BHCourier E-edition 042916 by BH Courier Acquisition LLC

Don’t Miss The Dog Park Groundbreaking - Tuesday at 1 p.m.

BEVERLY HILLS VOLUME: LI

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April 29, 2016

Beverly Hills Salary Survey - City Spends More Than $111 Million On Employees

THIS ISSUE

The Michael J. Libow Performance Space at Horace Mann was unveiled this week. 4

Mayor John Mirisch and Vice Mayor Nancy Krasne attended legislative meetings in Washington, DC. 18

Tessa is one of this week’s Freshpet adoptable pets of the week. 29 •Health & Wellness 10 •Sports 29 •Letters to the Editor 42-43

George Christy, Page 6 Paula Abdul Received The Gypsy Award From Professional Dancers Society, And Nancy Davis Adds $1.6 Million To Her $46 Million Supporting The Race To Erase MS

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

Beverly Hills Dog Park Finally Breaks Ground Tuesday By Victoria Talbot Dog lovers, rejoice! The Beverly Hills Dog Park is a reality. Tuesday, May 3, the City of Beverly Hills will host the Official Groundbreaking, at the site in the 300-block of North Foothill Road at Alden Drive. The celebration begins at 1 p.m. and Mayor John Mirisch and the City Council, including Councilmember Lili Bosse will conduct the official groundbreaking ceremony at 1 p.m. In 2014, then-Mayor Bosse made the Beverly Hills dog park an A-priority. The City Council allocated $600,000 for a “base op-

tion” dog park, including small and large dog areas, water fountains, new walls and entries and necessary soil mitigation. Over the course of several meetings, the community decided to create a first-rate park that truly reflected the way Beverly Hills feels about dogs. Dog lovers everywhere stepped up, beginning with a kick-off pledge of $100,000 from Lili and Jon Bosse. Animal activist Tina Sinatra has pledged $25,000 for one of the 14 oak trees in memory of her father, the late Frank Sinatra. Pledges, including a $25,000 (see ‘DOG PARK’ page 29)

Holmby Hills’ Singleton Home Achieves Historic Designation, But Tree Removal Continues Built in 1970, it was Neff’s last By Victoria Talbot On April 20, the Los Angeles major work and the largest he ever City Council voted to designate built. The home is 15,520 square the Singleton Estate as a Historic- feet on approximately seven acres, Cultural Monument (HCM), protecting the Wallace Neff residence and Thomas ChurchPhilip Shipley landscape from demolition or inappropriate alterations. The designaThe Singleton Estate tion includes both the residence and the with 10 bedrooms and 12.5 baths. grounds, safeguarding the work of The property includes rolling three master architects and design- lawns, a tennis court, a four-car garage, swimming pool and pond. ers for future generations. Significantly, the entire seven In April 2015, the historic home at 384 Delfern Dr. in Holm- acres was meticulously landby Hills was sold to Adrian Labi scaped to appear as though it was for $60 million in one of Los Ange- naturally occurring by two master architects, les’ priciest real estate transac- landscape tions. (see ‘SINGLETON’ page 8)

and another $28.7 million on other compensation, which includes retirement pay, healthcare, deferred compensation and retirement health savings accounts. That brings the total the City spent on employee compensation in 2015 to approximately $111.3 million. Employee salaries and benefits are matters of public record under California statutes and multiple court decisions. The Courier requested date of hire, along with names and titles. On page 18, readers will find a list of the top 12 highestpaid non-public safety employees in Beverly Hills. On page 19 is a glossary of terms with their explanations. The chart begins on page 20.

Favored Treatment for L’Ermitage? Planning Commission Decision On CUP Could Be Final - Attend Monday Night’s Meeting At 7 p.m. By Victoria Talbot The Planning Commission will hold a special meeting Monday, May 2 at 7 p.m. in room 280A at City Hall to consider a request for a new Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Development Plan Review Permit (DPR), and an Extended Hours Permit for the L’Ermitage Hotel on Burton Way. This decision could be final, if neither the hotel nor residents appeal, meaning Monday’s meeting is the only chance for the public to impact the process. Following a planning commission meeting on April 14

Celebrity Photo Agency/Scott Downie

CONQUERING SACRAMENTO—The BHHS Academic Decathlon team, led by head coach John Johnson, recently competed in the California State Finals in Sacramento, scoring 51,414 points out of 65,400 possible over 10 events. It’s score placed the team among the top 10 percent nationwide. Junior Sam Schwartz (grandson of Courier founder March Schwartz) was the team’s highest scorer, with 8,672 out of a possible 10,000 points, and winning a gold medal in mathematics and silver in economics. Team members set to compete in the online national competition today, include from left: Ninan Pollack, Nandini Murali, Aleks Recupero, Eric Han, Timothy Kim, Mary Yoo, Sabrina Halavi, Grace DeLee, Jonathan Gunn and Sam Schwartz.

By Matt Lopez This week, the Courier once again releases its annual comprehensive chart of City of Beverly Hills employee salary, pay and benefits, which were received this week after a California Public Records Act demand. This year’s chart is based on 2015 financial data and will be released in two parts, with the first of the two running this week. The chart provides financial information on 1,030 fulltime and part-time public employees of the City. The two-part chart – part two will be released next week – will show that the City spent more than $82.6 million on total pay for employees (that includes salary, overtime, leave payoffs and car allowances)

when Commissioner Lori Greene Gordon discovered that the hotel’s CUP had expired in April 2011, the hotel’s outdoor dining patio was closed and the newly renovated restaurant, Avec Nous, was closed to all but hotel guests. The L’Ermitage had come to the meeting to renew the CUP, entitlements required to allow the hotel to have an outdoor dining area and to allow the restaurant to be open to the public. For the April 14 meeting, commissioners received an agenda packet which included (see ‘L’ERMITAGE’ page 16)

OUR KINKY BOOTS STARS — Cyndi Lauper, embracing husband David Thornton, was honored in the category of Recording during a double star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Harvey Fierstein was also honored for Live Performance. Cyndi wrote the music and lyrics for the hit Broadway show, Kinky Boots, written by Harvey Fierstein. For more photos, see George Christy’s column on page 6.

