broadway in Hollywood website for times.

Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. 

Neely Swanson spent most of her professional career in the television industry, almost all of it working for David E. Kelley. In her last full-time position as Executive Vice President of Development, she reviewed writer submissions and targeted content for adaptation. As she has often said, she did book reports for a living. For several years she was a freelance writer for “Written By,” the magazine of the WGA West, and was adjunct faculty at USC in the writing division of the School of Cinematic Arts. Neely has been writing film and television reviews for the “Easy Reader” for more than 10 years. Her past reviews can be read on Rotten Tomatoes where she is a tomatometer-approved critic.

The post ‘Suffs’—Stuffed appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Almog Meir Jan attended the Nova music festival in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. When Hamas militants descended onto the festival, Meir Jan saw his best friend get murdered and was then taken as a hostage into the Gaza Strip, where he was held for more than eight months in different apartments. 

Ben Ladany served during the war in the IDF’s Oketz K-9 unit along with his dog, Jack, where during a mission in Gaza, Ladany was shot seven times and Jack was killed. After waking from a two-month coma, Ladany met Meir Jan in the U.S., where they now travel and share their stories at schools and public forums. More than 200 Beverly Hills High School students gathered at an assembly to hear the speakers.

Meir Jan said that positive manifestation helped him remain hopeful while in captivity.

“The time in captivity brought to my head a lot of lessons and a lot on how to deal with struggles in your life,” he said. “The first months of the captivity, I always blamed myself for what happened. I blamed God. I blamed my country. I was angry. … After one month, I realized that I can’t control [anything] that happens outside. … The only thing that I can control is my mentality. It’s on myself. So, I started to look and see the positive things. … And trust me, it was difficult because life was very sad that day, but I started to say, ‘OK, I need to say that I’m lucky. I’m lucky that I’m alive. I’m lucky that I survived this massive massacre on Oct. 7. I’m lucky that I’m not alone in captivity, but I’m with two other hostages. I’m lucky that I’m not in tunnels and I’m in an apartment. I’m lucky that I’m a Jew. I’m lucky that I have my family that will fight for me.’”

Meir Jan said that while being held hostage, Hamas militants tortured him and the other hostages by carrying out mock executions and depriving them of sleep, showers and food. However, Meir Jan said that he kept tethered to the outside world by keeping a calendar of important family birthdays and counting down the days until a rescue he hoped would come.

Meir Jan was rescued, along with four other hostages, on June 8, 2024, in what became known as “Operation Arnon” after Chief Inspector Arnon Zmora—a commander of the rescue team, who was killed during the operation. Meir Jan was 21 years old at the time of his rescue.

“I remember that when the IDF soldiers came up to me and gave me the fist bump, the first thing that I told them was, ‘My mom has a birthday tomorrow, so let’s do it quickly,” he said.

Ladany said that he had no regrets from his experience in the military, and that Meir Jan’s lesson of manifestation has helped him in his own physical recovery, going from using a wheelchair to walking with crutches. The worst feeling he has from his attack, Ladany said, is the death of his dog.

During the event, BHHS students asked questions ranging from how Meir Jan spent his time in captivity to how he kept his faith to what his first meal was after his release.

“The only thing that you have in captivity —they take everything from you—you have just the faith, you just have the trust in God,” Meir Jan said in response to a question about experiencing his faith while in captivity. “A lot of nights I [went] to sleep without knowing if I will wake up in the morning. [I realized] that you need to hold the good things. You need to hold faith, what we have in life and God. When you are the lowest of the low, … you need to hold this, not to think about when it will be finished, when it will be over, when I will die, if I will survive, or if not. It’s a type of question that wastes your energy and your morale. I started to say, ‘OK, I have God, and I trust him.’”

Another student asked Ladany if he had any regrets from his time fighting in the war.

“No regrets, nothing—I don’t think twice,” he said. “The only thing that really upsets me and gets to me is that they shot my dog. That’s the only thing that really got to me.”

While in captivity, Meir Jan said he spent most of his time playing cards, exercising, and writing letters and songs. He added that he also tried to placate his captors by telling jokes and learning Arabic.

The students were moved by the stories of Meir Jan and Ladany, applauding them and going up afterward to express their gratitude. One student asked how both of them were recovering from the experiences, both mentally and physically. In addition to seeing both physical and mental therapists, Meir Jan said that taking control of his life has been the most powerful tool of recovery.

“The best recovery is to take responsibility for your life and to take choice. Eight months without taking one choice and the first thing that you want is independence,” Meir Jan said. “To come, and to educate and to share the story that you have, the testimony that you have, this is also a good tool for recovery. And there [are] a lot of kinds of recovery, … It takes time. It’s a process. It’s a big, big, long process.”

