Tag: Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, January 16, the Beverly Hills Police Department informed Canyon News that they are investigating an assault with a deadly weapon that occurred in the city Friday.

At approximately 12:42 p.m., BHPD received numerous 911 calls reporting a suspect with a weapon assaulting an individual in the vicinity of Wilshire Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard. There were also witnesses that indicated the suspect used his vehicle to harm 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 relationship between the suspect and the victim is unknown at this time and the suspect’s identification is pending as this is an active and ongoing investigation.

There is no known threat to public safety.  The victim was transported to Cedars Sinai Medical Center and despite extensive life medical staff, he later died from his injuries.
The investigation determined 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 exact relationship between the suspect and the victim is unknown at this time. The suspect was identified as Christopher Cornelius, 54, of San Bernadino. Cornelius was booked into BHPD Jail for 187 PC Murder and his bail is set at $2 million.

He has an extensive criminal record including violent crimes. This is an active homicide investigation. Anyone with information should contact the BH Police Department at 310
550-4951.

Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should text TIP BHPDALERT followed by the tip information to 888777. Individuals may also submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, January 13, Glenn Bednarsh, a former Beverly Hills resident who once owned a pawnshop and was involved in an effort to sell a stolen trial Andy Warhol print, was sentenced.

Back in September 2025, he pleaded guilty in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom to making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation about his role in the effort.

Bednarsh was sentenced to 6 weeks of community service as part of a plea agreement.  As part of this agreement, Bednarash admitted that he lied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation when he said that his co-conspirator, Brian Alec Light, stored the stolen Warhol print.  In addition, he admitted that the reason this transpired was financial gain, not friendship, as he claimed to the federal investigators.

The Warhol print is one that depicts Soviet Union leader Vladimir Lenin, and it was stolen back in 2021.

According to federal prosecutors, Glenn bought it in February 2021 for $6000, after which he decided to sell it and asked his co-conspirator, Brian Alec Light, to help, and according to the prosecutors, this prompted Light to reach out to the Beverly Hills office of a Dallas auction house about selling the Warhol print.

Following this, Light told Bednarsh to take the print to the Beverly Hills office so that it could be transported to Dallas where it would be inspected and then sold at auction.

A worker at the Beverly Hills office contacted the gallery in West Hollywood to get its opinion of the artwork, and the gallery recognized it as the one that had been stolen.  This prompted the gallery to notify the Dallas auction house that the Warhol print was stolen artwork and to notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the start of a federal investigation into the theft.

Brian Alec Light, 59, is also a resident of Los Angeles. In November 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods, and last month, he was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay roughly $1,915 in restitution.

One of the requirements of his sentence was that Light admit that he lied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation back in 2021, when the FBI started investigating the theft of the print, by telling the FBI that he bought the Warhol print at a Culver City garage sale and paid $18,000 for it. He showed the agents a receipt that was fake.  The plea agreement also required Light to surrender the Warhol print, which the investigators later recovered.

This print was stolen several years ago from a home in Los Angeles County, but prosecutors do not believe the two men stole it from its original owner.

In addition, the print is number 44 of 46 by Andy Warhol and is worth about $170,000. No suspects in the theft of this print have been publicly identified by authorities.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, January 5, the Beverly Hills Unified School District’s Public Information Officer, Colby Gilardian, informed Canyon News via email that an electrical issue sparked the fire at El Rodeo Elementary School on December 30.

On December 30, 2025, a small electrical fire transpired in an exterior utility room at El Rodeo Elementary School. As a result of a quick response from the Beverly Hills Fire Department and the school’s advanced safety systems, the fire was quickly contained to a single area, and no injuries were reported.

The incident took place while Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) campuses were closed for winter break. The school’s sprinkler system activated immediately, helping to isolate the fire to a single area. There was no damage to classrooms or instructional areas.

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, Superintendent of the Beverly Hills Unified School District. “All systems are operational, and El Rodeo Elementary School is fully prepared to welcome students back.”

 

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, January 5, the city of Beverly Hills announced that it is updating the Open Space Element—a document that guides how we care for parks, green spaces, and natural resources in our city.

The draft updated Open Space Element will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on January 8, 2026, and the Beverly Hills City Council at a future hearing.

A recent state law, SB 1425, requires that the Open Space Element is updated by January 1, 2026, and includes analysis related to equity, climate resilience, and rewilding/preservation.

Individuals can email longrange@beverlyhills.org or visit www.beverlyhills.org/OpenSpaceElement for more information.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, January 11, the city of Beverly Hills will be hosting a FREE shredding and composting event. Participants can shred sensitive documents, recycle old electronics, and help the Earth at the same time.

The event will transpire at Civic Center Drive and 3rd Street from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (or until the truck is full).

E-Waste disposal will also be available at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market, so it’s a one-stop shop for all your recycling needs!

For more details on the event and Beverly Hills’ ongoing sustainability efforts, visit www.beverlyhills.org/shred or call (310) 285-1000.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, December 30, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that a small fire in an outbuilding on the back side of El Rodeo Elementary School that supplies power to the campus.

The district is on winter break, and no students or staff were on site. There were no injuries reported and damage to the building is minimal and mostly limited to the outdoor area.

As a result of the fire, Southern California Edison is on scene and has shut down power temporarily to surrounding homes as repairs and assessment continues.

For the latest information on power outages, visit www.sce.com/outages

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, December 30, the National Weather Service office in Los Angeles and Oxnard issued a flood watch alert at 11:26 a.m. for parts of Southwest California. It is in effect from 10 p.m. on Wednesday until 10 p.m. on Thursday.

The reason for the warning is the excessive rainfall from the recent storm, which may cause flooding in streams, rivers, and creeks, as well as in urban areas and low-lying areas with poor drainage.  In addition, the rain may cause rock and mudslides. The low-water crossing might flood, and debris might flow near burn scars left by the wildfires.

The cities impacted by the flood watch include Topatopa Mountains, Refugio State Beach, Mount Wilson, Wrightwood, Hollywood, Big Pine Mountain, Culver City, San Gabriel, East Ventura, Gorman, Pomona, Moorpark, Figueroa Mountain, Santa Barbara, Mill Creek, Simi Valley, Ozena, Norwalk, Newbury Park, Torrance, Beverly Hills, Piru, Oxnard, The Angeles Crest Highway, Malibu Lake, Long Beach, Goleta, Oat Mountain, Downey, La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, El Capitan State Beach, Woodland Hills, Northridge, Fillmore, Camarillo, Sunland, Lake Castaic, Oak View, Westlake Village, Rancho Palos Verdes, Malibu Bowl, Llano, Warm Springs, San Rafael Mountain, Lake Palmdale, Acton, Pacific Palisades, Valencia, Mount Baldy, Newhall, Montecito, Ojai, Meiners Oaks, Thousand Oaks, El Monte, Port Hueneme, LAX, Compton, Gaviota, Pyramid Lake, Universal City, Pearblossom, Santa Clarita, Chatsworth, Valyermo, Burbank, Malibu, Matilija, Montecito Hills, Jalama Beach, Glendale, Van Nuys, Tejon Pass, Topanga, Elizabeth Lake, Santa Paula, Rose Valley, East Los Angeles, San Marcos Pass, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Point Mugu, Carpinteria, Ventura, Lockwood Valley, and Mount Pinos.

The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor future forecasts and to be alert for possible flood warnings.

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, December 29, the city of Beverly Hills posted a reminder on its Facebook page for residents to remember that before the year ends, the City of Beverly Hills encourages residents to take advantage of valuable rebates and tax credits that can help you save on energy and water-efficient upgrades for your home or business.

Upcoming 2025 Deadline:
-Federal Clean Energy Tax Credit – expires December 31, 2025

Available Now:
-Go Zero Program – Incentives for zero-emission space & water heating
-Commercial Turf Replacement Rebate – $7 per sq. ft. of grass removed. Please review permitting requirements with the City’s Development Services before purchasing or installing.

Beverly Hills can start the new year with lower bills—and help the city become more sustainable. To learn more, visit www.beverlyhills.org/rebates.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, December 27, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page of a gas leak in the region.

There were reports of a natural gas being smelled and appears to be associated with a gas leak that occurred earlier in the Castaic Lake area.

The Beverly Hills Fire Department has been checking multiple neighborhoods with their equipment that detects natural gas, and while there is a noticeable smell, there are no reports of elevated levels that are concerning.

Due to the smell, it is advised that residents keep their windows closed and stay indoors. There is no threat to the community the city of Beverly Hills stated on its Facebook page.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Southern California was besieged by torrential rain during the Christmas week holiday.  A sheriff’s deputy was killed in a crash on a road near Sacramento, and a man was killed by a falling tree in San Diego. The total amount of rainfall has broken records as the wettest in California in decades.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service, the storm brought continuous rainfall for hours.

So far this season, Downtown Los Angeles received 10.83 inches of rain.  Last session, the area received 0.16 inches, and during a regular season, the area received 3.99 inches.

During the storm, 3.56 inches of rain have fallen in Downtown Los Angeles. In addition, Beverly Hills over the last few days received 3.90 inches of rain, Bel Air has received 4.36 inches, Eagle Rock Reservoir received 5.82 and the Eaton Fire received 9.66.

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page on Sunday, December 21 that the Historic Preservation Awards Program nomination deadline has been extended to January 15, 2026.

The program celebrates the people, places, and projects that help preserve our city’s iconic architectural and cultural legacy.

In May 2026, during Preservation Month, we’ll honor individuals and organizations whose work helps maintain the unique charm that defines Beverly Hills. Eligibility: Projects must have been initially completed since 2012. The extended nomination period is from October 17, 2025 – January 15, 2026.

Award Categories:
-Restoration/Preservation Award
-Renovation/Rehabilitation Award
-Historic Site Stewardship Award
-Historic Awareness & Education Award

For nomination details or to submit a project, email chcawards@beverlyhills.org.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, December 18, the city of Beverly Hills reported that SoCalGas crews were conducting a leak investigation on Sunset Boulevard identified a natural gas leak originating from a valve on a 3-inch medium-pressure main.

SoCalGas crews had to work to mitigate the leak and complete final repairs. All westbound lanes on Sunset Boulevard between Foothill and Alpine remain closed, while one eastbound lane remained open, as work continued. All lanes were reopened by Friday, December 19.

Residents and business in the area may smell a natural gas odor while crews make repairs. The Beverly Hills Fire Department is also on scene.

Customers should call 1-800-427-2200 if they experience a service disruption or suspect a natural gas leak.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, December 18, the city of Beverly Hills announced that Chris Paulson was named as the new Assistant Director of Community Services. Paulson currently serves as Deputy Director of Community Services and brings more than 17 years of municipal government experience to the position. As Assistant Director, he will directly oversee the Arts and Culture and Adult Recreation Divisions.

“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 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 working for the city of Alhambra in various roles. He will assume his new role on February 7, 2026 allowing for transition with the retirement of current Assistant Director Patty Acuna in March.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, December 17, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced that it received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help decrease the number of serious injuries and deaths on roads. The grant program runs through September 2026.

“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook said. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”

The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:

-DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
-High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
-Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
-Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
-Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.
-Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside -Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

“Through focused traffic enforcement and education, we’re working toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads,” said OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty. “By encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together.”

Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, December 17, the city of Beverly Hills informed the Canyon News via email that the Beverly Hills City Council Tuesday night approved a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Beverly Hills Police Officers’ Association (POA). The MOU covers salaries and benefits for a four-year term.

“I want to thank the brave men and women of the Beverly Hills Police Department for their daily commitment to protecting our community,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “The safety and security of our residents and visitors is always our number one priority. Our Police Department serves with professionalism, integrity and dedication and this agreement reflects our appreciation for their service and our investment in this strong and respected police department.”

Per the City’s Civic Openness in Negotiations (COIN) Ordinance, an independent fiscal analysis was conducted with the fiscal analysis and MOU terms posted on: www.beverlyhills.org/labornegotiations.

In accordance with state law, Beverly Hills participates in labor negotiations with its employee associations. The results of the negotiations process are written agreements or contracts reached between the City and the City employee associations. These agreements are commonly referred to as MOUs.

The city has concluded labor negotiations with the Police Officers’ Association, while negotiations with the Firefighters’ Association are ongoing.

In 2014, the Beverly Hills City Council adopted a Civic Openness in Negotiations “COIN” ordinance in order to provide additional impartiality and transparency to the collective bargaining process.

The Ordinance includes the following provisions: (1) The lead negotiator on behalf of the City shall not be an employee of the City and shall have demonstrated expertise in negotiating labor and employment agreements of behalf of municipalities, (2) Adoption of the MOU only after conducting at least two public meetings, (3) Fiscal analysis conducted by an independent firm and (4) The MOU and fiscal analysis are to be posted on the City’s website at least two weeks before the Council meeting at which the proposed MOU is considered.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, December 16, the city of Beverly Hills informed Canyon News via email that Maribel Mena was named as its new Assistant City Clerk. She brings more than 20 years of combined leadership, public records and records management experience to Beverly Hills City Hall.

“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 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 includes transitioning paper-based and electronic archives to fully automated workflows.

Her new role started on Monday, December 15.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on Monday, December 15 that some areas of the city was experiencing power outages. A water main break on Olympic Boulevard between Doheny and Wetherly Drives on Monday that impacted power in a portion of Beverly Hills.

City crews and representatives from Southern California Edison (SCE) had been working onsite throughout the day to repair the line. All water service was restored by the evening.

Approximately 250,000 gallons of water traveled from a vault on Olympic Boulevard into an SCE substation overnight. SCE is redirecting power through the grid to provide temporary power, but full restoration is not expected until Tuesday.

“We appreciate residents’ patience as we work diligently to make the repair,” said Director of Public Works Shana Epstein. “We understand this is incredibly frustrating and we are utilizing all resources to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”

Portions of Olympic Boulevard may have temporary lane reductions as repair work continues.

Portions of Olympic Boulevard may have temporary lane reductions as repair work continues. The City’s Customer Relations Team is available to assist with any questions and provide information on services available to residents. Please call the City of Beverly Hills ASKBH line at 310-285-1000 or email ASKBH@beverlyhills.org.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, December 13, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that its recently launched Preapproved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program, is offering plans for a selection of detached ADUs that are 70 percent complete.

The prechecked plans already meet the City’s Building and Safety requirements and are ready for site-specific details.

Property owners must contract with the designer to use the plans and add site-specific information such as setbacks, utilities, and foundation details in order to secure a building permit. Additional options will be available as the city of Beverly Hills continues to review and accept ADU plans submitted by qualified professionals.

ADUs featured:

1: Gable ADU by Sadr LA Architecture Group @sadr__design
2: Lauri Morrison ADU @laurimorrisonstudio
3: InChoate ADU @Inchoatearchitecture
4: Nonzero Architecture ADU @Nonzeroarchitecture
5: The Skinny ADU by ERW Design www.erwdesign.com
6: YD Group ADU www.yakovdesign.com

“Preapproved plans” are architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing designs that comply with the City’s design and safety requirements, and are approximately 70 percent complete for permitting. The Designer-Owned Preapproved ADU Program streamlines the detached ADU construction process by providing property owners with ready-to-use, high-quality, code-compliant plans. Created in response to state ADU laws and the City’s efforts to encourage ADU production, this program accelerates approvals process, reduce permit costs, and allows property owners to build ADUs faster, with the confidence that designs meet City standards.

Property owners save time and reduce costs by choosing from the city’s preapproved plans instead of commissioning custom designs. Owners simply contract with the designer, apply for a building permit, and add specific property details to move forward with construction.

Some plans may not be suitable for all sites or conditions. For assistance with zoning or determining site eligibility call 310-285-1000 and ask to speak with a planner. For more details, visit www.beverlyhills.org/preapprovedadu.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, December 12, U.S. District Judge George Wu of the United States District Court for the Central District of California ruled that both Live Nation, which is based in Beverly Hills, and Ticket Master can face a class action lawsuit brought against them due to allegations of overcharging customers for events that are held at major concert venues. The class action lawsuit covers customers who have purchased tickets since 2010, either from a Live Nation Affiliate or from Ticketmaster, and also covers the purchase of 400 million tickets. Live Nation and Ticketmaster have both denied any allegations of wrongdoing. Both companies claimed that it is impossible to conduct a single trial based on the allegations due to issues with tickets for 1,000 venues. In addition, Live Nation said the venues set the fees instead of them. Live Nation is also facing antitrust lawsuits alleging that it has created a monopoly control over ​ticketing services for consumers.   By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills informed Canyon News via email that after a nationwide recruitment, the city selected Cindy Gordon to serve as the next Assistant Director of Community Development/City Planner. Gordon currently serves as Project Manager in the City’s Community Development Department.

“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 Beverly Hills in 2011 as an Assistant Planner and was 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. Her new role will start on Monday, December 15.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is inviting the public to attend the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market for our upcoming Holidays & Hanukkah Craft Fair on Sunday, December 14.

New to the event this year includes the expanded Hanukkah section, showcasing unique vendors and handcrafted items that beautifully honor the Festival of Lights.

There will be over 40 talented local artisans, the market will be filled with high-quality decorative, wearable, and edible creations—perfect for holiday gift-giving.

Also new for 2025 is the inaugural Gingerbread House Contest Participants can design and build their gingerbread houses at home, then bring them to the Farmers’ Market for community voting. Winners will be announced by Mayor Nazarian in two categories: Adults and Youth.

For more information and to sign up for the gingerbread house contest, visit beverlyhills.org/csevents or call our Customer Service Hotline at (310) 285 –1000.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, December 4, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that in partnership with the American Red Cross, they are hosting a Winter Blood Drive to help those in need.

The event will take place on Thursday, December 11. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall Municipal Gallery located at 445 N. Rexford Dr. in Beverly Hills.

To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter CityBevHills.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, December 5, the Lt. Kevin Orth, BHPD Public Information Officer informed Canyon News via email that from December 12, 2025, thru January 1, 2026, the BHPD will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk. In December 2023, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” said Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone on the roads safe.”

BHPD is asking all to stay in for the night or plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using public transit, or calling a taxi or rideshare service if you intend to drink.

Impaired driving is not just alcohol related, but prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products, and other drugs may also cause impairment. Anyone planning to drink or take medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If anyone witnesses an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.

Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, December 3, the city of Beverly Hills will be hosting a Rent Stabilization and Housing Workshop. The event will allow individuals to learn more about Rent Registry and how it can benefit them.

The workshop will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The workshop will take place in-person at the Beverly Hills City Hall Municipal Gallery located at 455 N. Rexford Dr.

Virtual option available at www.beverlyhills.org/rentstabilization. To learn everything, you need to know about rent control, registration, and more.

-Understand the rent registry requirements
-Get your questions answered by City staff
-Ensure compliance and avoid penalties

The Rent Stabilization Division administers and enforces the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, which applies to most residential rental properties in Beverly Hills with two or more units.

Maximum Annual Rent Increases

The maximum allowed annual rent increases for rent stabilized tenants is outlined in Beverly Hills Municipal Code Sections 4-5-303 (Chapter 5 tenants) and 4-6-3 (Chapter 6 tenants).

The current maximum allowed annual rent increases are as follows:

Tenant Type	Update Schedule	Last Update	Maximum Allowed Rent Increase
Chapter 5	Monthly	September 11, 2025	3.14%
Chapter 6	Annually in June	June 2025	3%

* The chapter 5 rent increase allowable percentage will be delayed at this time due the government shutdown. Please check back for further updates.

Only one rent increase for each tenant is permitted for every 12 months. Additionally, a 30-day Notice must be delivered personally to tenants or served by mail as described in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1013 (see also California Civil Code Section 827).

RSVP now and reserve your spot. For more details, call the askBH Customer Service Hotline at 310-285-1000 or visit www.beverlyhills.org/rentstabilization.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department announced on Tuesday, November 25 the promotion of Lieutenant Renato Moreno to the rank of Captain, effective staring Saturday, November 29. In this role, Captain Moreno will lead the Field Services Bureau, overseeing Patrol Operations, Traffic Bureau, Jail Operations, SWAT, and the K9 Unit.

Since May 2025, Captain Moreno has served as Acting Captain of the Field Services Bureau, where he has shown strong leadership, decisiveness, and a strong commitment to officer development and community safety. He has a wealth of knowledge and has held many key roles during his distinguished career, including Patrol Officer, Crime Suppression Officer, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Internal Affairs Supervisor, and 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.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Hotel us facing a lawsuit that was filed on November 5 in Los Angeles Superior Court by Elizabeth Jane Birr, who was the hotel’s first female banquet manager. In her lawsuit, Birr claims that the management of the Beverly Hills Hotel did not take proper action after she claimed that a male supervisor, the director of banquets, not only created a hostile work environment for her, but also created a toxic work environment in which she endured both sexual harassment and gender discrimination. The Beverly Hills Hotel hired Birr in May 2022. In December 2022, she was promoted to banquet manager and oversaw high-profile events. The harassment included her abilities as a female manager being mocked, having her authority undermined, and being berated by the banquet director. In addition, she claims that she was forced to endure listening to the director of banquets make homophobic and racist remarks, as well as making crude jokes. She claims that the pay her male coworkers received increased three times, while she received no raise, and that she was mocked when she complained to the director about her pay wage. In May 2024, she submitted a complaint to the hotel’s management about the harassment, including unequal pay and an investigation was initiated. Birr found that management excluded her from overseeing major events and assigned her demeaning tasks. A month later, she was forced to go on medical leave because of high blood pressure and panic attacks. In her lawsuit, she claims that while she was on leave, hotel management continued to mistreat her. Birr is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages from the Beverly Hills Hotel.   By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is currently working to extend the D Line of the subway. Some closures will be on Wilshire Boulevard due to work on the Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and the Wilshire/La Cienega stations. Travel between San Vicente and La Cienega Boulevards will remain open with two lanes of traffic open in each direction on Wilshire Boulevard. On October 2, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., the alley between Lasky and Spalding Drives was closed to allow geotechnical instruments that had to be removed. Work will be done on the curb lanes on Wilshire Boulevard and at the Beverly Drive station. Two lanes will remain open between Beverly and Crescent Drives along Wilshire Boulevard. Left turns will be restricted when vehicles travel westbound towards South Cañon Drive.   By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, November 20, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that there will be upcoming road closures for One Beverly Hills construction work:

Friday, December 5 from 8 p.m. thru Sunday, December 7 at 8 a.m.

Traffic Impacts:

-N. Santa Monica Blvd will experience lane closures between Wilshire Blvd. & Moreno Dr.
-One lane in each direction will remain open.
-Bike lanes and sidewalks will be closed, with detours in place for cyclists and pedestrians.

Motorists and pedestrians should plan accordingly and use alternate routes to avoid delays.
For more details contact the One Beverly Hills Construction Hotline at (424) 252-1338.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, November 19, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that the Beverly Hills Fire Department launched a voluntary membership service called the ‘BH Wellness Network’ for Beverly Hills residents that would decrease the out-of-pocket costs of paramedic and ambulance services.

Under most health insurance plans, ambulance services are not fully covered and can be expensive. For a yearly fee of $90, the membership would help reduce any uncovered cost for members and their family living in the same residence. The membership would only apply towards emergency medical services provided by the Beverly Hills Fire Department within City limits.

“I am excited to launch this new initiative—one designed to make healthcare more accessible, more affordable, and more compassionate for every Beverly Hills resident,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “The BH Wellness Network brings our world-class Fire Department directly into the heart of our community by ensuring that when you need emergency care, cost is not a barrier.

With the $90 a year, an entire household can receive paramedic and transport services for a nominal fee. This is about giving our residents peace of mind, strengthening our safety net, and using innovation to support the health and well-being of every family in our city. And this is only the beginning. We will continue to expand this program with additional wellness services over the next year—because a safer, stronger, and more united Beverly Hills includes access to the care people deserve.”

Residents of Beverly Hills who are uninsured can still enroll in the ‘BH Wellness Network’ to help offset the costs of paramedic services. The reduction amount is dependent on each healthcare plan.

Detailed information and applications are currently available at www.beverlyhills.org/bhwellnessnetwork.

Enrollment starts December 1, 2025 and membership benefits begin January 1, 2026.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on November 18 that on Monday, December 15 from 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., the Beverly Hills City Council will be hosting a special Menorah Lighting Ceremony to celebrate the festival of lights.

The public can come togeth:)er with family and friends for an evening filled with community spirit and the bright glow of the Menorah as we celebrate the timeless traditions of Hanukkah. Lighting the menorah will begin shortly after sundown.

The lighting will take place at Beverly Gardens Park at the Beverly Gardens Park Lily Pond. This is located between North Santa Monica Boulevard between North Canon Drive and North Beverly Drive.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, November 13, officers with the Los Angeles Police Department chased a silver Ford Fusion through Beverly Hills. The two children who drove were alleged to have stolen the vehicle from their mother. The chase started in Mid-City. It continued into West Los Angeles, and from there onto the northbound 405 Freeway, after which the drivers of the silver Ford Fusion exited the freeway and drove through the San Fernando Valley and then into Reseda. The chase was joined by a white Dodge Durango. The silver Ford Fusion crashed into a curb near Hesperia Avenue and Vanowen Street, but the chase was not over as the driver and passenger fled the vehicle. Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department caught up with the suspects. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the drivers of the white Dodge Durango belonged to the suspects family. No additional details about the case have been disclosed to the public.   By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, November 12, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced in a news release that they want drivers and families to be aware to buckle up as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

Drivers and passengers should Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Whether taking a long drive across the country or a shorter trip around town to celebrate, wearing a seat belt is the single most effective thing to protect yourself in a crash.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2023, 309 people were killed in traffic crashes across the nation, and 44% were not wearing seat belts.

“The Thanksgiving holiday is the start of a special time of year for so many people,” said Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “No matter how long or short your drive, it’s important that drivers and passengers wear a seat belt. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Please make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled before you ever turn on the car, including children being in the correct car seats, too.”

California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Once a child reaches these milestones, all children under the age of 8 are still required to be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children 8 and older, or those at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may be secured by a booster seat, but must be secured by a safety belt at a minimum.

Parents and caregivers are asked to keep children in the proper rear or forward-facing seat as long as possible and use the “Five-Step Test” to determine if their child is big enough to safely use a seat belt without a booster seat.

Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, November 9, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that it held an evacuation drill in a portion of the Trousdale Estates (Zone BHL301). The meeting point was Will Rogers Park to better prepare the community for a large-scale emergency.

“A huge thank-you to our participating residents and to Mayor Nazarian and City Council, our dedicated Fire, Police, and Just In Case personnel, volunteers, and community partners — your commitment to safety helps keep Beverly Hills ready for any emergency,” the city stated on its Facebook page.

The city of Beverly Hills’ Outdoor Warning System is a network of outdoor emergency warning sirens designed to alert and warn those outdoors of potential or emergent hazards that may threaten life and/or property.

The Outdoor Warning System is comprised of 12 outdoor emergency warning sirens strategically located throughout Beverly Hills. The Outdoor Warning System can broadcast siren tones and spoken life safety instructions over any of the 12 outdoor emergency warning sirens. Activations may be by individual outdoor emergency warning siren, by a zone, or citywide.

The Outdoor Warning System is designed to work in coordination with existing emergency notification systems and processes to add an additional layer of notification redundancy in the event of an impending emergency that may threaten life and/or property. The Outdoor Warning System is intended for outdoor alerts and warning.

The city of Beverly Hills encourages the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to register for the Emergency Alert Program through the city of Beverly Hills in order to receive warning notifications.

For any questions regarding this program, residents may call Emergency Management at (310) 285-1000.

To learn more about our Outdoor Warning System sirens as well as emergency preparedness information, visit beverlyhills.org/outdoorwarning.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, November 3, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that Mayor Sharona Nazarian will participate with the city for Veterans Day Community Gathering to honor the brave men and women who served our country.

The event will take place on Monday, November 10 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Beverly Gardens Park. The event will take place in front of Hunter and Hounds statue between N. Canon and N. Crescent Drives located at 9349 Santa Monica Blvd.

All community members are welcome, and city encourages the public to bring their family, friends, and neighbors to share in the meaningful ceremony.

 

By Danny Jones

 

BEVERLY HILLS—On October 31, the Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group announced that its internal network was breached for five days from February 7 to February 11, 2025, and that sensitive data was stolen. A review of the Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group started after learning the network was breached. The security review was completed on October 13. The data breach compromised protected health information and personally identifiable information for both current and former patients treated at the Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group and its staff. The data includes names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and other information from government documents, as well as treatment and medical diagnostic information. The Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group started to mail notifications to patients and staff members because of the fear the information could be used to commit medical identity theft or financial fraud or identity theft. At this time, the Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group does not know how many individuals have been impacted by the data breach. The Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group established a dedicated assistance line at 855-291-2692, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST.

  By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, October 23, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that its Handy Worker Program is here to help to make one’s home safer and more comfortable, as we approach the holidays.

Eligible tenants in multi-family housing can receive up to $1,000 reimbursed for small home improvements such as:

-Shower grab bars
-Door handle replacements
-Wheelchair ramps

How it works:

-Submit a Pre-Approval Application with documents
-Complete your approved project
-Submit your Completed Work Application
-Get reimbursed!

Individuals should apply soon as funding is limited and spots may fill up before the holidays.

The program meets Housing Element Implementation Programs 9.3 and 11.5, which aim to preserve existing housing stock and assist with aging-in-place.

The program prioritizes seniors (household with a member 62 years or older) that meet the qualifying income restrictions and currently reside in a multi-family property in the City of Beverly Hills. The applicants must be listed on the lease and hold renters’ insurance for the unit if required by their leasing terms. Additionally, the property must be leased for a minimum of one year at the time of application.

Applicants will qualify based on total household income (for all members 18 years or older) maximums for very low-income households per the L.A. County Median Income Guidelines applicable at the time of program application. Applicants can also qualify by showing proof of enrollment in any of the following programs: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA).

To learn more and to apply for the program visit: www.BEVERLYHILLS.ORG/HANDYWORKER. Applications can be submitted via email, online or via postal mail.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, October 22, the city of Beverly Hills be testing all 12 Outdoor Warning System Sirens from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

These are routine tests that will be broadcasted in English, Farsi, and Spanish to ensure the system is ready to help keep the community safe in case of an emergency.

No action is needed from the public during the test—just a friendly reminder.

Anyone with questions should contact the AskBH Hotline: (310) 285-1000 and askBH@beverlyhills.org. For more info on the system and emergency preparedness, visit www.beverlyhills.org/outdoorwarning.

 

By Danny Jones

 

 

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills Police Department will be holding a Coffee with a Cop event on Wednesday, October 22.

It will be held at Mickey Fine Grill from 9;30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There will be a special appearance by THE Daisy Duke herself, @catherinebach.

The event allows the public the opportunity to get to know local police officers over a cup of coffee.

There will also be BHPD Pink Patches sold to support breast cancer research. To buy a patch or support the cause, email aalatorre@beverlyhills.org. Mickey Fine Grill is located at 433 N. Roxbury Dr.

 

By Danny Jones

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that it will be hosting a Gelato with Code Enforcement Event on Monday, October 20.

If the public wants to learn how Code Enforcement helps keep Beverly Hills safe, clean, and beautiful. Now’s your chance to connect with the team—and enjoy a FREE gelato while you’re at it.

Join for the community event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at Bacio Di Latte located at 452 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

There will be a sweet treat and an opportunity to learn more about what Code Enforcement does in Beverly Hills.

For more info, visit: beverlyhills.org/ce. Questions? Call AskBH at 310-285-1000.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The public is asked to showcase their pumpkin carving skills at the upcoming Fall Funtastic Harvest Festival.

How to enter the Pumpkin Carving & Decorating Contest:
1. Create your pumpkin masterpiece at home.
2. Bring it to the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market @beverlyhillsfarmersmarket on Sunday, October 26 by 9 a.m.
3. Cast your vote for your favorite pumpkin between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
4. Winners will be announced shortly after voting ends

Join for a fun-filled morning at the Fall Funtastic Festival featuring:

-Día de los Muertos Mini Altar Making with Self Help Graphics & Art
-Face Painting
-Story-time hosted by Beverly Hills Public Library
-Danza Azteca Performance
-Día de los Muertos Mariachi & Dance with Cortines High School
-Costume Parade (Don’t forget to wear your best Halloween outfit!)
-Arts & Crafts, Petting Zoo, Photo Ops, and more.

There will also be events taking place starting at 8 a.m.

To enter the contest and learn more at beverlyhills.org/csevents.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page on Friday, October 17 that it is launching the Historic Preservation Awards Program, which honors those who help preserve and celebrate the iconic architectural and cultural heritage of Beverly Hills.

Every May, during Preservation Month, the city will recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations working to maintain the unique charm of our community.

Award Categories:
-Restoration/Preservation Award
-Renovation/Rehabilitation Award
-Historic Site Stewardship Award
-Historic Awareness & Education Award

Eligibility: Projects completed within the past 12 years are eligible for nomination.

The Nomination Period will run between: October 17 – December 17, 2025

To nominate a project today and become part of the conversation about preserving Beverly Hills’ legacy.

For more details or to submit a nomination, email us at chcawards@beverlyhills.org.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department Traffic Bureau announced on Tuesday, October 14 that it will be conducting a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, October 24, in the area of North Santa Monica Boulevard and Crescent Drive.

The checkpoint will be operational from approximately 8 p.m. and will conclude at approximately 2 a.m. All traffic will pass through the checkpoint. Motorists will be stopped and contacted by uniformed officers, who will be checking for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will also check to make sure all contacted drivers have a valid driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The Beverly Hills Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for impaired driving enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page on October 11 that the Beverly Hills Fire Department will be conducting an evacuation drill community meeting on Tuesday, October 14.

It will take place in the Trousdale area north of Sunset Boulevard from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to prepare in the event of a major wildfire.

The exercise is designed to give residents and public safety personnel the opportunity to practice real-time evacuation procedures, test communication systems, and identify areas for improvement in emergency response.

Residents living in the designated drill zone will receive advance instructions and are strongly encouraged to participate to help strengthen community readiness and resilience.

To learn more on how to participate and prepare, visit beverlyhills.org/evacdrill. Participation is highly encouraged, but voluntary.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills Planning Division will be hosting an in-person Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) workshop on Sunday, October 12 at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market.

Planning staff will be available answer questions from the public regarding:

-Current city and state ADU regulations for ADUs on single- and multi-family properties
-The City’s preapproved ADU program
-Questions about the permitting and application process

The city of Beverly Hills website notes that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are attached or detached units that provide complete, independent living facilities for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same site as a single-family residence or multi-family building.

Sometimes called second units or granny units, ADUs can be an effective way to provide additional housing on single and multi-family properties where housing units already exist. ADUs cannot be sold separately from the main residence; however, they may be optionally rented for periods of 31 days or longer. ADUs are allowed on any property that is zoned for residential or mixed-use that has an existing or proposed dwelling unit.

Local regulations for ADUs can be found in Article 50 of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code. For a practical overview, refer to the ADU development guides by neighborhood, which summarize main requirements.

