STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: September 17, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor & City Council
From: Patty Betancourt, Special Events and Film Coordinator Subject: Request from Young Israel of North Beverly Hills to Host Simchat Torah Celebration
INTRODUCTION
The Beverly Hills City Council is requested to review a request from Young Israel of North Beverly Hills to host Simchat Torah Celebration, as summarized in the following table. A special event permit is required per Beverly Hills Municipal Code Section 4-8-1.
Event Name Simchat Torah Celebration
Event Sponsor/Host Young Israel of North Beverly Hills
Prep/Setup Time Thursday, October 24, 2024, 5:00pm – 6:15pm.
Event Time Thursday, October 24, 2024, 6:15pm – 10:00pm.
Strike/Cleanup Time Thursday, October 24, 2024, 10:00pm – 11:59pm.
Location Alden Drive between Foothill Road and Maple Drive.
Number of Attendees Approximately 650 expected.
Street Closure
Requested
Alden Drive between Foothill Road and Maple Drive to be closed from 5:00pm – 11:59pm on Thursday, October 24,
2024.
Fee Waiver Requested Yes, permit fees and personnel costs.
Event Activities Praying, singing, dancing, and eating for adults and children.
Attachments: 1. Proposal from Young Israel of North Beverly Hills
2. Proposed Street Closure Map
3. Event Layout on Alden Drive
4. Letters of Support from Nearby Businesses
5. August 12, 2024 Liaison Report without Attachments
Meeting Date: September 17, 2024
DISCUSSION
The special event permit application was considered by the Rodeo Drive/Special Events/Holiday Program Committee Liaisons (Mayor Friedman and Councilmember Wells) on August 12, 2024. The liaisons considered the proposed event and its logistics and potential impacts as summarized in the following table, and recommended approval of the special event permit.
Tents/Structures No tents or structures proposed for this event.
Generators No generators proposed for this event.
Amplified Sound No amplified sound proposed for this event.
Lighting Mobile light towers provided by Young Israel will be used throughout the event space on the street.
Other Equipment,
Fixtures, or Furniture
Tables and chairs provided by Young Israel are proposed to be placed in the event space on the street as reflected in the event layout diagram (Attachment 3).
Food Preparation and
Service
Food would be prepared and served onsite at Young
Israel. Attendees may eat inside or may bring food
outside to the event space on Alden Drive.
Noise The event would end at 10:00pm, with cleanup complete and the street reopening by 11:59pm. The event location is in the commercial-residential transitional area (within 170 feet of a residential zone), where activities after 10:00pm are considered “extended hours”. The event
space is adjacent to multi-family residential buildings along Maple Drive.
No amplified sound would be used, so noise impacts
during the event are expected to be minimal. There is
some potential for noise during cleanup from 10:00pm –
11:59pm. Most attendees are expected to walk to and
from the event, and there is a possibility for noise from people talking loudly as they walk through the
surrounding neighborhoods. A condition will be added to the permit requiring Young Israel to ask all attendees to be respectful to neighbors and keep noise to a minimum
when departing the event.
Traffic The event is not expected to generate major traffic impacts since most of the attendees are expected to walk to the event.
The requested street closure of Alden Drive is not
expected to result in major traffic impacts since the event would occur during evening hours, when traffic volumes
are relatively low and there are other routes available for motorists to use.
Meeting Date: September 17, 2024
Parking Most event attendees are expected to walk to the event, reducing the need for parking. Those attendees who do
drive, would need to park legally in nearby lots or
surrounding streets.
City Staffing One Traffic Control Officer (TCO) would be stationed at each end of the street closure for a total of two TCO’s from 5:00pm – 11:59pm during the entire street closure
time.
As recommended by Liaisons, two Sworn Officers would
be assigned to this event during the actual event time
when attendees are present from 6:00pm – 10:00pm.
Event Staffing and
Security
The street closure would be managed and implemented
by a professional traffic control company hired by Young Israel. Median barriers would be used at each end of the street closure as recommended by Liaisons.
Traffic control plans must be approved by the City Traffic Engineer prior to the event.
