STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: August 19, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor & City Council
From: Stephanie Harris, Director of Community Services
Joana Torres, Community Services Manager
Subject: Discussion to Reinstall the Temporary Flag Display and Memorial Street Signage to Honor the Victims of the October 7, 2023 Attack on Israel
Attachments: None
INTRODUCTION
After the events of October 7, 2023, the City Council took immediate action to recognize those who were murdered and kidnapped. A shabbat table was placed at the front of City Hall with a place set for each of the hostages who are unable to celebrate shabbat with their family and friends. Flags were placed in Beverly Gardens Park to commemorate those who lost their lives on October 7; one flag representing the nationality of each individual.
The flag display was initially installed January 24, 2024 with a dedication held on January 25, 2024 and removal of the flags on February 26, 2024. The temporary art display was reinstalled on March 9 and removed on April 8 for maintenance, reinstalled again on April 12 and removed on May 8, 2024, prior to the Spring Art Show.
On August 20, 2025, the City Council decided to reinstall the 1,400 flags from September 30 to October 14, 2024. The City Council also requested to install additional flags to memorialize the hostages murdered since the attack along with memorial street signage at every intersection around the flags.
In anticipation of the City hosting the Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, City Council authorized the reinstallation of the temporary flag display and memorial street signage from December 11, 2024 through December 13, 2024.
DISCUSSION
There have been requests by members of the City Council to reinstall the flags and memorial street signs on the anniversary of the attack each year until the permanent memorial is in place. The cost associated with the reinstallation, security, and maintenance of the flag display is approximately $64,344, which includes a $5,000 contingency for replacement flags and poles, as necessary.
It has been the recommendation of the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and past practice for installations to provide two security officers 24 hours a day to account for the issues that were witnessed following the initial installations. With the density of the flags Meeting Date: August 19, 2025
making the visibility of the entire installation a challenge, it is recommended to provide two security officers to allow coverage on both ends.
Additionally, if the Council decides to reinstall the flag display in future years, the flags will have to be replaced in their entirety due to weathering from constant exposure to the elements. The wooden dowels and chosen materials of the flags were designed for a singular temporary installation and have been used past their initial life expectancy and only necessary replacements have been made to continue the display as needed each time.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff estimates a cost of $24,400 (inclusive of a $5,000 contingency) for the installation and removal of flags from September 29 to October 10, 2025, as well as the replacement of faded and damaged flags and weathered wooden dowels. Additionally, funding of $39,944 will be needed to cover the cost associated with two security officers 24 hours a day for the duration of the flag display at the recommendation of the Beverly Hills Police Department. The total estimated cost to the General Fund is $64,344.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council approve the reinstallation of the temporary art display of 1,400 international flags and memorial street signage to honor the victims of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Stephanie Harris,
Director of Community Services
Approved By