Page 2 | April 29, 2016

BEVERLY HILLS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

DATE: May 12, 2016 TIME: 1:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard LOCATION: Commission Meeting Room 280A Beverly Hills City Hall 455 North Rexford Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The Planning Commission of the City of Beverly Hills, at its REGULAR meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2016, will hold a public hearing beginning at 1:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard to consider:

The Planning Commission of the City of Beverly Hills, at its regular meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2016, will hold a public hearing beginning at 1:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard to consider:

A request for a Conditional use Permit and Extended Hours Permit for the property located at 9360 Wilshire Boulevard (Sixty Hotel). The Applicant was previously granted a Conditional Use Permit and Extended Hours Permit to allow the following rooftop operations at the hotel:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS AMENDING BEVERLY HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 10-3-507 PERTAINING TO THE BEVERLY HILLS WOMEN’S CLUB .

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Use of the rooftop area until 1:00 AM Sunday through Thursday Use of the rooftop area until 2:00 AM Friday and Saturday Allowance for up to 12 rooftop events per year in which the rooftop can be occupied until 2:00 AM on a day other than a Friday or Saturday Maximum rooftop occupancy of 165 persons (excluding hotel staff)

The entitlements have since expired, and the Applicant is requesting a new Conditional Use Permit and Extended Hours Permit to allow the same rooftop operations as previously granted. This project has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. Upon review, the project appears to qualify for exemption from CEQA. Accordingly, the Planning Commission will consider a recommendation to find the project exempt from the environmental review requirements of CEQA as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption (minor alterations to an existing facility) or Class 32 Categorical Exemption (in-fill development) pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15332 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. Any interested person may attend the meeting and be heard or present written comments to the Commission. According to Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge the Commission's action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City, either at or prior to the public hearing. If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact Andre Sahakian, Associate Planner in the Planning Division at (310) 285-1127, or by email at asahakian@beverlyhills.org. Copies of the application and associated project materials are on file in the Community Development Department, and can be reviewed by any interested person at 455 North Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Sincerely: Andre Sahakian, Associate Planner

The amendments to the Beverly Hills Municipal Code contained in the proposed Ordinance would modify several operational restrictions that pertain to the Beverly Hills Women’s Club located at 1700 Chevy Chase Drive. The modifications would include removing the restriction on events held by outside groups in the months of July and August, removing the restriction on the amount of rent charged for use of the Women’s Club facility by outside groups, extending the hours during which outside events can be held, and amending the restriction on alcoholic beverages served at events held at the Beverly Hills Women’s Club. The Beverly Hills Women’s Club has been located at its current location, in the R-1.X zone, since the 1920s. This Ordinance has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. Upon review, the project appears to qualify for exemption from CEQA. The adoption and implementation of the Ordinance is eligible for a class 5 categorical exemption for minor changes in land use limitations and will not have a significant environmental impact. Additionally, the adoption and implementation of the Ordinance is eligible for a class 1 categorical exemption for minor operational changes to an existing facility and will not have a significant impact. Accordingly, the Planning Commission will consider the recommendation to find the Ordinance exempt from the environmental review requirements of CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 and Section 15305 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. Any interested person may attend the meeting and be heard or present written comments to the Commission. According to Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge the Commission's action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City, either at or prior to the public hearing. If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact Timothea Tway, Associate Planner in the Planning Division at 310.285.1122, or by email at ttway@beverlyhills.org. The case file, including associated documents are on file in the Community Development Department, and can be reviewed by any interested person at 455 North Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Sincerely, Timothea Tway, Associate Planner

Beverly Hills Courier 499 N. Canon Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 www.bhcourier.com • 310-278-1322

BEVERLY HILLS

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BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | APRIL 29, 2016 Page 4

B E V E R LY H I L L S M A I N N E W S

Milken Global Conference Returns To Beverly Hilton; Tony Blair, Tom Hanks And Kobe Bryant Among 700 Speakers By Laura Coleman The 19th annual Milken Institute Global Conference returns to The Beverly Hilton on Sunday, bringing together over 3,500 people from around the world for four days of discussions on critical global issues. Among this year’s 700-plus speakers, a line-up which includes government officials, CEOs, scientists, educators and philanthropists, are former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Gov. Jerry Brown, NBA Champion Kobe Bryant, former Vice President Al Gore and revered actor Tom Hanks. “Our ability to bridge the worlds of business, finance, health, education and policy has never been more in de-

mand,” said Milken Institute President /CEO Mike Klowden. To close out last year’s Global Conference, founder Michael Milken beseeched attendees to spend the year working toward achieving eight goals which included eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality; and ensuring environmental substantiality. The overarching theme for this year is “The Future of Humankind.” The conference has been held at The Beverly Hilton since 1999, a year after the first conference was held in 1998.

PERFORMANCE SPACE—Community leaders celebrate the new Michael J. Libow Performance Space at Horace Mann. Pictured (from left): Horace Mann Principal Harvey Oaxaca, Councilman Julian Gold, Michael Libow, Councilwoman Lili Bosse, Board of Education President Howard Goldstein, BHEF President Monique Gibbons, Boardmember Noah Margo, Superintendent Steve Kessler and Horace Mann PTA President Tina Wiener.

Michael Libow Completes School Naming Quintet With Horace Mann School Stage

KID UNITY—Members of Kid Unity presented their input and ideas regarding La Cienega Community Center and Park to the Recreation and Parks Commission Tuesday, the culmination of the group’s months-long visits with different community organizations to learn how they do their jobs. Pictured (from left): Guy Marks, Robbie Anderson, Sienna Nazarian, David Cohn, Howard Rosoff, Jonah Anschell, Simone Friedman, Chris Robson, Frances Bilak and Jonah Manheim.