To start the process of building an ADU stop by the table at the Farmers’ Market. For more details on ADUs in Beverly Hills visit www.beverlyhills.org/ADU.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page on October 4 that the Beverly Hills Empowerment Camp 2025 will take place on November 8 and November 9.

The camp will provide the opportunity for individuals between the ages of 13-18 to see what it takes to be a real firefighter. The camp will transpire over both days from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Fire Department located at 445 N Rexford Drive.

All genders are welcome, and individuals will get the opportunity for the following:

-Try real firefighter challenges
-Build confidence, meet new people

Skills stations include but are not limited to: hose, ladders, rope rescue, hand tools, personal protective equipment, search and rescue, first aid, ventilation, and more!

Camp is free, includes a camp T-shirt, and lunch both days. Women 18 and up who are actively pursuing a career in firefighting (ex: cadets, explorers, ambulance operators, or EMTs) are encouraged to apply as a mentor camper. Mentor campers participate in all activities with campers and are assigned additional responsibilities

Spots for the event fill up fast. To sign up visit: www.beverlyhills.org/empowermentcamp.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, September 27, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that construction on N. Santa Monica Boulevard will impact drivers.

There are lane reductions on N. Santa Monica Blvd between Wilshire Boulevard and Moreno Drive (near Century City) for essential upgrades as part of the One Beverly Hills Project.

Here’s the schedule:

-Saturday, September 27 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
-Saturday, October 4 | 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
-Monday – Friday, September 29 through October 31 | 9 p.m. – 6 a.m.

What to anticipate:
* One lane in each direction
* Sewer & electrical line upgrades
* No power outages or utility disruptions

Drivers should plan their routes accordingly and give themselves extra travel time. Utilities will not be disrupted during this sewer line and electrical line upgrade work. For more details contact the Construction Hotline at (424) 252-1338.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on Monday, September 22 details about its Handy Worker Program.

Tenants in multi-family housing can now get up to $1,000 reimbursed for minor home improvements such as:

-Shower grab bars
-Door handle replacements
-Wheelchair ramps
-How the Handy Worker Program works:

-Submit a Pre-Approval Application with documents
-Complete the approved work
-Submit your Completed Work Application
-Get reimbursed

The city recommends applying early as funding is limited and applications are accepted until the funding is gone. The public can stop by the Planning Division table at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market on October 12 to learn more about the Handyworker program.

To obtain more details and to apply visit: www.beverlyhills.org/handyworker.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced that the Beverly Hills Fire Department has prepared a survey to gather public input on the city’s wildfire preparedness and resilience in the event of a major wildfire.

The survey, which consists of 33 questions and can take as little as 12 minutes, will help develop the City’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan. CWPP is a strategic plan designed to reduce wildfire risk to a community and increase its overall resilience.

CWPPs are encouraged by federal and state wildfire agencies, including CAL FIRE, and are tailored to reflect the specific wildfire risks, landscapes, and priorities of each community. Open spaces, especially neighborhoods above Sunset Boulevard and areas with dense vegetation are at risk.

The CWPP will help Beverly Hills to:

-Identify and map local wildfire hazards
-Protect people, homes, infrastructure, and natural areas
-Prioritize mitigation projects such as vegetation management, emergency access improvements, and public education
-Strengthen coordination between City departments, fire agencies, and the public
-Access state and federal grant funding for wildfire prevention and resilience efforts

The CWPP process follows guidelines from CAL FIRE’s CWPP best practices and includes the following steps:

1) Forming a Core Working Group – Includes representatives from City departments, fire officials, utilities, and technical experts.
2) Assessing Local Wildfire Risks – Using fire science, historical data, and community observations to understand exposure and vulnerabilities.
3) Engaging the Community – Gathering resident input through surveys, meetings, and workshops to ensure the plan reflects local knowledge and values.
4) Identifying and Prioritizing Projects – Creating a list of recommended actions to reduce risk and improve readiness.
5) Developing the Final CWPP Document – A publicly available plan that outlines strategies, roles, and timelines for implementation.

The survey can be accessed by scanning the QR code via the website or visiting: www.BeverlyHills.org/WildfireSurvey.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—In 2023, Jennifer Lopez, known for her musical career and appearances in films such as Hustlers, Maid in Manhattan, and The Wedding Planner, split from her husband Ben Affleck and put her home in Beverly Hills on the market. Now she has purchased a new mansion in Beverly Hills.

This new mansion is located one hour from the neighborhood in which she used to live. It spans 8,600 square feet and is situated on a two-acre plot. This building features five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, and it also contains many luxury amenities, including a home theater and a massage parlor.

The divorce between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez was finalized in January 2025. She bought the mansion they purchased in 2022 on the real estate Market last July, and it can be bought for $68 million.

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—The actress Jessica Alba, who played Susan Storm in the first two Fantastic Four films and appeared in the movie Sin City, as well as starred in the television show Dark Angel, recently purchased a mansion in Beverly Hills. The cost of this home is $4.75 million.

The actress’s new home is located in the heart of Beverly Hills. It is a Spanish-style estate, and the design blends modern elements with colonial architecture and Mediterranean designs. Jessica Alba’s mansion spans 5,000 square feet, and it includes four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Among the architectural features in the home’s design are arched doorways and terracotta roof tiles.

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will host the third annual Beverly Hills Day of Wellness on Sunday, September 14. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Roxbury Park and Community Center located at 471 S. Roxbury Drive.

Beverly Hills Day of Wellness prioritizes self-care and focuses on physical and mental well-being. There are over 30 free classes and workshops to choose from with hands-on experiences exploring aspects of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. All participants should bring their own water, towel and mat to the event.

There will be close to 50 booths with experts sharing their knowledge in areas of nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, mental health, wellness strategies, and more.

Free classes and workshops participating in Beverly Hills Day of Wellness:

• Let’s Get Moving, Warm Up with Wil Williams!
• Zumba with LA Dancefit
• Tai Chi with Cancer Support Community LA
• Dynamic Chair Yoga with SimchaYoga
• Art Together: A Family Activity with Maple Counseling
• Yoga for Health with The Isha Foundation
• Stroke: Increasing Awareness with USC Keck School of Medicine
• Reconnecting with Your Soul with Michelle Soleil
• Pilates with NAMI West LA
• Breathwork & Meditation with Jamie Wozny
• Pelvic Floor Wellness for Women with Pure Wellness
• How Screentime Effects the Brain with Jane Asher, MD
• Did I Forget About Me? with Dani Dhemye
• Hazards of Microplastics on Health & Longevity with Josephine Musco
• Full-Body Workout with Pure Barre Beverly Hills
• Latin Jazz Workout with Everybody Dance LA
• Sound Bath of Beverly Hills with Nicolas Sotomayor
• Storytime with NAMI West LA
• Laughter Yoga with Striving for Serenity
• Is it You, or is Your Trauma? with Uncovering You
• Yoga with NAMI West LA
• Hip Hop Zumba with LA Dancefit
• Sound Bath with Inner Bloom Collective
• Reigniting the Spark for Couples: Playfulness in the Marriage with EB & Flow Marriage Therapy
• Intro to Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) with Brandman PACE
• Information & Techniques for Somatic Boundary Awareness with Amy Schmidt
• Fertility-Boosting Exercise for Women & Couples with The Fertility Class
• Free Skin Cancer Screenings with Dermatological, DIG
• Lawn Bowling – Learn the Sport of Lawn Bowling

There will also be a blood drive onsite to allow volunteers to register in advance. Food trucks with items available for purchase include: Go Beyond the Bowl, Acai Me More and Creamy Boys Ice Cream.

Parking is available at Roxbury Park and Community Center but may be limited due to event crowd. Additional parking is available at Beverly Hills High School located at 241 S. Moreno Drive (Entrance off S. Moreno Drive & Durant Drive). A shuttle will run between Beverly Hills High School and Roxbury Park from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Beverly Hills Day of Wellness is presented in partnership with the city’s Community Services Department, the Human Relations Commission, the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Health and Safety Commission. For the full schedule and to register for the blood drive, visit beverlyhills.org/csevents.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, September 24, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that construction has started on Wilshire Boulevard near Whittier Drive. It began Wednesday night and will continue through Saturday, October 4.

Construction is to complete MWD water line infrastructure upgrades being performed by the developer of the One Beverly Hills project.

Work will be performed nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. There will be no work conducted on Sundays or Yom Kippur.

Drivers should expect:

-Closure of one eastbound lane on Wilshire Blvd near Whittier Dr
-Eastbound left turns onto Whittier will remain open
-All of Merv Griffin Way is closed with no access

Motorists are asked to drive cautiously in the region and allow extra travel time. Water will not be impacted during the pipeline work.

For more information contact the Construction Hotline at (424) 252-1338.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, September 6, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that they would be having a free shredding and compost giveaway event.

The event will be held at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market at Civic Center Drive and 3rd Street on Sunday, September 7.

Individuals will be able to:

-Safely shred sensitive documents
-Recycle old electronics
-Grab free compost for your garden

The event ends at 12 p.m. or when the truck is full—come early. E-waste disposal is also available.

For more details, visit beverlyhills.org/shred. call (310) 285-1000, or email askBH@beverlyhills.org.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, September 4, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that major lane closures on the I-405 Freeway due to a $143.7 million Sepulveda Pass rehabilitation project.

This weekend and again in two weeks, the Sepulveda Pass portion of the 405 Freeway will be partially closed for paving work.

Both sides of the highway will be reduced to three lanes each from Santa Monica Boulevard to Sunset Boulevard, starting at 10 p.m. on September 5, through 5 a.m. on September 8.

The southbound on and off-ramps at Sunset Boulevard/Church Lane will be closed, as well as the on-ramp of westbound Wilshire Boulevard.

The same closures will happen again starting at 10 p.m. on September 19 through 5 a.m. on September 22, 2025.

For more information: visit Caltrans.gov or follow @CaltransDist7 on social media for updates and construction schedules.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is reminding the public of the upcoming Just in Case Beverly Hills Emergency Community Fair on Sunday, September 7.

The fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market. The event is free and open to the public.

The event allows the public to learn how to stay safe with 10-minute mini classes:
-CPR
-Fire extinguisher training
-Emergency kit assembly
-Car seat safety checkpoint

The fair is family-friendly and allows the public to get prepared and meet their local responders. They will be allowed to:

-Climb aboard emergency vehicles
-Enjoy a petting zoo
-Kids activities & more

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On August 29, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that it will be hosting the upcoming Soccerfest on September 7. AYSO Region 76 has shaped 50 years of youth soccer in Beverly Hills.

To celebrate the golden milestone, during a city-supported community event honoring generations of players, volunteers, and families. There will be live music and food trucks at the event.

The event will be held on Sunday, September 7 at La Cienega Park. The event is free to the public, but individuals planning to attend should RSVP to clicking the link in the bio or scan the QR code.

BEVERLY HILLS—The rapper Cardi B is known for her music, as well as her distinctive long nails and penchant for wearing many wigs. She is being sued in civil court by a security guard, Emani Ellis, who filed charges against the rapper in 2020, claiming that she was assaulted by the rapper, who also used racial slurs towards her and spat on her.

On Tuesday, August 26, Cardi B took the stand to testify. She claimed that in 2018, after she emerged from the elevator and arrived at a Beverly Hills doctor’s office, she was filmed and followed against her will by Emani Ellis. The rapper went on to say that in doing so, her privacy was invaded by Ms. Ellis, which also led to Cardi B fearing for her unborn child as she was pregnant at the time. In turn, this led to a verbal spat between the two women. However, Cardi B denied physically assaulting Ms. Ellis.

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is reminding the public about its watering schedule. The mandatory watering schedule is still in effect.

Individuals can help keep the city green and sustainable by following these rules:

-North of Santa Monica Boulevard.: Water on Mondays & Fridays

-South of Santa Monica Boulevard.: Water on Tuesdays & Saturdays

There is no watering on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays.

The community should only water between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. to prevent waste and evaporation.

For more details visit www.BHSaves.org.

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, August 20, the city of Beverly Hills announced that after a comprehensive evaluation process by the Beverly Hills City Council over the last few months, they voted to appoint Ryan Gohlich as the next City Manager of Beverly Hills. Gohlich, who currently serves as Assistant City Manager, will succeed Nancy Hunt-Coffey when she retires in July 2026.

As City Manager, Gohlich will work closely with city staff to carry out the vision of the BH City Council and community while overseeing the nine city departments.

“Ryan is the natural choice to be our next City Manager,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “Since joining the City of Beverly Hills almost 20 years ago, Ryan has led the critical planning and development functions with a meticulous attention to detail while earning the trust of his colleagues, the City Council and the community. In Beverly Hills, we are fortunate to have strong succession planning and with several competitive City Manager recruitments currently underway on the Westside, it was important to make this selection in a timely manner. Ryan’s institutional knowledge will play an important role in the ongoing success and prosperity of our City.”

Gohlich started his career with Beverly Hills in 2007 as an Assistant Planner and served in a variety of roles including Senior Planner and Assistant Director of Community Development/City Planner before being named Director of Community Development in 2021. He was appointed Assistant City Manager in 2023.

“It is truly the privilege of my career to be selected as City Manager of Beverly Hills,” said Gohlich. “I am thankful to the City Council for the trust they have placed in me and look forward to leading the incredibly dedicated and talented staff of this organization into the future.”

Gohlich’s contract will come back at a future Beverly Hills City Council meeting for formal approval. He will assume duties as on July 4, 2026.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that the Beverly Hills Police Department will be hosting a Community Engagement Meeting regarding the Military Equipment Use Ordinance.

The public can share their thoughts on Thursday, August 21. The event will be held from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the City Hall Municipal Gallery located at 455 N. Rexford Dr.

The purpose of the Military Equipment Use Ordinance is to provide guidelines for the approval, acquisition, and reporting requirements of military equipment (Government Code § 7070; Government Code § 7071; Government Code § 7072)

The public can learn how the ordinance affects the community and how the city of Beverly Hills can collaborate moving forward. All feedback is encouraged.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, August 13, Colby Gilardian, Public Information Officer for the Beverly Hills Unified School District informed Canyon News via email that they launched a newly redesigned district and school websites, completing seven sites in just two months.

The new look is modern, with better navigation and features designed to better connect students, families, staff, alumni, and the community.

Key highlights of the redesign include:

-Unified District Calendar: A single location where all external school events are posted, making it easier than ever for the community to stay informed and engaged.

-BHHS Virtual Alumni Hall of Fame: In collaboration with the Beverly Hills High School Alumni Association, the new virtual Hall of Fame transforms the existing on-campus display into an accessible, interactive online experience. Visitors from anywhere in the world can explore and celebrate the achievements of distinguished BHHS alumni, keeping their legacy alive for generations to come.

-Unified Menu: One menu that easily allows you to switch between school sites

“We designed this website refresh with our community in mind,” said BHUSD Public Information Officer, Colby Gilardian. “From a unified calendar to an interactive alumni hall of fame, these features make it easier to find what you need while showcasing the pride and excellence of our district.”

“Our schools deserve a digital presence that reflects the quality of education and opportunity we provide. This launch is a major step forward in making sure our communication tools match the exceptional work happening every day in BHUSD,” said Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss.

The redesigned websites are live and can be explored at www.bhusd.org. Visitors are asked to share feedback via the online form available on each site.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department announced on its Facebook page that they want the public to be aware of a Distraction Theft pattern that is targeting older adults in the area.

Scammers offer “blessings” or spiritual protection while placing fake jewelry or religious items on an elderly victim and then swapping out the victim’s real jewelry without them noticing. A getaway car and an accomplice are usually nearby.

Red Flags to look out for:

-Unsolicited spiritual or religious offers
-Strangers attempting to place items on you
-Overly friendly behavior from unfamiliar individuals

How to Stay Safe:

-Politely decline physical contact
-Walk away from unsolicited encounters
-Report suspicious behavior to BHPD
-Non-Emergency: 310-550-4951
-Emergency: Call 9-1-1

The public is being asked to share this information with their loved ones and anyone who may not have social media so they are aware.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that the UCLA Health Blood & Platelet Center, along with the city of Beverly Hills will host a blood drive on Monday, August 11.

It is noted that accidents, surgeries and cancer treatments happen often, and there is a shortage in blood donations. Individuals can book their appointment and bring a friend.

The Blood Drive will take place between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Municipal Gallery at the Beverly Hills City Hall at 455 Rexford Drive.

Those who donate will receive an AMC movie ticket. A photo ID is required for all individuals to donate. They should eat well and increase their fluid intake several days before and the day of their donation. For questions call Terri at (310) 567-1720.

For anyone with eligibility questions, visit uclahealth.org/gotblood or call (310) 825-0888 Ext. 2.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On August 5, the Beverly Hills City Council approved the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Police Management Association (PMA) at the Tuesday City Council Formal Session.

The four-year agreement includes a 20 percent increase in pay over the 4 years, additional time off with pay, and an increase in deferred compensation.

“We are very pleased to reach this agreement with the PMA,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “Public safety will always be our most important responsibility and priority.”

The Police Management Association includes the lieutenants and captains, a total of 12 positions.

Per the City’s COIN Ordinance, an independent fiscal analysis was conducted on the MOU. The fiscal analyses and proposed MOU are posted on the City’s website at Labor Negotiations 2025.

A total of nine represented employee associations within Beverly Hills. In addition to the PMA, there are the Police Officers Association, the Firefighters Association, and six non-sworn employee associations:

Confidential, Management and Professional, MEA (Technical Services), Part-Time, Safety Support, and Supervisors.

The city of Beverly Hills states on its website that in accordance with state law, the city of Beverly Hills participates in labor negotiations (also known as collective bargaining) with its employee associations or bargaining units.

The result of the negotiation processes are written agreements or contracts reached between the City and the City employee associations.

These agreements are commonly referred to as Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). There are nine represented employee associations within the city, which are all in the midst of multi-year MOUs, which can be accessed at the links below. Additionally, the terms and benefits of employment for executive and senior management employees in the City are governed by an executive compensation plan.

To see all MOUs, visit www.beverlyhills.org/mou.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, August 3, the city of Beverly Hills posted a Community Alert about coyote activity on their Facebook page.

There has been coyote activity in the region and the public is being warned to ensure the safety of their pets and family.

Some important guidelines include:

-Leash your pets when outside. Coyotes may target small animals if left unattended.

-Do not leave pet food outside. It can attract coyotes and other wildlife into your yard.

-If anyone encounters a coyote, remain calm. Do not run. Stand tall, make noise, and slowly back away.

-If you encounter a coyote, remain calm, do not run; pick up small children and pets.

The city of Beverly Hills notes on its website that coyotes are a natural part of the urban ecosystem. They are not limited to hillsides or “wild’ areas.

It is normal to see coyotes in ones’ neighborhood.

The community is asked to alert their neighbors about coyote activity to help keep the community safe. For more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/coyotes.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department is spreading the word about National Night Out, which will be held on Tuesday, August 5. The event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the 400 block of North Rexford Drive. Parking will be free after 5 p.m. at the Rexford/Civic Center Parking Structure (450 N. Rexford Dr.)

The BHPD in partnership with the Beverly Hills Fire Department and other Ccty departments, invites the community to a citywide celebration of public safety and community partnerships.

The 400 Block of N. Rexford Dr. will be closed from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. A soft closure will begin as early as 12 p.m., in which traffic within the event area will be impacted.

The evening will transform the 400 Block of N. Rexford Drive, in front of the Beverly Hills Public Library and Fire Department, into a vibrant block party. Community members of all ages are welcome to attend the free event that features live music by DJ Keybo, food trucks, and a host of engaging activities.

Highlights include:

-SWAT Truck and BearCat
-Police Training/Scenario Simulator (Force Options Simulator)
-Face Painting & Balloon Art
-Kids Playhouse & Slides
-Meet & Greet with BHPD K-9s and Support K-9 Nami
-Interactive Demos, Games, and the RTWC Drone Display
-Meet Your 911 Dispatchers

“This event brings our department and community together in a truly meaningful way,” said Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “National Night Out is a celebration of the relationships we’ve built with the greater community, and a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to public safety and partnership.”

Participating agencies include the Beverly Hills Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, CERT, JUST IN CASE BH, the Beverly Hills CPR program, the Drug Awareness Foundation, and more.

For more details about BHPD’s National Night Out, visit www.beverlyhills.org/nno.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on Wednesday, July 23 that three members of the Beverly Hills Police Department recently competed in the 2025 World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham, Alabama. The event ran from June 27 through July 6.

One detective earned silver medals in Advanced No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Greco-Roman wrestling, and Freestyle wrestling, competing against top athletes from Brazil, India, Pakistan, and the United States.

A second detective and a BHPD Patrol Motor Officer participated in the Police Action Pistol event, held at the Civilian Marksmanship Park in Talladega. They competed against 140 highly skilled shooters, including national and world champions, both officers earned impressive performances, with one officer placing second in the ladies category, with the other performing strongly in their competitive debut.

“We are proud of the way our officers represented the department and the law enforcement profession on a global stage. Their hard work and dedication reflect the values we uphold every day,” said Police Chief Mark Stainbrook.

The World Police & Fire Games brings thousands of first responders from around the world to compete in a wide range of athletic and tactical events.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on July 11 that as part of Southern California Edison’s (SCE) ongoing wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts, routine inspections will be conducted in Beverly Hills neighborhoods over the next few weeks.

The inspections may involve drones and helicopters to examine electrical equipment on poles and towers — especially from difficult or top-down angles for a full 360-degree view.

The goal: To identify any potential hazards that may need immediate repair to help keep our community safe.

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as SCE works to reduce wildfire risk and improve service reliability,” said the city of Beverly Hills in a statement.

By Danny Jones

BEL AIR/BENEDICT CANYON—The Los Angeles Fire Department received an alert about a brush fire in Beverly Crest at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9.

The fire was reported at 1600 N. San Ysidro Dr. LAFD ground and air response with automatic aid from the neighboring Beverly Hills Fire Department to a slow moving one-quarter (0.25) acre wildfire involving light grass in steep terrain in a hillside residential neighborhood. There was no imminent threat to homes in the area and no evacuation. This incident is known as the “Spur Fire”

Officials worked stopping forward progress of the fire via a well-coordinated direct attack on flames that consumed less than one (1) acre of light-to-medium grass and brush in steep terrain between homes on San Ysidro Drive and Ferrari Drive. No structure damage was reported.

By 3 p.m. the brush fire was reported contained by the LAFD. An LAFD UAS (drone) unit will provide aerial reconnaissance and command support with thermal imagery, as ground crews continue to mop up hot spots this afternoon.

San Ysidro Road will remain closed to through traffic in both directions between Summitridge Drive and Tower Road until LAFD operations are complete.

Though landscapers were reportedly working in the neighborhood when the fire erupted, the fire’s cause remains categorized as “under investigation,” with the specific cause and origin of the fire yet to be determined.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, June 28, the city of Beverly Hills announced a reminder on its Facebook page about commission vacancies. Applications are being accepted as the city searches for individuals who have lived in Beverly Hills (for at least two years); have leadership experience or specialized knowledge; and are ready to serve and collaborate.

There is currently two vacancies for the Arts and Culture Commission, as well as two vacancies in the Cultural Heritage Commission. One vacancy is slated to start on January 1, 2026, while the second vacancy will begin July 1, 2026.

There are two vacancies in the Recreation and Parks Commission, with the first vacancy starting upon appointment, with the second vacancy slated to begin on July 1, 2026. The deadline to apply for these commissions is Friday, July 11 at 5 p.m.

There is one vacancy each for the Community Charitable Foundation and Architectural and Design Review Commission. The term will begin upon appointment. The deadline to apply for these vacancies is on Friday, July 25 at 5 p.m.

Individuals who join the commissions will have an opportunity to: Influence key decisions; Represent your community; Make a lasting impact on the city of Beverly Hills.

Visit: www.beverlyhills.org/applyforacommission to learn more and apply.

For more details on the Commission positions call the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 285-2400 and/or to obtain the application form by mail or e-mail.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is alerting the public that the Beverly Hills Fire Department is celebrating 100 years.

The city is throwing a celebration on Tuesday, July 1 to honor the Fire Department. The event will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the BH Fire Department located at 445 N. Rexford Drive.

There will be cake and light refreshments. There will be free parking, and the event is open to all.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department will be celebrating National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

National Night Out was introduced in August 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.

The event will take place from 5 p.m. thru 8 p.m. on the Block of N. Rexford Drive.

Individuals will get to meet the BHPD, connect with your community, and enjoy an evening of fun which includes:

-Music from DJ Keybo
-Kids Playhouse and slides
-Food trucks
-BHPD Swat Team
-BHPD K9
-Live Motor Demo
-Beverly Hills Fire Department and firefighters
-911 Dispatchers

The event is free to the public and there will be free parking. For more details visit: www.beverlyhills.org/nno.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is alerting the public about Rent Registry with a workshop on Monday, June 23.

The workshop will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in person at the City Hall Municipal Gallery located at 455 N. Rexford Drive.

Landlords and managers in Beverly Hills can learn everything they need to know about rent control, registration, and more. The team will guide you through the process and answer all questions.

By attending one can:
-Understand the rent registry requirements
-Get your questions answered by City staff
-Ensure compliance and avoid penalties

Individuals can RSVP now. For more details, call the askBH customer service line at 310-285-1000 or visit www.beverlyhills.org/rentstabilization.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, June 11, the city of Beverly Hills announced details pertaining to its Preapproved ADU Program.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be used as a way to provide additional income and housing on single and multi-family properties where housing units already exist.

Beverly Hills’ Preapproved ADU Program offers plans for a selection of detached ADUs that are approximately 70 percent complete. Prechecked plans already meet the City’s Building and Safety requirements and are ready for site-specific details.

Property owners can save time by choosing from the city’s preapproved ADUs plans instead of commissioning custom designs. Owners simply contract with the designer, apply for a building permit, and add their property details to move forward with construction.

The Designer-Owned Preapproved ADU Program streamlines the detached ADU construction process by providing property owners with ready-to-use, high-quality, code-compliant plans.

Created in response to state ADU laws and the City’s efforts to encourage ADU production, this program accelerates approvals process, reduce permit costs, and allows property owners to build ADUs faster, with the confidence that designs meet City standards.

The Incentive ADU program allows an additional ADU beyond the allowances under state law on single-family residential properties with a lot area of 13,000 square feet or more. To qualify, one ADU on the property must be deed-restricted for rental use, with a minimum lease term of one year.

ADUs featured:

1: Gable ADU @Slagdesign
2: Lauri Morrison ADU @laurimorrisonstudio
3: InChoate ADU @Inchoatearchitecture
4: Nonzero Architecture ADU @Nonzeroarchitecture
5: The Skinny ADU by ERW Design www.erwdesign.com

To view available plans and permit requirements, visit www.beverlyhills.org/preapprovedadu.

To learn more ways to build an ADU on one’s property in Beverly Hills call 310-285-1000 and ask to speak with a planner or to make an appointment at the virtual public counter.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is alerting the public that the 30th Annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is taking place on Sunday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme for this year will be “Luxury in Motion.”

Rodeo Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic between Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard as a result of the event.

Road Closures include:

• When: Saturday, June 14, 9 p.m. – Sunday, June 15, 11 p.m.
• Where: Rodeo Drive between Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard

Highlights for the event include:

• Free admission to view a lineup of hypercars, vintage classics, and exotic vehicles.
• Experience the North American debut of Lamborghini’s latest models.
• Enjoy luxury shopping and dining along one the iconic street in Beverly Hills.

Presented by O’Gara Coach Beverly Hills, the 2025 Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance will showcase an impressive lineup of world–class vintage, racing and bespoke vehicles. O’Gara’s display, which will cover a whole city block, will be packed with the rarest supercars and hypercars, from McLaren, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Pagani, Bentley, and others, alongside the North American public debut of Lamborghini’s latest models, the Temerario and PHEV Urus SE. The display will also feature bespoke merchandise from these brands.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Beverly Hills Police Foundation and Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association, non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting first responders and their families. Funds will also be raised to begin the restoration of a retired 1975 Cadillac ambulance from the Beverly Hills Fire Department.

For more details on the event visit www.beverlyhills.org/concoursbh.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced the 2025 Annual Day in the Park Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sunday, June 8. The event is hosted by JUST IN CASE BH.

It will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 471 S. Roxbury Drive at Roxbury Memorial Park. There will be food, games, music, and plenty more. The entire family is invited. There will be free 10-minute mini-classes on:

-CPR Basics
-Fire Extinguisher Education (P.A.S.S.)
-First Aid Essentials
-Emergency Kit Assembly
-Children’s Car Seat Checkpoint

There will be hands-on learning, expert guidance, and community fun. For more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/justincasebh.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is celebrating the upcoming 2025 Annual Day in the Park Emergency Preparedness Fair hosted by Just in Case BH. The event will be held on Sunday, June 8.

It will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Roxbury Memorial Park. There will be food, games, music, and other fun. The entire family is invited to attend and enjoy free 10-minute mini-classes on:

-CPR Basics
-Fire Extinguisher Training (P.A.S.S.)
-First Aid Essentials
-Emergency Kit Assembly
-Children’s Car Seat Checkpoint

There will be hands-on learning, expert guidance, for the community.

Just in Case BH helps to facilitate a neighborhood of trained CERTs (Community Emergency Response Team) and facilitates access to local doctors, basic medical supplies, and central meeting locations. The program will supply block captains with a way to communicate during power and internet outages.

The CERT program educates volunteers about emergency and disaster preparedness for different hazards that may occur and impact their area and trains them in basic emergency and disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster psychology, medical operations, and terrorism.

For more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/justincasebh.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on Friday, May 16 that City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey is retiring after 35 years. She will retire in June 2026.

“As the first female City Manager in the history of Beverly Hills, Nancy leaves a legacy of respected leadership, superior institutional knowledge and humility,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “On behalf of the City Council and our entire community, we thank Nancy for her tireless dedication to making Beverly Hills a better place and wish her and her family the very best in the years ahead.”

Hunt-Coffey was hired after her stint with the city of Glendale in 2008 as Assistant Director of Community Services. She became the Director in 2016 leading Beverly Hills’ Recreation and Parks, Library, Human Services and Administrative Support divisions.

In 2019, she was appointed Assistant City Manager before being named City Manager in 2023.

“Watching Nancy ascend to the highest levels of leadership within our organization has been a pleasure to witness,” added Mayor Nazarian.

“I would like to thank the Mayor, City Council, our devoted City staff and this incredible community for allowing me the privilege to serve for all these years,” said Hunt-Coffey. “It’s been an honor to represent you, and I will always cherish my time in Beverly Hills.”

The Beverly Hills City Council is expected to discuss selecting a new City Manager at an upcoming meeting.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is currently hiring and looking for passionate individuals to join the team.

Positions are available in Community Development, the Beverly Hills Fire Department, Beverly Hills Police Department, Community Services Department, Information Technology Department, Public Works and more.

Full Time Positions Available:

-Fire Inspector
-Human Resources Associate
-Jail Supervisor
-Librarian III
-Police Officer (Laterals)
-Police Officer (Trainee)
-Supervising Graphic Designer
-Principal Plan Review Engineer
-Systems Integrator (Fire Department)

Part Time Positions Available:

-Administrative Intern – Undergraduate/Graduate with the Community Development Department
-Parking Attendant
-Police Cadet
-Preschool Teacher (Regular Part-time)

To explore career opportunities and shape the future of Beverly Hills, visit www.beverlyhills.org/jobs or www.Govermentjobs.com/careers/beverlyhills. Anyone needing assistance with their application can call the NeoGov/Government job customer service hotline at (855) 524-5627.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, May 17, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page the winners of the Beverly Hills Art Show, that featured over 230 artists. BH City Councilmembers and Arts and Culture Commissioners were on hand to celebrate. Some of the big highlights included:

-Best of Show: Christian Benoit
-Best Display of Art: Michael Hirsh
-Best New Artist: Susan Spector
-Gil Borgos Originality Award: Aziz Diagne

1st Place Ceramics: Jerry & Tanner Sawitz
1st Place Drawing & Printmaking: Rod Alexander
1st Place Glass: Gustavo Santana
1st Place Jewelry: Birgit Kupke Peyla
1st Place Mixed Media, 2D: Marie Lavallee
1st Place Mixed Media, 3D:Richard Lee
1st Place Painting: Reyhan Gulses Demircioglu
1st Place Photography & Digital Art: Youngbok Park
1st Place Sculpture: Floscel Aubert
1st Place Watercolor: Taman Vanscoy

The Spring 2025 Beverly Hills Art Show wrapped on Sunday, May 18.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, May 18, the city of Beverly Hills will celebrate Public Works Day. The event will happen at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will include activities like:

-Big trucks for kids to explore
-Fun games for all ages
-Free bike repairs and used bicycle collection for Walk ‘n Rollers
-Pick up your Kitchen Organic bins

The city will be collecting old bikes or parts that will help less fortunate members of the community to have access to transportation.

Non-profit Walk ‘n Rollers will be on-site collecting bicycles to be fixed up and distributed to children and adults without the resources to purchase bikes on their own. Walk ‘n Rollers will also offer free safety inspections and minor bicycle repairs for residents that ride to the event.

For more information on the event visit: Public Works Day | Beverly Hills, CA or call the askBH Hotline at 310-285-1000.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, May 14, the city of Beverly Hills will conduct a citywide test of its Outdoor Warning System (OWS) as part of the Beverly Hills City Council’s goal of enhancing public safety during an emergency.

During the test, all 12 sirens will be activated starting at approximately 1 p.m. for about three minutes. The sirens have been placed to ensure the broadcast is heard in all parts of the city’s residential and business districts. No action is required from the community during the testing.

“The terrible wildfires just a few months ago reminded us that immediate information is essential in any kind of disaster,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “The OWS system is another valuable notification tool. During an emergency, you will also receive information from the City by phone, text, email, social media, beverlyhills.org, and radio broadcasts.”

In a real emergency, a siren to warn of approaching danger would sound followed by instructions in multiple languages. Information includes if the community should evacuate, shelter in place or take other safety measures.

Beverly Hills will be testing the sirens periodically to ensure they are operating effectively and that residents are familiar with the program. All announcements will be broadcasted in English, Farsi and Spanish.

To view a map of the siren locations and to learn more about the OWS, visit www.beverlyhills.org/outdoorwarning.

For any questions regarding this program, residents may call Emergency Management at (310) 285-1000.

During an Emergency

The Outdoor Warning System will utilize two (2) different alert types. Alert types are as follows:
-Evacuation orders
-Shelter-in-place orders

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On May 10, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that it is hosting a Memorial Day Remembrance Gathering on Friday, May 23.

It will be held from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Roxbury Park (Northwest Corner) located at 471 S. Roxbury Drive.

The city will be honoring the courageous men and women who sacrificed their lives for the county. The intimate gathering is open to the public.

Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of the month of May. It was instituted into a federal holiday by Congress in 1971. Prior to being named Memorial Day it was called Declaration Day.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On April 30, the Beverly Hills Police Department posted on their Facebook page about a new crime trend alert known as ‘Distraction Theft.’

The BHPD is alerting the public to a pattern of distraction thefts targeting older adults in Beverly Hills.

Scammers offer “blessings” or spiritual protection while placing fake jewelry or religious items on an elderly victim and then swapping out the victim’s real jewelry without them noticing. A getaway car and an accomplice are close-by.

Red Flags:
-Unsolicited spiritual or religious offers
-Strangers attempting to place items on you
-Overly friendly behavior from unfamiliar individuals

How to Stay Safe:
-Politely decline physical contact
-Walk away from unsolicited encounters
-Report suspicious behavior to BHPD
-Non-Emergency: 310-550-4951
-Emergency: Call 9-1-1

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is celebrating Bike Month in May with a host of festivities for the public.

As part of Public Works Day on Sunday, May 18 at the Farmers’ Market, the city will host a Used Bicycle Collection for residents to donate old bikes and parts to the non-profit organization, Walk ‘n Rollers, who will fix them up and distribute the refurbished bicycles to children and adults without the resources to purchase bikes on their own.

For 2025, Walk ‘n Rollers is focusing on getting bicycles to families who lost their homes in the January wildfires. Individuals are asked to consider donating to help less fortunate members of the community have access to transportation. Additionally, Walk ‘n Rollers will provide Free Bicycle Repair to anyone who rides their bicycles to the event.

The full calendar of Bike Month events includes:

-May 1: 5-mile Bike Ride Challenge begins / Log your ride miles all month for a chance to win prizes

-May 7: National Bike and Roll to School Day

-May 15: National Bike to Work Day Pit Stop 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Beverly Gardens Park

-May 18: Free Bike Repairs and Used Bicycle Collection at Public Works Day 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market

-MAY 31: 5-mile Bike Ride Challenge ends

For those with questions contact askBH Hotline at (310) 285-1000 or visit www.beverlyhills.org/bikes for details.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, May 5, the city of Beverly Hills will be celebrating Building Safety Month.

The city’s Building and Safety Division was awarded First Place for “Building Department of the Year Award” by CALBO (California Building Officials) for the whole state of California.

As part of this year’s “Game On!” theme, Beverly Hills will be kicking things off by covering the basics of building safety and celebrating the importance of Building Safety Month.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the City Hall Permit Center (in the lobby of the first floor of the Beverly Hills City Hall).

For more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/permitcenter.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is hosting its 22nd Annual Earth Day Celebration on Sunday, April 27.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will allow attendees to pick up local produce while celebrating Earth Day at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market.

The event will offer:

-Mini Repair Cafe – Don’t toss it, fix it!

-Shredding Services – Securely dispose of your sensitive documents.

-E-Waste Disposal – Safely recycle your old electronics.

-Face Painting – Fun for the little ones!

-Crafts – Get creative while going green.

-Sustainable Booths – Discover eco-friendly products and tips.

For more information, visit www.beverlyhills.org/earthday.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department noted that applications for the 2025 BHPD Citizen Police Academy (CPA) open Friday, April 18 at 4 p.m. via www.beverlyhills.org/cpa.

The program is celebrating 10 years, and provides hands-on police academy-style experience. From tactical scenarios to live demos, it gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at modern policing.

Class Schedule:

• Mon, June 2 – Fri, June 6 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sat, June 7 | Morning & Afternoon Sessions (Optional Range Day)
• Graduation – Date TBA

Applications will close on Friday, May 2 at 4 p.m., giving residents two weeks to apply. The program is open to residents of the city of Beverly Hills only. Proof of residency is required. The program does include physical activity and hands-on scenarios.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, April 14, the city of Beverly Hills launched WaterSmart, an innovative and user-friendly portal aimed to help residents manage their water use and utility billing efficiently.

Individuals using the system should have their utility bill ready when using WaterSmart, as the account number and customer number is needed to register.

Visit www.beverlyhills.org/WaterSmart to access the WaterSmart portal and take advantage of helpful features below like:

-Gain easy bill access: view and pay your bill online anytime. (Water, stormwater, refuse, and sewer)

-Monitor usage in near real-time: track your daily water consumption with up-to-date usage.

-Receive alerts: Set up personalized notifications to help manage usage and avoid unexpected charges.

-Efficiency tips: receive tailored, step-by-step actions to enhance your water-saving efforts and identify opportunities for greater efficiency.

-Signing up for the new portal is essential to avoid missed payments and any potential late fees.

For details on how to sign-up, visit www.beverlyhills.org/WaterSmartTips or call the askBH Hotline at 310-285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Art Show will be returning to the region on May 17 and May 18. The city is inviting the public to join for a weekend filled with artwork from 235 artists around the world.

The event is free and offers something to everyone. There will be a wine and beer garden with live music, demonstrating artists, children’s activities and gourmet food.

The BH Art Show will be hosted at the Beverly Gardens Park and will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is celebrating Library Week from Sunday, April 6 thru Saturday, April 12.

The city notes that, libraries provide hubs for learning, creativity, and connection to others in the community.

The Beverly Hills Public Library is visited by an average of more than 51,000 people per month and has a collection of 200,000 volumes.

The Beverly Hills Public Library is located at 444 N. Rexford Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Its hours of operation are Mondays-Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.bhpl.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, April 1, the Beverly Hills Police Department informed Canyon News via email that the Traffic Bureau will be conducting a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, April 11, in the area of North Santa Monica Boulvard and Crescent Drive.

The checkpoint will be operational from approximately 8 p.m. and conclude at approximately 2 a.m. All traffic will pass through the checkpoint. Motorists will be stopped and contacted by uniformed officers, who will be checking for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will check to make sure all contacted drivers have a valid driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The goal of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

The BHPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. Funding for impaired driving enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page on Friday, March 28 that they are halfway through the Metro road closures.

The Metro’s Purple (D Line) construction started March 17 and will end April 7, for the deck removal for Metro’s Wilshire/Rodeo Station.

Wilshire Boulevard between El Camino Drive and Crescent Drive is CLOSED to all traffic. The Purple (D Line) Extension rail project will provide alternative transporation from downtown Los Angeles to Westwood, including two stops in Beverly Hills: Wilshire/La Cienega Station and Wilshire/Rodeo Station. Travel time between downtown Los Angeles and Westwood is expected to be about 25 minutes.

The project is being built in three sections, two of which are within Beverly Hills. The first section stretches from Wilshire/Western in Los Angeles to the Wilshire/La Cienega Station. This section is under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2025.

The second section will extend the subway from Wilshire/La Cienega to Century City, including the Wilshire/Rodeo Station, and is also under construction and scheduled for completion in 2026.

To learn more about the Metro D (Purple) Line Project and traffic detours, visit www.beverlyhills.org/purpleline or call the 24/7 Metro Hotline at (213) 922-6934.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department reported on its Facebook page on March 25 that it is celebrating the 1st Annual “Adopt-a-Dispatcher” campaign in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 13–April 19).

“Our dispatchers are the calm voices in crisis—handling both police and fire calls 24/7 with professionalism, urgency, and care. They are the unseen first responders who answer emergency calls, dispatch resources, and guide callers through critical moments,” the BHPD said in a statement.

Community, businesses, families and schools are allowed to “adopt” a dispatcher and show appreciation, which can be done with handwritten notes, cards, snacks, treats, or children’s artwork. Gift cards and monetary gifts cannot be accepted.

Participants will be automatically matched with a dispatcher. Each dispatcher filled out a “Get to Know Your Dispatcher” sheet to help guide individuals in their gesture.

To “adopt” a dispatcher or do something special for the team as a whole contact Patricia Tachias, Communications and Interim Records Manager, at ptachias@beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On March 21, the Beverly Hills Police Department informed Canyon News via email that Police Motor Officer Guzman took top honors at the 2nd Annual Bakersfield Police Motors Competition. The event was held from March 14 through March 15.

Officer Guzman competed against 40 skilled motor officers from across California. He demonstrated exceptional skill and precision, earning:

– 1st Place in the BMW Expert Division
– 2nd Place in the Slow Ride Challenge

The competition tested riders in a series of rigorous courses designed to evaluate their technical proficiency, control, and maneuverability in high-pressure environments. Motor Officer Guzman’s victories underscore the Police Department’s commitment to excellence in training and motor safety.

“Motor Officer Guzman’s performance exemplifies the skill, discipline, and dedication of our Motor Unit,” said Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “These competitions sharpen the abilities that keep our roads safer every day. We are incredibly proud of his achievement.”

“We commend Motor Officer Guzman for representing BHPD with professionalism and skill at this prestigious event,” said Lt. Kevin Orth, Public Information Officer for the BHPD in a statement.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On March 19, the Beverly Hills Police Department posted details on their Facebook page about its Explorer Program. The BHPD Police Explorer program is a free program for youth between the ages of 14-18 years old.

Program benefits include:

-Earn community service credit.
-Go on ride-alongs with police officers.
-Work at special events, like the Golden Globes!
-Compete in regional Explorer competitions.
-Obtain incredible insight into a career in law enforcement.

Established in 2004, the BHPD Explorer Program gives teens the opportunity to assist the Police Department with non-hazardous tasks and provides an opportunity for youth to develop tools to succeed in life, regardless of their ultimate career goal.

To become an Explorer, young men and women between the ages of 14 and 18 must meet the following requirements:

-Have at least a “C” (2.0) grade point average on the last two report cards;

-No physical handicaps that could cause injury to himself/herself or jeopardize other program participants;

-Must not have had any serious contacts with the police: no arrests and no convictions.

Each applicant must pass an oral interview, background investigation, and medical examination and successfully complete the Explorer Academy in order to obtain permanent Explorer status. After completion of the Academy, Explorers attend weekly meetings and participate in assigned details.

Teenagers do not need to be from the city of Beverly Hills to apply to the program. For more info and to apply: www.beverlyhills.org/explorers.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On March 18, the city of Beverly Hills announced that as of Tuesday it is implementing a comprehensive new ordinance aimed at reducing single-use plastics and expanded polystyrene (foam products). The initiative seeks to address environmental and health concerns associated with these materials.

The ordinance will decrease plastic waste by requiring food facilities that provide disposable foodware items, such as cutlery, takeout containers, and straws, to use compostable or recyclable products.

Changes include:
•. Restaurants and retailers must ditch single-use plastics like straws, utensils, and containers, unless they’re compostable or recyclable.
•. Expanded polystyrene is officially banned
•. Third-party food delivery platforms must offer options to customize single-use items with your order.

Things Allowed:
•. Only compostable & recyclable materials (paper, glass, aluminum, and certified compostable items) will be used.

Things Not Allowed:
•. No petroleum-based plastics or bioplastics (like PLA), and no wax-coated or plastic-lined materials.

For more details about ordinance requirements, current exemptions, and the waiver application for undue hardship, visit beverlyhills.org/plasticandfoam or call our askBH Hotline at (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On March 13, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that the city has launched its Preapproved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program, offering plans for a selection of detached ADUs that are 70 percent complete. The prechecked plans already meet the City’s Building and Safety requirements and are ready for site-specific details.

“Preapproved plans streamline the process for homeowners to add an ADU to their property,” said Michael Forbes, Director of Community Development. “Instead of starting from scratch, property owners can select one of several ADU designs that have already completed much of the review process.”

Property owners must contract with the designer to use the plans and add site-specific information such as setbacks, utilities, and foundation details in order to secure a building permit.

Additional options will be available as the city continues to review and accept ADU plans submitted by qualified professionals.

“Preapproved plans” are architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing designs that comply with the City’s design and safety requirements, and are approximately 70 percent complete for permitting. The Designer-Owned Preapproved ADU Program streamlines the detached ADU construction process by providing property owners with ready-to-use, high-quality, code-compliant plans. Created in response to state ADU laws and Beverly Hills’ efforts to encourage ADU production, this program accelerates approvals process, reduce permit costs, and allows property owners to build ADUs faster, with the confidence that designs meet City standards.

PROPERTY OWNERS

Property owners save time and reduce costs by choosing from the city’s preapproved plans instead of commissioning custom designs. Owners simply contract with the designer, apply for a building permit, and add specific property details to move forward with construction.

For more information, see the Preapproved ADU – Property Owner Guide and Submittal Checklist.

DESIGNERS

The Preapproved ADU Program offers a unique opportunity for the design community to showcase their expertise and enhance the exceptional qualities of Beverly Hills’ housing stock. Participating designers gain exposure through the city of Beverly Hills website, faster project initiation for their clients, and retain full ownership of their designs.

AVAILABLE PREAPPROVED PLANS

The city has preapproved the ADU plans listed on the city’s website, which can be purchased directly from the designers. Some plans may not be suitable for all sites or conditions. For assistance with zoning or determining site eligibility call 310-285-1000 and ask to speak with a planner

To view available plans and permit requirements, visit www.beverlyhills.org/preapprovedadu.

The city reviewed the preapproved ADU plans provided here for code compliance. Preapproval does not constitute an endorsement or show preference for any designer, contractor, or professional associated with these plans. Property owners are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence before proceeding with a project.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on Monday, March 17 that the Metro’s Purple (D Line) construction which started Monday will run through April 7, for the deck removal for Metro’s Wilshire/Rodeo Station.

Wilshire Boulevard between El Camino Drive and Crescent Drive will be CLOSED to all traffic during this time.

The Purple (D Line) Extension rail project will provide a transportation alternative from downtown Los Angeles to Westwood, including two stops in Beverly Hills: Wilshire/La Cienega Station and Wilshire/Rodeo Station. Travel time between downtown Los Angeles and Westwood is expected to be about 25 minutes.

The project is being built in three sections, two of which are within Beverly Hills. The first section stretches from Wilshire/Western in Los Angeles to the Wilshire/La Cienega Station. This section is under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2025.

The second section will extend the subway from Wilshire/La Cienega to Century City, including the Wilshire/Rodeo Station, and is also under construction and scheduled for completion in 2026.

To learn more about the Metro D (Purple) Line Project and traffic detours, visit beverlyhills.org/purpleline or call the 24/7 Metro Hotline at (213) 922-6934.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is reminding the public that runners in the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon Presented by ASICS will be making their way through West Hollywood on Sunday, March 16 as part of a 26.2-mile Stadium to the Stars course.

Celebrating its 40th running, the Los Angeles Marathon course will begin at Dodger Stadium and it will conclude at Century Park in Century City. The portion of the route that runs through West Hollywood remains unchanged.

The Los Angeles Marathon route for 2025 will guide runners westbound into the region along Sunset Boulevard at Marmont Lane, just west of N. Crescent Heights Boulevard.

From the Sunset Strip, runners will turn left (south) onto N. San Vicente Boulevard; then right (west) onto Santa Monica Boulevard; then left (south) onto N. Doheny Drive, where they will enter Beverly Hills. The Marathon will run through West Hollywood between miles 14 and 15 of the course.

To ensure the safety of the large numbers of Los Angeles Marathon runners, there will be several street closures in West Hollywood on Sunday, March 16, from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.; crews will work to reopen roads to vehicle traffic as quickly as possible as the Marathon moves through West Hollywood:

-Sunset Boulevard between Marmont Lane and Clark Street/N. San Vicente Boulevard (the route enters West Hollywood from Los Angeles west along Sunset Boulevard from Marmont Lane, just west of N. Crescent Heights Boulevard);

-N. San Vicente Boulevard between Sunset Boulevard and Melrose Avenue;

-Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega Boulevard and N. Doheny Drive;

-N. Doheny Drive between Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard (the route exits the City of West Hollywood to the City of Beverly Hills south along N. Doheny Drive).

Parking will be strictly prohibited along the Los Angeles Marathon route. “No Parking” signs will be posted prior to the event. Vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Los Angeles Marathon spectators and community members who are searching for alternative parking solutions in West Hollywood during the Los Angeles Marathon are asked to visit West Hollywood’s website, where a directory of parking structures and municipal lots with hours of operation and rates is available online. Members of the public are encouraged to carpool and to use public transportation, taxis, or ridesharing options.

For additional details regarding the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon Presented by ASICS, including details about road closures and alternate access routes, community members may email, call (213) 542-3000, or visit the Los Angeles Marathon website. Members of the media interested in seeking media credentials for the event should apply directly with the McCourt Foundation.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On March 25, the city of Beverly Hills will be hosting the Coffee with Code event. It will take place at Philz Coffee from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 233 S. Beverly Dr. in Beverly Hills.

Individuals can learn about the benefits of code enforcement, understand the program goals, and participate in a Q&A session with our experts. Whether curious about how code enforcement impacts the community, or to ask specific questions, this is the opportunity to get informed.

The Community Preservation Program is established to ensure compliance with the city’s various property maintenance, land use, building, and health and safety regulations. The majority of cases investigated originate as a complaint filed by a neighbor or passerby.

Alleged code violations are treated equally and investigated by staff as reported. Once confirmed, appropriate steps are taken to resolve the violations in a timely manner, our approach is helping people comply.

Use the Code Enforcement Complaint Form to submit a complaint about a potential Municipal or Zoning Code violation.

For more information on community preservation and code enforcement, visit www.beverlyhills.org/cp.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills disclosed that it will be holding a Mixed-Use Overlay Zone Community Meeting on Tuesday, March 25. It will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Gallery at City Hall 455 N. Rexford Drive.

The city is hosting a public meeting to discuss the potential changes to the Mixed-Use Overlay Zone regulations—an initiative that will shape the future of housing, business, and community spaces in the region.

This is the public’s chance to:

-Learn about mixed-use zoning & understand its potential impacts
-Engage in discussions to help shape policies that support both local businesses and housing needs
-Hold decision-makers accountable and participate in a transparent planning process
-Strengthen community engagement

For more details on attending virtually by Zoom, visit www.beverlyhills.org/mixeduse. For questions on Mixed Use Overlay Zone regulations in Beverly Hills, contact longrangeplanning@beverlyhills.org or call our askBH Hotline at (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department announced on its Facebook page that it is offering a FREE online prep course to help individuals applying for the police department to do well in the interview process.

Individuals can learn insider tips, avoid common mistakes, and get a head start in law enforcement. Open to all—register today.

The next session will transpire on March 29 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Register now: www.beverlyhills.org/BHPDPrepCourse.

Additional training days include Saturday, May 10 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, July 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone with questions can contact (310) 285-2136 or email agreenwood@beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced that on Tuesday, April 1, it will hold its Installation Ceremony for Mayor Sharona R. Nazarian and Vice Mayors John A. Mirisch and Craig A. Corman for the public to attend.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts located at 9390 North Santa Monica Blvd. There will be complimentary parking at the 450 North Crescent Dr. parking structure and Rexford/Civic Center structure.

Doors open to the public at 6:30 p.m. and there will be a reception to follow the ceremony. Also in attendance at the ceremony will be City Councilmembers Lester Friedman and Mary N. Wells.

Citizens of Beverly Hills elect five City Councilmembers to serve four-year terms. From within their membership, the City Council then appoints a mayor and vice mayor, with both positions rotating each year. The mayor acts as the presiding officer at meetings and the Council’s ceremonial representative at public events.

The Beverly Hills City Council is responsible for establishing policies, adopting an annual budget, enacting local laws, and providing vision and goals to the city manager.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills has announced that the opportunity to apply for commission vacancies was extended to Friday, March 21.

Beverly Hills is inviting passionate citizens to serve on one of our Commissions and are accepting applications for:

• Architectural & Design Review Commission
• Cultural Heritage Commission
• Public Works Commission

Applications have been extended until Friday, March 21.

Anyone looking to shape the future of Beverly Hills, the city wants to hear from them. For more details on the Commission positions and obtain an application online, visit beverlyhills.org/applyforacommission or call the City Clerk’s Office at 310-285-2400.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On March 3, the city of Beverly Hills posted on update on its Facebook page regarding the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Pipeline Project Construction.

For Monday, March 3, the MWD will be making a final watermain connection at Wilshire Boulevard near El Rodeo Elementary School near the LA Country Club.

Expect lane impacts on Wilshire Boulevard & North Santa Monica Boulevard until March 25.

Wilshire Blvd:

Reduced to two through lanes with signalized left turns (both directions), March 3 from 7 a.m. thru March 12 at 7 a.m. (24/7)

North Santa Monica Blvd:

Eastbound reduced to one lane, westbound unaffected. February 26 at 7 a.m. to March 5 at 7 a.m. (intermittent). March 5 from 7 a.m. through March 12 at 6 a.m. (24/7). March 12 through March 25 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Whittier Drive remains open.

Water will not be shut down or impacted in any way. For more information or concerns contact the Construction Hotline at (424) 252-1338.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, February 26, the city of Beverly Hills announced that it is currently hiring and looking for passionate individuals to join our dedicated team.

Applicants who are experienced in public service or looking to launch their career, can have opportunities in the following departments: Community Development, Fire, Police, Community Services, Information Technology, and more. To explore career opportunities visit www.beverlyhills.org/jobs.

Individuals should use the Government Jobs tab to search through your municipality’s employment opportunities. Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of the latest career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Me® button.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, February 24, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) is making a final water main connection near LA Country Club.

Motorists should anticipate upcoming lane impacts on Wilshire Boulevard & North Santa Monica Boulevard starting February 26 until March 25.

Wilshire Blvd:

-Reduced to two thru lanes with signalized left turns (both directions) on March 4 from 7AM – 3/12 @ 7AM (24/7)

North Santa Monica Blvd:

Eastbound reduced to one lane, westbound unaffected

-February 26 from 7 a.m. to March 5 at 7 a.m. (intermittent)

-March 5 from 8 thru March 12 from 7 a.m. to 6 a.m. (24/7)

-March 12 thru Mach 25 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Whittier Drive remains open. Water will not be shut down or impacted in any way. For more details or concerns contact the Construction Hotline at (424) 252-1338.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, February 19, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that the 40th Annual Los Angeles Marathon “Stadium to the Stars,” presented by ASICS, will take place Sunday, March 16.

Athletes from all 50 states and more than 67 countries will race through the streets of Beverly Hills for miles 16 and 17 before ending at the Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

Proceeds from the 2025 race will go toward The McCourt Foundation, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of patients and families affected by health-challenges within the neurology community and beyond.

Major road closures and parking restrictions on Sunday will be in effect in the city from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include:

* Doheny Dr. closed from North Santa Monica Blvd. to Burton Way

* Burton Way closed from Doheny Dr. to South Santa Monica Blvd.

* South Santa Monica Blvd. closed from Rexford Dr. to Rodeo Dr.

* Rodeo Dr. closed from South Santa Monica Blvd. to Wilshire Blvd.

* Wilshire Blvd. closed from Rodeo Dr. to South Santa Monica Blvd.

* South Santa Monica Blvd. closed from Wilshire Blvd. to Moreno Dr.

There will be a detour in effect on the western border of Beverly Hills, at Wilshire Boulevard and North Santa Monica Blvd, as well as at Moreno Drive and South Santa Monica Boulevard until 5 p.m. Access to all local businesses will be maintained.

The Beverly Hills Police Department and message boards will direct vehicles around the marathon route. Wider regional closures for the route will be in effect from as early as 3 a.m. until 5 p.m.

For access to the 10 Freeway, drivers are advised to take Wilshire Boulevard heading east to Robertson Boulevard to access the 405 Freeway, drivers are advised to go west on Olympic Boulevard.

For more details visit lamarathon.com or beverlyhills.org/marathon. On the day of the marathon, from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., questions regarding Beverly Hills street closures can be directed to the city of Beverly Hills Hotline by dialing (310) 550-4680.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, February 11, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that from February 9 through February 15, celebrate Valentine’s Day all week long by dining at participating Beverly Hills hotels, restaurants and bars, where a portion of the proceeds will support Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.

The event allows participants to have world-class cuisine and give back to the community. To learn more about participating restaurants and reservations visit: www.LoveBeverlyHills.com.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On February 12 at approximately 8:05 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Watch for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, Los Angeles County beaches, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Malibu Bowl, the Malibu Coast, Malibu Lake, Santa Monica, The Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area, Woodland Hills, and the majority of our coverage area from the morning of Thursday, February 13 until late that night.

NWS warns that flash flooding is “very dangerous,” and the excessive rainfall has the potential to cause debris flows in and near burn scars in both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties with the greatest risk being in the Eaton, Palisades, Franklin, and Bridge areas.

This information along with a complete listing of affected areas may also be found on the City of Beverly Hills webpage.

The following warning is given multiple times on the NWS website.

“Impacts —Heavy rain over the burn scars could trigger life-threatening and damaging flooding and debris flows.” NWS advises to, “Plan now so you know what to do in an emergency.”

Flash flooding is predicted to move inland in Los Angeles County including downtown LA.
In addition, there is a High Wind Advisory for the San Francisco Bay shoreline.

New reports indicate there is a flood watch in effect for Orange County, inland, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys, The Inland Empire, and the San Francisco Bay Shoreline.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, February 10, the city of Beverly Hills announced that the Vanity Fair Academy Awards Party will be returning to Beverly Hills on March 2, so get ready for road closures ahead.

To ensure smooth traffic flow and safety for the event, certain roads will be closed starting Monday, February 17 at 10 p.m. to Friday, March 7, reopening by 10 p.m.

Road Closures Include:

-As crews begin work to assemble the tent on North Crescent Drive between North Santa Monica Boulevard and South Santa Monica Boulevard, the 400 block of the street will be closed beginning Monday, February 17 at 10 p.m. to Friday, March 7, reopening by 10 p.m.

-All businesses on North Crescent Drive are accessible during the closure. Motorists are urged to use alternates routes. Access remains open to local parking garages.

-Additionally, on event day beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2 to 2 a.m. Monday, March 3, the following roads surrounding the North Crescent closure will be impacted. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes during that time.

On the day of the event starting at 3 p.m. on March 2 to 2 a.m. on March 3, the following roads will be closed:

-North Cañon Drive between North and South Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed.

-Eastbound lanes on South Santa Monica Boulevard starting at Civic Center will be impacted, with lanes closed from Rexford Drive to North Cañon Drive.

-Detours will be in place routing traffic North and South on Rexford Drive.

-North Santa Monica Boulevard Eastbound Lane closures will be in place from Rodeo Drive to Rexford Drive.

Plan Ahead:

-Expect delays in the area.

-Use alternate routes to avoid congestion.

For more details and to view the closure map visit www.beverlyhills.org/vanityfair or call the City’s Special Event line at (310) 285-2408 Monday – Friday from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm and (310) 550-4680 on the day of the event on March 2, from 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is celebrating Kindness Week beginning Sunday, February 9 and running through Saturday, February 15, by spreading positivity to the community. Here’s how the public can get involved:

-Donation Drive: Drop off donations to support those in need at the Farmers’ Market February 9 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

-Library Kindness Stories: Visit the Beverly Hills Public Library @bhpl.org for special kindness-themed story times.

-Social Media Challenge Day: Show acts of kindness. Tag @CommunityLifeBH to participate.

-Self-Care Saturday: Take some time for yourself and practice self-care.
For more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/csevents.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, February 1, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that Beverly Hills is committed to keeping our community safe, and the public to be ready in case disaster strikes.

Individuals can view the video on Emergency Preparedness, where the city walks residents through important steps to protect themselves, their family, and property during any emergency situation.

Individuals are encouraged to:

-Make a Kit

-Make a Plan

-Stay informed

For more details, visit beverlyhills.org/emergency or call the Office of Emergency Management at (310) 285-1021.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, January 30, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) issued a reminder about California Assembly Bill 413, commonly known as the “Crosswalk Daylighting” law, which went into effect throughout the state on January 1, 2024. This law aims to enhance pedestrian safety by improving visibility at intersections.

This law prohibits parking:

Within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Within 15 feet of crosswalks with curb extensions (bulb-outs).

This new law was enacted to address California’s disproportionately high pedestrian fatality rates. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the state records the highest number of pedestrian deaths in the nation, approximately 25 percent above the national average.

Throughout 2024, only warnings were issued for violations to allow time for public education and awareness. However, as of January 1, 2025, citations are now being issued for non-compliance.

Residents are reminded to consider this new law when parking near intersections. Similar to restrictions near fire hydrants and other no-parking zones, the law does not require the presence of posted signs or painted red curbs to enforce compliance. To view the full text of AB 413, the public can visit the official California Legislative Information website.

To report violations in Beverly Hills call BHPD Parking Dispatch at 310-550-4875.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, January 29, BHPD Executive Officer and PIO, Lt. Orth informed Canyon News via email that several suspects have been arrested connected to a series of residential burglaries throughout the state.

On January 16, detectives arrested three suspects believed to be responsible for several recent residential burglaries in Beverly Hills and the surrounding region. The suspects were taken into custody after being served search warrants at their residences in Los Angeles.

The search warrants were served in a coordinated multi-agency operation involving Detectives from the Glendale Police Department, who took an additional suspect into custody.

During the service of the search warrants, BHPD Detectives seized stolen property connected to the burglaries, including stolen firearms, jewelry, watches, luxury handbags, designer clothing, and other luxury items belonging to the victims. Additionally, detectives seized evidence connecting the suspects to the crimes, including clothing, cell phones, and signal jammers.

Detectives linked this criminal ring to several residential burglaries across California, including Beverly Hills, Glendale, San Marino, Los Angeles, Burbank, Pleasanton, Bakersfield, Ventura County, Orange County, and San Mateo County. Detectives are actively following up on leads and other crimes the suspects may have been involved in.

Arrested/Charged:

1. Joaquin Vergara-Contreras, 29, charged with four counts of 459 PC – Residential Burglary.

2. Juan Antonio Silva Loaeza, 43, charged with two counts of 459 PC – Residential Burglary.

3. Elias Moncada Reyes, 30, arrested for 459 PC – Residential Burglary and an outstanding residential burglary warrant out of Pasadena.

4. Leidy Dayana Manrique, 30, currently in custody in Ventura County on related charges, was Charged with one count of 459 PC – Residential Burglary and two counts of 496 PC –Receiving Stolen Property.

5. Matias Jesus Soto-Barraza, 22, was taken into custody during the joint operation by the Glendale Police Department.

Anyone with details about any of the crimes is asked to call the BHPD at 310-550-4951. Anonymous reports can be made by texting TIP BHPDALERT to 888777 followed by the tip information or by visiting nixle.us/tip/bhpdalert. Individuals can also contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, January 28, the Beverly Hills Police Department informed Canyon News via email that it will be hosting the Coffee with a Cop event at Faregrounds on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

The event will be held at 459 N. Roxbury Drive from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. It will provide a unique opportunity for local media and the community to chat with officers in an informal setting.

There are no speeches, no agenda, just coffee and conversations.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is promoting on its Facebook page that the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market is open every Sunday.

The public can find fresh, local produce and help support farmers and small businesses in the community. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, juices, breads and specialty items are also available.

The Beverly Hills Farmers Market is open every Sunday (rain or shine) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located on the 9300 block of Civic Center Drive. There is free, two-hour parking is available in the Civic Center parking garage.

Local farms and farmers at the BH Farmer’s Market include:

• Apple Sherrill Orchards
• Aroma Orchids of Rowland Heights
• Avila & Sons Farms
• Bernard Ranches
• Burkart Organics Farm
• C Grows
• County Line Harvest
• Country Rhodes Family Farm
• Cuyama Orchards
• Dates by DaVall
• Dream Farms
• F & F Farms
• Forbidden Fruit Orchards
• Gutierrez Farm
• Harry’s Berries
• Honey Pacifica
• Jackson Produce
• G. Berries
• Kenter Canyon Farms
• Little Plant Farms
• Mayeda Cut Flowers
• Menos Organic Farms
• Murray Family Farms
• Rancho Mexico Lindo
• Stepladder Ranch &
• Creamery
• Suncoast Farms of CA
• SZ Ranch
• Tenerelli Orchards
• Venegas Creek Roses

For more details, visit www.beverlyhills.org/farmersmarket.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that it is preparing for its Part-Time Hiring Fair that will be held on Saturday, February 8. The event will transpire from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Roxbury Park Community Center. The Summer Positions that are available include:

-Recreation Leaders
-Recreation Aids

Recreation Leaders start at $19.38/hour, while Recreation Aids start at $17.04/hour. Metered parking is available around the park and in the parking lot in front of the Community Center. Individuals may apply before arriving OR you can APPLY on the day of the fair. The city encourages individuals to apply before for shorter wait times. Come prepared with work history if you are applying on-site.

To create an account and apply by clicking on the job posting. Please visit the Online Employment Application Guide for more information on how to create an account and apply:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/beverlyhills/helpandsupport/applicationguide

Applicants should bring their government issued ID or student ID and volunteer/work history. Anyone with additional questions should contact Zulma Gonzalez at (310) 285-1029 or email at zgonzalez@beverlyhills.org.

There will on the spot interviews and job offers. For more details, visit beverlyhills.org/parttimehiringfair.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will be holding an Affordable Housing Informational Outreach Meeting on Monday, February 10.

The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. till 7 p.m. at the Municipal Gallery at City Hall 455 N. Rexford Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

For more information on attending virtually by Zoom, visit beverlyhills.org/affordablehousing.

For further questions, please contact affordablehousing@beverlyhills.org or call our askBH Hotline at (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 16, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that during the evenings Special Meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council unanimously approved a temporary urgency ordinance that suspends short-term rental restrictions in Beverly Hills for a period of 90 days.

The decision comes as a result of thousands of displaced individuals and families that are in need of housing following the wildfires devastating parts of Los Angeles County.

Under current regulations, single-family properties may only be rented for a period of less than six months up to twice a year. Multi-family residential units are also prohibited from being used as short-term rentals for a period of less than 30 days.

The new urgency ordinance, which goes into effect immediately, allows short-term rentals for any length of time for both single-family homes and multi-family homes as long as the units are clearly being rented to displaced individuals. Property owners will need to submit documentation to Beverly Hills verifying the tenant lived in an active evacuation order or warning area, had lost their home, or had been displaced from their home due to the emergency.

Short-term rentals will need to comply with both state law and the Beverly Hills Municipal Code prohibiting price gouging in which rental rates cannot exceed 10 percent above the most recently charged rate. If a property is being used as a short-term rental for the first time, a price limit will also be established.

The ordinance will also exempt both emergency short-term rental units and hotel rooms subject to provisions of the ordinance from Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and will exempt short-term property owners from paying business tax when not already otherwise required for their rental properties.

The Beverly Hills City Council also extended the delinquency date for payment of the 2025 business tax for two months for businesses offering personal services such as hair and nail salons.

To report a violation of the urgency ordinance by a tenant or landlord, contact the askBH customer service team at (310) 285-1000 or by email ataskbh@beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, January 17, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that the Beverly Hills Unified School District is spearheading a donation drive to provide books to the libraries affected by the LA County wildfires.

They are asking the community to take part in this effort, where many libraries were destroyed or loss materials because of the wildfires. The collaboration aims to ensure that every student has access to the books and materials needed to succeed, no matter the challenges.

