CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
455 North Rexford Drive
Room 280A
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR SYNOPSIS
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
2:00 p.m.
Recordings of the Recreation and Parks Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: May 23, 2023 / 2:03 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Patty Acuna, Assistant Director of Community Services, led the Pledge of Allegiance Chair Lurie read the Civility Statement.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Termeie, Sherry, Javor, Vice Chair Mishler, Chair Lurie Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Matthew Brown, Adrine Ovasapyan, Lisa Castaneda, Corrina Lesser, Stephanie Harris, Patty Acuna, and Linda Kyriazi
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the Agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the Agenda.
Michele Y spoke to the Commission about revisiting the flooring of the Dog Park.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda.
Matthew Brown, Recreation Services Manager, informed the Commission that Tab #2 Reports From Priority Agencies, that staff from Beverly Hills Unified School District was not able to attend.
Additionally, Tab #5 under Presentations, Beverly Hills Doggie Daze 90210 will be tabled to next month. Chair Lurie approved the amended Agenda.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes from the Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting from 04/25/2023.
MOTION by Termeie, SECONDED by Vice Chair Mishler to approve the Meeting Minutes as presented. (4/0)
AYES: Termeie, Sherry, Vice Chair Mishler, Chair Lurie
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Javor
CARRIED
Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis May 23, 2023
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
2. Beverly Hills Unified School District
Representatives from the Beverly Hills School District were unable to attend.
PRESENTATIONS
3. BHAAC Activities
Lisa Castaneda, Senior Recreation Supervisor, will provide an update.
Lisa Castaneda, Senior Recreation Supervisor, updated the Commission on the current and upcoming events organized by the Beverly Hills Active Adult Club (BHAAC):
- The BHAAC Board of Directors and Community Services Department work together to provide social, educational and recreational programs for adults ages 55 and older in the Beverly Hills area.
- BHAAC provides senior excursions, weekly and recurring activities, classes and special events.
4. Volunteer Presentation
Corrina Lesser, Recreation Supervisor, will provide an update on the new Volunteer Program.
Corrina Lesser, Recreation Supervisor, updated the Commission on the resumption of the Volunteer Program after a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. - The City of Beverly Hills Volunteer Program relaunched in January 2023. - Programs that need volunteers include the Teen Advisory Committee, Monthly Art Walks, Greystone Demonstration Gardens and Senior classes at Roxbury. - Volunteers can create a profile by emailing [email protected] or online at:
http://beverlyhills.org/departments/communityservices/volunteering and staff will work to match volunteers with opportunities with a variety of City departments
5. Beverly Hills Doggie Daze 90210
Evan Doyle, Recreation Supervisor, will provide an update.
This Item is postponed to the June 2023 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
6. Pickleball Pilot Program Update
At the April 25, 2023 Recreation and Parks Commission meeting, Recreation Services Manager Matthew Brown provided a recap of the pickleball pilot program and an overview of plans to transition to the next phase of the pilot program. Some additional court usage data was provided in response to questions regarding the comparative popularity of tennis and pickleball.
- La Cienega Tennis Center: Beverly Hills Tennis is allocated tennis courts #2, #3, #4, #6 for exclusive tennis programming, and pickleball court #7 for exclusive pickleball programming.
Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis May 23, 2023
- La Cienega Tennis Center: tennis courts #1 and #8 are dedicated for Pickleball play. - Roxbury Park: tennis court #1 is dedicated for Pickleball play. - Chair Lurie suggested looking at more space for Pickleball.
7. Needs Assessment Discussion
At the April 25, 2023, meeting, the Commission discussed what types of needs should be researched and included in a needs assessment study. Commissioners indicated the request was twofold; with one aspect focusing on park space and the second focusing on programming needs.
- Staff continually look at opportunities to utilize park space to provide new and innovative programs.
- The City is currently in negotiations with the school district on a new Joint Powers Agreement which allows for joint usage of City and District facilities.
Staff is working with the District discussing new opportunities of space that can be utilized for department programming.
- Staff continues to look at opportunities for multi-use or conversion of underutilized park space as well as District space that accommodate our growing programs.