By Laura Coleman On Monday, local leaders joined together at Horace Mann school to celebrate the new “Michael J. Libow Performance Space”, named in Libow’s honor following a $35,000 donation he made to the Beverly Hills Education Foundation. The space marks a comprehensive donation campaign by Libow, a local realtor and philanthropist, to name something at each of the five Beverly Hills schools. “His generosity to schools and programs is amazing,” said BHEF President Monique Gibbons. Libow, a product of the City’s public

school system, said he is driven to donate to Beverly Hills education because he hopes it will inspire others in the community to “step up.” “I’m thrilled to be able to continue to do this,” Libow said. “I’m always 100 percent involved with the community. It’s more than about education when it comes to Beverly Hills; it’s about the camaraderie. This is a community.” “What it comes down to is we’re all here for the community.” Naming opportunities are available at each of the five Beverly Hills public schools. Those interested can call the BHEF at 310-557-0651.

El Rodeo Continues Push For Armed Guards To Increase School Security By Matt Lopez Armed guards could be among the security changes coming to El Rodeo School if the Beverly Hills Board of Education can agree on how to fund heightened security at the K-8 campus. El Rodeo, located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Whittier Drive, sees a steady flow of daily traffic with cars coming in and out of Beverly Hills from Century City. There is already a growing transient population in the area, and construction across the street at the Waldorf Astoria,

along with whatever ultimately happens with the Beverly Hills Garden & Open Space Initiative, will bring more foot traffic to the area. After receiving responses in a safety survey sent out to all parents in late January, the El Rodeo Site Council crafted a series of security recommendations that were presented to the school board Tuesday. Among the recommendations are for a full-time roaming security guard; illuminated flashing crosswalks at both (see ‘ARMED GUARDS’ page 28)

Parents, Students Advocate On Behalf Of Ousted BHHS Drama Teacher By Laura Coleman Beverly Hills High School drama teacher Brad Vincent will not go gently into this good night. After being told he would not be returning for a third year after the Board of Education OK’d the administration’s decision to not re-hire him last month, Vincent subsequently submitted his application to the district for the very same position, which was subsequently posted on Edjoin.org. “What I’ve said to the board is, ‘I really care about these kids,’” Vincent told The Courier. “This is the 10th theatre program that in my 25-year career that I have taken in a new direction. I was hired expressly to do that.” On Tuesday, a group of parents and students advocated on Vincent’s behalf before the Board of Education, extolling his accomplishments and asking them

to reconsider the decision to not bring him back. Keeping Vincent on for a third year would mean that he qualifies for teacher tenure; as such, terminating him would be tremendously more challenging moving Brad Vincent forward. Boardmembers, BHHS Principal Dave Jackson and Superintendent Steve Kessler all declined to elaborate why Vincent was not asked to return. The reason, they said, was that it was a personnel matter. (see ‘BRAD VINCENT’ page 28)

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BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | APRIL 29, 2016 Page 5 COLLEGE BOUND–Teen BHEF seniors were all smiles this week when they proudly donned apparel reflecting the colleges they are headed for this fall. Pictured (from left): Aaron Nehmadi, NYU Stern School of Business; Tara Hekmati, UCLA; Tara Shooshani, UCLA; Carli Stein, University of Michigan; Josh Khalili, UCLA; Erica Nabathorian, Santa Monica College. Not Pictured: Max Walder, University of Wisconsin at Madison; Stavroula Kyriazis, University of Michigan.

Ron Hudson Denies Bel-Air Bar & Grill Conflict Of Interest In Deposition By Matt Lopez Former Bel-Air Association President Ron Hudson vehemently denied a conflict of interest between the organization - when he was running it and the Bel-Air Bar & Grill, despite evidence strongly to the contrary. The denial came in a deposition Tuesday, obtained by The Courier, in the lawsuit of Bruce Kuyper v New Bel-Air Association, et al., The lawsuit came to light after a March 17 special meeting, where by a 155-to-1 vote, the Bel-Air community ousted the former leadership, including Hudson, and installed a slate of nine new boardmembers, along with sweeping bylaw changes.

The deposition sheds light on what many in the community protested loudly was potentially a conflict of interest between the Hudson-led BAA and the Bel-Air Bar and Grill. When the Bel-Air Bar and Grill appeared before the L.A. Planning Department late last year for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Hudson appeared at the meeting, advocating on behalf of the establishment. It was later discovered that Hudson had maintained an office at the Bar and Grill, a fact not previously disclosed to the community. In the deposition, Hudson admits he considers the Bel Air Bar & Grill to be his landlord, (see ‘BEL-AIR’ page 8)

Celebration Of Iranian Cinema Returns To UCLA By Laura Coleman Starting tomorrow, UCLA Film & Television Archive presents the “Celebration of Iranian Cinema” at Hammer Museum’s Billy Wilder Theater. Sponsored by the Farhang Foundation, the annual program has been bringing cutting edge Iranian cinema to Southern California audiences for more than two decades now. “We are thrilled to once again be able to support such an amazing celebration of the best in Iranian Cinema” says Mark Amin, chair of the Farhang Film Festival Committee and vice chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “Collaborating with UCLA Film & Television Archive has been a very fulfilling partnership which ultimately results in presenting American audiences with exceptional works in the Iranian cinematic arts.”

According to Shannon Kelley, Head of Public Programs at the UCLA Film & Television Archive, this year’s films have been carefully curated and arranged to provide a cinematic experience at its peak. Tomorrow night’s celebration kick’s off with the U.S. premiere of the film, Two, (Do) a character study about a woman hired to clean house for a man who is selling an apartment he inherited. The film series concludes May 22 with the west coast premiere of Avalanche (Bahman) by director Morteza Farshbaf and stars prestigious Iranian actress Fatemeh Motamed-Arya. The complete schedule of films, updates on filmmakers in attendance, and $10 general admission tickets are available in advance at UCLA Film & Television Archive.