Individuals can help by:

1. Visit bhusd.org/books.
2. Select a book and choose The Hawthorne Campus as the delivery address.
3. The book will automatically be shipped to The Hawthorne Campus.

For more details on rebuilding libraries lost in the fires, visit www.bhusd.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 15, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that the Beverly Hills Rotary will be hosting a Heart of the Hills donation event this Sunday, January 19, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Individuals can donate items such as NEW children’s, men’s and women’s pajamas, undergarments, and socks as well as toiletries and first aid supplies.  All donations will directly support First Responders and Evacuees from the LA County wildfires.

The event is being held at Fire Station #1 445 N. Rexford Dr. For more details, visit www.bhrotary.org.  To participate in additional donation events or see supporting organizations, visit beverlyhills.org/emergency.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, January 14, the city of Beverly Hills posted fire prevention tips at construction sites in the region.

The current wildfire activity across LA County raised significant concerns regarding the safety of construction sites, particularly those with unfinished structures, stacks of lumber, and other combustible materials.

The city wants to remind all contractors, workers, and residents about essential fire prevention measures to keep everyone safe.

Here are some key steps to prevent fires on construction sites:

• Secure and Cover Materials: Use fire-resistant covers or enclosed storage for lumber and other combustible materials.
• Clear Flammable Debris: Regularly remove excess debris and flammable waste to keep the site clean and reduce fire hazards.
• Limit Hot Work: Suspend welding, cutting, or grinding activities when possible, or implement strict fire watch procedures.
• Create Fire Breaks: Clear vegetation and other combustibles around the site perimeter.
• Equip for Fire Safety: Ensure fire extinguishers and suppression equipment are readily available on-site.
• Monitor Alerts: Stay updated on local fire conditions and ensure workers know evacuation plans and emergency contacts.
• Follow Parking Plans: Adhere to the approved off-site vehicle parking plan to ensure access for first responders.

For more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/PermitCenter and call our askBH Hotline at (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 10, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page tips for the public to adhere to when it comes to clearing wildfire ash. Some residents may see ash residue on their cars or while outdoors.

It’s important to clean up ash safely. Follow these essential tips to protect yourself, one’s home, and their loved ones:

1. Wear Protective Gear: Always use a mask (N95 or similar) to avoid inhaling fine ash particles. Wear goggles, gloves, and long sleeves to minimize skin exposure.

2. Avoid Sweeping: Sweeping can stir up harmful ash particles into the air. Instead, use a damp cloth or mop to gently wipe surfaces.

3. Dispose Properly: Place collected ash in a metal container with a lid. Do not use plastic bags—embers can still smolder. Take it to a designated disposal area.

3. Clean Your Air: If possible, keep windows and doors closed to prevent more ash from entering your home. Consider using air purifiers for cleaner indoor air.

4. Check Your HVAC: Ensure your home’s ventilation system is clear of ash buildup. Replace filters to improve air quality.

5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local advisories and air quality updates to stay safe as cleanup continues.

For details about the effects of wildfires on your health, and how to reduce exposures, visit www.aqmd.gov.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, January 10, Kevin Orth, Public Information Officer for the Beverly Hills Police Department informed Canyon News via email that several suspects involved in a robbery have been taken into custody by police.

The BHPD was investigating a robbery that occurred in the 9800 block of Wilshire Blvd. on the afternoon of January 10. Officers responded promptly to reports of a “Smash and Grab” robbery at a local hotel, during which a security guard sustained injuries. The victim was treated and is expected to recover.

Following the robbery, the suspects fled the area in several vehicles. Officers quickly located one of the involved vehicles, a black Mercedes sedan, and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to yield, resulting in a pursuit that traveled into Los Angeles. The pursuit concluded in the area of Sepulveda Boulevard and Moraga Drive, where five suspects were taken into custody without further incident. Evidence and property were recovered.

The investigation remains active, as one vehicle and several additional suspects are still outstanding. The BHPD requests the public’s help in identifying and locating the vehicle and individuals. The names of the suspects and their ages have not been disclosed to the public yet.

“I would like to remind criminals that the BHPD is fully staffed and ready to respond to any crimes. During this tumultuous time, as fires affect parts of the region, the BHPD remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the community—crime of any type will not be tolerated in Beverly Hills,” said BH Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook.

Anyone with details regarding this case is asked to contact the BHPD at (310) 550-4951. To remain anonymous, text BHPDALERT followed by the tip information to 888777. Individuals may also submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

Stay Connected: Follow the BHPD on social media for updates on this case and other public safety matters by visiting www.beverlyhills.org/police.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, January 8, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that air quality in the region has become unsafe for the public.

Air quality in Beverly Hills has reached unhealthy levels. The city noted that the thick smoke in the air can be harmful to all individuals, especially those with respiratory issues, children, and the elderly.

As a precaution residents are informed to:

• Stay indoors as much as possible
• Keep windows and doors closed
• Use air purifiers if you have them
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
• Wear a mask if you need to go outside

The Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) is monitoring the situation closely involving the Sunset Fire in the Runyon Canyon region of the Hollywood Hills. The BHFD augmented its staffing with additional firefighters and is currently patrolling the areas throughout the day. BHFD have also sent personnel and resources to the Palisades Fire.

Extensive fire resources are being deployed to stop the spread of the fire. At this time, there are no mandatory evacuations ordered in Beverly Hills. The city of Los Angeles declared portions of Beverly Hills as a voluntary evacuation zone which includes areas north of Sunset and east of Coldwater Canyon Drive.

Additionally, at this time there are no threats to our water supply or quality. For more details on the Air Quality Index (AQI), visit www.aqmd.gov. For any concerns or service requests, call our askBH Hotline at (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that the region is experiencing high wind conditions for the next couple of days. Active fires have already broken out in neighboring cities including a small incident in the Hollywood Hills and the Palisades Fire.

There is no impact currently to the city of Beverly Hills, but winds may carry the smoke closer to the area. The Beverly Hills Fire Department remains vigilant and is actively monitoring the situation.

Safety Tips:

-Check your emergency kits and ensure they are ready with essentials: water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
-Stay indoors if you smell smoke or see ash in the air.
-Follow evacuation orders if issued.
-Keep your gas tank half full and cars facing out on the driveway.

The National Weather Service Southern California has issued a High Wind Warning for Tuesday, January 7 from 4 p.m. through 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8.

What You Need to Know:

-High winds are expected, with gusts up to 60 mph.
-Use caution if you must drive.
-Damaging winds could blow down trees.
-Widespread power outages are possible.
-Avoid outdoor burning, grilling, or any activity that could start a fire.
-Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and anything that could be blown around.
-Stay indoors, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows.
-Ensure you have flashlights and batteries ready.
-Sign up for Emergency Alerts by texting “BEVHILLS” and “ALERTBH” to 888777.

For power outage information, visit www.sce.com/outage-center/check-outage-status or call SCE at 800-611-1911. For any questions, call our askBH team at (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, January 2, the Beverly Hills Police Department posted on its Facebook page that the BHPD Records Bureau is hiring a Police Media Technician.

Anyone with experience with Body Worn Cameras, Mobile Audio Video Systems, and managing digital media, should considering applying for the position.

The Beverly Hills Police Department is a POST-participating agency with an authorized strength of 145 sworn police officers and 98 full-time non-sworn personnel. BHPD is responsible for safeguarding the lives and property of City residents. The department is a leader in early response times and its dedicated officers work with the community to keep neighborhoods problem-free. The BHPD values its reputation as an agency that earns the public’s trust through efficient, impartial police service.

The city of Beverly Hills is seeking a qualified Police Media Technician, who will provide support services to the Beverly Hills Police Department and technical support to the Police Records Manager. The Police Media Technician will design, implement, configure, test, and maintain Body Worn Camera (BWC) and Mobile Audio Video (MAV) systems. The Police Media Technician also provides training and support related to systems, processes discovery, subpoenas, and Public Records Act requests. 

This is the journey level in the single level technical class. Incumbents initially perform the more routine duties assigned to positions in this series and work under close supervision. However, as experience is gained, incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties as assigned with increasing independence.

The ideal candidate will have experience with Body Worn Cameras, Mobile Audio Video Systems, and other digital media. They should possess analytical and effective communication skills, high interpersonal qualities, and a desire to enhance the Records Bureau. The position requires exceptional customer service skills and a keen attention to detail.

The ideal candidate is a team player, and is responsive and proactive when addressing the needs of the community and the Department.  A strong commitment to public service and the ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion is critical for the position, as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity.

-Annual Salary: $85,895.72 – $105,340.85

-To learn more visit: www.beverlyhills.org/police

The deadline to apply for the position is January 10, 2025, at 5 p.m.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on Sunday, December 29 details about trash collection for the holidays, as there will be changes to the regular trash collection schedule.

Collection Date Changes: Residential collection will occur the following day of the scheduled regular collection day.

The public is reminded to put their pins out on the revised dates to ensure their trash, recycling and green waste are collected on time. Trash will NOT be picked up on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025, but on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

“Let’s keep our community clean and green this holiday season. Thank you for your cooperation!” the city of Beverly Hills stated. For more details on residential curbside collection, call askBH at 310-285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, December 22, the city of Beverly Hills posted a reminder on its Facebook page about its holiday watering schedule.

The city is reminding all residents about the watering schedule to help conserve water during this time of year.

“Please be mindful of the schedule to help us keep Beverly Hills green and beautiful while supporting our sustainability efforts. Let’s work together to protect our environment this holiday season and beyond,” the city of Beverly Hills indicated in a statement on its Facebook page.

There is no watering on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. There is NO WATERING between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday thru Saturday. Residents Noth of Santa Monica are allowed to water on Mondays and Fridays. Those residents South of Santa Monica are allowed to water on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

For more details on Beverly Hills’ water conservation programs, visit beverlyhills.org/WaterConservation or call askBH at 310-285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on December 21, a reminder that the Beverly Hills Fire Department, ABC7, and Southern California Firefighters will celebrate the 32nd year of the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

They are collecting and distributing new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens in the Los Angeles county. The toys will make their way to every child admitted to Cedar Sinai Hospital and UCLA Medical Center, and Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.

To make this year’s holiday season brighter deliver toys by:

-Dropping off your new, unwrapped toys or sports equipment at Fire Station 1 until December 24, 2024.

-Texting the word “SPARK” to 24365.

-Donating online at supportlafd.kindful.com.  All proceeds go toward buying toys or sports equipment for the children.

Anyone with questions can contact askBH at 310-285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, December 18, the Beverly Hills Police Department disclosed that they in collaboration with the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) are proud to launch a comprehensive education and enforcement program for e-vehicles, prioritizing the safety of our students, residents, and community.

In this joint effort, BHUSD will implement an E-Vehicle Permit Program, where students and parents will need to sign an agreement form acknowledging their understanding of the laws and rules of both the California Vehicle Code and BHUSD in order to park on campus.

Individuals should read the attached E-Vehicle Safety Rules and Laws, including the FAQ at the end, for important details about the program and how it impacts you.

The BHUSD Board of Education will be formalizing this initiative into Board Policy, further solidifying its commitment to safety and fostering community collaboration.

For more information:

-General Information on E-Vehicles – beverlyhills.org/evehicle
-BHUSD E-Vehicle Permit Program – bhusd.org/evehicle

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that road closures will transpire in the region as the result of the upcoming 2025 Golden Globes Awards show.

The 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Drivers should be advised that partial lane and full street closures will take place in the region on Wilshire Boulevard and North Santa Monica Boulevard.

Residents are advised to use alternate east-west routes such as South Santa Monica, Olympic, Pico and Sunset Boulevards. Residential streets surrounding the venue will be posted with no-parking signs.

For questions and concerns before the day of the event contact the askBH Customer Service line at (310) 285-1000 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and the after-hours Golden Globes Hotline that will be active on Sunday, January 5 from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. at (310) 550-4680.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, December 16, the Beverly Hills Police Department released results of its DUI Checkpoint that it conducted on Friday, December 13.

The DUI checkpoint was conducted at North Santa Monica Boulevard and Crescent Drive from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

During the operation, 1,470 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, and 150 drivers were screened. Two drivers were cited for operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are selected based on data indicating a history of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, December 15, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that on Monday, December 30 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., the Beverly Hills City Council will be hosting a special Menorah Lighting Ceremony to celebrate the festival of lights.

The event will allow family and friends to celebrate the traditions of Hanukkah. The lighting of the menorah will start shortly after sundown. It will take place at the Beverly Gardens Park. For more details, visit www.beverlyhills.org/MenorahCelebration.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department investigated an incident that transpired at the Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills on Friday, December 13.

TMZ reported that the incident in question involved actor Jamie Foxx, 57, who was involved in an altercation with another party that left the actor injured and requiring stitches. The actor was at the restaurant with his daughter’s celebrating his birthday which was on Friday. According to reports, Foxx is recovering from the incident, after a glass was thrown at him.

The BHPD sent an email to Canyon News discussing the incident. No identification of the parties involved was disclosed in the media release.

The BHPD indicated at approximately 10:06 p.m. on Friday, they responded to a reported possible assault with a deadly weapon at Mr. Chow restaurant, located at 344 N. Camden Drive.

Upon investigation, officers determined that the reported assault with a deadly weapon was unfounded. Instead, the incident involved a physical altercation between parties.

The BHPD conducted a preliminary investigation and completed a report documenting the battery. There were no arrests made. The Beverly Hills Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our community and will continue to investigate this matter.

Foxx recently celebrated a shindig earlier in the week with a ton of other celebrities. It was to highlight his new Netflix comedy special, “What Had Happened Was” where he discussed his near-death experience in 2023.

The actor acknowledged that he suffered a stroke and that his baby sister was responsible for saving his life after seeking another opinion from a doctor after thinking he was just suffering a headache.

Foxx is known for his role on the comedy sitcom “The Jamie Foxx” series, as well as roles in the movies “Collateral” and “Ray” which he earned Oscar Nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor. Foxx would win the Best Actor Oscar for his role as Ray Charles in the biopic “Ray” in 2005.

Foxx posed the following message on his Instagram page Saturday night:

“The devil is a lie. Can’t win here…thank you to everybody that pray and check on me… when your light is shining bright… they try to bring you darkness… but they don’t know that you’re built for it… the lights have been shining bright… and huge thank yous to everyone that have watched and been inspired by “What Had Happened Was” … number 1 on @netflix if you haven’t checked it out please go check it out it’s from my heart and my soul…”

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, December 9, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that starting Monday through November 2025 (weather permitting), there will be a major roadway rehabilitation project along:

-Coldwater Cañon Drive (Canyon Drive) – from Beverly Drive to Monte Cielo Drive

-Monte Cielo Drive – from Coldwater Cañon Drive (Canyon Drive) to La Fontaine Court

Lane reductions will be in place. Drivers are informed to use alternate routes. Work Hours are expected to transpire Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (excluding holidays).

For more details or questions contact askBH at 310-285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on December 6 that The Jolly Trolley is back, bringing joy to shopping, dining, and sightseeing in the region.

There are two stops where you can experience the Jolly Trolley – they are located at Rodeo/Dayton and N. Santa Monica Boulevard/Canon near Beverly Gardens Park.

-When: Every Thursday- Sunday (Now through January 5, 2025)

-Time: 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., except on Christmas Day

The Jolly Trolley service starts on the half-hour. It is free to ride the trolley. Riding the Jolly Trolley is perfect for holiday shopping, admiring Beverly Hills, and service to the “Lights on the Lily Pond” show at Beverly Gardens Park. For more information on trolley stops and more activities, visit www.BeverlyHills.org/holidaysbh.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, December 6, the Beverly Hills Police Department disclosed that the Traffic Bureau will conduct a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, December 13, in the area of North Santa Monica Boulevard and Crescent Drive. The checkpoint will be operational from approximately 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. All traffic will pass through the checkpoint, and uniformed officers will stop and contact motorists. Officers will check for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers and verify that all contacted drivers possess a valid driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The BHPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with the ability to drive safely. While medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended license. A grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides funding for impaired driving enforcement operations.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will be hosting a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Thursday, December 12.

“The City of Beverly Hills is hosting a Community Blood Drive to help those in need! Your donation could save a life, and together, we can make a difference in our community,” the city stated on its Facebook page.

It will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Firestation 1, 225 N. Rexford Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter CityBevHills.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that all Kindergarten – 2nd Graders and parents are invited to the Greystone Gala Family Dance on Saturday, December 14, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the stunning Greystone Mansion & Gardens for a festive evening filled with dancing, music, and holiday cheer.

“The family-friendly event is a beautiful way to kick off the season—whether you’re twirling on the dance floor with your little one or enjoying the magical atmosphere!,” the city of Beverly Hills stated on its Facebook page.

Attendees are asked to wear their best festive attire and be prepared to dance. The event will take place at the Greystone Mansion & Gardens in Beverly Hills. The cost is $100 per pair. For tickets, visit www.BeverlyHills.org/csevents.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, November 26, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that the Roadway Rehabilitation Project will start on December 9. The project will run through November 2025 (weather permitting), there will be a major roadway rehabilitation project along:

-Coldwater Cañon Drive (Canyon Drive) – from Beverly Drive to Monte Cielo Drive
-Monte Cielo Drive – from Coldwater Cañon Drive (Canyon Drive) to La Fontaine Court
-Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (excluding holidays)

The project scope includes the reconstruction of damaged pavement sections, replacement of damaged curbs and gutters, sidewalks, driveway approaches, as well as the installation of new curb ramps and localized drainage pipe. The project includes pavement grinding, asphalt overlay, and pavement striping. Lane reductions will be in place.

“We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the roadways! For more information or questions, please contact our askBH hotline at 310-285-1000,” the city said in a statement on Facebook.

By Trevor

BEVELRY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is alerting landlords and managers in Beverly Hills that they will be holding a Rent Registry Workshop on December 9.

The workshop is being held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in- person at the Beverly Hills City Hall Municipal Gallery located at 455 N. Rexford Dr.

Learn everything you need to know about rent control, registration, and more. The team will guide you through the process and answer all your question. Individuals that attend can learn the following:

-Understand the rent registry requirements
-Get your questions answered by City staff
-Ensure compliance and avoid penalties

RSVP now and reserve your spot. For more details, call the askBH customer service line at 310-285-1000 or visit beverlyhills.org/rentstabilization.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that it is asking for the community’s feedback on portable signs on public sidewalks.

A Portable Signage Ad Hoc Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 21 at 10 a.m. The city will be discussing important updates on the use of portable signage in our area and seeking feedback. “Your voice matters. All are welcome to attend and participate!,” the city of Beverly Hills said on Facebook.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Municipal Gallery at Beverly Hills City Hall located at 455 N. Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

To participate virtually go to: https://beverlyhills-org.zoom.us/my/community (Passcode: 90210).

To obtain more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/policyprojects.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, November 18, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that it is asking the public for feedback when it comes to safety and resilience in the community. The goal of the survey is to gather input to prepare for future disasters—like wildfires, earthquakes, or other emergencies.

The public is asked to take a few minutes to complete our Community Survey and help us build a safer, stronger Beverly Hills for everyone.

The city of Beverly Hills is preparing an update to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) requires approved hazard mitigation plan to be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard mitigation grant funding. The LHMP provides a framework for our community to reduce vulnerability to both natural hazard events and human-caused hazards.

The purpose of mitigation planning is to identify programs and actions that can be implemented to reduce risk and future losses when a disaster occurs. Mitigation plans form the foundation for a community’s long-term strategy to reduce disaster losses, and break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage.

The public’s feedback will guide how we plan, respond, and protect our community in times of need. The survey can be complete via the following link: City of Beverly Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, November 17, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that on Monday, November 18 it will hold a discussion on pressing health topics that affect the community.

The next Health and Safety Commission meeting is on Monday, November 18 from 4-6 p.m. and will feature expert guest speakers shedding light on critical issues.  This meeting promises to provide valuable information for professionals, community leaders, and anyone concerned about public health and safety.

Thirdhand Smoke

-Sarah Lavallee, Center Coordinator, Center for Tobacco and the Environment

-Lydia Greiner, DrPH, APRN, Associate Director, Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center

To learn how thirdhand smoke affects public health and our environment.

Long Covid: Risks, Diagnosis, and Management

-Jaime Seltzer, Scientific Director at #MEAction,  Affiliate Researcher with Stanford University, and TIME100 Health honoree

The public can gain insights on the long-term health risks of long Covid, how to recognize the illness, and effective management strategies for recovery and resiliency.

The event will be held live via webcast at beverlyhills.org/live. On BHTV Channel 10 on Spectrum Cable. The discussion will be held in-person at City Hall Room 280-A. For more information, visit www.beverlyhills.org/hscspeakers.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, November 13, the Beverly Hills Police Department reported that it received a $100,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on local roads. The grant program will run through September 2025.

“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” said Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “By increasing enforcement of traffic laws and focusing on high-risk areas, we aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”

The grant will fund several additional programs and resources, including:

• DUI checkpoints and patrols targeting suspected impaired drivers.
• High visibility distracted driving enforcement operations target drivers violating California’s handsfree cell phone law.
• Enforcement operations focused on dangerous driving behaviors that threaten the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Enforcement operations targeting the top crash-causing violations: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
• Community presentations on traffic safety topics such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
• Officer training and recertification for the Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside

Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) programs. The program was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, November 13, the city of Beverly Hills announced that North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills will be closed as the Holiday Celebration event takes place on Thursday, November 14.

The public is invited on Rodeo Drive for a holiday celebration from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For the safety and comfort of all, N. Rodeo Drive will be CLOSED between S. Santa Monica Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard, as well as select sections of Brighton & Dayton Way from 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, to 6 a.m. on Friday, November 1, for the Rodeo Drive Holiday Celebration.

To learn more about all the events happening and view the Beverly Hills holiday map, visit www.beverlyhills.org/holidaysbh. For questions or concerns contact the City’s askBH hotline at (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, November 12, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that the holidays are coming to Greystone Mansion with “timeless elegance.”

It will include illuminating lights to festive decorations, as the mansion is transformed into a holiday wonderland that captures the magic of the season.

The public is invited to join a celebration of holiday cheer, breathtaking decor, and seasonal spirit like no other! Registration is required to attend.

Holiday dates: Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tickets are $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents.

Individual can get tickets at www.beverlyhills.org/csevents.

All families are welcome. To those looking to support the Beverly Hills Fire Department’s SPARK OF LOVE toy drive, they can bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the cause.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page on November 9 that it will be celebrating the Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration on Thursday, November 14.

The public is invited to join as Beverly Hills is transformed into a “sparkling wonderland with festive banners and twinkling illumination to decorate our streets and spread joy to everyone. Keep your eyes peeled for the magic,” the city stated on its website.

Thousands are expected to gather on the iconic palm tree-dotted Rodeo Drive to celebrate the start of the holiday season in style. The street will have musical guests, candy cane street sweepers, nutcracker stilts, roller skating performers, and more festive surprises.

“The holiday season is truly one of the most memorable times of the year. We can all come together as family, friends and neighbors to celebrate a little happiness during a time when we need a little light in our lives as we see some of the darkest events occurring throughout our world,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman. “We look forward to bringing back some holiday cheer to our City streets with exciting performances, magical holiday lights and of course, the fireworks grand finale.”

“The Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration, ‘Rodeo Nights, Holiday Lights,’ is an iconic event that embodies the glamour and allure of Rodeo Drive. For over a decade, this end of year celebration has drawn locals and international visitors alike, infusing the famed street with a radiant holiday spirit of joy. Visitors can expect a captivating display of festive elegance, featuring bespoke holiday decor, grandiose vintage ornaments, world-class performances, and a spectacular fireworks finale- all set against the backdrop of the world’s most luxurious boutiques,” said Kay Monica Rose, Rodeo Drive Committee President.

The mainstage at Brighton Way and Rodeo Drive will feature performances that connect with the international draw. Returning crowd favorite CoryLive will be emceeing the event and DJ Lady Sha will provide a dynamic and eclectic music set throughout the night in-between performances by world-class entertainers. The lineup includes The Red Hot Band featuring Tera Bonilla, BlueGrass Strings, who reimagine holiday classics with blue grass flair, Holiday Harmony Carolers delivering retro seasonal melodies, and a Yuletide Irish Dance Ensemble with classically trained champion Irish step dancers.

The evening’s entertainment will include performances by local favorites the ScatterTones, UCLA’s internationally recognized a cappella group, Beverly Hills High School Drumline, NBC “Songland” Winner Greg Scott, and “American Idol” finalist Vonzell Solomon.

Guests can indulge in an array of dishes, along with two wine gardens featuring food and beverages from local favorite 208 Rodeo. Throughout the evening guests can engage with photo opportunities. After a few remarks, Mayor Friedman will countdown the illumination of Rodeo Drive before the arrival of Santa Claus. Festive fireworks will light up the sky from both ends of Rodeo Drive simultaneously in a dazzling finale, bringing the magical evening to a sparkling close.

The holiday festivities will continue across Beverly Hills until January 5, 2025 with the following installations available for viewing nightly: The “Glowing Gardens” which includes giant tree and ornament sculptures at Beverly Cañon Gardens park and the “Lights on the Lily Pond” show at Beverly Gardens Park with shows occurring every 15 minutes beginning at 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

There will be a family friendly holiday celebration for children of all ages on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Greystone Mansion and Gardens.

The event is free and open to the public from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. To learn more about our upcoming Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration on November 14 visit https://www.beverlyhills.org/1460/Annual-Rodeo-Drive-Holiday-Lighting-Cele.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, November 6, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will be dewatering, inspecting, and performing maintenance work on a major water pipeline from November 11 until November 22. The water supply to homes and businesses will not be disrupted.

Temporary traffic delays and lane restrictions (Traffic flow on N. Santa Monica Boulevard from Century Park East to Merv Griffin Way will be reduced as well as Wilshire Boulevard and N. Santa Monica Boulevard will be impacted).

Noise from the maintenance crew and equipment is to be expected. For more details, visit mwdh2o.com or call the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) at (213) 217-6809.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, November 6, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that Mayor Friedman, the Beverly Hills City Council, Chiefs, and Department Heads from the city of Beverly Hills informed engaged team members about their local government representatives, departments, and programs; community associations; and current community issues.

The Team Beverly Hills Program (“Team BH”) is designed to create an environment that nurtures and encourages leadership, participation, and responsibility by the City’s community that runs from November through March.

Many graduates currently serve or have served on City Commissions, volunteer at city events, sit on committees, assist with neighborhood projects, and offer invaluable service to local non-profit organizations.

Team Beverly Hills is an interactive and educational program that informs community members about their local government representatives, departments and programs; community associations; and current community issues. The vision of Team BH is to develop and maintain an informed, energetic, and diversified resource for community involvement and leadership roles.

To learn more about applying in 2025, visit www.BeverlyHills.org/TeamBeverlyHills.

By Trevor

BEVELRY HILLS—On Wednesday, November 6, the Beverly Hills Police Department reported that a thief was arrested.

A theft was reported on at a retail location on the 300 block of North Canon Drive. The BHPD Real Time Watch Center located the suspect on camera running only seconds after he left the store.

Officers were directed to the location where he was last seen running into a parking structure. Officers searched the location and found the suspect hiding.

Video posted on the BHPD Facebook page shows the suspect fleeing the scene of the theft and later being apprehended and taken into police custody.

He was positively identified and placed under arrest. The name and age of the suspect has not yet been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

BEVELRY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department indicated in a email to Canyon News a news release with safety tips for the public as Halloween approaches.

To make sure the holiday stays as safe as it is spooky, the BHPD put together a set of safety tips for parents, kids, and drivers.

“As families and children enjoy the spooky fun of Halloween, it’s important for drivers to do their part in keeping our streets safe,” said Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “If you plan on celebrating, make sure you have a game plan to use a designated driver or rideshare service. Driving impaired, even for a short distance, puts everyone at risk.”

The BHPD notes that Halloween night can be dangerous because of parties, trick-or-treating and other festivities and the nation’s roads.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (54 percent) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night between 2018 and 2022.

The BHPD offers the following tips for families to be as safe as possible and share the road safely:

Drivers

• Slow down and watch out for more foot traffic in residential neighborhoods.
• Take extra time looking for trick-or-treaters at intersections and entering/exiting driveways.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.
• If you are heading to a local bar, restaurant, or house party and plan to drink, bring the designated sober driver with you, use public transit or a rideshare service, or stay the night.

Parents/Caregivers and Trick-or-Treaters

• Make sure costumes fit well to prevent trips and falls.
• Decorate costumes and bags/buckets with reflective tape.
• Have kids use flashlights or glow sticks to make it easier for drivers to see them.
• Walk on sidewalks when available. Avoid darting into the street or crossing between parked cars.
• Stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills disclosed on October 23 that it will hold an informational meeting on upcoming labor negotiating on Tuesday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Beverly Hills City Hall Council Chambers located at 455 N. Rexford Drive. Individuals can watch via www.beverlyhills.org/LIVE.

According to the city of Beverly Hills website, in accordance with state law, the city of Beverly Hills participates in labor negotiations (also known as collective bargaining) with its employee associations or bargaining units. The result of the negotiation processes are written agreements or contracts reached between the City and the City employee associations.

These agreements are commonly referred to as Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). There are nine represented employee associations within the City, which are all in the midst of multi-year MOUs, which can be accessed at the links below. Additionally, the terms and benefits of employment for executive and senior management employees in the City are governed by an executive compensation plan.

To learn more about our written agreements or contracts reached between the city and the city employee associations, visit www.beverlyhills.org/mou.

To see all MOU’s visit beverlyhills.org/mou. For questions or additional details contact (310) 285-1067.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page on Wednesday, October 23 that with Halloween and the holiday season fast approaching, it is important to remember that transportation safety is a shared responsibility.

Driving under the influence can harm others on the road—especially individuals walking or cycling without the protective barrier of a vehicle. Whether driving, biking, or walking, here are some essential tips to keep everyone safe:

-Plan Ahead: Arrange transportation before heading out to events where alcohol might be involved.
-Follow the Rules: Obey traffic signals and signs to ensure a smooth flow.
-Know your limits: Understand how alcohol and drugs affect you personally.
-Wear Your Seatbelt: Always buckle up, no matter how short the trip.
-Watch for Pedestrians: Always yield to those on foot.

For more information, visit beverlyhills.org/transportation or call 310-285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that it will be hosting the Fall Funtastic Harvest Festival at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market on Sunday, October 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Participants can wear their favorite costume for a day filled with fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy a pumpkin carving contest, costume parade, face painting, arts & crafts, and more.

Contestants must bring their finished pumpkins to the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market at 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 27.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page on Friday, October 18 that early voting begins in the city on Saturday, October 26 and ends Tuesday, November 5. All registered voters will be receiving their Vote by Mail ballot in the mail.

Individuals who want to vote in-person, should visit:

-Beverly Hills City Hall Municipal Gallery | 11-day vote center
-Roxbury Park | 4-day vote center
-La Cienega Tennis Center | 4-day vote center
-Horace Mann Elementary School | 4-day vote center

To vote by mail, drop boxes are located at:

If you want to vote by mail, drop boxes are located at:
-City Hall (Across from the Fire Station)
-Roxbury Park Community Center

For MORE Vote Center locations, Drop Box locations and to see who is running – visit beverlyhills.org/elections or call the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 285–2400.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced in a news release the that fall 2024 Beverly Hills Art Show for October 19 and October 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Beverly Gardens Park for a weekend filled with art from over 200 artists, gourmet food trucks, activities for the kids, and a beer and wine garden for the adults. Bring the whole family and celebrate creativity in the heart of Beverly Hills.

Art will be available in 11 mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, drawing, watercolor, traditional printmaking, photography, jewelry and more. A myriad of festivities will include gourmet food trucks offering delectable treats, children’s activities brimming with fun arts and crafts, including ceramics on Sunday and Mount of Angels Wall Project, and a beer and wine garden where adults can unwind in the shade while listening to relaxing music from Bill Rotella, Giovanni Simone, Sabine, Mark Gutierez, Jason Keene and Doug MacDonald.

Artists’ demonstrations will take place on both Saturday and Sunday in printmaking, painting and jewelry by artists Susan Spector, Emily Wallerstein, Deidre Greene, Carol Steinberg and Lisa Baldwin.

The Beverly Hills Art Show started over 50 years ago as a very small “arts and crafts” fair on one block in Beverly Gardens Park. It has grown to 235 artists spanning across four blocks on Santa Monica Boulevard from Rodeo Drive to Rexford Drive in the historic, picturesque Beverly Gardens Park. The bi-annual extravaganza is held every May and October and has attracted over 40,000 people over the two-day weekend.

The 2024 fall sponsors and partners are: The Los Angeles Art Association, Southern California Women’s Caucus for Art, NoHo Arts District, LAArt Party, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Tower Cancer Research Foundation, Mount of Angels, Blank Beverage, SALT Catering, the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, the Beverly Hills Historical Society, the Beverly Hills Fire Department, the Beverly Hills Police Department and Just in Case BH.

Parking for the Art Show is located directly across from the show grounds and in surrounding public parking structures. A map to the City’s public parking structures can be found at www.beverlyhills.org/parking.

For more details about the October 2024 Beverly Hills Art Show, visit www.beverlyhills.org/artshow or call (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, October 11, the city of Beverly Hills posted on social media that is it celebrating Civility Month this October.

Individuals can join the Human Relations Commission (HRC) in fostering an environment where civility, respect, and responsible actions thrive in the Beverly Hills region.

The Civility Month Challenge is asking people to help their neighbor. Such ways include simple gestures like assisting with groceries or offering a kind word can make a big impact.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, October 13, the city of Beverly Hills announced that on Sunday, November 3, for the 14th Annual Beverly Hills Doggy Daze 90210™ at Roxbury Park’s “Wiggly Field” for the pet event at 471 S. Roxbury Drive.

Beverly Hills Doggy Daze 90210™ features a pet parade, pet talent contest (so get your pets ready!), pet-related and pet-friendly vendors, adoptions, food trucks and more.

The event was previously held in 2023 and included some of the following sponsors:

(The) Art of Canine Cuisine, Bestie Pets, Bone Amis, D Pet Hotels, Hailey’s Doggy Boutique, Nibbs Club, Pet Food Express, Saturday, Dog Club and True Pet Kitchen to name a few.

To learn more visit www.beverlyhills.org/doggydaze90210.

Anyone looking to sponsor can visit: Doggy Daze 90210 – Sponsor Application (beverlyhills.org). There are three levels: Bronze Bone $500, Silver Bone $1000 and Gold Bone $3000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, October 10, the city of Beverly Hills disclosed that progress has been made on the Metro Purple (D) Line Extension. Metro recently celebrated a major milestone with the completion of the roof structure for the underground Wilshire/Rodeo Station.

Metro is starting to gear up for backfill along Wilshire Boulevard between Beverly Drive and Crescent Drive, paving the way for street restoration work, set to begin in 2025.