- As the Department carries out the work plans associated with the Council priorities, this will be an opportunity for the commission to provide input on programming and incorporating space for multi-use programming. - Staff will continue to bring forward updates to the Commission as information becomes available.
- Commissioner Sherry asked about the maintenance or replacement of the Arnaz Park Fire Truck. Staff will provide an update.
- Commissioner Sherry requested staff to support parents in the fall term by providing after care programs.
- Vice Chair Mishler suggested possibly using the mini parks if needed. - Commissioners concerned about loss of space at La Cienega Park due to the City’s water wells.
- Chair Lurie requested a review of the Strategic Plan.
STATUS REPORTS
8. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
PROJECT UPDATES
• Manager updates
- Matthew Brown, Recreation Manager, reminded the Commission that July is Parks Make Life Better. Details to be presented at the June 2023 meeting. - The Senior Nutrition Program at Roxbury Park Community Center is returning to inperson. - Though sunscreen dispensers will not be offered in the parks, sunscreen will be included in July’s Parks Make Life Better efforts.
- Registration is underway for summer session classes
- The wrap-up event for Jewish American Heritage Month is Critical Conversations scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 6:30pm at City Hall.
Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis May 23, 2023
- Pie Bake & Piesta scheduled at the Farmers’ Market on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 8am – 1pm.
- Doggie Daze 90210 will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Roxbury Park. • Recreation & Parks Commission Priorities
• Community Services Events
- Made in Beverly Hills
- Art Show update
- Adrine Ovasapyan, Interim Recreation Services Manager, provided an update on the successful Made in Beverly Hills event in addition to the weekend’s Art Show. - The Beverly Hills Art Show celebrated their 50th Anniversary and returned to the 4- block span of art which included 235 juried artists from across the country displaying their paintings, photography, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry in addition to other mixed media.
• Community Services Events Calendar
- Reviewed
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
9. Chair Report
a. Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
- Meeting Minutes
- Reviewed
b. Ad Hoc Committees
- Commissioner Sherry informed the Commission that the Teen Advisory Committee will be honored at the June 6, 2023 City Council meeting.
Applications are online for the upcoming year.
- Chair Lurie, along with Commissioner Javor, updated the Commission on the Community Events & Recreation Programs Ad Hoc where July’s Parks Make Life Better event was discussed. The Farmers’ Market will be utilized for both the kick-off and finale of the event.
- A Mental Healthy Awareness event is being coordinated by three Commissions:
Recreation and Parks, Health & Safety and Human Relations and is scheduled for September 10, 2023 at Roxbury Community Center.
c. Recreation and Parks Commission Upcoming Meetings
- Review calendar and attendance
d. Other items brief announcements, request for information, and brief reports on activities
- The Commissioners, along with staff, congratulations Commissioner Javor and his wife on the birth of Charlotte Rose.
PREPARATION OF NEXT MONTH’S AGENDA
- Commissioner Javor requested a discussion on turf at the dog park.
NEXT MEETING: June 27, 2023 – 10am Special Meeting
July go dark or move to 10am Special Meeting
- Linda Kyriazi, Recording Secretary, will poll the Commissioners on the possibility of the Commission going dark in July or August.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: May 23, 2023 / 3:58 p.m.
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
455 North Rexford Drive
Room 280A
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING SYNOPSIS
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
10:00am
Recordings of the Arts and Culture Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALL TO ORDER
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 13, 2023 / 10:01 a.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Gordy Bristol led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CIVILITY STATEMENT
Chair Filipovic read the Civility Statement.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Pamela Beck, Karla Gordy Bristol, Deborah Frank, Vice Chair Maralee Beck, Chair Liliana Filipovic
Commissioners absent: None
Staff Present: Stephanie Harris, Patty Acuna, Paul Paolone, Corrina Lesser, Brandy Scott & Linda Kyriazi
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the Agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the Agenda.
None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda.
Chair Filipovic approved the agenda as presented.
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
June 13, 2023
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of minutes from the Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting of May 9, 2023.
MOTION by Gordy Bristol, SECONDED by Frank to approve the minutes as presented.