ST. ANNE’S – Philanthropists Avery and Andrew Barth accepted the 2016 Angel Award from St. Anne’s at Evening of Angels, the nonprofit’s annual gala last week. Alliance of Moms founders Danika Charity, Yasmine Delawari Johnson, Jules Leyser, Emily Lynch and Kelly Zajfen also received an Angel Award for their innovative programs at St. Anne’s, Raising Foodies and Mama + Babe. Opened in 1908 as a safe refuge for unwed mothers, St. Anne’s has evolved into one of the most highly regarded social service agencies in the country. Dating back to 1982 with Nancy Reagan as the first recipient, the Angel Award is given to those who have impacted St. Anne’s work through leadership and philanthropy. Pictured (from left): Margaret and Ron Preissman, Susan Niven and Marcia Hobbs

Beverly Hills Kicks Off Pilot Bike Share Program With May 10 Ribbon Cutting By Victoria Talbot Beverly Hills kicks off the Pilot Bike Share program with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and demonstration May 10 at City Hall. The Bike Share program lets riders pick up a smart bike at one location and drop it off when they reach their destination at another location, providing fun, convenient transportation options. Bike sharing is practiced in cities throughout the globe. Now, Beverly Hills joins other visionary, world-class cities to provide this service to residents and visitors. The ribbon-cutting will be at 1:30 p.m. in front of the North Crescent Drive-South Santa Monica Boulevard cor-

ner of City Hall, prior to the City Council Study Session. The new bike share system includes 50 smart bikes with onboard technology connecting 100 bike docking racks in locations throughout the City. On May 10, following the launch, riders will be able to sign up for a plan at www.BeverlyHillsBikeShare.co m, and download the Social Bicycles app at the App Store on their smartphones. Plans can be as needed, or on a subscription basis. Once signed up, it only takes a second to sign in on a smart phone and grab a bike at one of the seven locations throughout the City. Ride anywhere in the City and drop the bike off at any Beverly Hills

Bike Share station for free - or at any public bike rack for a small fee. The smart bikes are compatible with the bike share system in the City of Santa Monica. Users can take a ride to the beach and avoid traffic and parking hassles, dropping it off at a Santa Monica location while they enjoy the beach, and picking up a Santa Monica bike for the ride home at the end of the day. Riders can find docking stations at these locations: City Hall-1 (North Crescent Drive at South Santa Monica Boulevard entrance) City Hall-2 (North Santa Monica Boulevard between Crescent and Rexford Drive). (see ‘BIKE SHARE’ page 18)

Beverly Hills School Board Roundup LACOE Reviews Budget The L.A. County Office Of Education, in a letter addressed to the Beverly Hills School Board President Howard Goldstein, expressed concerns this week with the district’s future finances, BHUSD Chief Financial Officer La Tanya Kirk-Carter said. The letter from LACOE states that although the district should be able to meet its financial obligations in the current and two subsequent years, “we are concerned about the district’s future fiscal viability should the pending construction litigation appeal not be resolved in favor of the district.” That is in reference to a $22.8 decision against the district in Christiansen Vs. Beverly Hills Unified School District, which is currently being appealed. LACOE requested the district submit an update on litigation, and a contingency plan on how the amount would be paid while maintaining fiscal solvency with its 2016-17 budget. LACOE also requested the district keep a close eye on its deficit spending. BHUSD is currently projecting an operat-

ing deficit of $0.1 million, or 0.11 percent of the district’s unrestricted General Fund expenditures. “We should be cognizant that if we are not fiscally prudent we will have problems in the long term.” Kirk-Carter said. New Science Standards Science and STEM teacher Helen Hixon made a presentation Tuesday about sweeping changes planned to the district’s Middle School science standards. The district is in the process of adopting Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The program aims to give students a more hands-on approach to science education, with less time spent reading from a textbook. Supporters of NGSS make note of the emphasis placed on developing each student’s science skills, while critics of the standards say NGSS primarily dumbs down science education. The standards give students more instruction in the practices and critical thinking that scientists really use in their jobs, in the hopes that it will produce more STEM-

qualified students for the working world. Student boardmember Shawn Ahdout, a Beverly Hills High senior, said NGSS appeared to be a “definite improvement from the old way of teaching science.” Board Vice President Mel Spitz spoke out against the standards at Tuesday’s meeting, calling it “one size fits all education” and comparing it to Common Core. Spitz cited a report from Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an independent education foundation, which gave the standards a “C” grade. “We thought a lot of the science was poorly done,” said Ursula Goodenough, one of the review’s co-authors. Jennifer Tedford, the district’s Chief Academic Officer, said no definitive plans have been finalized to implement the standards. “We have analyzed standards and discussed future changes that can be made, but no materials have been purchased (e.g., textbooks) to align to the new standards.” Tedford said. –– Matt Lopez

GEORGE CHRISTY

Celebrity Photo/Scott Downie

George Christy

PDS CEO Joni Berry

Nathan Sternfeld

fetched $46 million over time. This year’s evening at The Beverly Hilton garnered $1.6 million for continuing research that’s astounding skeptics with breakthroughs in “the race to erase” with its Center Without Walls programs.

Honoree Paula Abdul with Dick Van Dyke (celebrating his 90th birthday), Professional Dancers Society President Mitzi Gaynor, choreographers Carl Jablonski and Kevin Carlisle during the 29th annual PDS luncheon at The Beverly Hilton

Showtime, everybody. Quiet, please ... There’s a lady on stage M

iss Paula Abdul is standing tall in The Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom. Celebrated for dancing and singing and her years of American Idol fame, Paula enjoys a a fabled musical career, and do remember, if you will, that the showbusiness bug bit in her late teens when this San Fernando sweetheart joined the hot-totrot cheerleaders for the L.A. Lakers.

n Sunday, Paula was presented with the Gypsy Award by American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe during the 29th annual Professional Dancers Society luncheon. This philanthropic society has been presided over for many a moon by the indefatigable Mitzi Gaynor, who serves as mistress of ceremonies. And if you know Mitzi, as the PDS audiences know Mitzi, the

Page 6 | April 29, 2016

laughs and howls are nonstop. As are the ovations. We should add that her spectacular TV specials that aired on NBC and CBS are available on Get TV. Not to be missed.

dancers are without work and means of support.