The project is being completed in three sections with the first section between Wilshire/Western and Wilshire/La Cienega. The second section is Wilshire/La Cienega to Century City (and includes the Wilshire/Rodeo Station). The third section is Century City/VA Hospital.

“Members of the Beverly Hills City Council, commissioners, and staff visited to witness the progress made on the core shell of the underground station and the tunnel openings leading to Century City to Westwood and the VA Hospital.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that on Tuesday, October 15, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. there will be a virtual interactive session led by LA Animal Services Wildlife Specialists.

Participants will learn how to safely co-exist with wildlife, effective ways to keep you and your pets safe, and preventative tips.

After individuals register they will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.

To register, visit www.laanimalservices.com/events or call (888) 452-7381 for more information.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills disclosed on its Facebook page that CERT Training for October 2024 will kick off on Wednesday, October 16 at Fire Station 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The training course will continue on October 19, October 23, October 26, October 30 and November 2.

Individuals can join the BHFD’s Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T) training course to learn invaluable skills in the event of disasters like earthquakes, fires, terrorism, hazardous incidents, and other general life-threatening situations.

The FREE course requires a commitment of 6 days to obtain a Certificate of Completion. Each training day will provide hands-on experience making each class fun and interactive. Individuals can sign up at www.beverlyhills.org/CERT or call 310-285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, September 29, the city of Beverly Hills tested its Outdoor Warning System as part of our Just In Case BH Emergency Preparedness Fair at Roxbury Park. Three sirens were activated – one at Roxbury Park, one at La Cienega and one at Fire Station 3. This is just one of the many resources the City has to help our community safely evacuate when there is an emergency.

The Beverly Hills full siren test will take place on Thursday, October 17 where all 12 sirens will go off around the city at 10:30 am. This test correlates with the Great Shakeout national event.

During audible testing, those in Beverly Hills should expect to hear a voice command stating:

-“This is a test of the emergency warning system. This is only a test.”
-Followed by a 30 second tone.
-“This is a test of the emergency warning system. This is only a test.”
Following these first two tests, the system will be tested audibly on the first Wednesday of every quarter at 1 p.m.

The city of Beverly Hills’ Outdoor Warning System is a network of outdoor emergency warning sirens designed to alert and warn those outdoors of potential or emergent hazards that may threaten life and/or property.

The Outdoor Warning System is designed to work in coordination with existing emergency notification systems and processes to add an additional layer of notification redundancy in the event of an impending emergency that may threaten life and/or property. The Outdoor Warning System is intended for outdoor alerts and warning.

During an Emergency

The Outdoor Warning System will utilize three (3) different alert types. Alert types are as follows:

-Evacuation orders;
-Shelter-in-place orders; and
-Voice message notification.
-Should this system be activated, community members should look to the City’s additional notification platforms for further information.
-City of Beverly Hills Website: www.beverlyhills.org
-City of Beverly Hills Disaster Hotline: (310) 550-4680
-Radio: 1500 AM
-Television: Channels 10 and 35
-Twitter: www.twitter.com/beverlyhillsoem
-BHPDalert: Text “BHPDALERT” to 888777 to receive text message alerts
-Beverly Hills OEM Alert: Text “BEVHILLS” to 888777 to receive text message alerts
-Emergency Alert Program: www.beverlyhills.org/emergencynotification
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofBevHills
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityofbevhills

To see where a siren may be located near you, visit beverlyhills.org/outdoorwarning

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that their will be a traffic advisory on Sunday, October 6.

The city alerted the public that the Not Today Cancer 5K Run will be underway starting and ending at El Rodeo Elementary School. The roads will remain OPEN during the race and participates will use the SIDEWALKS ONLY.

For further questions regarding this traffic advisory, contact askBH at (310) 285-1000 between 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Monday – Thursday) and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Friday) or askBH@beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, September 16, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that it will be holding a free drive-thru household hazardous and e-waste collection event on Saturday, September 28.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West 3rd Street between Foothill Rd. & Civic Center Dr. The event will allow residents the opportunity to safely dispose of old batteries, electronics, paints and more items.

Hazardous Waste Collection Events, operated by the County and Sanitation Districts, are one-day, drive-through collection events where residents are invited to drive to a specific location to drop off their household hazardous waste and electronic waste (e-waste). There is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste per trip.

For more a complete listing of what you can and cannot bring or information on events, contact:

-1 (888) CLEAN-LA or visit www.888CleanLA.com, or
-1 (800) 238-0172 or visit www.lacsd.org

Toxic chemicals typically found in a household:
-Oven cleaner
-Pool supplies
-Used motor oil
-Oil paint products

Do not place any of these unused items or other toxic chemicals into any container. Only empty toxic containers (with lids removed) are to be placed with your trash.

To properly and safely dispose of hazardous waste, call the Los Angeles County Hazardous Waste Roundup Hotline: (800) 552-5218 or City of Los Angeles (800) 98-TOXIC or attend a county sponsored round-up.

The roundup is open to all Los Angeles County residents. Anyone wanting more information for this Beverly Hills event, should contact askBH at (310) 285-1000.
To learn more details about the event visit www.Beverlyhills.org/hhw.

By Trevor

NEW YORK/BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, September 16, the feds arrested rapper and music mogul Diddy, whose real name is Sean Love Combs, 54, inside the lobby of the Park Hyatt hotel in Manhattan. TMZ first reported the news of the musician’s arrest indicating that Diddy was taken to a federal building in Manhattan after a grand jury indictment.

He was seen strolling around New York City with his son King Combs before his arrest. Additional details about Diddy’s arrest is expected to be disclosed on Tuesday, September 17. Charges announced by authorities indicated that Diddy was being charged with three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution, racketeering conspiracy and kidnapping.

The indictment notes that Combs “engaged in persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse toward women and other individuals.” The indictment also details allegations dating back to 2008 where the mogul is accused of hosting “freak-offs” to “fulfill his sexual desires.” Diddy is described in the indictment as the head of a criminal enterprise and utilized his “power and prestige” to threaten and intimidate victims.

The indictment notes that law enforcement seized narcotics and over a thousand bottles of baby oil and lubricant when his properties in Beverly Hills and Miami were raided in March 2024. Agents also seized firearms and ammunition, including three AR-15s with defaced serial numbers.

Just last week, member of Dirty Diddy Money, Dawn Richard launched a lawsuit accusing Diddy of false imprisonment, withholding millions of dollars in unpaid royalties and wages, and claims of battery and sexual assault. He was also sued by former girlfriend Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura who filed a lawsuit in 2023 accusing him of physical and sexual abuse. CNN obtained video depicting Diddy assaulting Cassie inside of a hotel in 2016 where he was seen dragging her and striking her multiple times. Diddy’s lawsuit with Cassie was settled, but the amount and terms of the settlement were not publicly disclosed.

The Beverly Hills property of Diddy was raided by agents with the Department of Homeland Security on March 25. Combs who references himself as ‘Diddy,’ also had one of his properties in Miami, Florida raided as authorities looked for evidence related to a sex trafficking investigation that the musician/actor has been accused of. Law enforcement had guns drawn as they entered the property in BH and detained individuals inside the property.

Diddy’s two sons, Justin and King Combs were at the Beverly Hills’ property at the time of the raid, and were detained by authorities, but not arrested. Traffic was cut off to neighbors in the Holmby Hills region as agents completed the raid. Some neighbors not able to access their home included “Alien” director Ridley Scott.

In addition to Diddy’s BH home being raided, his home in Miami was also raided by authorities at the same time, as footage was seen on social media of a boat docking near the property on Star Island which is a secluded region in Miami where the rich and famous reside.

Diddy was not arrested or taken into custody at the time. He was about to board a flight with his twin daughters to travel internationally for Easter break, when he was halted by authorities. The warrant came from the Southern District of New York. Diddy was captured in video obtained by TMZ pacing back and forth after news of the raids were made public.

Combs denied all allegations alleged against him. Since the lawsuit brought by Cassie, the musician has faced several lawsuits in recent months from others. In February 2024, music producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones filed a lawsuit against Combs alleging he was forced into sex acts and asked to find sex workers for Diddy. Jones alleged that Diddy drugged him and assaulted him.

Combs is a well-known name in the music industry having found success with rapper Biggie Smalls in the early 90s. He parlayed that success into working with musicians Mary J. Blige, 112, Danity Kane, Mase and many more. He was recently honored at the 2023 Bet Awards where he earned the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Diddy’s attorney Marc Agnifilo spoke to reporters outside the courthouse on Tuesday, September 17 stating that he will “fight like hell” to get his client released on bail and argued that his client is not guilty and innocent.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, September 13, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that starting on Monday, September 16 that new payment options will be available for on-street parking:

-Flowbird Mobile Pay App

-Pay-by-Text

-Traditional meters (coins & cards still accepted)

Beverly Hills will never use a QR code for payment.

The rollout will run through October 28, in key areas like Civic Center, Robertson, Wilshire, and the Business Triangle. A $0.20 fee applies for mobile transactions. For details or questions call 310-285-1000 or email askBH@beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—With temperatures in the area rising, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on September 4 tips to stay safe during the hot summer days.

Individuals should stay indoors, and if possible, spend time in air-conditioned locations. In Beverly Hills, the following locations are available as cooling centers during regular business hours:

-Roxbury Park Community Center – Weekdays 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; weekends 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-La Cienega Park Community Center – Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; weekends closed
-Beverly Hills Public Library – Monday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday – Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Anyone with questions can contact askBH (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that dates have been announced for its outdoor siren testing system have been determined.

The city installed 12 outdoor emergency warning sirens strategically throughout Beverly Hills and will be doing a few tests to ensure they are working properly. When activated, the sirens broadcast siren tones and instructions on what the community should do when danger is near.

There will be a test on Sunday, September 29 at the ‘Just in Case BH’ event at Roxbury Park at 3:15 pm – siren locations 1,4 and 2 will be tested.

The citywide siren testing will also take place on Thursday, October 17 – all 12 sirens will be tested at 10:30 a.m.

During both tests, audible tones will be heard indicating it is a test. To learn more visit www.beverlyhills.org/outdoorwarning.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, September 3, the Beverly Hills Police Department provided Canyon News in an email details of its recent DUI Checkpoint that was held on August 30.
A DUI checkpoint was held at North Santa Monica Blvd. and Crescent Drive from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

A total of 1,800 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, and 391 were screened. One driver was arrested for DUI, and five drivers were cited for driving without a driver’s license. DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes.

The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that the NEXT NIGHT Street Festival is returning on Saturday, September 28. The event will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on South Beverly Drive (between Gregory Way and Charleville Boulevard.)

The free event is hosted each year by Beverly Hills in partnership with its Next Beverly Hills Committee and will feature grab-and-go specials from local restaurants, live music, games and attractions as well as a beer and wine garden. Businesses along South Beverly Drive will be offering unique experiences and promotions throughout the evening.

NEXT NIGHT performers include the English 80s band Bow Wow Wow Starring Annabella known for their iconic songs “I Want Candy” and “Wild In The Country,” and renowned ABBA theatrical tribute band, The Fabba Show. Plus, very special guest DJ, Zen Freeman, direct from his Las Vegas Club residency will be spinning throughout the night.

The festival will start on the 200 block of South Beverly Drive and there will be a full street closure between Charleville Drive and Gregory Way taking place at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 27 and concludes at 4 a.m. on Sunday, September 29.

For a full list of activities and more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/NEXTNIGHT.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On August 19, the city of Beverly Hills indicated in an email to Canyon News that a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge ruled in favor of the city of Beverly Hills, determining that the city did not violate California’s Surplus Land Act or the Brown Act.

On July 25, the Honorable James Chalfant denied the writ petition filed by the group ‘Public Land for Public Use.’

The writ petition alleged that the city of Beverly Hills violated the Surplus Land Act by declaring City-owned property on Foothill Road to be surplus as defined in the Surplus Land Act.  The petition also alleged that the city violated the Brown Act based on the agenda description and placement on the consent calendar for this item. The petitioner also alleged that due process rights were violated based on the agenda issues and purported lack of notice to the public.

The Court concluded that as to the Surplus Land Act issue, there was no cognizable cause of action resulting from the Beverly Hills City Council declaring City-owned land to be surplus – a first step towards, but not a final action on, any lease. Even if there was a cause of action, the Court found that the city’s findings to support the declaration were sufficient and that the city of Beverly Hills does not have a policy or procedure requiring public outreach prior to declaring land surplus.

On the Brown Act cause of action, the Court found that the agenda item substantially complied with the Brown Act and provided enough evidence for a reader to understand the import of the matter before the City Council.

“We are very pleased with the Court’s decision,” said Beverly Hills City Attorney Larry Wiener.  “We have always maintained that the City handled this matter properly and that this case was without merit.”

The city of Beverly Hills is entitled to recover its costs from the petitioner.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that it will be holding its annual 9/11 memorial on Wednesday, September 11.

The event will take place at the Beverly Hills Fire Department located at 445 N. Rexford Drive. from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. To attend the event virtually participants can go to: BEVERLYHILLS.ORG/LIVE.

There will be an informal morning ceremony at 6:45 a.m. at the Fire Department headquarters. There will be free two-hour parking in the structure next to the library.

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers in New York City on September 11, 2001, resulted in the deaths of more than 2,900 Americans. Two planes crashed into each tower in 2001 resulting in the collapse of both towers in Lower Manhattan.

The group Al-Qaeda took credit for the attacks at the hands of Osama Bin Laden who was later killed by American soldiers in 2011.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department reported on Wednesday, August 14, that two people connected to an armed robbery have been arrested and charged.

The BHPD reported on August 10, its Detective Bureau and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team executed a search warrant in Southwest Los Angeles in connection with two recent armed robberies in Beverly Hills.  Later that day, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Equinox and reportedly identified the suspects inside the vehicle. The Equinox was allegedly linked to another armed robbery in Beverly Hills on August 5, during which a $30,000 Rolex was stolen.

On August 5, a victim was robbed at gunpoint on the 400 block of Doheny Rd. The suspects fled with the victim’s Rolex watch. On August 7, two suspects armed with a firearm robbed a victim dining outdoors on the 9500 block of Wilshire Blvd at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The suspects escaped with a silver Patek Philippe watch, which is estimated to be worth $1 million, from the victim’s wrist. Both suspects then fled the scene and eventually entered a blue Toyota Corolla, where Sepulveda allegedly served as the getaway driver.

During the search, evidence was seized, further solidifying the connection between the arrested individuals and the armed robberies.

Both suspects are facing federal charges, including robbery and possession of a firearm, and are awaiting further legal proceedings.

Jamer Mauricio Sepulveda Salazar, 21, from Columbia was booked on PC 211 – Robbery and PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy. Jesus Eduardo Padron Rojas, 19, from Venezuela, was booked on PC 211 – Robbery and PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy.

The suspects were allegedly part of a “crime tourism” group, were charged today in a federal complaint for the armed robbery of a $1 million watch. During a search of the crew’s Airbnb, officers also discovered a handgun registered to notorious former Los Angeles Police Officer Christopher Dorner.

Sepulveda and Padron are currently in custody and made their initial court appearances. Sepulveda’s arraignment is scheduled for September 3, and Padron’s for September 19, both in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

The United States Department of Justice, the BHPD and the U.S. Homeland Security continued to investigate the matter.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police department announced that they arrested Sergio Gibanni Estrada Ochoa, 18, from Los Angeles in connection to a burglary.

The BHPD reported on Wednesday, August 14, at approximately 2:45 a.m., a burglary was reported on the 9700 block of Wilshire Boulevard. Authorities received a call from a witness who observed the crime in progress. At the same time, Virtual Patrol Officers (VPOs) at the Real-Time Watch Center (RTWC) spotted the incident unfolding.

Within one minute, responding police officers closed in on the burglary suspects, as officers arrived, the suspects fled in a stolen Dodge Durango Hellcat.

A brief vehicle pursuit ensued; but the suspects managed to evade the responding officers. Officers requested aerial support to locate and track the suspects. An LAPD air unit later located the suspects on the 10-freeway, eastbound, traveling at a high rate of speed and without lights. BHPD units responded in the direction of the fleeing suspect vehicle.

The suspects exited the freeway near LA Live in downtown Los Angeles, leading to an LAPD pursuit tracking them to the 1700 block of East Imperial Blvd. in Watts. Upon reaching the area of Imperial Highway and 115th Street, 4-5 suspects ran from the stolen vehicle. Law enforcement established a perimeter. One suspect was taken into custody, and the stolen vehicle was impounded for evidence. The exact loss at the pharmacy is still under investigation. The other suspects are still at large. Ochoa was booked on PC 459 – Commercial Burglary.

The Beverly Hills Police Department is asking anyone with information about the crime to contact the Detective Bureau at (310) 285-2150.

By Trevor

BEVELRY HILLS—On Tuesday, August 6, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that it is inviting architects, designers and developers to submit designer-owned preapproved plans for detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as part of the first phase of its new “Preapproved ADU Program.” The program was created to encourage the production of ADUs that aligns with the state’s recent requirements.

“We are excited to welcome thoughtful designs that consider the distinctive character of the Beverly Hills community,” said Michael Forbes, Director of Community Development. “We hope this new program will prove to be a successful avenue for those interested in constructing an ADU while utilizing a high-quality plan in an efficient way that meets our City standards.”

During the first phase of the program, Beverly Hills will review submissions for code compliance and once approved, feature them on the city’s website. In the second phase, property owners will then be able to choose their plans, accelerating the approval process for construction and reducing costs while meeting city building and safety requirements.
Property owners using preapproved plans must still contract with the designer to use their plans, secure a building permit, and add specific property details.

The city of Beverly Hills is currently accepting applications until Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. For additional details or to apply, visit www.beverlyhills.org/preapprovedadu.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, August 2, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that the “Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion” event begins on Monday, August 5. The event will run until Sunday, August 11.

Attendees will be able to see an art installation along Rodeo Drive by world renowned artist Richard Orlinski @richardorlinski. Some of his pieces will be on display inside @beverlywilshire as well.

During the week, there will be store activations, VIP experiences and other things for the public. To learn more about the event visit www.rodeodrive-bh.com.

Rodeo Drive is home to some of the most luxurious brands in fashion and retail (over 75) and has top tier dining options including Michelin-starred chefs  for residents and tourists to the city of Beverly Hills.

Some of the brands who will be participating in the 2024 event include: Audemars Piguet, Auto Vault, Beverly Wilshire – A Four Seasons Hotel, Buccellati, Bulgari, Givenchy, Henry Jaques, MCM, Loro Piana, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Westime.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, July 26, the city of Beverly Hills posted an update on its Facebook page about power outages in the region.

“This week, portions of Beverly Hills once again experienced unacceptable power outages,” the city of Beverly Hills stated on its Facebook page.

Electricity to Beverly Hills is supplied through Southern California Edison (“SCE”) and the SCE is not owned, operated, or in any way controlled by the city of Beverly Hills.

Mayor Les Friedman and members of the Beverly Hills City Council communicated their frustration and urgent concerns to SCE regarding the increasingly frequent power outages.  Under Beverly Hills’ agreement with SCE, the utility is obligated to provide residents and businesses with reliable power, and the city expects SCE to live up to its agreement and address its failing infrastructure in impacted areas of the region.

For the latest information and to report outages, visit www.sce.com/outage.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on July 23 that they will be holding a Rent Stabilization Division Community Educational Outreach Meeting on Monday, August 5. The meeting will transpire from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Beverly Hills City Hall – Municipal Gallery located at 455 N. Rexford Drive.

The meeting is for tenants, landlords, and other members of the public to learn about the Rent Stabilization program and have their questions answered.

Topics may include: rent increases, evictions, Means and Method Plans for construction, and potential changes to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

The meeting will be televised on BHTV (Spectrum Channel 10) and can be streamed online at www.beverlyhills.org/live.

To obtain more details about the Rent Stabilization program visit: www.beverlyhills.org/bhrent or email bhrent@beverlyhills.org or call (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on Saturday, July 20 that from Monday, July 22 through August 9, that the Burton Way Resurfacing Project will begin.

The project includes grinding, paving, and striping along Burton Way between Rexford Dr. and Roberston Blvd within the City of Beverly Hills Right-of-Way.

There will be lane closures along Burton Way to allow for the work starting July 22 to August 9. Work hours will be Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and striping at night from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

For further questions regarding this project contact askBH (310) 285-1000 or askBH@beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, July 18, the Beverly Hills Police Department informed Canyon News via email that several suspects involved in an armed robbery have been arrested.

The BHPD reported an armed robbery transpired on Wednesday, July 17, at approximately 2:55 P.M. in the area of Canon Drive and Charleville Avenue. The suspects, at least two in number, confronted the victim as he sat in his car, produced handguns, and forcibly took his property, including a Rolex watch, a ring, and an iPhone, before fleeing in a vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Officers provided critical information to the Real-Time Watch Center (RTWC), which quickly identified the suspect’s vehicle and relayed the information to the Detective Bureau.

Utilizing Police Department resources, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the city of Hawthorne. The Hawthorne Police Department (HPD) located the suspect’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, which led to a pursuit. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) helicopter provided aerial assistance during the chase. Three suspects abandoned their vehicle in the area of 74th Street and Hoover Street in South Los Angeles
and fled on foot.

One suspect was quickly apprehended, while another suspect carjacked a victim in a further attempt to evade capture. After a short pursuit, the carjacked victim fled from the vehicle, and the suspect was apprehended.

LASD Deputies attempted to stop a vehicle containing a male matching the description of the outstanding suspect, leading to another pursuit. The pursuit ended in the 3900 block of Shedd Terrace, Culver City, where LASD Deputies apprehended the suspect.

The investigation is ongoing. Taken into police custody were:

• Semaj Lopez, a 24-year-old from Los Angeles, California, was booked for PC 211 – Robbery
• Michael Smith, a 19-year-old from Lancaster, California, was booked for PC 211 – Robbery
• Daiyaan Henderson, a 21-year-old from Los Angeles, California, was booked for VC 2800.2 – Felony
  evading and seven (7) felony warrants.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday, July 16 that an interactive virtual workshop will be held on July 31 to discuss potential changes to multi-family Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations. The virtual event will be held via Zoom.

Key topics that will be discussed include:

Key topics include:

-Height

-Floor area

-Setbacks

The public’s feedback is valuable for the city’s Planning Commission and the Beverly Hills City Council. To learn more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/adu. The event will be held from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31. For additional questions the public can email longrange@beverlyhills.org

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that they will be hosting a Community Blood Drive with the Red Cross on Thursday, July 11.

The event will transpire from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the City Hall Municipal Gallery located at 455 N. Rexford Drive.

Individuals can make an appointment at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: CityBevHills.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, July 8, the city of Beverly Hills posted details on how the public can remain safe during the extreme heat in the weather.

Residents should stay indoors, and if possible spend time in air-conditioned locations. In Beverly Hills, the following locations are available as a cooling centers during regular business hours.

-Roxbury Park Community Center: Weekdays 8 am to 9:30 pm; Weekends 8 am to 5 pm.

-La Cienega Park Community Center: Weekdays 8 am to 9 pm; Weekends 8 am to 5 pm.

-Beverly Hills Public Library: Monday through Thursday 9:30 am to 9:30 pm; Friday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday Noon to 6 pm.

For a list of Los Angeles County cooling centers visit the Public Health website or call the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone within the county.

Ways to Beat the Heat

-Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.

-Avoid unnecessary exertion.

-If you experience dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst you need to relax in a cooler, shaded place and drink water or a sports drink.

-More severe symptoms (such as disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing) may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke. Seek immediate medical attention.

If You Must Be Outdoors

-Try to limit your activity to morning and evening hours when the temperature is cooler.

-Cut down on exercise.

-Try and rest often in shady areas.

-Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and using sunscreen.

-Wear light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.

Groups Are at Greater Risk For Heat-Related Illnesses

-People aged 65 or older.

-Infants and young children.

-People with chronic medical conditions.

The public is being warned to never leave a senior, child or pet in a closed car or any vehicle since temperatures can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. Anyone who knows seniors who live alone or people whose immune and/or respiratory systems are not working properly, they should check on them regularly to make sure they are staying cool.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, July 2, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced in a media release that they are alerting drivers to plan ahead if they are planning to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday by drinking.

The BHPD reported that in 2022, 487 people were killed in crashes throughout the country during the Fourth of July holiday period. Of those fatal crashes, 40 percent involved alcohol. In California, 68 people were killed in crashes during the 2023 Independence Day holiday period. In addition, California Highway Patrol officers made nearly 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every five minutes.

“Choosing a sober driver is not just about following the law; it’s about saving lives,” said BH Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “If you plan on celebrating the Fourth of July with a drink, we want you to make a plan to go safely with a sober ride home. Think of your loved ones, friends, and family before getting behind the wheel.”

Driving under the influence includes impairment from prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and marijuana. The BHPD is alerting the public who may be hosting friends and family for barbecues and watching fireworks shows, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. If they see people leaving who have been drinking, offer to have them stay the night or make arrangements for them to take a sober ride home. Anyone who sees an impaired driver or witnesses someone driving recklessly should contact 9-1-1.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on Monday, July 1 that it is hiring. There are open positions in various departments such as Public Works, Beverly Hills Police Department, Community Services and more.

Several full-time positions are available with the Beverly Hills Police Department, which include Communications Dispatcher, Lateral Police Officer, Pre-Service Police Officer (Entry Level). Other positions available include: Parking Supervisor, Senior Recreation Supervisor, Systems Integrator and Water Resources Engineer. Some of the positions start at an annual salary of $74,000 to upwards of $178,000.

Work history is required on the application. A resume submitted in lieu of an application will not be sufficient. Furthermore, “See resume” is not an acceptable response under ‘Work Experience’ section. An application containing such a response may be deemed incomplete. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

The first application created will be saved and can be used for subsequent positions individuals wish to apply for. The application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. Collect details about education and employment history before creating the applicants application. Please complete the application in its entirety making sure you give detailed information on all relevant areas as a poorly completed application can be a disadvantage to meeting the minimum qualification for a position.

Individuals planning to spend more than 30 minutes applying, should be certain to click on the save button as they go along. Failure to do so will result in loss of information. Do not click submit until certain they have completed the application. Once an applicant clicks submit they will no longer have the option to update.

They can print a copy of the job bulletin and their application for future reference. An automated confirmation email will be generated following submission. Keep this confirmation as proof. If an applicant is selected for the next round(s) of the recruitment process, their qualification may be evaluated through written, skill assessment, and oral exams.

Be sure to add the email of government jobs to the address book, so applicants can receive emails regarding the positions they are applying for. See all openings at www.beverlyhills.org/jobs.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that it is hosting a multi-family ADU Community Workshop on Monday, July 8.

The workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Beverly Hills City Hall Municipal Gallery. Participants can join BH planners for an interactive workshop to discuss potential changes to multi-family Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations.

Key topics include height, floor area, and setbacks. The participation of the public will be valuable feedback for our Planning Commission and the Beverly Hills City Council.

The city of Beverly Hills posted on its website that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are attached or detached units that provide complete, independent living facilities for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same site as a single-family residence or multi-family building.

Sometimes called second units or granny units, ADUs can be an effective way to provide additional housing on single- and multi-family properties where housing units already exist. ADUs cannot be sold separately from the main residence; but can be optionally rented for periods of 31 days or longer. ADUs are allowed on any property that is zoned for residential or mixed-use that has an existing or proposed dwelling unit.

The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 24-O-2892 amending the ADU regulations in the Beverly Hills Municipal Code (BHMC) on March 18, 2024, which became effective on April 18, 2024. The ordinance includes, but is not limited to, amendments to the BHMC that:

-Repeal and replace the existing ADU code sections [BHMC §10-3-409; §10-3-603.5; §10-3-702.5; §10-3-803.5; §10-3-902.5; §10-3-1002.5; §10-3-1102.5] with a new Article 50 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) in Title 10, Chapter 3 (Zoning) of the BHMC to comprehensively regulate ADU development consistent with state law, including local standards beyond state law minimums for single-family development;

-Amend the Definitions section [BHMC §10-3-100]; and

-Create a discretionary review path for ADUs located on any residential property developed with a single-family residence to allow ADUs that do not conform to the proposed by-right objective standards [BHMC §10-3-3600].

For those unable to attend in person, they can join the virtual workshop on Zoom occurring on July 31. That workshop will be held from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about the event visit www.beverlyhills.org/adu.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page on Wednesday, June 26 that it has released its latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

“It’s more than just a requirement – it’s our promise of transparency and ensuring you have all the info about your water quality. Curious about your water’s source or what’s in it? Look no further!,” the city of Beverly Hills stated on Facebook.

The CCR offers a comprehensive snapshot of our water quality, mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board and submitted to the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) local division office.

Residents can access the CCR online at www.beverlyhills.org/waterqualityreports.Those wanting a printed copy can contact (310) 285-1000 or send an email at askBH@beverlyhills.org, and the city will mail one out.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, June 24, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that applications for the Team Beverly Hills program are being accepted through Friday, August 9.

Formed in 1996, Team Beverly Hills provides residents with a hands-on look at the operations of local government. The program features a variety of class sessions and includes interactive experiences with many departments.

Team Beverly Hills is an interactive and educational program that informs community members about their local government representatives, departments and programs; community associations; and current community issues.

Program participants explore the behind-the-scenes operations of Beverly Hills’ including Public Works, Emergency Management, Information Technology, Community Services and Public Safety. More than 800 residents have completed Team Beverly Hills and over 70 percent of all current elected officials and City Commissioners are Team BH alumni.

The program allows open dialogue with city officials, city representatives, and community/business leaders in order to enable and offer participants an understanding of issues, opportunities, and challenges facing Beverly Hills.

The Team Beverly Hills program will select 50 residents (30 appointed by the Beverly Hills City Council, 18 selected by a random lottery, and two selected by the Beverly Hills Unified School District) for its upcoming class. Five representatives from the city’s business community (appointed by the BH City Council) will also be selected for the program, which kicks off later this year.

To learn more about Team Beverly Hills and fill out an application online, visit beverlyhills.org/teambeverlyhills or by emailing teambh@beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that Beverly Hills Mayor Les Friedman will host ‘Les is More: An Hour with the Mayor,’ a special talk series held at City Hall featuring guest speakers and topics.

The first event will be on Monday, June 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall | Municipal Gallery at 455 N Rexford Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

Mayor Friedman’s guest speaker will be Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton who will share highlights from the Fire Department’s unhoused and nurse practitioner program as well as how the community can continue to stay safe and diligent when it comes to protecting themselves, loved ones and their property.

Participants can join via Zoom with the link below:

Launch Meeting – Zoom

Or call in at (310) 285-1020. Individuals with questions can email LesisMore@beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that on Thursday, June 20 from 3p.m. to 7p.m. roads surrounding Beverly Gardens Park will be impacted, including N Crescent Dr. and Park Way.

There will also be meter closures and truck staging on Park Way. Individuals with questions can contact the ask BH team at askBH@beverlyhills.org, dial (310) 285-1000 or via the city of Beverly Hills mobile app.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department indicated in an email to Canyon News on Wednesday, June 12, that a suspect involved in a 2016 home invasion was convicted in court.

The SMPD reported on August 28, 2016, officers responded to a ‘shots fired’ call at a residence in the 600 block of Adelaide Drive, Santa Monica. They discovered the homeowner had been shot once in the torso during what was determined to be a failed robbery attempt. The victim survived and was taken to UCLA hospital where they were treated.

A multi-year investigation, aided by DNA evidence, linked the incident to additional home invasions in Beverly Hills and Downey. All four incidents transpired within a two-week period in 2016. The suspect, Vacho Shahen, 39, of Las Vegas, was arrested in Philadelphia, PA, in 2018.

Last week, after a three-week trial, Shahen was convicted by a jury on 16 of 17 felony charges. His sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2024, in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

The SMPD is offering free home security assessments to all residents. The assessments help identify potential vulnerabilities and provide recommendations to better secure your home. To schedule an assessment contact the Community Affairs Unit at 310-458-8474.

For additional details regarding this investigation contact Sgt. Chad Goodwin at 310-458-8931 or Lt. Erika Aklufi at 310-458-8493.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, June 11, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that Southern California Edison will be conducting work in select neighborhoods will encounter 15-minute outages that SCE is conducting to perform circuit connectivity checks on the system.

These outages are required to help improve outage communication data to customers. The outages will occur on Friday, June 14 at 12:30 a.m. and at 2 a.m. Anyone with questions can contact the SCE 24-Hour Outage Hotline at (855) 683-9067.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that it will be holding an Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sunday, June 23.

The city of Beverly Hills, the Beverly Hills Fire Department and the Beverly Hills Police Department will participate in the family-oriented community event with raffles, family-fun activities and emergency vehicles on display.

The Beverly Hills Fire Department posted on its website that during a major disaster, the Fire and Police Departments could be delayed in their response, it may take up to 72 hours for medical care response depending on the severity of the event or events.

The Just in Case BH helps to facilitate a neighborhood of trained CERTs (Community Emergency Response Team) and facilitates access to local doctors, basic medical supplies, and central meeting locations. The program will also supply block captains with a way to communicate during power and internet outages.

The CERT program educates volunteers about emergency and disaster preparedness for different hazards that may occur and impact their area and trains them in basic emergency and disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster psychology, medical operations, and terrorism.

The Emergency Preparedness Fair will include participation from the Office of Emergency Management, Public Works, Human Services, K-9 units, BHCPR and more. The event will be held at Greystone Mansion from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 905 Loma Vista Dr. To learn more visit www.beverlyhills.org/justincasebh.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that it will be holding a virtual workshop on Monday, June 24 to educate the community regarding the regulation of single-use plastic and expanded polystyrene.

On March 18, the Beverly Hills City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting the distribution of single-use plastic and expanded polystyrene (e.g., Styrofoam) foodware.

The ordinance will decrease plastic waste by requiring food facilities that provide disposable foodware to use compostables or recyclable items, impacting businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, and pharmacies. Items that will be permitted include compostable 100 percent fiber-based, free of PFAs & non-fiber additives. Items that are recyclable will also be permitted as long as they are unlined aluminum & containers with a CRV value.

Single-use plastic foodware and expanded polystyrene (e.g., Styrofoam) products comprise a significant proportion of Beverly Hills’ waste production, dominating landfills. Such items also pollute streets, critical waterways, and local ecosystems, breaking down into hazardous microplastics that accumulate in perpetuity. Additionally, producing conventional plastics and expanded polystyrene depends on extracting and processing fossil fuels, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions.

Key provisions

-Food facilities cannot provide single-use articles* to customers with ready-to-eat food, including cutlery, straws, and containers, unless they are compostable or recyclable. This requirement also applies to food trays and egg cartons.

-Retail establishments cannot sell, rent, or offer expanded polystyrene products to customers.

-Third-party online food ordering businesses must allow food facilities to indicate which single-use foodware accessories they offer and allow customers to select which accessories, if any, will be included with their order.

-Full-service restaurants may only provide multiservice utensils, which are designed to be cleaned and reused, to customers for consumption on the premises.