AYES: Commissioners Karla Gordy Bristol, Deborah Frank, Vice Chair Maralee Beck, Chair Liliana Filipovic (4/0)
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Pamela Beck
CARRIED:
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
PRESENTATIONS
2. Interim Recreation Services Manager, Paul Paolone, will provide a recap on Art Show.
Interim Recreation Services Manager, Paul Paolone, provided an overview of the Beverly Hills Art Show.
- Beverly Hills celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Art Show on May 20th and 21st with 235 artists, a Family Fun Art craft area, gourmet food and dessert trucks, a beer and wine garden, demonstrating artists, volunteer art docents and community booths along 4 blocks of Beverly Gardens Park.
- This free show featured art from 11 mediums including: ceramics, drawing and printmaking, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media and watercolor. All works are original and represented by the artists themselves.
Exhibiting artists hailed from 10 states as well as Ukraine, Thailand, and Mexico. - The artist reception and award ceremony, which included both City Council members and Commissioners, was a great way for all to interact. - The next show will be October 21 and 22, 2023 and applications are available now through July 28,, 2023. For more information please visit: beverlyhills.org/artshow
3. Recreation Supervisor, Corrina Lesser, will provide a recap on Concerts on Canon series.
Recreation Supervisor, Corrina Lesser, provided an update on Concerts on Canon. - Pride Night kicked off this summer’s Concerts on Canon series on June 1st with performances by Leopold Nunan, Kymistry and West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Brian Sonia-Wallace of Pride Poets.
- These free concerts are held in Beverly Canon Gardens every Thursday night from 6pm - 8pm through August 24, 2023.
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
June 13, 2023
- More information and updates can be found here:
beverlyhills.org/concertsoncanon
NEW BUSINESS
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
4. Judy Chicago “Trinity” update presented by Director of Community Services, Stephanie Harris.
Stephanie Harris, Director of Community Services, provided an update on the status of artist Judy Chicago’s “Trinity” art piece.
- On May 16, 2023, staff presented the Arts and Culture Commission and then Beverly Hills Arts and Culture Council Liaisons recommendations for the acquisition and installation of the artwork, Trinity, by world-renowned artist Judy Chicago to City Council seeking approval. Robust discussion took place about the details of the acquisition, including fabrication and installation, warranty and other exhibitions. City Council has requested staff to return with additional information.
5. Financial Update
a) Fine Art Fund Update Report
- Paul Paolone, Interim Recreation Services Manager, provided an update on ongoing expenditures and pending in-lieu revenue as of May 31, 2023. - An increase was from in-lieu revenue went up last month. - Expenditures for the month included the Kusama refabrication in addition to routine maintenance to art pieces in Beverly Gardens Park prior to the May Art Show.
- Lighting for the Fletcher Benton has been completed.
b) Fine Art Obligation
- Two pieces were installed and inspected by the Ad Hoc members: Fin by artist Alex Israel located at 136 El Camino along with Golden Lasso by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel located at 400 N. Rodeo.
6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
PROJECT UPDATES
1. Arts and Culture Commission Updates
o BH ArtWalks – Guided Tours Summer series
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
June 13, 2023
- Paul Paolone, Interim Recreation Services Manager, informed the Commission of the latest, free ArtWalk that cover the art around the Civic Center campus collection. Register at beverlyhills.org/artwalk • Manager’s Report
o Jewish American Heritage Month
- During the month of May, a number of Community Services programs were created and scheduled throughout the City to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month.