hese luncheons are the best buy of the year, taxdeductible tickets priced at $175, which includes a menu of hot soup, a main course and Baked Alaska. Along with a lively entertainment program in the ballroom filled with friendly faces and stars. Be there next year!

aluted were choreographers Carl Jablonski and Kevin Carlisle, along with Mitzi’s longtime dancers Alton Ruff and Randy Doney. Mickey Rooney Jr. choreographed a exciting number especially for Paula Abdul, and Lee Hale’s video montage of Paula’s phenomenal career was sheer genius.

ach luncheon raises upwards of $100,000 to support the needs for dancers who’ve given heart, soul and body to their joyride of a profession, which, as time goes by, becomes torturous. And after the body quits from the rigorous demands of their careers,

hose high jinks KISS performers entertained the celebrity crowd this time around, as did singer Jordan Smith. The gala honored Carolyn Rafaelian, founder and CEO of the Alex and Ani jewelry collection. Carolyn was acknowledged for her “championship” efforts to battle multiple sclerosis, a disease of the central nervous system.

“W

e’re making great strides toward the cure,” enthuses Nancy, whose medical knowledge is formidable. “We are going to win.” Online at www.bhcourier.com/category/george-christy

he luncheon is underwritten by Joni Berry, heiress to her Chicago family’s foundation. The Professional Dancers Society now owns an assisted living residence, also provides separate funds for living expenses. PDS is affiliated with the Actors Fund of America.

n its decades-long history, the Professional Dancers Society luncheons have honored Sammy Davis Jr., Julie Andrews, Leslie Caron, Ben Vereen, Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Lawrence, Dick Van Dyke, who was cheered for reaching a 90th birthday (still singing, still hoofing!).

hen diagnosed with this terrifying illness, Nancy singlehandedly launched this now globally renowned fundraiser. A major program the day after the Friday gala brings together specialists and medical scholars to participate in all day seminars, reviewing new advancements in treating this crushing infirmity.

Diedre Hall, Susan Seaforth Hayes and Bill Hayes

Celebrity Photo/Scott Downie

…

Neile Adams

ot long ago, we invited a principessa from Rome to join us at Nancy Davis’s Race to Erase MS Gala, and our Roman royal was floored. Wishing that her Italian compatriots abroad would create such an entertainment that would be as much fun and successful in financing medical research.

“B

ella Signora,” our principessa beamed after greeting Nancy during the event, now in its 23rd year, having

Nancy Davis, center, with husband Kenny Rickel and daughters Isabella and Mariella, along with Nancy’s BFF Lynne Palmer, who has helped immeasurably with these Race to Erase MS Galas that have raised $46 million over 23 years.

BEVERLY HILLS

April 29, 2016 | Page 7

BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | APRIL 29, 2016 Page 8

B E V E R LY H I L L S R E A L E S TAT E

Young Beverly Hills Realtors Tout Modern, Interpersonal Approach With REDD By Matt Lopez Some of Beverly Hills’ brightest young realtors are joining forces to change the way homes are bought and sold in Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles area.

Real Estate & Developmental Design (REDD) aims to be a one-stop shop for all real estate needs. REDD’s services are multifaceted - as a full-service real estate brokerage and creative

design agency, REDD caters to clients interested in buying, selling and developing properties. As a creative agency and business firm, REDD helps assists people in AJ Jamasbi Arya Rahmani Shauhin Shapoori every stage of the home buying, sellfrom the traditional, older tac- Tammy Benham, a broker who ing and renovation process. Rahmani and tics of real estate agencies,” Jamasbi, AJ Jamasbi got his real said Jamasbi, a Beverly Hills Shapoori say is the “backbone” estate license at 18 and after High graduate. “There’s a of REDD, are perfectly four years with Rodeo Realty, whole other side of real estate equipped to help buyers and decided to branch off and start and the personal relationships sellers easily navigate that marREDD with other top young are extremely important. We ket. local realtors like Arya like to say we handhold our “It can be a cutthroat busiRahmani (Coldwell Banker) clients.” ness, but that’s what we mean and Shauhin Shapoori (Keller One unique tailored serv- when we talk about handholdWilliams). ice REDD offers is a full-service ing our clients and doing Jamasbi said one of the property management team. what’s best for them,” Jamasbi keys that REDD offers clients is Jamasbi called it a “sellers said. “There are so many a unique collaboration process market” at the moment, with aspects that go into buying and that aims to save clients time, inventories low, and said the selling, but we really focus on energy and money and make biggest mistake he sees in the the property and our client and what can be a daunting, scary market today are homes being what they need." process as stress-free as possi- overpriced. Learn more about REDD ble. Jamasbi said he and his by visiting: http://www.redd.la “It’s about moving away team, along with his mother

SINGLETON

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incorporating dense foliage to frame specific views and shield the privacy of the owners. The New Traditional French Provincial Style residence was built for Henry E. Singleton, co-founder/CEO of Teledyne, Inc., one of the nation’s largest conglomerates. However, the new owner, Labi, has been reluctant to accept historic designation, though the Los Angeles Conservancy first notified the sellers’ agents at Coldwell Banker Previews of the historic significance of the property in May, 2014, recognizing that the sale of the property could endanger the home that was the culmination of Neff’s career. On April 7, the new owner’s project team presented an informal proposal for new construction of an “auto gallery” on the site to the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. The massive project, including three guest residences, dwarfs the residence, creating a semicircular glass-enclosed exhibition area on the perimeter elevations and another circular structure in the front. On their website, the conservancy states, “The property

