During the April 11 meeting of the Beverly Hills Arts and Culture Commission, the city demonstrated its ongoing commitment to art by emphasizing a variety of programming and providing updates on various arts and culture events throughout the city.
However, Interim Human Services Administrator Christopher Paulson initiated the meeting with an update on enhanced services for the homeless population. In addition to existing services such as the Beverly Hills Outreach Team’s hotline, the Apricot 360 software system went live on March 1. The system compiles data on the homeless population of the city.
Paulson noted that the city’s park officers are actively involved in anti-homelessness efforts. They conduct outreach every weekday morning in the city’s parks. It began in the 22-block-long Beverly Gardens Park and has since spread to all parks, including Roxbury Park and La Cienega Park.
“The difficulty with homelessness is that it can take between 25 and 200 attempts to convince a person to accept services,” Paulson said. It is extremely difficult, and we do not see immediate results.
He explained that Beverly Hills is situated between downtown and Santa Monica, two areas where homelessness is prevalent. Wilshire Boulevard serves as a connection between these two locations.
Turning to upcoming events, the Commission noted that April 24 marks a significant anniversary for the city. This date signifies the centennial anniversary of the election that preserved Beverly Hills’ independence. To commemorate the historic date, the city’s Community Services Department will co-host screenings of the Beverly Hills Historical Society’s new documentary, “The Stars Who Saved Our City.”
The movie depicts one of the earliest instances of celebrity politics. It emphasizes the anti-annexation efforts of local residents Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Mary Pickford, and Will Rogers. There will be screenings on April 24 and 27 at the newly renovated Greystone Theatre at Greystone Mansion and Gardens; on April 23 and 24 at the Farmers’ Market and in Roxbury Park, respectively. For additional details, please visit beverlyhills.org/april24.
Also discussed at the commission meeting was the forthcoming Music in the Mansion festival, which will be celebrating its 29th year of exhibiting exceptional music. It takes place at Greystone Mansion and Gardens from April 20-23. Tickets for the typically sold-out event are available at beverlyhills.org/musicinthemansion.
The meeting continued to focus on the impending Beverly Hills Art Show, which will take place on May 20 and 21 at Beverly Gardens Park. The 50th-anniversary exhibition will feature 235 artists selected from more than 500 applications each.
Commissioner Karla Gordy Bristol stated, “I believe Beverly Hills has one of the best art shows, and I say this because I consistently receive feedback from the community about our art shows.” “Because this is the 50th anniversary, I am very excited, and I hope that everyone who has not yet attended will do so.”
Participants at the meeting also provided an update on Jewish American Heritage Month, which begins on May 1 and honors Jewish contributions to American culture, history, the military, science, and government, among other fields. Paul Paolone, interim manager of recreation services, referred to it as “a council-driven initiative to celebrate Jewish heritage.” Beverly Hills is among the many cities across the nation that observe the month-long observance.
On May 14, residents of Beverly Hills will enjoy a variety of Jewish-themed events, including a vibrant concert by the Zetz Klezmer Ensemble and a rugelach-baking competition at the Farmers Market. City officials anticipate a family-friendly and enjoyable morning.
In addition, the Roxbury Park Community Center will screen Jewish films every Thursday throughout the month, and the Beverly Hills Public Library will feature notable works by Jewish-American authors.
The month-long celebration of Jewish culture will provide residents and city officials with an educational opportunity. When a commissioner expressed enthusiasm about eating arugula, a nutritious salad green, the director of community services, Stephanie Harris, clarified that they would be enjoying rugelach, an Eastern European pastry.
The inaugural MADE in Beverly Hills arts festival, a four-day investigation of the art, architecture, design, and landscapes that have made Beverly Hills a world-class city, is also just around the corner. The program begins on May 3 with a reception at Greystone Gardens and features more than twenty film screenings, lectures, and spectacular excursions throughout the city. Tickets can be purchased via Made.modtix.com.
Paolone stated, “This is the first time the city of Beverly Hills has a program of this kind.”