In addition to the Sworn Officers, Young Israel would
provide private security. Two security guards would be
positioned at each entrance of the Synagogue. Two
security guards would be stationed at each end of the
street closure at the attendee entry points for a total of four guards doing bag checks and metal detectors.
Insurance The City’s Risk Manager recommends requiring General Liability Insurance of at least $2 million per occurrence, naming the City of Beverly Hills as an additional insured.
Notification and
Marketing
Notification letters would be mailed out to all residents and businesses within 500 feet of the event at least two weeks prior to the event date, consistent with the City policy for events that include street closures.
Partner Support and
Public Comment
Two businesses located on Alden Drive have sent letters of support for the event (Attachment 4).
The Mercedes Benz Service Department Director
submitted a letter of support with approval from all
department managers and the General Car Dealer
Manager.
FISCAL IMPACT
Young Israel is responsible for all non-City costs including the traffic control plan and equipment, private security guards and notifications to neighbors. Young Israel has requested that the City Council waive all City costs for the event including permit fees and personnel costs. The City Council has the discretion to waive fees as follows:
x Waive all permit fees and personnel costs totaling $7,425; Meeting Date: September 17, 2024
x Waive permit fees only totaling $5,203 (applicant would be responsible for personnel costs totaling $2,222); or
x Waive no fees
The Rodeo Drive/Special Events/Holiday Program Committee Liaisons met on August 12, 2024 and after discussing this matter, recommended waiving all permit and personnel costs totaling $7,425.
The following table shows the estimated fees and costs.
Fee/Cost Amount
City permit fees (includes Special Event Permit,
Encroachment Permit, Street Closure, and No Parking Signs) $5,203
City personnel costs (2 Traffic Control Officers and
2 Sworn Officers)
$2,222
Total $7,425
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend City Council approve a request by Young Israel of North Beverly Hills to host Simchat Torah Celebration on Thursday, October 24, 2024, as recommended by the Rodeo Drive/Special Events/Holiday Program Committee Liaisons during their meeting on Monday, August 12, 2024.
Michael D. Forbes,
Director of Community Development
Approved By
Attachment 1
Date: Thursday, October 24th
Event: 5:00pm - 11:59 PM
Event: Simchat Torah Celebration/ commemorating October 7th Host & Location: Young Israel of North Beverly Hills, Located at 9261 Alden Drive.
Request to Close Alden Drive from Foothill Rd. to Maple Drive. **Event Description**
Our Synagogue has been part of the Beverly Hills Community since 1993. We have grown to become a prominent, popular worship place for the Beverly Hills Jewish Community. During the Jewish Holiday of Simchat Torah, our Synagogue celebrates the completion of the reading of the torah scroll.
This Year Simchat Torah will mark the 1-year anniversary on the hebrew calendar of the massacre in Israel that happened on October 7th, 2023 during the holiday of Simcha Torah, so the event will be in memory of those who fell and will be very meaningful for the attendees. As such there will be a bigger attendance than usual. To safely celebrate the holiday of Simchat Torah we would like to have the celebration that will take part in the Synagogue on the street in front of our location. The program will include praying, singing, dancing, food, for adults and children. **ACCESS & AUDIENCE**
Event Access: This event is free and open to the community.
Expected Attendance: 00-50
Target Demographic: Members and Friends of the Synagogue Young Israel of North Beverly Hills, along with guests who will be joining from the surrounding local Jewish community and synagogues.
Parking and Traffic Control Plan: A large portion of attendants refrain from driving in observance of the Holiday, ample street parking for for attendees who need, will be available on Civic Center Drive and Foothill Dr. away from residential areas.
Meridian Barriers will be rented and installed at the corner of Foothill Dr. and Alden Drive as well as The corner of Alden and Maple Dr. 2 Traffic control officers provided by the city of BH will be stationed - 1 at each corner to assist with traffic/approaching vehicles.
Security Plan:
In addition to the 2 BHPD officers assigned to the event, we will hire 6 licensed and armed security guards from our existing contracted security company. They will be equipped with 2 way radios for communication, as well as metal detector wands.