o Make Music Day
- The third annual Make Music Day is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Three events have been scheduled: A music themed Storytime, a Drum Circle along with a Community Make Music Day Stage. The complete schedule can be viewed at: beverlyhills.org/makemusicday • Information only items
• Event Calendar
- Reviewed
7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Chair’s Report
a) Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting Highlights
b) Ad Hoc Committees
- Fine Arts/Public Art (Frank, P. Beck - Scott)
- Capital Projects (M. Beck, P. Beck – Paolone)
- Major and Annual Events (M. Beck, Filipovic – Paolone) - Performing Arts, Heritage Initiatives, Community Engagement (Gordy Bristol, Filipovic – Paolone)
- Embrace and Celebrate Culture Initiative (Frank, Gordy Bristol – Paolone)
c) Other items brief announcements, request for information, and brief reports on activities
- Commissioner Gordy Bristol read a statement about the history of Juneteenth being celebrated on June 19, 2023, which became a Federal Holiday in 2021 and noted the City’s Concerts on Canon will be celebrating on Thursday, June 22, 2023 with the band Upstream. - Commissioner Frank read a statement about Pride Month and highlighted a number of events that were held in Beverly Hills. d) Arts and Culture Commission Upcoming Meetings: Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
8. ROTATION OF CHAIR
- Stephanie Harris, Director of Community Services, announced the Rotation of Chair and, along with the Commissioners, thanked Chair Liliana Filipovic for her year of service.
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
June 13, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
• Date / Time: June 13, 2023 / 11:26 a.m.
Decisions of the Arts and Culture Commission may be appealed to the City Council within 14 days of the Arts and Culture Commission’s Action by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk. Appeal forms are available in the City Clerk’s office. Note: Appeal Fee Required.
If there are any questions about this agenda, please contact Paul Paolone, Recreation Services Manager, 310-285-6826,[email protected]
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING SYNOPSIS
June 15, 2023
9:00 a.m.
Recordings of the Human Relations Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: June 15, 2023 / 9:01 a.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Dr. Amanda Stern led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Kaiserman read the Civility Statement
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Kraushaar, Kaiserman, Nisim, Vice Chair Margo, Chair Freeman Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Christopher Paulson, Enisha Clark, Stephanie Harris, Patty Acuna, and Linda Kyriazi
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the Agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the Agenda.
Via Zoom, David Gingold commented on the Ambassadors and requested their coverage be extended to Olympic Boulevard on an as needed basis. Ruth and Omolara Odofin commented on the Police Department.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda. Chair Freeman approved the Agenda as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 18, 2023.
MOTION by Kraushaar, SECONDED by Vice Chair Margo to approve the Meeting Minutes of May 18, 2023 as presented. (5/0)
AYES: Commissioners Kraushaar, Kaiserman, Nisim, Vice Chair Margo, Chair Freeman NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CARRIED
Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
June 15, 2023
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Beverly Hills Police Department
Lieutenant Evans provided an update:
- Reviewed crime statistics and response times from prior months - June 14th Coffee with the Cops had a successful turnout - July 10-14, 2023, Summer Camp for ages 10 -12, is booked to capacity - August 1, 2023 is National Night Out
- September 7 – October 26, 2023 is Citizen’s Academy
Beverly Hills School District
Beverly Hills Board of Education member, Dr. Amanda Stern, provided an update on the following:
- Thanked the Commission for their Mission of Civility and Anti-Hate in addition to celebrating Pride Month.
- A panel has been organized to address issues of bullying in the school district. - Summer School has begun and is mainly virtual.
- Middle School will soon have the Bulldog Wellness Center. - Submitting proposals for the Golden Bell Awards from the California School Board Association.
STATUS REPORTS
2. Beverly Hills Ambassador Program
Ambassador Manager Jonathon Hunter will provide a monthly update. - Ambassador Manager Jonathon Hunter relayed to the Commission a number of success stories of Ambassadors providing safety escorting and hospitality services. - Chair Freeman requested a group photo of the Ambassadors so the Commission can identify them by name.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Music Forward
The City of Beverly Hills partnered with Music Forward Foundation to kickoff the Concerts on Canon series with a special Pride Night with featured LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist, Leopold Nunan & Kymistry. A representative of Music Forward Foundation will provide a presentation to highlight the work of the foundation.
- Adrian Flores, Director of Marketing for Music Forward Foundation, informed the Commission on the work they provide.
- Music Forward programs provide information, tools, access and opportunities to highschool and college-aged young people. The programs help break the barriers of gender, poverty and race and are designed to spark discovery, chart careers and define pathways to success in the music industry.