BEL-AIR

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but that he doesn’t feel it’s a conflict of interest to advocate on its behalf. “I’ve been going there since I was a child, so why would it be a conflict of interest? Hudson asks, before admitting he has not sought guidance from any legal counsel on the matter. Hudson notes the BAA has “absolutely” advocated on

owner has proposed incorporating new construction along the outer edges of the estate, which would preserve the main house and significant landscape elements. We believe that the preliminary plans respect the property’s historic fabric, and we will continue to work with the project team and the Office of Historic Resources to review and comment on the proposal.” A close friend of developer Mohamed Hadid, Labi appears to have taken a page from his playbook. Photos show that, although no plans have yet been submitted, construction has been ongoing on the property. Several protected oak trees have been removed, as well. Further, like Hadid at Strada Vecchia, photos show that Labi placed screening around construction sites on the property. In Hadid’s case, the screening shielded illegal building that landed him with three criminal misdemeanor charges. Despite photos depicting workers cutting down oak trees, the City of Los Angeles did not agree with the lawyers’ findings, that the work constituted substantial alteration of the site pending designation. “We believe that Mr. Labi’s conduct at the site is disre-

spectful of established City process and law,” said Victor de la Cruz of Manatt Phelps & Phillips, and that the work is removing character-defining features that contribute to the property’s historical significance, who represents Labi’s neighbor, Bryan Lourd. “We are pleased that the City Council has designated the entire Singleton Estate, including its perimeter hillside and canyon landscape, as a Historic-Cultural Monument. This is a very important first step in preserving the character of the site and protecting against incompatible development. Now Mr. Labi’s massive project – a proposed auto gallery for approximately 7080 vintage cars, three guest homes, and other buildings – even a shooting range – will have to be reviewed by the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission to ensure consistency with the site’s historic character. Certainly, it would behoove Mr. Labi to substantially modify his project now to account for its impacts to historic resources when the project’s Environmental Impact Report is prepared,” said C.J. Laffer, associate at Mannatt, Phelps & Phillips.

behalf of positions for Susan Lord, owner of the restaurant. Hudson has a five-year lease in the building and began paying rent in January 2016. He appeared at the planning meeting to advocate on the restaurant’s behalf just two months three months prior. Hudson goes on to tell the attorney questioning him that he has not recused himself from voting on any matters related to the Bel Air Bar &

Grill. “It's a clear example of how matters were handled under his presidency,” said BelAir Association member Fred Rosen. “It’s a clear conflict of interest, it’s basic governance 101. It's just another example of the lack of transparency in the old organization. It’s why the community, by an overwhelming margin, removed Ron and his cronies from the offices they held."

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HOW DO YOU FEEL?

Some of the classic Ferraris at GTO Engineering.

Ferrari Specialists GTO Engineering Opening To Benefit CHLA Vintage Ferrari specialists, GTO Engineering will celebrating the opening of its Los Angeles facility with an evening supporting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). The invitation-only May 5 event at the center, 1450 La Cienega Blvd., will feature a silent auction of automobilia with items including custommade GTO cufﬂinks and car models, like the Ferrari 275. Donations will also be accepted. A ﬂeet of vintage Ferraris that have gone through GTO Engineering’s restoration and/or service program will be on display showcasing the handiwork of GTO’s trained engineers. Choosing CHLA as a charity to support was a “no-brainer,” says West Coast Operation

Manger Seve Kittrell. The company was founded in England in the early ‘80s by Mark Lyon, a family man whose wife and children are heavily involved in the ﬁrm. Kittrell has a daughter who “had a scare,” so they decided “to get behind a charity that serves all children.” They also have clients involved with the hospital. “GTO Engineering has always felt it was important to support the communities around our shops,” says Lyon. The company’s engineers have experience to restore, repair and race-prepare every Ferrari model from a 166 Inter to a 365 GTB/4 Daytona and beyond, with its speciality being the 250 GT series, for use on road, tours and in competition.

BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | APRIL 29, 2016 Page 10

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Patti Davis Moves Alzheimer’s Support Group To St. John’s Patti Davis is moving her Beyond Alzheimer’s group to the St. John’s Health Center Foundation Building, 2121 Santa Monica Blvd., effective Tuesday, May 3. The free support group for family members, friends and caregivers will meet from 6:30-8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reservations are not necessary and participants “just have to show up,” Davis says. “I’ve always felt caregivers should be treated along with the patients,” says Davis, who saw her father, former president Ronald Reagan, through his NEW DEMENTIA CARE FACILITY OPENS—Dementia care provider Silverado held a recent ribbon-cutting for The Loft at 330 N. Hayworth Ave. The facility, described as “a new urban living concept in a setting convenient to popular attractions,” is designed to potentially delay the disease’s onset and offer daily brain-health programming. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, were, Silverado personnel (from left): Melissa AndrizziSobel, administrator; Dr. David Trader, medical director; Michelle Egerer, SVP community operations; Loren Shook, CEO/chair; Councilman Paul Koretz, Shamim Wu, president and Yael Wyte, The Loft program director.

decade-long fight with the disease and wrote The Long Goodbye about her experience. Typically, family members feel Patti Davis they have no right to ask for care. But they are victims of a relentless and mysterious disease that has deep emotional roots and has left them stranded,” says Davis. “I started the group to give

caregivers and family members a place to go and talk about what’s going on,” says Davis, “through the painful journey of losing someone to Alzheimer’s or other kinds of dementia.” While Davis often uses her own story at meetings, she always includes “someone from the medical ﬁeld to answer those kinds of questions.” Being at St. John’s, Davis says, will allow the group to take advantage of neurologists and neuroscientists on staff who will share their knowledge and research, and rotate in as cofacilitators for the group.

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ARTS & E N T E RTA I N M E N T

It’s ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’ In BHHS’ Wanted In Wonderland

Ioan Gruffudd and Joely Fisher hosted Murder, Lust & Madness. Photo by Rex Gelert

BritWeek—From The Bard To Rock ‘N’ Roll BritWeek’s 10th anniversary kicked off Saturday April 23, with a celebration of Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary, Murder, Lust & Madness. Harry Hamlin’s Macbeth, Stacy Keach performing from As You Like It, Impro Theatre’s scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Michael York’s speech from Richard III brought down the sold-out house at The Wallis. Shakespearean scholar, Louis Fantasia, who directed the one-night-only production said, “In the 400 years since Shakespeare’s death, I doubt there has been a better cast anywhere on

the globe (28 actors took part) than what we had. Great classical acting, mixed with Hollywood star appeal, plus some music and dance—who could ask for anything more.” • BritWeek continues with Beverly Hills rocker Steve Cooke’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Night” beginning at 9 p.m., Saturday, May 7 at Dirty Laundry, 1725 N. Hudson Ave., L.A. Cooke will also release his new single California Girls Rock ’n’ Roll during the event. Free tickets are available at http://britweekrocknroll.app.rsv pify.com/ or $10 at the door.