*A single-use article is any disposable foodware item used to serve, consume, transport, or contain food or beverages. This term includes plates, bowls, clamshells, pizza boxes, cups, trays, egg cartons, and wrappers, among other items. It also includes single-use foodware accessories provided alongside ready-to-eat food, such as forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, straws, stirrers, spill plugs, hot beverage sleeves, cup lids, napkins, and condiment containers.

Impacted Businesses

Most retailers and food facilities, including restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, and pharmacies, will have until March 18, 2025, to comply. Mobile facilities and farmers’ market vendors must comply by September 18, 2025, and March 18, 2026, respectively.

To further educate the community, the virtual meeting will be held via zoom on June 24, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. To learn more visit beverlyhills.org/plasticandfoam for additional details.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department announced on May 30 that two esteemed members, Lieutenant Jesse Perez and Captain Giovanni Trejo graduated from the University of La Verne with a doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Lieutenant Jesse Perez’s Achievement has earned his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, advancing his field in law enforcement. He has 21 years of experience; Lieutenant Perez is a Patrol Lieutenant.

Watch Commander and SWAT/CNT Commander, his doctoral research, titled “Law Enforcement and Advanced Drone Technology: A Comprehensive Inside Look at the Use and Implementation of Law Enforcement Drone Technology and Its Effect on Officer Safety, Police Culture, and Public Perception,” delves into the transformative potential of drone technology in modern policing.

Lieutenant Perez’s research provides invaluable insights as law enforcement faces challenges such as losing confidence in government institutions, recruitment and retention issues, community trust, legal changes, and technological advancements. He emphasizes technology when used legally, ethically, and morally, can be a significant ‘force multiplier’ in 21st-century policing. He advocates for the responsible use of drone technology to enhance officer safety, gather intelligence, reconstruct crime scenes, search for missing persons, and support SWAT operations.

“Lieutenant Perez’s vision includes integrating drone technology in partnership with the community to promote transparency, accountability, and legitimacy in law enforcement. His work highlights the importance of using technology as a tool to assist law enforcement, not as a replacement for police personnel,” the BHPD stated on its Facebook page.

Captain Giovanni Trejo’s Achievement

Captain Giovanni Trejo graduated with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, furthering his commitment to enhancing law enforcement practices through innovative leadership. His dissertation, “Organizational Change in Law Enforcement: Exploring the Use of Change Management Practices of Police Executives Adopting Less Traditional Patrol Procedures,” underscores his dedication to professional development.

Captain Trejo’s academic journey started in 2020 during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on his experience, Captain Trejo shared, “This program tested my patience and determination. We were known as the pandemic class. We started in 2020 by attending classes virtually and spending weekend sessions in Zoom. Thoughts of quitting often traveled through my mind, and I’m sure my classmates did as well. But I am not one to start something and not complete it. Two things that helped me get through the program were my love and appreciation for law enforcement. Our communities deserve the best. Anything below the mark of excellence is simply a disservice to them. That mark of excellence was my target when I embarked on this venture. Commitment to public service propelled me and got me to where I am today.”

Chief Mark G. Stainbrook praised Captain Trejo’s accomplishment: “Captain Trejo’s dedication to professional development and his innovative approach to law enforcement leadership are commendable. His achievement is a testament to his unwavering commitment to serving our community with excellence.”

“The Beverly Hills Police Department congratulates Lieutenant Jesse Perez and Captain Giovanni Trejo on their outstanding achievements. Their academic and professional accomplishments inspire the entire Department and the community they serve. The Department looks forward to the continued impact of their contributions on law enforcement practices and the broader community,” the BHPD said in a statement on Facebook.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will be celebrating its Building Safety Event Mission Impossible 2024 on Wednesday, May 22. The event will transpire from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will take place at the Beverly Hills City Hall, at the Municipal Gallery. Located at 455 N. Rexford Drive, 2nd Floor.

The city of Beverly Hills posted the following message on its Facebook page:

“Discover our services, participate in Q&A sessions, enjoy refreshments, and win prizes! We hope to see you there.”

The public will get the chance to connect with Plan Review Engineers, Building Inspectors, other Building & Safety experts, and the City’s Building Official. Property owners, design professionals, contractors, students, and community members are welcome to attend.

May is Building Safety Month, and is an international campaign celebrated in May to raise awareness about building safety. For more than 43 years, Building Safety Month has reinforced the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills disclosed on its website on May 14, that the 2024 Concours d’Elegance will return to the area on Sunday, June 16. This year the event will celebrate 29 years and will showcase more than 100 rare automobiles in the heart of Beverly Hills. The event is free to the public.

Fathers, families and car enthusiasts of all ages are invited to enjoy an up-close look at some of the world’s most exotic and expensive vehicles at the 29th annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance. The area’s must-attend Father’s Day event will run from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Rodeo Drive.

This year’s event, powered by O’Gara Coach, will host a full slate of incredible vehicles lining Beverly Hills’ most famous street between Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard. There will be a special celebration of hypercars and supercars that include the McLaren, Pagani, Czinger and more, in addition to race cars, classics and custom-built showstoppers.

Attendees can enjoy a stroll or stay in one of Beverly Hills’ top hotels and experience luxury boutiques, shopping and dining all within walking distance of the car show.

This event is supported by the city of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee with returning sponsors O’Gara Coach, Auto Vault Storage, GEARYS, Ferrari of Beverly Hills, Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills, Lucid Motors, Two Rodeo and RM Sotheby’s. The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is pleased to welcome new sponsors for this year’s event, including the upcoming Netflix Film “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” and Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Proceeds from the Concours benefit will help the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association and Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association. They are non-profit charities raising funds for first responders and their families. Parking will be available at nearby parking garages.
Individuals interested in having their vehicle for display can complete the following application: https://fathersdaycarshow.formstack.com/forms/application.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On May 8, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that on May 1, the city of Beverly Hills was notified by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that its revised draft Housing Element that was adopted March 18, 2024, and submitted for review on March 19, 2024, was in substantial compliance with the State Housing Element Law.

“We are pleased that our efforts were recognized and received formal certification by HCD,” said Michael Forbes, Director of Community Development. “I commend the intensive work of our City Staff working closely with HCD during the process and we look forward to implementing the plan’s programs as soon as possible.”

The State of California requires that each jurisdiction’s housing element be updated every eight years and certified by the State. Beverly Hills updated its Housing Element for the 2021 to 2029 period. A major component of this update is the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (“RHNA”), in which the State estimates each region’s housing needs for all income groups.

The city of Beverly Hills is continuing to review plans and issue building permits for all types of projects. To learn more and view the certification letter, visit beverlyhills.org/housingelementupdate.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, May 8, the Beverly Hills Police Department posted on its Facebook page the celebration of Class #8 from the Citizen Police Academy.

They graduated last week at the Greystone Mansion after an eight-week deep dive into the police department. The class learned about the K-9 Unit, SWAT, Defensive Tactics, Crime Lab, and Range Day, and even participated in a Ride-Along among other activities.

Beverly Hills residents interested in the Fall class can learn more information at https://linktr.ee/bhpd_90210.

Established in 2015, the Citizen Police Academy (CPA) was established in 2015 and was created with the mission to foster trust and communication by educating the Beverly Hills community in the daily aspects of law enforcement. The application period for the Fall 2024 class will be July 18 to August 13. To be notified about the next application period or to learn more about the program email aguvlekjian@beverlyhills.org.

CPA Schedule

Classes run from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Fall 2024 Classes

-Thursday, September 5 (mandatory attendance)

-Thursday, September 12

-Thursday, September 19

-Tuesday, September 24

-Thursday, September 26

-Sunday, September 29 (Range Day)

-Tuesday, October 1

-Thursday, October 10

-Thursday, October 17

-Tuesday, October 22

-Thursday, October 24

Being a member of the Citizen Police Academy provides behind-the-scenes experiences and knowledge of police work that many never have the chance to encounter. Participants will:

-Engage in practical, real, and meaningful hands-on experiences

-Gain insight into police policies, procedures, and training

-Have first-hand experiences with specialized units (K9, SWAT, Detectives, etc.)

-Be invited to participate in a ride-along with an officer

Eligibility

To become a member of the Citizen Police Academy, applicants must meet the following requirements:

-Be at least 21 years old

-Pass a background check

-Never have been a member of prior Citizen Police Academy classes

-Commit to attending all scheduled training sessions

Proof of residency in the city of Beverly Hills is required by providing one of the following documents:

-California Driver’s License or Identification Card

-Utility bill

-Vehicle registration

Attendance on the first day of the CPA program is mandatory. Failure to attend may result in the termination of your enrollment in the program.

Each applicant must submit a completed application and pass the limited background check in order to become part of the Citizen Police Academy class. The Citizen Police Academy is an 8-week program, held in the Spring and another session in the Fall, with one additional optional training day. Each weekly session is approximately three hours long.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department indicated in a news release on Friday, May 2, updates regarding AB-481. The Beverly Hills City Council will address AB-481 during its next session on Tuesday, May 7.

As of January 1, 2022, AB-481 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain City Council approval regarding the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment. AB-481 designated certain equipment as “military equipment,” regardless of whether it was procured from the military. Approved military equipment currently utilized by the Beverly Hills Police Department includes:

-Unnamed ariel vehicles (Drones)

-Long Range Acoustic Devices (LARD)

-Robotics

-Armored Vehicles

-Command and control vehicles

-Breaching apparatus that are explosive in nature

-Ammunition of .50 caliber or greater

-Specialized firearms

-Specialized firearms with the ability to launch explosive projectiles

-Flash-bang devices

-Projectile launch platforms and their associated munitions

Individuals can review the inventory of the military equipment that the BHPD is requesting to purchase and an annual report on military equipment use.

During that Council Session the general public will get the opportunity to share their comments and any concerns they have.

For comments, questions and complaints can be submitted to: https://www.beverlyhills.org/569/Military-Equipment-Use-Policy-Assembly-B.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, May 1, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced the start of Bicycle Safety Month. May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the BHPD is encouraging everyone to get active and safely take bike rides while reminding drivers to be on the lookout for more people biking and walking.

“Everyone deserves to reach their destination safely,” Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook said. “Unfortunately, there has been an increase in bicycle fatalities and injuries over the last few years. Bicyclists do not have the same protections as people in a vehicle, so if you see a bicyclist — slow down.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,105 people killed while riding a bike in 2022, and an estimated 46,195 bicyclists were injured. In 2021, 976 bicyclists were killed (a 1.9 percent increase from 2020), and an estimated 41,615 bicyclists were injured (a 7 percent increase from 2020).

In an effort to keep those biking and walking safe, the Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation on Tuesday, May 21, focused on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield the right of way, and running stop signs or red lights.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, May 11, the city of Beverly Hills will host Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. The event will transpire from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Fire Department Station #2 located at 1100 Coldwater Canyon. The event is free for the public to attend.

Participants can receive education material and handouts regarding vegetation maintenance, home hardening, fuel modification, and emergency planning.

The city of Beverly Hills indicates on its website that catastrophic brush fires are happening at an increasing rate in the state and across the country. The many hillside communities within Los Angeles are under threat of devastating wildfire. As this risk increases, it is important to plan, prepare, and stay aware.

The “Ready, Set, Go!” program is designed to walk individuals through the steps to take to ensure they are prepared in the case of an approaching wildfire.

Being “Ready” for wildfire starts with maintaining adequate vegetation clearance/maintenance around your home. By following the Beverly Hills Brush Maintenance Program, residents can create an area around their home that is free of dead, dry, and hazardous vegetation. Without this vegetation maintenance, the fire will quickly spread throughout the property and to your home and there is little that can be done to defend it.

In addition to the Brush Clearance Program, individuals can harden the home by using fire-resistant building materials. Flying embers from a wildfire can destroy homes up to a mile away. Individuals should prepare for the possibility of evacuation before the need arrives as a result of a wildfire.

Stay informed by following local media and your Beverly Hills Nixle Alerts via text to BEVHILLS to 888777 to receive text message alerts.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will be hosting its Building Safety Event as part of Building Safety Month. The event will take place on May 22.

The Building Safety Event, ‘Mission Impossible 2024’ will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public will be able to discover services available, participate in Q&A sessions, enjoy refreshments, and win prizes.

The public will get the opportunity to connect with Plan Review Engineers, Building Inspectors, other Building and Safety experts and Beverly Hills’ Building Official.

May is Building Safety Month, and the opportunity to highlight the importance of keeping the City of Beverly Hills safe. Building Safety Month is an international campaign celebrated in May to raise awareness about building safety. For more than 43 years, Building Safety Month reinforced the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.

It will be held at the Beverly Hills City Hall – Municipal Gallery located at 455 N. Rexford Drive on the Second Floor.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—Starting Wednesday, May 1, the city of Beverly Hills announced starting Wednesday, May 1, the city will unveil its new website, that underwent an extensive refresh under the guidance of its Website Steering Committee which consisted of community members and Council liaisons, Councilmember John Mirisch and former Councilmember Lili Bosse.

The new website, designed by Beverly Hills’ selected vendor, CivicPlus, features improved functionality, easy navigation as well as at-a-glance information about city news and upcoming events.

In conjunction with the website launch, Beverly Hills will unveil its new customer relations program called ‘askBH’ which will serve as the primary contact service for non-emergency assistance on city services, programs and events.

This new program will make things easier for community members to get in touch with a Beverly Hills representative by phone, email, mobile app, website or via text.

“It’s imperative that we provide effective and hospitable customer service to our community and point them in the right direction when they need a question answered,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman. “Our new askBH team will be readily available to serve anyone needing assistance.”

During the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, the askBH customer service team can help the public navigate with recreation reservations, solid waste and commercial trash services, reporting code violations, street repairs, obtain fire permits and more. Additional information will be made available soon.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on Wednesday, April 10 that the La Cienega Community Center will be temporarily closed from April 3 thru April 30.

Due to recent heavy rains and resulting water intrusion at La Cienega Park Community Center, the facility is temporarily closed through April 30.

Following the storms, staff detected odors throughout the building. To be cautious, the city of Beverly Hills is in the process of air testing to ensure satisfactory air quality. Staff is continuing to assess the level of water intrusion and any potential damage to the building.

While repairs are being performed, the La Cienega preschool program has been relocated and combined with the Coldwater Canyon preschool class. Other community programs have been moved to other facilities, as a result. The safety of our preschool students, visitors and staff is always our top priority.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate the community’s patience and look forward to reopening the Center soon,” the city of Beverly Hills said in the Facebook post.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its website on Monday, April 8 that commuters and residents who use North Santa Monica Boulevard are informed to avoid or allow ample time to travel through a two-block portion of the area as crews from the Metropolitan Water District urgently repair a leak in a major water pipeline starting at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9.

Water service to residences and businesses will not be impacted by the leak or construction activities. Only one lane will be open in each direction on North Santa Monica Boulevard between Moreno Drive and Wilshire Boulevard (link to map), where Beverly Hills borders Angeles, through at least Saturday, April 13, although repairs may extend beyond that timeline.

“We will work as quickly as possible to address this issue to protect the region’s water supplies, as well as public safety,” said Shane Chapman, Metropolitan assistant general manager of operations. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation during this urgent repair.”

The leak was discovered in Metropolitan’s Santa Monica Feeder, a 24-mile pipeline that provides water to the cities of Glendale, Burbank, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Metropolitan crews will excavate to inspect the pipeline and immediately repair the leak.

In addition to the traffic impacts, residents and businesses may notice increased noise due to construction and excavation. For updates, email communityrelations@mwdh2o.com.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, April 2, the city of Beverly Hills held its ceremony for its newest Mayor, Lester J. Friedman who was sworn in.

Friedman was elected Mayor of Beverly Hills at the City Council’s reorganization meeting on Tuesday evening. He succeeds Julian A. Gold, MD who completed his third and final term on the Beverly Hills City Council. During the same ceremony, Councilmember Lili Bosse completed her third and final term. New Councilmembers Craig A. Corman and Mary N. Wells took the oath of office.

“I am deeply grateful to once again serve our community,” said Mayor Friedman. “Maintaining the safety and security of our community is a top priority, while preparing for the excitement of the 2028 Olympics and other world events will lead to some productive conversations. The year ahead will certainly be one filled with meaningful commitments that will enhance the quality of life for everyone living in and visiting Beverly Hills.”

Mayor Friedman was first elected to the BH City Council in 2017 and served as Mayor during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He previously served on the Beverly Hills Traffic and Parking Commission from 2011 through 2017 and served as its Chair in 2015. Mayor Friedman is also an attorney. Sharona R. Nazarian, PsyD was named Vice Mayor by the BH City Council during the ceremony.

Vice Mayor Nazarian, who was first elected in 2022, previously served as a Beverly Hills Public Works Commissioner and was a past Chair of the Beverly Hills Human Relations Commission. The Mayor and Vice Mayor serve one-year terms and are selected by their City Council colleagues during the annual reorganization meeting.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills has announced new details for the New Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council Installation Ceremony on Tuesday, April 2. The city of Beverly Hills posted on its website the event will be held at 7 p.m. at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Beverly Hills.

Current Mayor Julian A. Gold, and councilmembers John A. Mirisch and Lili Bosse will be in attendance at the ceremony, where Lester J. Friedman will be sworn in as a the new Mayor of the city and Sharona R. Nazarian, PsyD will be sworn in as the new Vice Mayor.

Newly elected Beverly Hills City Councilmembers Craig A. Corman and Mary N. Wells will be sworn in during the ceremony. A total of 10 candidates ran for two open seats on the Beverly Hills City Council during the March 5, 2024, General Election.

The Wallis Annenberg Center is located at 9390 North Santa Monica Blvd. A reception is scheduled to take place after the ceremony. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and free parking will take place at the following garages: 450 N. Crescent Drive structure and the Rexford/Civic Center structure located at 450 N. Rexford Drive.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, March 19, the city of West Hollywood announced in a press release it is moving forward with the next steps in the renovation of the historic Log Cabin building, that houses the West Hollywood Recovery Center (WHRC) on N. Robertson Boulevard.

During its meeting on Monday, March 18, the City Council received a design update for the Log Cabin renovation project that included direction to move forward with the design concept. High-resolution design renderings and photos are available on the city’s official Flickr site. For more information about the project including a preliminary project schedule and FAQ visit: https://go.weho.org/logcabin.

The Log Cabin renovation plan provides received over $7.5 million in funding that has been provided to date to support renovations of this historic space, which is important to safeguarding recovery services in the community.

The design upgrades will include:

-Expanded meeting rooms, food preparation areas, and storage capacity to support local recovery services;

-New mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, which help to contribute to an enhanced onsite experience;

-ADA-compliant bathrooms;

-Improved streetscape and landscaping; and

-New electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and solar panels.

The WHRC hosts more than 90 separate addiction recovery meetings a week, more than 4,500 meetings a year. For details about the WHRC visit https://thewhrc.org/home.

The Log Cabin building has history spanning nearly a century. The building was built on property purchased in 1928 by the city Beverly Hills. The north portion of the property was leased to the Lions Club in 1936, which constructed the Log Cabin in its style as a Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”) clubhouse.

In the early 1970s, the Lions Club subleased the building to the West Hollywood Recovery Center for use for addiction recovery group meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. In 2019, Beverly Hills indicated its wish to sell the property and West Hollywood entered into a lease with the city of Beverly Hills with the option to purchase the property. In 2022, West Hollywood exercised its option to purchase the property and the city started a feasibility analysis with the West Hollywood Recovery Center to determine a renovation plan.

With the design concept approved, West Hollywood will take the next steps to move toward construction, which is slated to begin in October 2024. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2025. For detailed information visit https://go.weho.org/logcabin.

For additional details contact Alicen Bartle, West Hollywood Project Development Administrator, at (323) 848-6323 or at abartle@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, Mach 18, the Beverly Hills City Council provided an update regarding the city’s partnership with the non-profit organization, ‘Step Up on Second’ that supports and offers rehabilitation to those experiencing homelessness and mental health issues.

The partnership started under the direction of Beverly Hills’ Unhoused Services Ad Hoc Committee which helps place unhoused individuals into 30 permanent supportive housing units, consisting of community-based apartment units owned by independent landlords, scattered across Los Angeles County. The program allows for up to 280 nights of interim housing each year, to place individuals into motels for temporary housing, pending the availability of permanent supportive units.

Since the supportive housing program started on November 16, 2023, 14 of the 30 permanent supportive units have been occupied. Tenants who have been placed have started taking community college courses and are learning to cook and work toward independent living.

“It’s remarkable that we have housed as many people as we’ve housed in such a short period of time,” said Mayor Dr. Julian Gold. “It’s even more remarkable that we’ve sent so many people back to their families. This is only the beginning of what we are going to see with our new community public health program and I think the world will emulate us.”

Individuals who are placed are required to see a Step Up Housing Case Management staff member at least once a week to help them work toward independent living and address mental health concerns. The organization has contracts currently with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) that offers additional support such as therapy, psychiatry, nursing and more.

For additional details about the program visit beverlyhills.org/homelessservices or if there is someone who is unhoused that may need assistance contact (310) 286 – BHOT (2468).

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, March 25, the city of Beverly Hills will be hosting the Coffee With Code event. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. During the event, the public can meet some of the City’s Code Enforcement Officers at Euro Caffe.

“Come learn what they do and stay for a special Q & A session where you can ask questions! 427 N Cañon Dr. #111! See you there,” the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page.

The event will discuss the following:

-Benefits of Code Enforcement

-Program Goals

-Q&A Session

For those with questions contact Community Preservation at (310) 285-1119 or visit www.beverlyhills.org/cp.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, March 5, Beverly Hills residents went to the polls to vote for new members of the Beverly Hills City Council. A total of 10 candidates were vying for 2 open seats being held by current councilmembers Mayor Julian A. Gold and Lili Bosse.

As of Wednesday, March 6, Craig Corman led all candidates with 23.73 percent of the vote (2,160). Currently in second place was Mary Wells with 19.68 percent of the vote (1,791) and in third place was Alissa Roston with 15.01 percent of the vote (1,366).

Sitting in fourth place is Myra Demeter with 12.03 percent of the vote (1,095) and Russell Stuart in fifth place with 11.64 percent of the vote (1,059).

Other candidates running included: Nooshin Meshkaty, Hamid Omrani, Tiffany Davis, Sharon Persovski and Robin Rowe. The city announced on its website that on Tuesday, April 2, the city will hold its installation ceremony for the new Mayor, Vice Mayor and Beverly Hills City Council.

The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. No official announcement has been made regarding the winners in Tuesday’s race.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—It was reported over the weekend that a Tesla Cybertruck suffered some damage after colliding with the curb near The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, March 3. The vehicle ran onto the road near the iconic signage for the entrance of the hotel. The vehicle sustained damage to its front-end. There were no reports of any injuries during the incident.

It was initially reported that a valet at the hotel was responsible for the collision, but that report was proven to be inaccurate. X user Greggertruck tweeted: “The truth is SO important, and I want to make sure I always share it. I received a message this morning letting me know that the crashed Cybertruck at the Beverly Hills Hotel was NOT driven by the valet. While I can’t completely verify the message received, there’s now been…”

X user J$LATT tweeted: “This is true, incident happened around 2am and I drafted up this joke of a tweet with employees of the valet and hotel. Not thinking it would blow up, we thought it would be funny to say it was valet and not our friend who just crashed his new cybertruck… BHH is not at fault!”

Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla posted the following message via social media on Monday, March 4:

“Cyberbeast is faster than a Porsche 911, but looks like a truck, so perhaps the valet wasn’t expecting so much acceleration.”

The Beverly Hilton Hotel is located at 9876 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California. The Tesla Cybertruck is valued between $57,000 to $96,000 and can travel from 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds. It is shatter resistant and there is no paint and no chips. The “ultra-hard stainless-steel exoskeleton helps to reduce dents, damage and long-term corrosion. Repairs are simple and quick,” Tesla states on its website.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that on Tuesday, April 2, the city will hold its installation ceremony for the new Mayor, Vice Mayor and Beverly Hills City Council.

The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.

A total of 10 candidates including 2 incumbents are vying for two open seats currently held by Mayor Julian A Gold and Lili Bosse.

Candidates vying for those two seats include: Alissa Roston, Mary Wells, Sharon Persovski, Myra Demeter, Craig Corman, Nooshin Meshkaty, Hamid Omrani, Tiffany Davis, Robin Rowe and Russell Stuart.

All candidates are responsible for filing their Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) forms on time.  The primary election to vote for Beverly Hills City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 5.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that a special ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 28 to celebrate the completion of its Burton Way Green Street and Water Efficient Landscape Project. The event will be held at 11 a.m. at the mini park located on the southeast corner of Burton Way and Rexford Drive.

“Burton Way is the first of many Green Streets our City will have as we move toward adopting a more environmentally conscious infrastructure. This is critical for our water conservation efforts and our broader City sustainability goals,” said Mayor Dr. Julian Gold.

The project marks Beverly Hills’ first Green Street that will prevent polluted urban runoff from reaching Santa Monica Bay and will serve as the city’s water efficient garden model.  This new Burton Way Median will save approximately five million gallons of water annually.

The project incorporates infiltration swales, native water efficient plants, and a 1-million-gallon underground reservoir that will store treated urban runoff to irrigate the new landscape. The design layout features over 16 specific plant species arranged to highlight Beverly Hills’ exceptional public art pieces.

The project received approximately $6.7 million from grant funding from Measure W- Safe Clean Water Program and the Department of Water Resources (DWR).

Additional details about the project can be found at beverlyhills.org/burtonway. The public is invited to attend. Free parking is available at the Rexford Parking Garage located at 450 N Rexford Dr.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, February 20, President Joe Biden arrived in California to expound upon the fundraising efforts of the Biden-Harris Campaign. Haim Saban of Saban Capital LLC hosted the fundraising event at his Beverly Hills home.  He is the owner of Saban Films and co-owner of Celestial Tiger Entertainment. The co-host of the President’s fundraising efforts was entertainment executive, Casey Wasserman.

Reports indicate that both Haim Saban and Casey Wasserman tested positive for COVID following the fundraising event.

Reports also indicate that Biden’s numbers in the polls have reached an all-time low. Biden’s fundraising team had him in a heavily Democratic area of California where wealthy donors are likely to support him. California, at one time, was considered a Republican state and still has a large core of Republican supporters.

A spokesperson for the Biden campaign told the New York Times that more than 422,000 donors contributed funds to the Biden-Harris campaign with 97 percent being donations less than $200 each.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) came back to California to assist Biden in his campaign efforts. Pelosi has been quoted multiple times defending Biden’s cognitive abilities which have played center stage in recent events because of instances of having difficulty finishing a statement, needing assistance exiting the stage he’s speaking on, sometimes from world leaders, fumbling, and falling.  None of which is undue criticism of the President.  It was all captured on film.

On February 13, in a CNN interview, Anderson Cooper asked Nancy Pelosi about possible age concerns when it came to Biden as a Presidential nominee.

“So, I think that, again, age is an objective fact. As I say, it’s all relative. He’s younger than I am, so what do I have to say about his age? But he is, again, knowledgeable, wise,” Pelosi stated. Biden turned 81 on November 20. Nancy Pelosi will be 84 in March.

Multiple media sources have been accused of ageism after repeatedly calling attention to his misspeaks, what appears to be bouts of confusion, blank stares, and fumbling. Some are more blatant like some on talk radio who call the President of the United States (POTUS) a “dementia patient.”

After the fundraising efforts in southern California, Biden and Pelosi were captured on film walking arm and arm to the plane. Though Pelosi is the elder of the two, multiple reporters indicated that it appeared that Pelosi was helping Biden to the plane.

On Tuesday, January 30, Biden spoke to reporters on the White House lawn on the way out to a fundraising trip to Florida. Reporters questioned Biden about his immigration efforts.

“I’ve done all I can do. Just give me the power. I’ve asked since the very day I got into office.”

In December 2023, Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson wrote a letter to President Biden stating, “Immediately take executive actions available to you under existing immigration laws to stem the record tide of illegal immigration.”

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—Lt. Elisabeth Albanese of the BHPD indicated in an email to the Canyon News on Wednesday, February 14 that authorities are currently investigating reports of political sign thefts.

At least one theft suspect has been identified, at the present time. Investigators are following up on more leads to identify additional suspects. The individual arrested could face misdemeanor theft charges. All complaints will be investigated and at the conclusion of the investigations, presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for criminal filing consideration.

Since these investigations are ongoing, the names of any victims or suspects are not being released to the public.

The Beverly Hills Police Department is reminding community members that the taking or destruction of lawfully displayed political signs can be a criminal offense.

“The Police Department takes these matters seriously and investigates reports of theft and vandalism,” the BHPD said in a statement.

“At this time in the investigation we don’t have reason to believe the suspect and victim know each other,” said Lt. Albanese in a statement to Canyon News via email.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills disclosed information on its website that individual who own a home and it is your principal place of residence on January 1, you may apply for an exemption of $7,000 from your assessed value. New property owners will automatically receive a Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption Claim Form (BOE-266/ASSR-515).

Homeowners’ Exemptions may also apply to a supplemental assessment if the prior owner did not claim the exemption. Further instructions are included with the claim form which is available by clicking on the “Forms” tab.

Individuals that are eligible and would like to apply for the exemption, can download, complete, sign, and return form BOE-266/ASSR-515 claim form by mail to the office address below:

Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office
500 W. Temple St. Room 227
Los Angeles, CA 90012

For the security of one’s data the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office does not accept electronically transmitted documents with sensitive personal information. Follow the instructions on the form and complete the required information.

For more details or additional help use the Contact Form. One of the Teams will provide you additional instructions via email or can confirm receipt of a previously mailed claim.

Homeowners’ Exemption versus Homestead Exemptions

Homeowners’ Exemption is a statutory tax provision, which provides a homeowner a $7,000 reduction off the taxable value on their primary residence. With an approximate 1 percent property tax rate, the exemption provides roughly a $70 annual saving off your property taxes.

Homestead Exemption is a civil code provision, which may protect part of the homes equity from creditors. It has no application in property assessment or taxation. For more details on automatic and declaring a Homestead Exemption visit Department of Consumer & Business Affairs’ website on Homestead Protection.

For more information on filing visit the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder’s Homestead Exemption page for forms and filing requirements. They can also be reached at 1 (800) 201-8999. The Registrar Recorder’s Office is the authorized county agency to record deeds and Declarations of Homestead.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, February 10, the Beverly Hills Police Department released drone footage of a burglar falling into a pool while attempting to escape the scene. The incident occurred on Saturday, January 6.

The burglar, identified as 36-year-old David Verdun, broke into a home in Beverly Hills, ABC 7 reported. While attempting to flee the scene, Verdun climbed out of a window of the home and tried using a ladder to climb over the barrier wall. Verdun fell off the ladder and into the home’s pool. 

Prior to the incident, the home’s security system alerted BHPD of the break-in. BHPD sent a drone to survey the property and caught the incident on camera. 

Upon getting out of the pool, Verdun reportedly tried to hide in the backyard, but police found him, and he was arrested.

No further detail has been disclosed about the incident or what Verdun was attempting to steal.

By Lacy

BEVERLY HILLS—Vanity Fair will be returning to Beverly Hills for its post Academy Awards Party on the 400 block of North Crescent Drive, adjacent to Beverly Hills City Hall, on the evening of Sunday, March 10.

South Santa Monica Boulevard, the 400 block of the street will be closed starting Monday, February 26 at 10 p.m. to Thursday, March 14, reopening by 10 p.m.

All businesses on North Crescent Drive are accessible during the closure. Motorists are asked to use alternates routes. Access remains open to local parking garages.

On the day of the Vanity Fair post-Oscars bash beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 10 to 2 a.m. Monday, March 11, the following roads surrounding the North Crescent closure will be impacted. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes during that time.

-North Cañon Drive between North and South Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed

-Eastbound lanes on South Santa Monica Boulevard starting at Civic Center will be impacted, with lanes closed from Rexford Drive to North Cañon Drive

-Detours will be in place routing traffic North and South on Rexford Drive

-North Santa Monica Boulevard Westbound lane closures will be in place from Rodeo Drive to Rexford Drive

For more details call the City’s Hotline: Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (310) 285-2408.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its website on February 7 that the 39th Annual Los Angeles Marathon “Stadium to the Stars,” presented by ASICS, will take place Sunday, March 17. Athletes from all 50 states and more than 67 countries will race through the streets of Beverly Hills for miles 16 and 17 before ending at the Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

Major road closures and parking restrictions on the day of the event, March 17 from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include:

-Doheny Dr. closed from North Santa Monica Blvd. to Burton Way

-Burton Way closed from Doheny Dr. to South Santa Monica Blvd.

-South Santa Monica Blvd. closed from Rexford Dr. to Rodeo Dr.

-Rodeo Dr. closed from South Santa Monica Blvd. to Wilshire Blvd.

-Wilshire Blvd. closed from Rodeo Dr. to South Santa Monica Blvd.

-South Santa Monica Blvd. closed from Wilshire Blvd. to Moreno Dr.

There will be a detour in effect on the western border of Beverly Hills at Wilshire Boulevard and North Santa Monica Boulevard, as well as at Moreno Drive and South Santa Monica Boulevard until 6 p.m. Access to all local businesses will be maintained.

The Beverly Hills Police Department and message boards will direct vehicles around the marathon route. Wider regional closures for the route will be in effect from as early as 3 a.m. until 6 p.m.

On the day of the marathon, from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., any questions regarding street closures in the region can be directed to the Beverly Hills Hotline by dialing (310) 550-4680.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, February 1, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced in a news release that over 200 cases have been filed to fight against organized retail theft and the task forces are comprised of regional law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office partnering together to prosecute these crimes.

“Organized retail theft stole the feeling of safety and security from Angelino’s and business owners alike last year,” said LAPD Chief Michel Moore. “This regional organized retail theft task force has restored much of this, although, there is work still to be done. I am proud of the hard work and dedication to public safety of those not only from the Los Angeles Police Department, but our partnering agencies as well. As public servants, we cannot work in silos; we cannot work alone. Public safety belongs to all of us.”

“The Sheriff’s Organized Retail Crimes Task Force in collaboration with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and our partner law enforcement agencies are continuing to work tirelessly to tackle these brazen smash-and-grabs that are having a significant impact on our business communities,” said LASD Major Crimes Bureau Acting Captain Rob Peacock. “Since inception of our task force, we have arrested 438 suspects related to retail theft and 309 cases have been successfully filed. We are not only focused on the individuals responsible for the thefts, but those that are in the criminal chain—the getaway drivers, those that harbor them, and those that sell the stolen merchandise. These individuals need to understand that there will be consequences—we will use all our resources to identify, pursue, and arrest these suspects.”

From January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, the District Attorney’s Office filed at least 200 cases involving adult and juvenile cases, the majority involving multiple defendants, under PC 490.4. This penal code section makes it a felony for an organized group of two or more persons to steal goods from a merchant with the intent for resale. This applies to online merchants and physical stores. Individuals who have partaken in such thefts are being prosecuted, as the thefts have caused large revenue losses for the businesses.