2 Guards will be stationed at the entrance of the synagogue. 2 Guards will monitor the entrance at the Meridian barriers on the corner of Alden and Foothill Dr. 2 Guards will monitor the entrance at the Meridian barriers on the corner of Alden and Maple Dr.
All attendees will go through a bag check by the guards upon entering the area as well as a Metal detector wand check.
Additional lighting will be rented to ensure proper visibility and lighting throughout, E.g.:
**PROPOSED STREET CLOSURE**
Street closure on Alden Drive between Maple Drive and Foothill Rd between 5:00pm on Thursday October 24th, 2024 till
SP7KXUVGD\ October th, 2024.
**SCHEDULE**
5:00pm Street Closure
5:30pm minor setup of some chairs and tables from the Synagogue to the street for the elderly and disabled.
Tables with food/refreshments and water/soft drinks will be setup 6:15pm Prayers will commence.
7:00pm Torah Scrolls will be brought out.
7:30pm Prayers with the Torah Scrolls for those who fell on October 7th. 8:00pm Kids dancing with the Torah Scrolls
9:00pm Family dancing with the Torah Scrolls
10:00 PM Start breakdown of tables and chairs back to the Synagogue. 11:59 PM streets reopen.
**NOTIFICATIONS**
Neighbors via email and in person. There are four business surrounding our Synagogue. We will have minimal to no impact on the Businesses as we will do everything after hours and will be done before the next business day.
**AMPLIFIED SOUND**
Our program will not have any live music of any sort.
Attachment 2
**PROPOSED STREET CLOSURE**
Street closure on Alden Drive between Maple Drive and Foothill Rd from 5:00pm – 11:59pm on Thursday October 24th, 2024
Attachment 3
Attachment 4
Madeline Kramer <[email protected]>
Permission for Alden Drive After Office Hours Street Closure - Oct. 24, 2024 Tetiva, Carl <[email protected]> Wed, May 22, 2024 at 8:23 AM To: Madeline Kramer <[email protected]>
Cc: Aryeh Perlstein <[email protected]>, "Yadegari, Sam" <[email protected]> Madeline,
I hope this message finds you in good spirits. It is with a sense of community and respect that I write to express my full support for the upcoming Simchat Torah event. Understanding the significance of this day, not only as a joyous celebration but also as a solemn remembrance of last year's tragedy, I am more than willing to accommodate the request to close Alden Drive to through traffic on the evening of October 24th.
Please consider this letter as my formal approval for the street closure. I commend the thoughtful measures you've taken to ensure minimal disruption, such as the absence of amplified music and the provision of security. It is clear that you are considerate of the neighborhood's peace and well-being.
I am looking forward to witnessing the community come together in such a meaningful way. Do not hesitate to reach out if further discussion is needed. Thank you for your diligent communication and for fostering a spirit of cooperation among us.
Warm regards,
Carl Tetiva
Parts and Service Director
Mecedes-Benz of Beverly Hills
From: Madeline Kramer <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2024 12:44 PM
To: TeƟva, Carl <cteƟ[email protected]>
Cc: 'Aryeh Perlstein' <[email protected]>
Subject: Permission for Alden Drive AŌer Office Hours Street Closure - Oct. 24, 2024 i External Email. • Sent from [email protected]. Forward suspicious email to [email protected] and do not click any links or open attachments.
6/7/24, 1:53 PM Young Israel of North Beverly Hills Mail - Permission for Alden Drive After Office Hours Street Closure - Oct. 24, 2024 https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9d157e7b55&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-f:1799766894701037917&simpl=msg-f:1799766894701037…
Attachment 5
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council Liaison/Rodeo Drive/Special Events/Holiday Program Committee FROM: Patty Betancourt, Special Events and Filming Coordinator DATE: August 12, 2024
SUBJECT: Request from Young Israel of North Beverly Hills to Host Simchat Torah Celebration
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Proposal from Young Israel of North Beverly Hills
2. Proposed Street Closure Map
3. Event Layout for Alden Drive
4. Letters of Support from Nearby Businesses
INTRODUCTION
The Beverly Hills City Council Liaison/Rodeo Drive/Special Events/Holiday Program Committee is requested to review a request from Young Israel of North Beverly Hills to host Simchat Torah Celebration, as summarized in the following table.