The BHHS Performing Arts Department and Michael J. Libow, in cooperation with the Beverly Hills Education Foundation, invite audiences to take a trip down the rabbit hole and experience the world of Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland like it’s never been seen before. Members of Theater Arts Workshop, Stage Design & Production, Drama Lab, and more have worked with writer/director Annie Terry to adapt Lewis Carroll’s stories with a twist. In the BHHS version, Wanted In Wonderland, Alice is being investigated for a mysterious crime by police officers Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. As she recounts the tale of the unusual characters she has met in Wonderland, viewers come to understand that all is not what it seems. “Join us for this wild ride with original music, dance, poetry, and lots of laughs,” said Terry. Free performances are at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow in the school’s Salter Family Theater, 241 Moreno Dr.

BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | APRIL 29, 2016 Page 12

Local Daniel Ezralow Brings His Dance Troupe Home For Open Making his “‘hometown debut,” award-winning choreographer Daniel Ezralow brings his dance company, Ezralow Dance, to The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts for two nights of dance tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. Ezralow, who spent a lot of time in Beverly Hills growing up, has gone on to become an award-winning choreographer, switching between the disciplines of film, stage and even Olympics ceremonies. He’s thrilled to be bringing his show Open to a theater whose converted Beverly Hills Post Office is where he and his mother mailed letters when he was a young boy; and the town where his father Saul Sanford Ezralow had a CPA firm. Created in L.A. but debuted in Italy, Open features his ninemember troupe in a 75-minute intermission-less piece that unfolds over 15 scenes. “It’s a loose, abstract narrative,” says Ezralow. “But there are themes—ecology, linked through ideas of reusing, recycling and reclaiming; the intensity of the business world vs. the calmness of nature and the playfulness of color.”

A scene from Open.

The segments are danced to “popular music everyone’s heard before,” Ezralow says, by composers including Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Strauss Debussy and Tchaikovsky. “This show sprung from the idea that I wanted to do something ‘open,’ says Ezralow, “that everybody could appreciate and access. We use whimsy, irony and playfulness to open up peoples’ ideas of dance.” Tickets range from $39-$99 and are available at TheWallis.org, by phone at 310746-4000, or the box office at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd.

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BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | APRIL 29, 2016 Page 14

TO SEE AND BE SEEN

G O O D S H E P H E R D BENEFIT–Masaki Matsuka, the women’s clothing store on Brighton Way, is sponsoring a monthly benefit on behalf of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills. Pictured (from left): Hani Reshad, Abby Box, Shadi Nader, Tanaz Fotouat, and Ashley Crawford. For information, call Shirley Smith at 213-909-5500.

LEORA HADASSAH– The Leora Hadassah Musicale was held in the Beverly Hills home of Sylvie and Dr, Adrian Alache. Among those performing were Mary Levin Cutler (left) and harpist Dorothy Victor (right). They are joined by philanthropist Mimi Landres and musical conductor Jim Fumston. Photo by Amir

MIKIMOTO LOVE–If you want to get up close and personal with some of the most luxurious jewels in town, Mikimoto is having a private viewing of its new collection of cultured pearl jewelry next week on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. To schedule an appointment, email rsvp.bh@mikimotoamerica.com or call 310-205-8787.

DOGGIE PARTY– More than 60 people, accompanied by 35 of their dogs, attended a canine birthday party in the Beverly Hills home of producer Loreen Arbus (right). Gifts for three charities (K9s for Warriors, Flying Home Wings of Rescue, and Canines for Disabled Kids) were collected. Pictured with the hostess are (from left): actresses Maria Conchita Alonso and Barbi Benton, and composer/lyricist Carol Connors. AUTHOR INSPIRED JEWELS—The Crown Jewels hosted Aging In High Heels’ author Beverly Hyman Fead at their Royal Purple Luncheon at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse on Canon. Inspirational speaker Fead discussed “living a life with passion, hope, laughter and how to face aging.” Members and officers attending included, back (from left): Marlene Ridgley, Gail Dauer, Grace Scherer, Fead and Ila Krane. Seated (from left): event organizer Marci Wiener, holding Fead’s book, and Annie Leherer.

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L’ERMITAGE

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the renewal and a request for the creation of a Hotel Overlay Zone to allow the addition of a 15 foot rooftop enclosure, reconfiguration of the rooftop area, and the installation of a new exterior glass elevator on the western elevation. Unlike other hotels, the L’Ermitage is set to have a special meeting with a CUP hearing in as short a time as possible to enable a public hearing, with the first published ad appearing Wednesday. The public comment period for this new CUP/DPR is only ten days, favoring the applicant. Monday’s hearing has the appearance of favorable treatment from the City for a hotel that has disregarded the concerns of the community, say neighbors, with over 150 signing a petition requesting that the City draw down on increasing entitlements and step up enforcement to mitigate the impact on the residents. Other hotels in Beverly Hills neighborhoods report they have renewed their CUPs on time, and they respect the CUP conditions and the surrounding neighborhoods, where they attempt to be good neighbors and foster good will. The L’Ermitage, which was originally an apartment building, is in a residential neighborhood without the benefit of a loading dock, an entry court, or accommodations for drivers,