There are some cases pending, sentences can range from probation to state prison, and can include charges such as: organized retail theft, grand theft, robbery, second-degree robbery, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property.

Some of the cases filed included stores that have been targeted like: 99 Cent Store, American Eagle, Bed Bath and Beyond, CVS, Kevin Jewelers, Kohls, Macy’s, Marshall’s, Nike, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, Rite Aid, Ross, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sam’s Club, Sephora, Target, Ulta, Victoria’s Secret, WSS, and numerous small businesses.

“WSS acknowledges and supports the vital efforts of the Organized Retail Theft Task Force and the District Attorney’s Office in combating organized retail theft, which detrimentally affects neighborhood security and local businesses. We remain committed to collaborating with law enforcement to deter and prosecute these crimes,” Blanca Gonzalez, senior vice president and general manager, Warehouse Shoe Sale.

In addition to prosecuting these cases, law enforcement worked with task force partners to recover millions of dollars in stolen goods which have been returned to retailers by law enforcement. Over $188,000 in merchandise has been returned to Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, $250,000 in recovered goods has been returned to Kevin Jewelers, and hundreds of thousands of dollars has been returned to Target and CVS.

Anyone with details on these types of crimes that have occurred in Los Angeles County can call the LAPD Organized Retail Theft Task Force contact, Lt. Michael McComas at 818-374-9420 or email orc@lapd.online, or the LASO Organized Retail Crime Task Force contact, Lt. Derek White at 562-946-7270 or email orctf@lasd.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 29, Tracey Wilen-Daugenti at Friends of Library bookstore announced their new reading initiative, waiting to unfold. The idea is whether you’re celebrating Valentines Day, The Lunar New Year, or Black History month, to spend it falling in love with reading again.

The following commentary came directly from Tracey:

“Discover Love Unfolding: Blind Date with a Book at the Friends of the Beverly Hills Friends Bookstore!

Escape the ordinary and let your next literary love story begin with the Friends of the Beverly Hills Library Bookstore’s enchanting twist to Valentine’s Day – Blind Date with a Book! Journey into the world of mystery as you explore a curated selection of concealed books, each holding the potential for a captivating tale. It’s like speed dating for book lovers, where every book is a chance for a perfect match.

Not every book is a perfect match? No worries! Pass it off to a friend and try again for a match made in book heaven. Visit the Beverly Hills Library Bookstore at 444 N. Rexford Drive, Library Lobby to embark on a literary adventure like no other. Discover love unfolding within the pages of a book – your next great literary love affair awaits!

Get ready to soar into the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. Join the festivities with Friends of the Library bookstore as we celebrate with a feast of newly donated Asian Cookbooks and feature the captivating works of top-selling Asian authors. Let the flavors of culture and literature come together in a vibrant celebration.”

Friends of the Library invite you to a special Valentine’s Day edition of their Book Discussion Group on February 14 at 10:15 a.m. in the Library Auditorium located at
444 N. Rexford Drive in Beverly Hills. Come help us celebrate the day of love while engaging in discussion on our book of the month.

The Book of the Month is, “The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Dare.

This event, facilitated by the wonderful Judith Palarz promises to be a heartwarming literary experience. There is a $5.00 donation required for non-members and Free admission for members.

For more information please call (310) 288-2244

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that applications are now being accepted for the Community Assistance Grant Fund until Thursday, February 29 at 5 p.m.

Maintaining a social service safety net is a public service policy stated in the Beverly Hills’ General Plan. The city of Beverly Hills allocates General Fund dollars to Community Assistance Grant Funding (CAGF) which is administered by the Human Services Division.

Agencies funded through CAGF provide social services the city does not provide directly to the most vulnerable members of the community including homeless individuals, active and frail elderly, disabled and low-means residents.

By funding a safety net, Beverly Hills establishes a continuum of care that improves coordination across providers, increases access and availability of services to community members and supports the quality of life in the region.

Evaluation Criteria

Applicants will be considered based on the following criteria:

-Organization provides a unique service that addresses an unmet need of the community and does not duplicate other providers or programs.

-Organization does not rely solely on community assistance funding to remain viable and the services would cost more to the City if the City provided them directly.

-Organization provides services that support the City’s commitment to the provision of a social service safety net that addresses the health and welfare of community members.

-Organization provides regional services that enable the City to meet its regional obligation to help ameliorate social issues.

For 2024, Beverly Hills will be accepting applications for cultural grants. These applications must still meet the above criteria one and two, but they also must be existing Beverly Hills organizations that have demonstrated a history of exemplary cultural opportunities which respond to community needs.

Application Review and Awards for Funding

Proposals are reviewed by the Human Services Division and two commissions. (1) The Charitable Solicitations Commission evaluates each applicant’s finances. (2) The Human Relations Commission evaluates proposed programs and services. Reports from the Human Services Division and the two commissions then inform funding recommendations to City Council. City Council considers this information and determines final funding allocations.

Application Elements

Submission of the following documents is required:

1) Completed CAGF application,
2) Documentation of 501c.3 status or proof of 501c.3 status through partnership,
3) Copy of most recent Form 990 – Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax,
4) Copies of any current Charitable Solicitations Permits that have been obtained from the City of Beverly Hills.

The annual CAGF funding process begins with a request for proposals due in Q1 of the calendar year. Applications are then processed, evaluated and recommended for funding by the parties listed above. The funding cycle covers July 1 through June 30 of each fiscal year.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—Squatters have been having drunken, lewd parties at some of the vacant mansions out in the Hollywood Crest neighborhood just a couple houses away from the Lebron James estate. Distressed neighbors had reportedly begun reporting the nuisance October 2023. In a January 19 Daily Mail exclusive some details were revealed on who was present at these parties.

Police arriving at the scene of these massive parties indicated that they were there with permission from the landowners, tenants in fact. The tale went on to include that the price of the never-ending party was $25,000. The landowners denied any such agreement.

It was already at least three months of perturbed neighbors disgusted with the number of drugs, trash, alcohol, noise and people before the extent of the disturbances came to light.

Morgan Garguilo, 34, was reportedly convicted of an assault and battery charge for beating his wife. Reports indicate that Garguilo was granted probation on December 29, 2023, for the assault charge.

It is not clear if this happened at one of the mansions the partygoers were squatting at or if it was in another location. No information was readily available regarding this case on the LASD website or the inmate locator, which could indicate either that the files were sealed or that Garguilo was never booked into jail.

There was a legal report that Garguilo along with Ruben “Avi” Avinadav, 30, have permanent restraining orders against them from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for their involvement in a student loan fraud scheme.

The Daily Mail indicated that Avi may have been one of the party planners in the group. Veronica Michelle Monger and Martin Gerardo Vincent, 47, were also involved.

Some of the other homeowners that live in the vicinity of the squatters’ parties include “The Family Guy” creator, Seth McFarlane, Producer, Steve Levins, Jeff Bezos, Steve Wynn, Ron Burkle, John Legend, and his wife, Chrissy Teigen.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, January 18, the Los Angeles Times reported that Beverly Hills authorities are appealing Judge Kim’s December 21, 2023 decision to place a moratorium on building permits other than new residential developments due to the reported failure of city leaders to provide evidence of a plan for affordable housing.

Judge Kim noted in his ruling that Beverly Hills is relying on medical office buildings and car dealerships being converted into affordable housing despite Beverly Hills’ admission that this transition is unlikely, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Kim is allowing some permits and relayed that doing so places cities at risk of penalties for not fulfilling requirements by California law.

Real estate agents indicate that population growth in Beverly Hills stagnated, and potentially declined.

According to the World Population Review, the current population in Beverly Hills is 29,748. In 2021, the population was 31,900. In 2022, 31,200, and in 2023, 31,400 people resided in the region.

Californians for Homeownership is a non–profit organization that filed lawsuits against ten California cities that failed to meet state housing planning obligations including, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Claremont, Fullerton, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, Laguna Hills, Manhattan Beach, South Pasadena, and Vernon.

“We have filed lawsuits against ten Southern California cities for violating state laws that require cities to plan for the development of housing. The litigation aims to enforce the requirements of California’s RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Allocation) and housing element laws. Under the RHNA system, the state and local governments work together to identify regional housing needs and distribute them among a region’s cities and counties. Each city and county must then develop a housing element, a component of the city’s general plan that identifies sites available for future housing development sufficient to meet the city’s RHNA allocation.

If the city cannot identify adequate sites, it must change its zoning to allow additional housing development. Our lawsuits against Manhattan Beach and Beverly Hills focus on problems with the cities’ adopted housing elements. State law requires housing elements to identify sites that are likely to be developed into housing over an eight-year planning period by 2029,” reads a statement from the California for Homeowners website.

The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is a process under California state law that allows cities and unincorporated areas in the counties to plan and prepare to accommodate projected population growth.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 17, the Los Angeles Police Department announced they are investigating a carjacking of a food delivery truck near Beverly Hills on January 15, at approximately 9:50 p.m., at the corner of Plymouth Avenue and 10th Street.

According to police, the victim, who was driving a 2013 white Hyundai Sonata was the driver/delivery man for a food service company. He disclosed to police that he felt like he was being followed after picking up an order for delivery. The vehicle was described as a black, newer model SUV. The driver drove in front of the victim’s vehicle and stopped blocking him so he could not pass. Four suspects were inside the black SUV.

Two suspects were described as Hispanic males between the ages of 25-30 years old. They exited the SUV, and approached the victim at gunpoint, forcing him out of the car, and onto the ground. The suspects took the victim’s wallet and keys and drove away. There is no description of the third and fourth suspects as they stayed in the SUV leaving to follow the other two suspects in the victim’s car.

Anyone with information or who has details about the victim’s 2013 white Hyundai Sonata is asked to contact LAPD Wilshire Robbery Detective, A. Aguayo, at (213) 922-8215. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will celebrate Earth Day on Sunday, April 28 at the Farmer’s Market. This will be the 21st year of the Annual Earth Day event. The city indicated on its website that the theme for 2024 is “planet vs. plastic.”

The Public Works department will have a booth with information about Beverly Hills sustainability efforts, vendor and organizations booths, free compost giveaway, and free shredding services for the community take part of on that day.

Earth Day Celebration Events:

Earth Day Celebration at Farmer’s Market, free shredding, e-waste booth and compost give away on April 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Events are open to all community members.

When it comes to shredding, community members will be able to shred old documents safely, securely and pick up some compost for FREE.

Participants are expected to follow these rules for everyone’s safety:

• Noncompliance with these instructions results in non-participation.
• Please remain in vehicle at all times, and wait for instructions from staff.
• Drop off only.
• 50 pound limit per person.
• Staff will not open vehicle door or enter vehicle cabin.
• First come first serve.
• Stage parking line will be on Burton way in front of courthouse and the corner of Civic Center Dr. Exit through the alley on Foothill Rd

For inquiries regarding Earth Day email earthday@beverlyhills.org or contact Public Works Staff at 310-285-2467.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—Paula Neri, the Media Relations Coordinator for the Beverly Hills Police Department Lieutenant Reginald Evans will no longer serve in his current position, with Lieutenant Andrew Myers becoming the new Executive Officer and Public Information Officer (PIO) for the BHPD. He was thanked for his leadership and service during 2023.

Lt. Myers will oversee Media Relations, the Community Relations Unit, the Professional Standards Unit, the Reserve Unit, and the Disaster Communication System.

During his tenure, Lt. Myers served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and worked in an undercover capacity. He was a member of SWAT for 13 years and has been an active member of the Honor Guard and Peer Support Team since the inception of both units.

Lt. Myers built and managed the BHPD Instagram profile from 2015 to 2020, building a strong base of over 40,000 followers. Before his appointment as Executive Officer, he was the Administrative Services Lieutenant, managing recruitment, hiring, training, policies & procedures, and special projects.

His academic achievements in Criminal Justice and Sociology, along with his leadership roles, in SWAT and as the Administrative Services Lieutenant, make him qualified for his new position.

“Please join us in welcoming Lt. Myers to his new role. We look forward to a year of continued excellence and community engagement under his leadership,” said Neri in a statement.

The public is advised to continue to follow the BHPD online to stay informed.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills Public Works Department is inviting the public to the celebrate with Public Works Day on Saturday, May 19. The goal of the event is for the community to learn how the Public Works Department supports the quality of life in the community every day.

The event will be held at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market located at Civic Center Drive and Third Street. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There will be things to entertain the entire family including a Public Works Construction Play Zone, petting zoo/pony ride for a nominal fee, goodie giveaways, big trucks, music and games.

For information contact the city of Beverly Hills Public Works Department at (310) 285-2467 or visit www.beverlyhills.org/pwday.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Greystone Mansion will be hosting an upcoming event for the Greystone at the Movies on Wednesday, January 10 and Thursday, January 11 with a screening of the film “The Bodyguard.” The movie stars the late singer Whitney Houston and Academy Award winner Kevin Costner.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. Individuals can tour locations used during filming begins at 6:30 followed by the movie. Tickets: $15 (Beverly Hills residents) / $20 (non-residents)
Beverly Hills completed the restoration of the Greystone Theatre in spring 2020. It is now a multi-use space preserving the historic character of the room while offering a state-of-the-art cinema and small stage for live performance.

The 1992 film “The Bodyguard” was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Original Song for “I Have Nothing” and “Run To You.” The films soundtrack became the highest selling soundtrack of all time and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The City of Santa Monica is seeking volunteers for the 2024 homeless count to be held on January 24, from 8:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. The effort will be overseen by the Los Angeles Homeless Authority (LAHSA) in an effort to address and strengthen the lives of those living in homelessness.

According to the City of Santa Monica’s webpage, volunteers may register to help with the homeless count at TheyWillCountYou.org. For more information, please contact LAHSA at homelesscount@lahsa.org or call (213)683-3333.

Reports indicate that the homeless count rose by nine percent between 2022 and 2023 in Los Angeles and by 45 percent in Santa Monica. This is an increase from 4,604 in 2022 up to 6,669 people living in homelessness in Santa Monica in 2023.

Los Angeles County is divided into eight service planning areas. Santa Monica is included in SPA 5 along with many of the other cities in our coverage area including, Bel Air, Beverly Hills Brentwood, Laurel Canyon, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Westwood.

The cities in SPA 5 outside or on the outskirts of the Canyon News coverage area are Beverly Crest, Century City, Culver City, Holmby Hills, Mar Vista Marina Del Rey, Manchester, Palms, Rancho Park, South Robertson, Venice, and Westchester.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 2, city officials in southern California reminded residents how to recycle their Christmas Trees. 

The Los Angeles County Public Works published the following information about the proper disposal of Christmas Trees on their website:

“Most of the Cities in Los Angeles County have requested residents to remove ornaments/decorations, tinsel, plastic containers, metal/plastic/wood stands, nails, and lights. If none shown, please contact your city for options. See below for special instructions. Unless otherwise noted. The Christmas trees can then be placed at curbside next to the recycling and waste containers on scheduled trash collection day(s) during the time-period noted. Please see special instructions for further details and possible exceptions to these rules in your city.”

The city of Bevely Hills collection dates are from December 26, 2023, through January 11, 2024.

The city of Santa Monica indicated on their website they are collecting trees from December 26, 2023, through January 31, 2024. The Resource Recovery and Recycling Administrator, Yvonne Yeung, who authored the post regarding the recycling of the trees advises that there is no need to call 311 for pick-up, and requests patience from the public as they are working diligently in getting the trees off the curbs in a timely manner.

“Place trees by the curb by 6 a.m. on service day. Trees over 6ft must be cut in half. No stands, ornaments or flocked trees accepted,” the city of Santa Monica stated. Residents may call 310-458-2223 or email recycling@santamonica.gov to schedule pick-ups through the end of January.

The city of West Hollywood has pick-up dates from December 26, 2023, through January 6, 2024.

The city of Malibu is allowing Christmas Tree pick-ups from December 26, 2023 – January 16, 2024. and stated:

“Place the tree by the curb by 6 a.m. on service day. Trees over 6ft must be cut in half. Plastic trees/foliage will not be accepted, call to schedule a bulky item pick-up.”

Residents from some parts of the coverage area can take their Christmas trees to the local fire station for recycling.

In Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles Fire Department, Fire Station #88 is currently taking trees at 5101 N. Sepulveda Boulevard.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced in an email to Canyon News that the first Beverly Hills Police Department Coffee with a Cop Event will be held on Thursday, January 18.

The gathering allows members of the community to meet with the BHPD over a cup of coffee. The event will occur from 9:30 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. at Café Sheera, which is located at 443 N. Bedford Drive.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Cafe Sheera for hosting this event and helping us bring the community together. No formal agenda, just a cup of coffee and friendly chats. Whether you have questions or just want to say hello, we’re here to connect,” the city of Beverly Hills stated.

For additional updates regarding the BHPD visit beverlyhills.org/BHPDconnect.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, December 18, the Beverly Hills Police Department disclosed results of the DUI Checkpoint that was conducted on Friday, December 15 at North Santa Monica Boulevard and Crescent Drive from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

A total of 1,790 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, and 173 were screened. Four drivers were cited for driving without a driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.

Funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA/BEVERLY HILLS—The Los Angeles Police Department announced on December 13 that on December 5, the Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) conducted a retail theft operation near the 700 block of South Figueroa Street. One of the ORCTF strategies in resolving organized retail crime is the utilization of plain clothes operations, where officers work with retail stores in disrupting retail theft.

Personnel from ORCTF consist of detectives from the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Burbank, Torrance and Glendale Police Departments. The ORCTF was assisted by personnel from LAPD Central Division, LAPD Transit Services Division, and Retail Loss Prevention personnel.

All the suspects who were arrested were spotted concealing merchandise and exiting the stores without paying. Uniform personnel contacted and arrested them.

The following arrests occurred on December 5, near the 700 block of South Figueroa Street:

• Tinder Math, female White, 43 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting, Release From Custody (RFC) citation #B44029
• Anthony Williams, male Black, 30 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting, RFC citation #B44032
• Dominique King, male Black, 33 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC-Shoplifting, RFC citation #B44033
• Gabriel Anthony Rubio, male Hispanic, 31 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting, RFC citation #B44037
• Tyler Damon Bood, male White, 28 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC-Shoplifting, RFC Citation #032321
• Jessica Mejia, female Hispanic, 31 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting, RFC citation #B44034
• Alecia Latonya Williams, female Black, 48 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting and a misdemeanor warrant for 484(a)PC- Petty Theft. She was booked and housed at the Metropolitan Detention Center, Booking No. 6721796, bail was set at $15,000.00.
• Davonte Charles Carter, male Black, 32 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting, RFC citation #B44026

Four juveniles were also detained and arrested for shoplifting and were subsequently released to their parents.

A total of 12 arrests were made during the operation. All stolen merchandise was returned to the retailers and the ORCTF, working with the assistance of divisional personnel, recovered all stolen items. The ORCTF will be conducting additional plain clothes operations during the holidays in the Los Angeles region, with the goal of identifying, locating, and arresting retail thieves.

Anyone with details is asked to call ORCTF Lieutenant II Mike McComas, (818) 374-9420, or email 37111@LAPD.Online. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, January 7, 2024, the 81st Annual Golden Globes Awards will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. To help with security for the event and to limit the impact of traffic on adjacent residential streets, street closures and parking restrictions will be implemented.

STREET CLOSURES

North Santa Monica Boulevard

Westbound curb lane closures: West of Wilshire Boulevard will be closed beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 2 through 4 a.m. until Monday, January 8, 2024.

Westbound complete sidewalk and street closures: from Wilshire Blvd. to Century Park East from 9 p.m. on Friday, January 5 through 4 a.m. on Monday, January 8.

Eastbound complete sidewalk and street closures: from Century Park East to Wilshire Boulevard from 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 6 through 4 a.m. on Monday, January 8.
Alternate Routes: South Santa Monica Boulevard to remain open in both directions.

Wilshire Boulevard

Eastbound curb lane closures: East of Whittier, beginning at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2 through 4 a.m. on Monday, January 8.

Eastbound: Full closure of Wilshire Boulevard at Comstock beginning at 10 p.m. on Saturday, January 6 until 4 a.m. on January 8.

Eastbound lanes will be completely closed between the Los Angeles Country Club and North Santa Monica Boulevard (local access to residents and Country Club guests in the 10200-10300 blocks of Wilshire Blvd.) beginning at 10 p.m. Saturday, January 6 through 4 a.m. Monday, January 8.

Westbound: One westbound lane remains open to through-traffic until 6 a.m. on January 7.
At 6 a.m. on Sunday, January 7, ALL lanes will be closed to all traffic until 4 a.m. on Monday, January 8, from Wilshire Boulevard between Comstock and South Santa Monica Boulevard.

Whittier, Carmelita, Elevado and Lomitas at Walden Dr. and Trenton Dr. and adjacent alleys:

These streets will be “local access only” beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday, January 7 through 4 a.m. Monday, January 8; All streets will be posted with no-parking signs.

Parking will be completely restricted (no exceptions) from 6 a.m. Sunday, January 7 through 4 a.m. Monday, January 8:

-Whittier Driv: Wilshire Boulevard to Walden Drive
-Carmelita Avenue: Wilshire Boulevard to Walden Drive
-Elevado Avenue: Wilshire Boulevard to Walden Drive
-Trenton Drive: Whittier Drive to Wilshire Boulevard
-Walden Drive: Santa Monica Boulevard to Elevado Avenue

For residents without permit parking, a parking exemption can be obtained by contacting the Beverly Hills’ Parking Exemption Line at (310) 285-2548 or online at beverlyhills.org/parkingexemptions.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is inviting the public to participate in the Menorah Lighting Celebration that will transpire on Thursday, December 7. Members from the Beverly Hills City Council will be in attendance at the Beverly Hills Gardens Park Lily Pond at Santa Monica Boulevard between North Canon Drive and North Beverly Drive.

The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The city of Beverly Hills is hosting a slew of events for the holiday season including the “Unwrap the Magic” Project Show at Beverly Hills City Hall until January 1, 2024.

Show times are daily every 30 minutes starting at 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The Jolly Trolley is also running until December 30, 2023, where it will pick up individuals on the corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way in downtown Beverly Hills, and will take visitors to the “Unwrap the Magic” projection show.

The trolley takes 30 minutes to loop back to a stop. It operates from 6 p.m. thru 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Stops alternate every 15 minutes. The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills City Council will consider the memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the city’s six (6) non-sworn employee associations: the Management & Professional Association, Supervisors Association, Confidential Employees Association, Safety Support Association, Municipal Employees Association and Municipal Employees Association Part-Time Unit during the Tuesday, December 5, City Council Formal Session. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in Council Chamber.

During that meeting, members of the City Council will consider proposed amendments to the Executive Compensation Plan.

According to a press release from the city of Beverly Hills website, under state law, the city participates in labor negotiations with its employee associations.

In accordance with state law, the City of Beverly Hills participates in labor negotiations with its employee associations. The results of the negotiations process are written agreements or contracts reached between Beverly Hills and the city employee associations. The agreements are commonly referred to as MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding).

A MOU is a cooperative agreement between two parties that can include general terms and goals and is not intended to be legally binding.

The MOUs have been ratified by each of the employee associations and are subject to adoption if approved by the Beverly Hills City Council. Negotiations with the groups were completed in mid-October with the proposed MOUs covering salaries and benefits for a three-year term for all six employee associations.

The first public meeting was held on February 21, 2023, and a community meeting was held on February 9 regarding the labor negotiations.

Per the City’s Civic Openness in Negotiations (COIN) Ordinance, an independent fiscal analysis was conducted for each MOU. The fiscal analyses and proposed MOUs are posted on the City’s website at www.beverlyhills.org/negotiations.

There are nine represented employee associations within Beverly Hills. The following association MOUs are currently not up for negotiations until 2025: The Beverly Hills Police Officers’ Association, Police Management Association and Firefighters’ Association.

While not required per the City’s labor relations ordinance (Beverly Hills Municipal Code, Article 5 Section 2-5-503-B), as is the case with the city’s represented employee groups, proposed amendments to the Executive Compensation Plan will be posted on city of Beverly Hills’ website at beverlyhills.org/executives on November 21, two weeks before the December 5 meeting.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, November 14, the City of Beverly Hills revealed that former Mayor Charles ‘Chuck’ Aronberg, M.D. passed away at the age of 93 on Thursday, November 9.

Aronberg served as a Beverly Hills Councilmember for 12 years in addition to his two terms serving as Mayor:1974-1975 and 1979-1980. Beverly Hills lowered its flag to half-staff.

“’Mayor’ Dr. Aronberg, Chuck, was an exceptional physician and a remarkably dedicated public servant,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold. “He served as councilmember and mayor and his amazing achievements span decades, from developing the Joint Powers Agreement with our School District to bringing the paramedic program to Beverly Hills. His legacy will live on for many generations and he will be deeply missed.”

Aronberg was born in Chicago on August 30, 1930 and relocated to Los Angeles when he was just 10 years old. He graduated from Los Angeles High School at the age of 15.

He specialized in ophthalmology and served as the official team doctor for the Los Angeles Lakes, Raiders, and Kings, despite an interest in law. He also consulted for UCLA and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also served as the physician for two Olympic Games. He earned UCLA’s Alumnus of the Year for Community Service and Alumnus of the year for UCSF School of Medicine.

He was an advocate of seat belt legislation and its push to be installed in cars. He collaborated with Ralph Nader to mandate various safety improvements and worked with Congressman Henry Waxman during the development of water and clean air acts.

He earned the ‘Key to the City’ honor in 2022 from former Beverly Hills Mayor and current City Councilmember, Lili Bosse.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee revealed details for the upcoming annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration to take place on Thursday, November 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring a special live performance by Emmy Award-winning actor and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Ralph is known for her work on the ABC comedy “Abbott Elementary” where she recently won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. She also appeared on the comedy series “Moesha” co-starring with singer and actress Brandy Norwood.

There will be lights on the palm trees, rose bushes and much more for the holidays.
“Our Holiday Lighting Celebration is an opportunity for us to come together, recognize how fortunate we are, and begin this year’s holiday season – a celebration of our City and a hopeful beginning for the New Year,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian A Gold. “At the same time, we recognize the impact of world events and our thoughts are with those here and abroad as we approach the holiday season. We hope they can find a sense of hopefulness and strength as we all overcome darkness with light.”

“The reveal of this year’s decor themed Up Up and Away Holiday! celebrates the start of the holiday season and brings together our community and visitors on Rodeo Drive. We are delighted to welcome Sheryl Lee Ralph to our iconic street, where each magical encounter promises to be a gift, unwrapping our hopes and dreams for everyone,” said Kay Monica Rose, President of the Rodeo Drive Committee.

There will be three stages on Rodeo Drive with performances from The Wallis’s critically-acclaimed theatrical experience “LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE” inspired by the 2003 holiday film written and directed by Richard Curtis, by cast members B. Slade, the two-time Emmy Award-winner and four-time Grammy-nominee and Madison Taylor Baez, who at 12-years old earned the “America’s Got Talent” Season 17 golden buzzer with her soulful voice, and there will be songs from The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA).

The evening’s entertainment will also include performances by The Maccabeats, a Jewish a cappella phenomenon that released four successful albums and made multiple TV appearances; LA-based Bollywood dance sensation Nazara, who will bring a fusion of Bollywood and Indian classical dance; timeless classics by Broadway’s seasoned singer and actor Terron Brooks and former American Idol contestant Vonzell Solomon, both individually celebrated for their remarkable talents and who have now joined forces as a soulful duet; a special drum performance by LA-based Cajon Drummer Nick Adams known for his collaborations with top artists and appearances on major TV shows; a special dance performance from the Holiday Rhythm Tappers, the duo from So You Think You Can Dance; harmonious renditions of beloved holiday tunes from The Four Parts Barbershop Quartet and Winter Wonderland Carolers, and sonic sounds by DJ Z. Celebrating the incredible shopping on Rodeo Drive and in Beverly Hills, the Holiday Helpers will perform Shopper’s Delight, a bold and colorful dance set.

There will be performers including those with towering Peppermint Stilts, food, a wine garden and photo opportunities for guests throughout the evening.

Mayor Gold and members of the Beverly Hills City Council members will countdown the crowd and illuminate Rodeo Drive’s center median bringing to life the Up Up & Away Holiday! decor in its full adornment. Santa Claus, led by the Beverly Hills High School marching band will arrive on the Beverly Hills Fire Truck and a fireworks finale will also transpire.

The holiday festivities will continue across the region through January 1, 2024 with the following installations available for viewing nightly: The “Glowing Gardens” which includes giant tree and ornament sculptures at Beverly Cañon Gardens Park; the “Lights on the Lily Pond” show at Beverly Gardens Park which takes place every 15 minutes beginning at 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and back for its second year, the incredible “Unwrap the Magic” projection show viewable nightly every half hour from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the iconic Beverly Hills City Hall Tower located at the corner of N Santa Monica Boulevard and N Crescent Drive.

Beverly Hills will have its historic trolley car, adorned with holiday garland and named the “Jolly Trolley” for the holiday season running to take visitors to the “Unwrap the Magic” projection show every Thursday through Sunday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (excluding holidays) from its stops at Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way and N Crescent Drive and N Santa Monica Boulevard.

There will also be a family friendly holiday celebration for children of all ages on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Greystone Mansion and Gardens.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market will be hosting the Holiday Craft Fair and Cookie Baking Contest on December 10 at the 9300 block of Civic Center Drive.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature local artisans to help the community with their holiday shopping which includes jewelry, oils, clothing, pottery, florals and candles.

For the Cookie Baking Contest, the Best Tasting: 1st place $200, 2nd place $100, 3rd place $50. Best Looking cookie will receive a $50 prize. The rules of the contest are as follows:

1. Only home-baked cookies will be accepted. The cookies must be prepared and baked by the contestant submitting the entry for judging. Amateur bakers only. Professional chefs and restaurant entries will not be accepted.

2. One submission per contestant, please. Each contestant must bring 12 cookies of a single recipe.

3. Only the first 20 entries will be accepted. To be considered, complete the application below and pay the nonrefundable $5.00 entry fee. Contestants may pay on line here, bring payment to the Farmers’ Market Sundays 9-1pm in the info booth or mail a check to Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market, c/o Community Services, 501 Doheny Road, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

4. The submission deadline is Wednesday, December 6 by 5pm.

5. All entries become the property of the City of Beverly Hills. We reserve the right to use your entry in all print and electronic media, and to edit recipes for brevity and clarity.

6. Contestants must bring their cookies to the judges booth by 9am on Sunday, December 10, 2023. Winners will be announced at 12:15pm.

As always, the Farmers Market will feature 50 certified farmers and specialty vendors, family arts and crafts projects, a kid zone for pony rides and a petting zoo and live entertainment.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that crews from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) are planning repairs to a pipeline that delivers water to Beverly Hills. Water customers across the service area are being asked to conserve water from Monday, November 6 to Wednesday, November 8.

The city will be using water supplies from its existing reservoirs and its own water treatment plant while MWD work is completed.

Over the three days, the city is asking customers to refrain from outdoor watering and conserve water indoors as much as possible.

For additional water wise tips visit www.bhsaves.org. Such adjustments as the following can be completed:

Do your part, be water smart:

-Two (2) day per week watering due to  Drought:

Monday and Friday –  North of Santa Monica Blvd

Tuesday and Saturday -South of Santa Monica Blvd

-No watering (sprinklers or hose) after 9 a.m. or before 6 p.m.

-Approximately 8 minutes for overhead sprinklers and 15-20 for drip irrigation

-Turn OFF your irrigation system before a rain event. It can be left Off for long periods if there’s significant rainfall.

-Supplemental watering for trees allowed

-Violations will be issued for non-compliance

-30 percent citywide water reduction goal

-Find and fix leaks immediately

Water leaks are caused by running toilets. One toilet can run up to 200 gallons an hour. Other common continuous water flow issues are auto fills in pools or fountains, irrigation system issues and/or broken pipes.  Many leaks are not visible and can waste up to 5,000 gallons per day, the city of BH reports on its website.

For residents with continuous water flow issue at their property, check out the City’s Leak Flyer for more information. To see if there is a leak or are over watering one’s landscape – sign up for the City’s free Water Tracker program.

For more details call Beverly Hills Public Works Customer Service at 310-285-2467 or email askpw@beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced that the Doggy Daze event will return to Roxbury Park’s Wiggly Field on Sunday, November 5. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is celebrating 13 years.

The event will include a pet parade, pet talent contest, pet adoption, pet agility demonstrations, 35 pet-related vendors and food trucks. The event is open to the public and will be located at 471 S. Roxbury Drive.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on Monday, October 16 that it launched a new website survey as part of the first phase of its redesign and is seeking community input regarding usability, content and design.

After a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process, the city selected Civic Plus as its website vendor.

The survey questions will address how users search for information, feedback surrounding website design elements that aid in the overall look and feel and what content should be prioritized on its pages.

The Website Steering Committee consists of Councilmembers John Mirisch and Lili Bosse.  “The City Website Steering Committee will represent a diverse group of community stakeholders and City staff to help provide input on design and functionality. The re-design project is expected to be complete in the Spring of 2024,” the city of BH stated on its website.

To access the survey and to learn about the website design project, visit beverlyhills.org/websiteredesign. The survey can be completed at the following link: City Website Design Survey (beverlyhills.org).

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills selected veteran municipal employee Michael Forbes as its next Director of Community Development, via an announcement on Monday, October 9. As Director, he will oversee the divisions of Planning, Development Services, Community Preservation, Rent Stabilization and Special Events and Filming.  Forbes currently serves as Planning Director for the City of Westlake Village.

“I am thrilled to welcome Michael to Beverly Hills,” said City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey.  “His impressive and diverse leadership experience at cities across Southern California has prepared him well for the busy work ahead and we look forward to him joining our team later this month.”

The city indicated in a press release that Forbes has 25 years in Planning and worked for the cities of Burbank, Glendora, Thousand Oaks and served for 5 years as the Community Development Director of Temple City.

“I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity,” said Forbes. “The Community Development Department in Beverly Hills has an outstanding reputation and I look forward to working with the dedicated team as we continue to serve this world-class community.”

Forbes earned his bachelor’s degree in Geography from UCLA and is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its website that drivers should expect modifications to Wilshire Boulevard starting Monday, October 16 as construction on the One Beverly Hills residential and hotel development project begins.

Since 2022, site preparation activities have been underway for the project, which will include a mix of luxury residences, hotel rooms, and landscaped gardens across the site’s 17.5 acres. It is slated to open in 2027. The project site sits adjacent to the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills near the intersection of North Santa Monica Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard.

Starting October 16 and running through March 2024, the project’s construction team will be working to relocate utility lines along Wilshire Boulevard. The work will take place in the right-of-way and will consist of trenching and pipe installation from the western city limit to Whittier Drive.