Meir Jan also shared what food he craved most once he was finally free.

“The doctors tried to give me some meatballs and rice,” he said. “I told them, ‘I don’t want this [expletive]. I want a pita shawarma.” 

The post Former Israeli Hostage and Soldier Give Guest Lecture at BHHS appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Christian Bond, the president of the BHPOA, told the Courier that he is “extremely happy” with the outcome of negotiations and expressed his gratitude to Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, the Beverly Hills City Council, City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey and the city’s negotiating team. 

“I am extremely pleased and deeply appreciative of the negotiated and ratified contract we have reached with the city of Beverly Hills,” he said. “This agreement reflects meaningful progress, thoughtful dialogue, and a shared commitment to supporting the men and women who serve this community with dedication every single day.”

Nazarian also expressed her satisfaction with the MOU and the process of negotiations.  

“We are pleased that the city of Beverly Hills and the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association have come to an agreement regarding the terms of a new three-year contract,” she told the Courier in a written statement. “There is nothing more important than a healthy collaboration with the incredible men and women who continue to protect our community. We remain focused on the safety and security of our residents, businesses and visitors, and this agreement supports the unified approach needed to protect and serve our community.”

Key topics of the negotiation included salaries and pay increases, longevity pay and compensated time off. According to Bond, members of the BHPOA initially pushed hard for longevity pay. 

When the city indicated that it would not include longevity pay in the MOU, the parties instead agreed to increased pay based on educational achievement. 

The final agreement states that the base pay of employees who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited or approved college or university will increase by 2.75%. The same figure applies to employees who have earned a master’s or doctorate degree and is cumulative if multiple degrees are earned. 

Employees who become certified in Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) will also see their base pay increase by 5% for an intermediate P.O.S.T. certificate and 7.5% for an advanced P.O.S.T. certificate. 

Police Sergeants who earn a supervisory P.O.S.T. certificate will see their base pay increase by 1.5%. 

“We went away from longevity and put it into education and P.O.S.T. certificate bonuses, and it worked out perfectly,” said Bond of the final agreement. “It encourages officers to get further education, get their advanced P.O.S.T., bachelor’s, master’s and educate themselves.” 

The contract must now be approved by the City Council, which will review the issue at its Dec. 16 meeting. If it is approved, its terms will be applied retroactively to Nov. 29, the beginning of the pay period following the BHPOA member vote.  

All employees who were members of the BHPOA at the time of ratification will receive a total base salary increase of 18.5% over the next four years as well as a lump sum of $1,500 upon the City Council’s approval of the contract. 

The first increase of 3.5% will be effective immediately. The second increase of 6% will be effective July 1, 2026; the third increase of 65% will be effective July 1, 2027; and the fourth increase of 5% will be effective July 1, 2028. 

The negotiations have been contentious at times since the BHPOA’s MOU expired on June 30. Members of the union repeatedly accused the city of failing to compensate its members at a rate on par with nearby departments. In several messages to registered voters, Bond said that the city was losing officers—and therefore, a certain level of safety—to other cities. 

At a City Council meeting on Aug. 5, Hunt-Coffey delivered a public presentation refuting a number of Bond’s claims. 

The relationship between officers and management within the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) was already a tense one. In June, the BHPOA issued a vote of no confidence in Police Chief Mark Stainbrook, followed by a cease-and-desist letter in July, alleging that Stainbrook engaged in retaliatory behavior against Bond.

If approved, the new contract will extend through June 30, 2029. 

The post BHPD Officers Vote to Approve MOU from City appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

BHMC 2-1-21 was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2022 as Measure TL. Mirisch was elected to his fourth term simultaneously with the measure’s passage.

Although the code language on its face appears to preclude another term in office for Mirisch, his position, as outlined in a recent letter from his attorney to the city, is that terms served prior to the measure’s passage cannot count toward the three-term total. 

This argument relies on California Government Code Section 36502(b), which states that City Council term restrictions may apply “prospectively only” to terms that have not yet been served. 

During the drafting phase of Measure TL, City Attorney Laurence Weiner advised City Council of the potential conflict with the Government Code, as well as an advisory opinion from then attorney general Kamala Harris. Weiner explained at length that the wording of the measure could leave it vulnerable to a court challenge. 

The provision has not been put to the test until now. 

Speaking to the Courier this week, Mirisch said that any “reasonable interpretation” of state law would find that past terms don’t count toward the three-term tally. 

“To me, that seems to be not only the most reasonable explanation [of the law], and according to my lawyers, one that would be in accordance with the law, but also the practice, as far as I know, of all other cities in California that have instituted term limits,” he said.