BHCourier E-edition 033018

Page 1

Happy Easter and Happy Passover!

BEVERLY HILLS NUMBER 13

THIS ISSUE

A BHPD officer was honored by the American Legion. 4

The BHHS Robotics Team is headed to the world championship competition in Houston. 2

www.bhcourier.com

By Victoria Talbot After weeks of mystery the truth is finally known. The filing of Form 410 on March 26 with the Secretary of State revealed that the petition to rescind the Basement Ordinance, started on March 14, is being spearheaded by realtor Branden Williams, along with his attorney Bradley Hertz, who registered as a lobbyist in the City of Beverly Hills for the Los Angeles Lobbyists Association on March 6. Sources say the realtor claims to be “best friends” with billionaire Canadian developer Francesco Aquilini, and that he has negotiated 10 home sales for him.

Sources familiar with the sale of the property say that Crest Real Estate founder and president Jason Somers has said Williams, who represented the Loma Linda property when it was sold to Aquilini in 2012, is Aquilini’s “estate manager.” Who is Branden Williams? In October 2007 Branden Williams stipulated to discipline and was awarded a restricted license by the Department of Real Estate in the State of California. The reason? Williams failed to disclose that he had been convicted of a (see ‘PETITION’ page 16)

Board Of Education Orders Election Of New Board Members

Can you help the Beverly Hills police catch this burglary suspect? 5

•Health & Wellness •Arts & Entertainment •Outlook •Birthdays •Letters to the Editor

8 12 14 18 27

A Broadway And Hollywood Star With Talent To Burn, Patricia Morison, Was Birthday-Partied This Week By Long Time Friend John Bowab At His Penthouse. Patricia Is 103.

CLASSIFIEDS • Announcements • Real Estate • Rentals • Sales • and More

REMEMBERING MIREILLE KNOLL — A memorial service was held Wednesday evening in the Crystal Ballroom of The Beverly Hills Hotel, paying tribute to Jewish Holocaust Survivor Mireille Knoll, who was fatally stabbed 11 times last week in her Paris apartment. According to reports, police are investigating two men in their 20’s on charges of murder with antiSemitism as a motive. The memorial was hosted by the Beverly Hills Jewish Community, which regularly meets at the hotel, and its Rabbi Yossi Cunin. Actor Jon Voight was among the attendees who spoke. “The tragic actions of these terrorists need to be acknowledged and dealt with,” said Cunin. “Discussing these issues with others, and unequivocally supporting the fight against terror.” Pictured above: Voight takes the podium to speak.

Beverly Hills Teachers At Impasse With School District

George Christy, Page 6

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March 30, 2018

Aquilini’s Realtor Revealed To Be Behind Petitions To End Basement Ordinance

Vinny is looking for his forever home. 4

Hilton & Hyland is moving to a brand new location on Canon Drive. 10

SINCE 1965

By Laura Coleman For the first time in almost 20 years, Beverly Hills Unified School District teachers have reached an impasse with the school district, leading formal bargaining negotiations to be suspended as a thirdparty mediator now steps in to try to achieve consensus. “An impasse is a rare occurrence indeed,” said Beverly Hills Education Association President Telly Tse. “In my opinion, it is still early enough in the bargaining process where an amicable and sensible resolution can be achieved. We just need the district

and Board of Education to join us in an honest assessment of facts and finances.” At the heart of the impasse is the Board of Education’s desire to do away with the district’s teacher salary formula, passed four years ago, which ties raises to property taxes. “It is important to recognize we must all work together to ensure the success of our students by attracting and retaining high caliber teachers while establishing and sustaining a financially healthy (see ‘BHUSD TEACHERS page 17)

By Laura Coleman Attention residents: Do you care about children and want to make an impact in the lives of Beverly Hills’ youngest inhabitants? Consider joining the Board of Education. On Tuesday evening, the board unanimously passed a resolution calling for an election on Nov. 6 for two governing board members. Both Board President Lisa Korbatov, who is now finishing her ninth year in her second term on the board, and board member Howard Goldstein, now in his fifth year of his first term, have publicly said they did not plan to run again. However, as anyone with lack of access to a magical crystal ball knows, that remains to be seen. “To anyone seeking a seat

Celebrity Photo Agency/Scott Downie

VOLUME: LIII

on the board, always remember that your real mandate is to do what is best for all the students in the district,” said Goldstein. Among the hot button items confronting future board members, who will be tasked with setting policies that directly impact the education of Beverly Hills students, will be the possible reconfiguration of the school district to include a dedicated middle school and effectively ensuring that the remaining aged and structurally deficient buildings throughout the district are effectively remediated or rebuilt to create a safe 21st century learning environment. “Every election is an opportunity for the district, the (see ‘ELECTION’ page 17)

RIDING HIGH — Roseanne’s John Goodman and Roseanne Barr blew away the ratings this week with their premiere revival of Roseanne on ABC. For more photos, see George Christy’s column on page 6.


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