- Information can be located at their website: https://musicforwardfoundation.org/
CONTINUED BUSINESS
4. Anti-Hate Initiative
a) Update on Anti-Hate Initiative
- Commissioner Nisim provided an update on the scheduled meetings that include the City of West Hollywood and Los Angeles to understand what their focus is along with their experiences.
Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
June 15, 2023
- The State’s Commission on Hate has brought up new analytics for the numbers on different hate crimes throughout the State of California. - Chair Freeman advise the Commission to review the summary of the Anti-Hate Summary that was provided.
b) Event Review: Critical Conversations – Jewish American Heritage Month - Staff review the successful Critical Conversations event that was held on May 31, 2023 titled: The Jewish Contribution to the American Fabric of Life.
5. Mental Health Awareness
a) Program Review: Mindfulness Mondays
- All the past programs can be viewed at: beverlyhills.org/mindfulnessmondays b) Day of Wellness Update
- Chair Freeman update the Commission on the Day of Wellness Event scheduled for September 10, 2023 and includes both the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Health & Safety Commission. The concept was approved by the City Council Ad Hoc and will move forward to City Council at a July 2023 meeting. c) Chair’s Mental Health Challenge
- Chair Freeman shared with the Commission statistics about an increase in mental health issues in our youth during the time of Covid. Cutting back on social media has been suggested.
6. Community Assistance Grant Funding (CAGF)
Enisha Clark, Human Services Outreach Manager, provided an update on the Community Services 2023 – 2024 Grant Fund.
- At the June 6, 2023 City Council Meeting, staff presented the joint ad hoc recommendations for CAGF Funding for 2023 – 2024; all the recommendations were approved.
- Staff thanked the Ad Hoc members for their hard work reviewing applications and making recommendations during this process.
7. Beverly Hills Homeless Initiative
a) Advocacy & Community Education Update
Christopher Paulson, Human Services Administrator, updated the Commission on the coordinated homeless outreach efforts including the latest developments of the San Vicente Inside Safe Operation.
- Staff noticed fencing, along with nursery trees being planted in the San Vicente median.
- Los Angeles Mayor Bass has housed another 40 people in the Chatsworth area. - 310-285-2468 Hotline which is answered 24/7.
- If the issue is an immediate threat or danger, dial 911. b) Unhoused Liaison Meeting & Draft Unhoused Plan Update - June 22, 2023 at 11am is staff’s Liaison meeting regarding the Unhoused where staff will be providing updates on enhanced services for the Unhoused.
NEW BUSINESS
Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
June 15, 2023
8. Beverly Hills Reads!
Vice Chair Margo provided an update on the Beverly Hills Reads! Project scheduled for Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 11am in City Hall where author Bonnie Garmus will speak and take questions from a live audience via Zoom about her book, Lessons in Chemistry. - The Beverly Hills Public Library will be offering three sessions for teens to discuss the selected book during their Teen Book Club.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
9. Administrator’s Report
Christopher Paulson, Human Services Administrator, provided updates on the following Community Services Events:
- Make Music Day Beverly Hills: June 21, 2023, Various locations - Shakespeare By The Sea: The Tragedy of Hamlet, July 26, 2023 Roxbury Park - Inside the Mansion: July 1 and August 6, 2023, 11am – 3pm - Beverly Hills Art Walk: July 9, August, 6 and September 10, 2023, tours Art in Civic Center Campus
- Concerts on Canon, every Thursday through August 24, 2023, Beverly Canon Gardens Community Services Event Calendar
- Reviewed.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
10. Chair Report
a) Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
b) 2023 Commission Work Plan – Revised
c) Ad Hoc Committees
d) Review Commission Meeting dates
MOTION by Chair Freeman, SECONDED by Nisim for the Human Relations Commission to go dark in August 2023. (5/0)
AYES: Commissioners Kraushaar, Kaiserman, Nisim, Vice Chair Margo, Chair Freeman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED
e) Good and Welfare. Other items brief announcements, request for information, and brief reports on activities
- Staff thanked Vice Chair Margo for assisting at last Sunday’s Farmers’ Market by agreeing to be a judge at their Piesta pie baking event.
11. Kindness Matters
ADJOURNMENT
June 15, 2023 at 10:03 a.m.