To complete the work, existing landscaped medians and gateway monument signs along Wilshire Boulevard will be temporarily removed. The six Date Palm trees located in the median will be preserved and stored for future re-planting.

During the course of the construction, intermittent lane closures will occur in a phased approach. The first phase will consist of a one-lane closure in each direction along Wilshire Boulevard to Trenton Drive Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The second phase will involve longer-term closures of two lanes on Wilshire Boulevard (alternating between east and westbound directions) and eastbound left turn restrictions at Whittier Drive and Trenton Drive. The lane closures during this phase will be continuous, and active work will transpire Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more details about project construction, visit obhconstructionhelpline.com.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will host a community meeting on Monday, October 16 at 10 a.m. in City Hall’s Municipal Gallery to inform tenants, landlords, contractors and other members of the public of important changes related to rental properties in Beverly Hills.

The city indicated in a news release that topics to be discussed will include an updated Means and Method Plan form and the return to the annual allowable rent increase calculations established in the Municipal Code for Chapters 5 and 6.

The meeting will talk about upcoming changes that may take place in the near future, such as topics of discussion by the Rent Stabilization Commission and prospective Division-wide projects.

“It’s important that we continue to educate our community with the latest information that could make a difference to those who rent, manage rentals or own rental properties,” said Nestor Otazu, Deputy Director of Rent Stabilization. “We invite our community to take part in this meeting by asking questions and getting the answers they need so that they can utilize resources that are available.”

Additional details can be found at beverlyhills.org/bhrent. The meeting can be viewed on BHTV Channel 10 and could be streamed online at beverlyhills.org/live. The meeting will also be accessible remotely via Zoom. The access information for the meeting is listed below:

Access link: https://beverlyhills-org.zoom.us/my/community

Passcode: 90210

Phone Access: (310) 285-1020

The Rent Stabilization Division administers and enforces the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). All multifamily rental properties, two or more residential units, are subject to the RSO unless expressly exempted by BHMC§§ 4-5-102 or 4-6-1. To report a violation of the RSO, please call Rent Stabilization Division at (310) 285-1031.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On September 13, the Beverly Hills City Council voted to move forward with West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (WHCHC), which is a nonprofit affordable housing developer, to start the negotiation process to possibly develop a 100 percent affordable senior housing project on a city-owned site located at 9268-9298 W. 3rd Street.

As a result of the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) approved by the BH City Council, new plans and drawings will be given to the public during community outreach plans in the coming months.

“The Beverly Hills City Council has always been committed to providing affordable housing for our residents,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold. “Sometimes it takes time to put these projects together and I am pleased we are able to move forward. While this is the first step, the Council is dedicated to providing more housing options for our community in the future.”

Back in April 2022, Beverly Hills solicited qualifications and various proposals for a project on a Beverly Hills owned site. They received 27 conceptual proposals and after nearly a year of evaluation the Beverly Hills City Council subcommittee recommended the project site and developer, WHCHC, to be chosen.

The conceptual proposal submitted by WHCHC calls for 252 one-bedroom units with affordability requirements. The building is expected to be six stories high with an additional usable rooftop level along with two levels of subterranean parking.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will be hosting a free drive-thru shredding and compost event on Sunday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will transpire at Civic Center Drive and 3rd Street. The event will end at 1 p.m. or whenever the truck is full, whichever transpires first.

Attendees are asked to stay in their vehicles during the event, and wait for instructions from staff. The shredding is for drop off only, first come first served. Staff will NOT open vehicle doors or enter the vehicle cabin. The stage parking line will start at Burton Way in front of the courthouse and the corner of Civic Center Dr. Participants can exit via the alley on Foothill Road.

Shredding will take place on the spot and content can be placed in boxes. Each individual will be allowed to bring 50 pounds per person.

No computer hard drives will be accepted, only paper documents. The company completing the shredding is Shred Source and they are AAA certified by NAID.

Items not accepted during the event include:

The following will NOT ACCEPTED:

-Hard drives

-Electronic waste (printers, batteries, computers, cell phones, tablets, etc.)

-Books

-3 ring binders

-Cardboard

-X-rays

-CD’s

-Tapes (VHS, DLT, etc.)

Paper clips, binding clips, rubber bands, staples, hanging folders, clasp folders and envelopes can go through the shredder, these items do not need to be removed from the paper.

For additional details on the event contact: Public Works (310) 285-2467, visit BEVERLYHILLS.ORG/SHRED or email AskPW@Beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills indicated in a press release that the Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) will see the return of its Empowerment Camp on October 14 and October 15. The event will give 9th thru 12th graders the chance to learn hands-on firefighting exercises, training and leadership opportunities

“Our Beverly Hills Fire Department and the City of Beverly Hills is committed to uplifting and empowering this next generation of great leaders,” said Mayor Dr. Gold. “We want to inspire all young people in their journey of becoming firefighters.”

The camp will be held in-person at the Fire Department at 445 N Rexford Dr. Women who are 18 and older and actively pursuing a career in firefighting are asked to apply as a mentor instructor.

“We are fortunate to have had so many curious young adults participate in our hands-on training, getting a close glimpse of what our women and men do to protect our community,” said BH Fire Chief Greg Barton. “We look forward to welcoming the class of 2023!”

“We had such a great turnout last year,” said Melissa Hillis, BHFD Fire Engineer. “The teens really pushed themselves and made us all proud. Our department is a huge proponent of improving gender diversity and increasing community ties, so we’re welcoming all curious minds this year who are aligned in our mission.”

Registration for residents will start Friday, September 1. and is free. Registration will remain open until the camp is filled. To register, visit beverlyhills.org/empowermentcamp or for questions email FiredUp@beverlyhills.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city will be celebrating the sixth annual NEXT NIGHT Street Festival on Saturday, September 23 from 4 p.m. thru 9 p.m. The event will be held on the 200 block of South Beverly Drive with land live music and family entertainment.

The city indicated on its website that the event is free and is a partnership with the Next BH Committee and will include food trucks, art, games, attractions and a beer and wine garden. Businesses along South Beverly Drive will provide experiences and promotions throughout the evening.

“Thank you to the Next Beverly Hills Committee for organizing another spectacular NEXT NIGHT out. I love the fact that our next generation leaders have created an event for the entire community – young, older and everything in-between,” said Mayor Julian Gold. “This is an opportunity for all of us to come to South Beverly Drive to celebrate our community. We look forward to seeing everyone there.”

The Legendary Wailers featuring Junior Marvin will be the headliner performing Bob Marley hits:  “One Love,” “Three Little Birds,” “No Woman No Cry,” “Get Up Stand Up,” “Is This Love,” and more.

“NEXT NIGHT is a perfect way for residents of all ages to reconnect and get involved with the community,” said Next Beverly Hills Committee Chair Noah Etessami. “We want everyone to come out and enjoy the music and what Beverly Hills has to offer!”

DJ Keybo will control the music with special performances by the Beverly Hills High School Madrigals, Drum Line, Dance Team and Theatrical Students.

“Last year, over 5,000 community members showed up and had a blast, and this year we have added even more to enjoy – it’s not to be missed!” said NEXT NIGHT Chair Tiffany Davis. “We hope everyone will celebrate the end of summer with top entertainment, great food, activities for all ages, and great deals from local merchants.”

There will be a full street closure between Charleville Drive and Gregory Way from 6 p.m. on Friday, September 22 and end at 4 a.m. on Sunday, September 24.

For a full list of activities and more information visit beverlyhills.org/NEXTNIGHT.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will host its annual Household Hazardous Waste & E-Waste Roundup on September 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West Third Street, between Foothill Road and Civic Center Drive. The event is open to all residents of Los Angeles County.

Hazardous Waste Collection Events, operated by the County and Sanitation Districts, are one-day, drive-through collection events where residents are invited to drive to a specific location to drop off their household hazardous waste and electronic waste (e-waste). There is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste per trip.

For a complete listing of what you can and cannot bring or information on events, contact:

1 (888) CLEAN-LA or visit www.888CleanLA.com, or

1 (800) 238-0172 or visit www.lacsd.org

Toxic chemicals typically found in a household:

-Oven cleaner

-Pool supplies

-Used motor oil

-Oil paint products

Participants are warned to not place unused items or other toxic chemicals into any container.  Only empty toxic containers (with lids removed) should be placed in the trash.

To properly and safely dispose of hazardous waste, call the Los Angeles County Hazardous Waste Roundup Hotline: (800) 552-5218 or the city of Los Angeles (800) 98-TOXIC or attend a county sponsored round-up.

Anyone searching for additional details can contact the Public Works Customer Service at (310) 285-2467.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On August 13, management from the Wrapstar restaurants announced that they are closing the doors of their WEHO store located at 8593 Santa Monica Boulevard. The following message may be found on the doors of the former Wrapstar, West Hollywood location and on their website. “Dear Wrapstar Customers, We regret to inform you that we are closing this location due to low traffic and higher operating costs in the area. We are so appreciative of everyone’s support and the amazing review we have received from you. We invite you to visit us online @ wrapstarla.com and at our other locations: 9533 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 9426 Washington Blvd. Culver City CA 90232 [Both the Beverly Hills and the Culver City locations are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.] With Gratitude, The Wrapstar Family The restaurant advertises that they have “reinvented the salad.” A full menu featuring both vegetable and flour tortillas with a large variety of meat and or vegetable fillings is available. Canyon News did reach out to Wrapstar management for more information but did not hear back in time for print. By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is celebrating its first annual week-long Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion, which kicked off on Monday, August 7th. The event will run thru Sunday, August 13th.

The event will highlight the craftsmanship, uniqueness and variety of fashion on Rodeo Drive. The city of Beverly Hills indicated on its website that the Rodeo Drive Committee member boutiques, hotels and restaurants in the region will collaborate to invite customers and guests.

“This is a moment to raise a glass to Rodeo Drive! There is nothing comparable. The legendary street’s magic continues thanks to the exemplary fashion design and craftsmanship from the greatest fashion houses and brands in the world; the architect-designed boutique spaces, the spectacular window displays, exclusive artist collaborations and pop ups, and our unrivaled customer service,” said Rodeo Drive Committee President Kay Monica Rose. “With our new program Rodeo Drive Celebrates, Rodeo Drive Committee member boutiques and businesses who are committed to the advancement and preservation of the street and its unique community, have come together as neighbors. They will open their doors with invitations to customers, residents and visitors – local and international, to a series of special celebrations in honor of Rodeo Drive’s unique place in fashion.”

“As summer moves into full swing, we invite our visitors and community to see firsthand why Rodeo Drive is THE place to be for fashion; our merchants’ expert craftsmanship, their appreciation for fashion, as well as their unrivaled hospitality and customer service,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold. “Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion is a great opportunity to visit our shops, stay in our hotels, and take advantage of the special offerings and personalized experiences.”

Rodeo Drive has been highlighted as a distinct destination of luxury, entertainment and fashion since the 1960s.

The opening of Giorgio Beverly Hills in 1961 by Fred Hayman, “the Godfather of Rodeo Drive,” followed shortly after by Aldo Gucci opening the first Gucci boutique, then Van Cleef & Arpels, a Vidal Sassoon salon and Bijan Pakzad’s “most expensive boutique in the world” cemented the foundation for one of the Rodeo Drive Committee’s early goals “to promote Rodeo Drive as America’s answer to the glamour of Rome’s Via Condotti, London’s New Bond Street and Paris’s Faubourg St-Honoré.”

Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion continues the street’s singular legacy as an international fashion destination with a variety of high-end retailers for consumers.

Join Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion

Auto Vault

Auto Vault invites you to enjoy fresh Paleta ice cream and an exclusive presentation of rare vehicles on the street from its private collection.

August 7th-12th, 12-2pm

Bulgari

Bulgari invites you to experience 75 years of the iconic Serpenti collection and a personalized jewelry styling session.

Bookings by appointment: Monday through Saturday 10-6pm and Sunday 12-5pm.

Brioni

Brioni invites you to preview the new Fall/Winter 2023 RTW and Bespoke fabric collections.

Appointments available to meet with the in-house tailor for a personalized fitting.

Cartier

Cartier invites you to celebrate fashion with jewelry wardrobing. Bespoke private appointments available all week and a special taste of the French Riviera on Saturday, August 12th, 2-5pm.

Frette

You are invited to discover the world of Frette and the presentation of the Fall / Winter 2023 collection:

An Homage to Moments of Dreaming.

Henry Jacques

Henry Jacques invites you to build the perfect perfume wardrobe to complement your lifestyle.

Receive a collection of Compartés chocolates reminiscent of its scents to accompany your purchase.

MCM

MCM invites you to celebrate Fashion; join them for cocktails, Dazzling Donuts, and a DJ set by Alysen James.

August 10th, 6-9pm

414 N. Rodeo Drive

RSVP at mcm.events@mcmworldwide.com

Moncler

Moncler invites you for Summer Aperitivos; drinks, light bites and a DJ set.

August 12th, 3-7pm

340 N. Rodeo Drive

RSVP at losangeles@moncler.com

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren invites you to private styling appointments in its VIP Suite with champagne, refreshments and a preview of the new Pre-Fall Collections.

208 Rodeo Restaurant

208 Rodeo Restaurant invites you to enjoy its summer special featuring Lallier Brut Champagne and Kaluga Caviar.

To make a reservation call 310-275-2428.

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel invites you to ‘THEBlvd After Dark’ – their new evening summer series.

Join them for sounds by a live DJ, drink specials and late-night summer vibes.

August 12th from 9pm -12am

Two Rodeo Drive

Two Rodeo Drive invites you to vibe to the rich tones and powerhouse vocals of live bands:

Gold Standard and Renaissance!

August 10th-12th from 2-6pm

Zegna

Zegna invites you to its new location for drinks by the bar and an exclusive preview of upcoming collections.

August 10th-12th, 2-6pm

455 N Rodeo Drive

Participants include Amiri, Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Loro Piana, and Mikimoto. The second annual, week-long program Rodeo Drive Celebrates Timepieces & Fine Jewelry will occur October 1st thru October 7th.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—A robbery that occurred on Monday, July 17, resulted in the arrests of four suspects that are said to be connected to the crime.

At around 6:30 p.m. two people were robbed along the 600 block of North Doheny Drive near Santa Monica Boulevard. Two suspects who were armed demanded their watches then fled toward the City of West Hollywood.

When interviewing the two victims they gave detectives a description of the suspects getaway car.

By 10 p.m. BHPD officers identified the suspects getaway vehicle on Santa Monica Boulevard and Charleville Boulevards, between Wilshire and Century City. They conducted a traffic stop and arrested three men and one woman. Officers closed south Santa Monica Boulevard at Charleville Boulevard as they were conducting the arrest and they reopened it shortly after.

The four suspects were booked into the Beverly Hills Jail on armed robbery charges.

Personal possessions and weapons found in the vehicle were recovered. They are believed to have been used in the robbery.

By Christianne

BEVERLY HILLS—A 17-year-old was killed and two other victims were injured in a shooting that occurred near the Beverly Center in the early hours of Sunday, July 9.

At approximately 3:50 a.m., Police responded to a radio call of an ambulance shooting near the intersection of 3rd Street and Orlando Avenue, according to a statement released by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The first victim discovered, a 17-year-old male identified as Zackary Dickson-Hislop of Los Angeles, and was declared deceased at the scene. The two other male victims, ages 17 and 26, were transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in stable condition.

Details on events leading up to the shooting have yet to be released. 

Detectives are seeking information on the suspect who has yet to be apprehended. He was last seen running southbound on Orlando Avenue from 3rd Street on foot.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Bureau Homicide Detectives at 213-382-9470. Anonymous tips can be submitted by telephone at 1-800-TIPS (800-222-8477) or online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Paige Strickland

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on Wednesday, July 5 that Arlen Eskandari was chosen as the next City Building Official (CBO) and Assistant Director of Community Development for Beverly Hills.

Eskandari currently serves as the City’s Deputy Building Official, managing plan review and building inspection services.  He assumes the role held by former CBO David Yelton who retired last week after 25 years of service to the Beverly Hills community.

“I am very pleased to welcome Arlen to this new role,” said Ryan Gohlich, Assistant City Manager. “His understanding of the City’s complex and technical codes and ordinances have prepared him well to lead the division and maintain the highest safety and quality standards that Beverly Hills requires.”

He joined Beverly Hills in 2014 as Senior Plan Review Engineer and was later promoted to Structural Engineer, Supervising Plan Review Engineer and recently Deputy Building Official.  He has over 20 years of experience in the design, plan review, construction, and management of various projects.

Eskandari holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Structural/Earthquake Engineering.  He is a registered Professional Civil Engineer, as well as Structural Engineer in the State of California.  He is also a Certified Project Management Professional and Building Official with the International Code Council.

By Casey

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is spreading the word that July is Parks Make Life Better! Month that recognizes the importance of access to the city’s 15 parks, and recreation offerings in Beverly Hills, and open spaces and community centers that enrich our lives and are part of what makes the small town character this City so special.

“Parks and recreation help us stay healthy and well – mind, body and soul.  They give us a space to workout, stay active and fit.  They provide a much needed sanctuary in the urban environment to keep us connected to each other and the great outdoors, and to bring value to our lives in a variety of ways including being a cherished summertime community gathering space,” states the city of Beverly Hills on its website.

JULY – PARKS MAKE LIFE BETTER! MONTH ACTIVITIES

Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market

Parks Make Life Better! Month – Kickoff

Sunday, July 2 – 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Join us at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday, July 2 for the kickoff of our July Parks Make Life Better! month. Stop by our Recreation & Parks booth for a chance to win some fun prizes. Come enjoy the market, and learn about the wide array of recreation classes, programs, and activities that we have planned for the summer and into our fall session for all ages.

Roxbury Park to Greystone Mansion & Gardens

Senior Excursion: Lunch & Movie at Greystone Mansion

Thursday, July 6 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Join us on Thursday, July 6 for lunch and a movie at the Greystone Mansion. Participants will be picked up at the Roxbury Park Community Center, and transported to the Greystone Mansion & Gardens for lunch in the courtyard, a tour of the mansion, and a movie in the historic Greystone Theater. Attendance will be limited to approximately 30 attendees, and fees will include transportation, lunch, and a movie.

Beverly Canon Gardens Park

Concerts on Canon: Arts & Crafts & Games for Kids & Families

Thursday, July 6 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Join us at Concerts on Cañon with the entire family on Thursday, July 6 for a fun-filled evening listening to a 60’s Tribute band “Beach St. A GoGo” while also enjoying children’s games, crafts, and activities!

Roxbury Park Community Center

Family Bingo

Friday, July 14 – 5 p.m.

Get ready for an exciting day of family fun and games! Join us on July 14 at 5 p.m. for a thrilling Bingo event that is sure to keep everyone entertained. This is the perfect opportunity to gather the whole family for a day of laughter, friendly competition, and of course, some amazing prizes!

Whether you’re a seasoned Bingo player or a newcomer to the game, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With a variety of Bingo games to play, you will have plenty of chances to win and walk away with some amazing prizes. Mark your calendars and bring the whole family down to our Family Bingo event on July 14th. We promise a day of fun and excitement that you won’t want to miss! See you there!

Roxbury Park

Shakespeare By The Sea: The Tragedy of Hamlet

Wednesday, July 26 – 7 p.m.

Join us at Roxbury Park for an evening of Shakespeare with all your friends and family of all ages. Admission is free, and no advanced registration required – so bring your blanket and picnic while enjoying a fun summer night of theater outside at Roxbury Park.

Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market

Parks Make Life Better! Finale – Passport Activity Log, Scavenger Hunt & more

July 30 – 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join us at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday, July 30 for the finale of our Parks Make Life Better! month activities. Come visit our kid’s booth, where you will find your very own Beverly Hills Parks Make Life Better coloring book, and a variety of interactive games to choose from. Don’t miss our Parks Make Life Better scavenger hunt at the Farmers Market – solve puzzles, riddles, and use your detective skills when meeting some of our farmers, to help find the treasure and earn some prizes.

FREE COMMUNITY SERVICE WORKSHOPS IN JULY

Roxbury Park Community Center

Sound & Breathwork Meditation with Chana Gedy

Thursday, July 13 – 4:30 p.m.

Join us for a unique family-oriented event, merging the calming elements of a sound bath, with the rejuvenating practice of breath-work. The experience is designed to foster connection, enhance mindful communication, and promote a shared experience among parents and kids alike through movement, breath-work and immersive soundscapes.

Please remember to bring your yoga mats, comfortable pillows, and anything else that could help create a perfect space for family relaxation. We look forward to sharing this special experience with you and your family.

Roxbury Park Community Center

Art with Ms. Dyana

Friday, July 21 – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and let your inner artist shine! Join us for an afternoon of fun and relaxation on July 21 at 1 p.m. as you explore your artistic side at Roxbury Memorial Park.

This art class is perfect for all skill levels – whether you’re a seasoned painter or a complete beginner. We’ll provide all the materials you need, so all you do is bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment with different techniques and styles.

During the class, we’ll be creating a beautiful art piece that you can take home with you at the end of the day. You’ll have the opportunity to express yourself creatively and meet new people. So if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend an afternoon with friends and family, come along to our art class at Roxbury Memorial Park. We can’t wait to see you there!

The dates and times for the Roxbury Park Adult/Senior Drum Circle and La Cienega Park Youth/Family Drum Circle have not yet been announced.

By Casey

BEVERLY HILLS—Comedian and actor Pete Davidson has been charged with one count of reckless driving after he crashed a vehicle into a Beverly Hills home on May 4. 

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office confirmed the charge in a statement to CBS on Friday, June 16. 

“We believe that Mr. Davidson engaged in reckless driving, which ultimately resulted in his involvement in a serious collision into a home,” the statement to CBS read. “Luckily, no one was seriously injured as a result of this collision.”

The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 11 p.m. on May 4 in a residential area of Beverly Hills near the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Elevado Avenue. 

According to TMZ, which first broke the news of the crash, actress Chase Sui Wonders was in the passenger seat as Davidson drove a Mercedes at a high rate of speed, coming in contact with a house.

No one was hurt in the crash, but damages were caused to a fire hydrant and the home. Reportedly, authorities do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved at this time, but the investigation is still ongoing. No arrests were made.

In Los Angeles, a reckless driving charge can result in a sentence of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.  

Davidson is scheduled to be arraigned on July 27.

By Paige Strickland

BEVERLY HILLS— Beverly Hills Police Officers reportedly searched the 200 block of South Hamilton Drive for an armed robbery suspect on Tuesday, June 6, Citizen reported.  

At around 8:30 p.m., BHPD responded to calls about a male suspect who was jumping off roofs onto apartment balconies, confronting the residents and robbing them. According to reports, the male suspect robbed a man of his wristwatch and robbed a female on the third floor of an apartment building. 

A roadblock was established – and police were reportedly canvassing the area with dogs – in order to keep the suspect from fleeing. Individuals were on lockdown in the area and not allowed to leave or enter in. 

At around 8:57 p.m., it was reported that the suspect remained at-large and not in police custody, apartment residents and citizen users commented. 

By 10:04 p.m., BHPD sent out an alert that they have concluded their search and the suspect was not located. 

Canyon News reached out to BHPD Public Information Officer Perez for more detail but did not hear back before print.

By Lacy

BEVERLY HILLS—Applications for Team Beverly Hills program are being accepted now through Friday, July 14, Keith Sterling, Deputy City Manager for Beverly Hills announced on Monday, June 5.

Created in 1996, Team Beverly Hills provides residents with a hands-on look at the operations of local government.  This program includes a variety of class sessions and includes interactive experiences with various departments. Program participants explore the behind-the-scenes operations of Beverly Hills including Public Works, Emergency Management, Information Technology, Community Services and Public Safety. At least 750 residents have completed Team Beverly Hills and over 70 percent of all current elected officials and City Commissioners are Team BH alumni.

The Team Beverly Hills program will select 50 residents (30 appointed by the Beverly Hills City Council, 18 selected by a random lottery, and two selected by the Beverly Hills Unified School District) for its upcoming class. Five representatives from the city’s business community (appointed by the BH City Council) will also be selected for the program, which kicks off later this year.

Objectives from Team BH include the following:

-To build a resource of involved community members for future Commissions, committees, programs, and projects for the benefit of the Beverly Hills community.

-To develop, nurture, and utilize leadership potential within the community.

-To familiarize community members with all aspects of government, business, education, and service industries.

-To involve community members in community activities, projects, and endeavors.

To learn more about Team Beverly Hills and to fill out an application online visit beverlyhills.org/teambeverlyhills or call 310-285-1014 or email teambh@beverlyhills.org.

By Casey

BEVERLY HILLS—The first ballot count update after Beverly Hills’ special election on Tuesday, May 23 shows the majority of voters are currently not in favor of the billion-dollar Cheval Blanc hotel project on Rodeo Drive.

Residents of Beverly Hills cast their ballots on two measures that would accept or reverse the Beverly Hills City Council’s approval of plans for LVMH’s Cheval Blanc hotel. The hotel would stand nine stories tall and feature up to 115 rooms, a 500-member private club, and restaurant and retail uses on an approximately 1.28-acre site in the northern portion of the business triangle.

As of Friday, May 26, 50.88 percent voted no on Measure B, which would approve zoning code changes for the size of the hotel, while 49.12 percent voted yes. On Measure C, which details tax agreements with LVMH, 50.89 percent voted no, and 49.11 percent voted yes.

Voters opposing the hotel are currently in the lead by 123 votes on Measure B and 125 votes on Measure C.

According to Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan, the total election results count is now 7,028.

Approximately 135 remaining ballots are “pending signature cures from voters whose signature was missing on the Return Envelope or did not match their registration record.” Once the ballots are cured they will be added to the official count.

The special election was initiated due to a referendum created by Unite Here Local 11, a union group that seeks to protect hospitality workers in Los Angeles. The union collected enough signatures to force the election to take place. Unite Here Local 11 opposed the project due to the lack of Beverly Hills’ affordable housing. 

Residents Against Overdevelopment, a grassroots group, says the hotel would cause “unbearable traffic and congestion to little Santa Monica and the Triangle,” and lack of “adequate parking” would force guests to use “much needed parking in the city.” 

“We oppose the monolithic Cheval Blanc Hotel project because it is just too big and tall for our village. It goes up to 9 stories in height, instead of the allowed three stories, and has more than twice the allowed density,” the Residents Against Overdevelopment website states. 

Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold says Beverly Hills has “lost an incredible addition to Rodeo Drive that would have provided additional funding for vital city services.” 

Jessica Miller, a spokesperson from LVMH, addressed the outlook of the ballot update on Friday stating:

“If the final vote count confirms the voters’ rejection of our project, we will respect the outcome and will not bring the hotel project back in any form.”

Another ballot update is set for Tuesday, May 30, and the final results of the special election will be determined June 2.

By Paige Strickland

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on May 17 they are seeking committee members interested in joining Mayor Julian Gold’s new Electrical Resilience Ad Hoc Committee. The Committee will explore ways Beverly Hills might become more energy self-reliant in the future.

“Today, we are dependent on an aging infrastructure that is less reliable than we need.  As a result, we are subject to an unacceptable number of failures of the system,” said Mayor Gold. “The goal of this Committee is to investigate technology which will allow us to be more electrically independent in the future and avoid these failures.”

According to the city of Beverly Hills website, the Committee will be managed by both the BH City Manager’s Office, as well as the Public Works Department and will consist of two Councilmembers and three at-large volunteer members. Those who apply must be residents of Beverly Hills and appointments will be for an initial two-year term.

Applications are open until Friday, June 2 at 5 p.m. To complete an application visit beverlyhills.org/applyforacommission or call the Beverly Hills Clerk’s office at (310) 285-2400.

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced that Timothea Tway, the Director of Community Development accepted the same role in the city of San Luis Obispo starting June 19.

“I am deeply grateful for my 11 years in Beverly Hills and will truly miss the people I work with and the community members I have come to know so well,” said Tway.  “As a San Luis Obispo native with family still living in that City, this is a rare and special opportunity that my husband and I believe is the right decision for our young family. I would like to thank the members of the Beverly Hills City Council and City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey for the opportunity to serve as Director.”

Tway started working in Beverly Hills in 2012 as an Assistant Planner and later served as Associate Planner, Senior Planner, Principal Planner, and City Planner before being named Director in 2022.

According to a press release, the city of Beverly Hills will announce the process of choosing a new Director of Community Development in the coming weeks.

BEVERLY HILLS—The  city of Beverly Hills’ announced on its website that their contractor has started construction on Coldwater Canyon Drive to replace aging pipeline and install new pipeline. Through early 2024, work will take place 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

Coldwater Canyon Drive from Rexford Drive to Monte Cielo Drive will have only one lane open to traffic in each direction. In certain locations, only one lane will be available for both directions.

Motorists are asked to use alternate routes, be courteous and yield to those leaving their driveways and homes in the impacted area. The replacement of the pipelines are important to Beverly Hills’ water infrastructure. They were installed in the 1920s to 1960s and have been the site of several water main breaks in recent years.

For additional details on the Water Main Replacement Project and timeline contact Public Works Customer Service at (310) 285-2467 or email askpw@beverlyhills.org.

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on Tuesday, May 16 that Nestor Otazu, was selected as the next Deputy Director of Rent Stabilization beginning Monday, May 22. Otazu has been an employee of Beverly Hills for the past 25 years.

He currently serves as the City’s Community Preservation Manager overseeing compliance with various property maintenance, land use, building, health and safety regulations. As Deputy Director, he will administer and enforce the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

“I am very pleased to welcome Nestor to this new role,” said Timothea Tway, Director of Community Development. “With almost three decades in Beverly Hills and his directly relevant experience working with both our tenants and landlords, I’m confident he will thrive in the position and enhance this critical division of the City.”

He started working for the city of Beverly Hills in 1998 as a Building Systems Technician before shifting to Code Enforcement Officer in 2000. He was later named manager of the division in 2008. He has worked to expand the service and program operations to seven days a week. Otazu has managed and administered rent stabilization codes and tenant and landlord processes.

In the year 2017, he started an active role with Beverly Hills leaders in the implementation, rollout and development of the new Rent Stabilization Program and rent registry.

By Casey

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and May 21 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. a free art show will take place at Beverly Gardens Park located at 9439 Santa Monica Blvd.

The art show will consists for artists from around the country and includes various formats including sculpture, photography and painting to name a few.

There will be activities for children, food trucks, and community exhibits at the event. There will also be a Wine and Beer Garden.

The event will take place regardless of weather conditions. Various facets of art will be on display such as jewelry, glass and paintings.

A map of the venue is available using at Detail Map, May 2023 (beverlyhills.org).  

Parking is available at 9455 North Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, which is 2 blocks away from the show. Anyone with questions about the event can call 310-285-6830.

By Rob

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will celebrate Public Works Day on Sunday, May 21, at the Farmers’ Market. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The goal during the event as noted on the city of BH website that the event is “Connecting the World Through Public Works.”

The event will be held at the Farmers Market located at Civic Center Drive and Third Street. There will be Bike Safety Tips and Helmet Fittings, a Petting Zoo, Goodie Giveaways, Big Trucks, Free Compost and Games.

The Department of Public Works is responsible for The Infrastructure and Right-of-Way Caretaker. There are over 200 employees committed to maintaining and strengthening Beverly Hills’ infrastructure including: traffic and street lights, sidewalks, streets, the stormwater system, City facilities, parks and trees.

In addition, the department provides fresh water, trash and recycling service, wastewater removal, and parking at city facilities and meters.

For more information on our programs and services browse visit their social media platforms, sign up for the newsletter “The Backbone” or contact Public Works Customer Service.

For more information about the event contact the city of Beverly Hills Public Works Department at (310) 285-2467. For details about the Department of Public Works email www.beverlyhills.org/pw.

BEVERLY HILLS—City of Beverly Hills Public Information Manager, Lauren Santillana indicated in a news release on April 19, that Mayor Dr. Julian Gold traveled to Sacramento to attend the League of California Cities annual City Leaders Summit to speak about the Beverly Hills Nurse Practitioner Program (NPP) and the plans to expand its services. He was joined by Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton, Beverly Hills Medical Director Dr. Marc Cohen, as well as EMS Administrator Sean Stokes.

The summit last week is the first of many for Mayor Dr. Gold, Chief Barton and staff in the coming months as they bring awareness to the benefits the program offers. Upcoming events where they will speak at include the California Contract Cities Association in Indian Wells, CA on May 20th and the Congressional Fire Service Institute in Washington, D.C. on May 23.

“Our Nurse Practitioner Program is the beginning of the future of community-based medicine,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Gold. “We are leading this pilot program to demonstrate to the country how we can put less stress on our hospitals and effectively give the care that is needed to our residents where they are at home. As we seek programs which support aging in place, it is imperative that we develop solutions like this one.”

The City’s NPP has been in place since 2019, and serves as a Mobile Integrated Healthcare solution that responds to low acuity emergency calls and helps those needing treatment in their home, addresses chronic conditions and decreases the reliance on the emergency department so that fire suppression resources can be made available.

At the Beverly Hills City Council Meeting on April 18, the Mayor and City Council approved additional funding for the program.

BEVERLY HILLS—From April 20-23, the classical music festival, Music in the Mansion returns. Winners of the Beverly Hills National Auditions will be showcased. Music will play from 7-9 p.m. on the opening the opening two days, 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 and 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 23.

“The OC Classical Trio was brought to life in Irvine, California, in 2023 by the flutist Antonina Styczeń. Winning Beverly Hills National Audition in 2022 allowed Antonina a long-awaited opportunity to create a trio with musicians—Pola Benke (cello) and Phillip Matsuura (piano) with whom she has been collaborating for many seasons  on different chamber music and recording projects in Orange County and Los Angeles. This year’s Music in the Mansion marks the trio’s debut,” as sated on the city of Beverly Hills website.

“Mezzo-Soprano Melissa Birch has performed both nationally and internationally in countries including England, Germany, Italy and throughout the United States. She has collaborated with groups such as the Leipzig Baroque Orchestra, the New West Symphony, and the San Bernardino Orchestra. An opera singer and recitalist Korean baritone Sejin Park performed featured roles as Marcello, Belcore, Yamadori, Il Conte Le nozze di Figaro and Figaro Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Winner of numerous competitions including Verdi International Competition, ‘Citta di Pesaro’ and Medici International Music Competition in Italy, and ‘Galina Vishnevskaya International Competition’ in Moscow, Russia, he was a Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Artist and is an alumni of Palm Beach Opera Benenson Program. He will be singing Germont in La Traviata in 2023 in New York. He holds both an MM and BM from Yonsei University, and the graduate of the Professional Study program at Mannes,” the city of BH website reads.

The event will take place at Greystone Mansion located at 905 Loma Vista Dr. in Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

Tickets cost $22 per night and are available using the link Catalog – City of Beverly Hills (rec1.com)  

Individuals with additional questions can call 310 – 285 -6830 or email BHEVENTS@beverlyhills.org.
By Rob