Event Name Simchat Torah Celebration
Event Sponsor/Host Young Israel of North Beverly Hills
Prep/Setup Time Thursday, October 24, 2024, 5:00 - 6:00 PM Event Time Thursday, October 24, 2024, 6:00 - 11:59 PM
Strike/Cleanup Time Friday, October 25, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 AM Location Alden Drive between Foothill Road and Maple Drive Number of Attendees About 300 expected
Street Closure Requested Alden Drive between Foothill Road and Maple Drive to be closed 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM on October 24-25, 2024
Fee Waiver Requested Yes, permit fees and personnel costs Event Activities Praying, singing, dancing, and eating for children and adults
DISCUSSION
The following table provides discussion and analysis of the features, logistics, and potential impacts of the proposed event.
Tents/Structures No tents or structures are proposed for this event.
Generators No generators are proposed for this event.
Amplified Sound No amplified sound is proposed for this event.
Lighting No lighting is proposed for this event.
Other Equipment,
Fixtures, or Furniture
Tables and chairs provided by Young Israel are proposed to be placed in the street on Alden Drive as reflected in the proposed event layout diagram (Attachment 3).
Food Preparation and
Service
Food would be prepared and served onsite at Young Israel.
Attendees may eat onsite or may bring food to the tables and chairs on Alden Drive.
Noise The event would end at 11:59 PM, with cleanup complete and the street reopening by 1:00 AM. The event location is in the commercial-residential transition area (within 170 feet of a residential zone), where activities after 10:00 PM are considered “extended hours.” The event is adjacent to multi-family residential buildings along Maple Drive.
No amplified sound would be used, so noise impacts during the event are expected to be minimal. There is some potential for noise during the strike/cleanup activities from 11:59 PM to 1:00 AM. Since all attendees would walk to and from the event, there is also a possibility for noise from people talking loudly as they walk through the adjacent neighborhood. Staff recommends adding a condition to the permit requiring Young Israel to ask the attendees to be respectful to the neighbors and keep noise to a minimum when departing the event.
Traffic The event would not generate any additional traffic because all attendees would walk to the event.
The requested closure of Alden Drive is not expected to result in any traffic impacts because the event would occur during evening hours, traffic volumes on Alden Drive are relatively low, and there are multiple other routes available for motorists.
Parking The event does not require parking because all attendees would walk to the event.
City Staffing One Traffic Control Officer (TCO) would be stationed at each end of the street closure for a total of two (2)TCOs.
Event Staffing The street closure would be managed and implemented by a professional traffic control company hired by the applicant, subject to City Engineer approval of a traffic control plan.
Insurance The City’s Risk Manager recommends requiring General Liability Insurance of at least $2 million per occurrence naming the City of Beverly Hills as an additional insured.
Notification and
Marketing
Notification letters would be mailed to all residents and businesses within 500 feet of the event at least two weeks prior to the event, consistent with City policy for events including street closures.
Partner Support and
Public Comment
Two businesses located on Alden Drive wrote letters in support of the event (Attachment 4).
FISCAL IMPACT
Young Israel is responsible for all non-City costs including the traffic control plan and equipment, and notifications to neighbors. Young Israel has requested that the City Council waive all City costs for the event including permit fees and personnel costs. The City Council has the discretion to waive fees as follows:
x Waive all permit fees and personnel costs totaling $6,563; x Waive permit fees only totaling $5,203 (applicant would be responsible for personnel costs totaling $1,360); or
x Waive no fees
The following table shows the estimated fees and costs.
Fee/Cost Amount
City permit fees (includes Special Event Permit, Encroachment Permit, Street Closure, and No Parking Signs)
$5,203
City personnel costs (2 Traffic Control Officers) $1,360 Total $6,563
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council Liaisons provide feedback and direction regarding the proposed event and street closure, and the requested fee waiver. If approved by the Liaisons, staff will schedule the matter for consideration by the full City Council.