which creates a challenge to mitigate the concerns of the hotel’s neighbors. In spite of this, the hotel has continued to increase the intensity of use, culminating in a $40 million renovation that included a controversial separate entrance to the restaurant from the street, which some residents believe violates the original CUP. The requested outdoor elevator from the ground floor to the rooftop is widely opposed by neighbors who report they are kept awake already by noise from the hotel. A temporary tent located on the hotel’s roof has also drawn controversy for its perceived permanent nature, as well as the possibility that it may serve to enable a greater frequency of rooftop events that potentially impact the surrounding neighborhood. As part of the requests to renew the CUP, the applicant requested an extension of the open air dining hours. Currently, patrons are not to be seated after 9 p.m. and must leave by 10:30 p.m.. The request was to extend seating to 9:30 p.m. and dining until 11 p.m., though allowed hours in ResidentialCommercial Transition Areas are 7-10 p.m. The hotel was exempted from the Residential-Commercial Transition hours and granted extended hours as a condition granted through the nowexpired CUP and DPR. The hotel also requested

additional rooftop events, additional late night rooftop events, and the ability to schedule those events with less than 48 hours notice. Surprisingly, though they were recommending its renewal, staff did not include the original CUP in the report. As for violations, the report recommended a heartier penalty schedule for enforcement. That would require enforcement, and City code enforcement does not operate during weekends or evenings. Residents’ complaints detail a pattern of non-compliance, including early morning deliveries with back-up beeps, vehicles blocking the alley and residents’ driveways, driving staff loitering late into the night, smoking and talking loudly, leaving trash and even washing vehicles after hours. Officers visited the premises over 150 times between March 2014 and March 2016 with numerous parking violations, disturbing the peace, 911 calls, theft and public intoxication. Residents report excessive noise, public urination, vomiting, broken glass and vandalism as guests leave late at night. Director of Community Development Susan Healy Keene issued a memorandum last week to explain why the City knowingly allowed the hotel to continue to operate with an expired CUP/DPR for four years. “Staffs conclusion was that the entitlements were in fact, eligible for renewal, even

if they had previously expired,” based on staff’s erroneous interpretation of the CUP conditions. In an exclusive to the Courier, City Manager Mahdi Aluzri acknowledged staff errors. “When Staff discovered the expired CUP in February 2015, staff incorrectly interpreted a provision of the expired CUP resolution to allow for a renewal application to be filed instead of a whole new CUP. The filing of the renewal application in March 2015 presumably stayed the expiration of the CUP. That interpretation was not supported by our legal counsel and unfortunately this did not get highlighted until the matter was legally noticed and scheduled before the Planning Commission… I am very concerned about staff’s interpretation approach which has clearly created a very difficult situation… legally it is the responsibility of the property owner to be aware of when the use expires…” The meeting Monday is being held to consider a new CUP/DPR and Extended Hours Permit, but the terms of the CUP are not available for public scrutiny. The old CUP/DPR is expired. Are those the terms that are being put forth in the new CUP/DPR or does it revert to the Commercial-Residential Transition Area? Conversely, does the new CUP/DPR include the proposed Hotel Overlay Zone? How are resi-

BEVERLY HILLS dents, whose pleas have been bifurcated in favor of a lucrative five-star hotel, to respond? In keeping with a pattern of behavior of the L’Ermitage, the hotel opened the patio for dining Saturday until residents alerted City officials and closed it down. Two residents have written to say that, the CUP/DPR should be denied because under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project should be subject to further scrutiny for environmental impacts on the residential neighborhood. “Staff’s analysis concluded that the present project qualifies as categorically exempt from CEQA,” responded City Attorney Larry Wiener. That is the same staff that allowed the hotel to operate without a CUP/DPR because of their analysis, and ultimately, created this mess. Now it appears this expedited CUP/DPR meeting will be an opportunity for the City to respond to concerns that have until now, been interpreted as insignificant by staff, say residents. The ultimate question is why, with the continued violations, the City staff continues to ignore City regulations and neighbors’ concerns. Monday’s meeting could be the final opportunity for the community to voice its opinion on the CUP.

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BEVERLY HILLS

Beverly Hills’ Top 12 Highest Paid Employees Editors note: Listed below are the 12 highest paid Beverly Hills non-public safety employees, ranked in descending order by “Total Pay”, or take home pay - the amount they brought home in their paycheck at the end of the year. That number is added together with “Other Compensation” - which includes retirement pay, deferred compensation, healthcare and RHS health (see glossary on page 19) to form a complete look at how much these employees cost to the taxpayer.

City Manager Mahdi Aluzri Total Pay: $313,165.62 Other Compensation: $88,191.85 Total Compensation: $401,357.47 BH TO DC – Mayor John Mirisch and Vice Mayor Nancy Krasne attended a series of meetings in Washington, D.C. during the annual delegation legislative visit to discuss federal support for regional public safety communications interoperability, as well as the City Council’s initiative in support of autonomous vehicles. Pictured: Krasne and Mirisch at the General Motors corporate building.

BIKE SHARE

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Wells Fargo Bank adjacent (North Camden Drive immediately south of South Santa Monica Boulevard) Beverly Hills Courthouse (Civic Center Drive between Burton Way and Third Street) Chase Bank adjacent (corner of Wilshire Boulevard and North Beverly Drive, west of Montage Hotel)

280 South Beverly Drive (corner of South Beverly Drive and Gregory Way) 331 North Maple Drive (corner of Third Street and Maple Drive across from the Beverly Hills post office) For more information on the Beverly Hills Bike Share program, email transportation@beverlyhills.org or call Transportation Planning at 310285-1161.

Assistant City Manager George Chavez Total Pay: $256,380.42 Other Compensation: $63,429.28 Total Compensation: $319,809.70 Director of Community Development Susan Healy Keene Total Pay: $249,625.94 Other Compensation: $70,250.41 Total Compensation: $319,876.35 CFO - Don Rhoads Total Pay: $239,815.57 Other Compensation: $84,094.17 Total Compensation: $323,909.74 Chief Information Officer - David Schirmer Total Pay: $235,415.63 Other Compensation: $58,776.29 Total Compensation: $294,191.92 Director of Community Services - Nancy Hunt-Coffey Total Pay: $223,160.24 Other Compensation: $57,373.79 Total Compensation: $280,534.03 Assistant Director of Administrative Services, Finance - Noel Marquis Total Pay: $219,364.46 Other Compensation: $51,653.16 Total Compensation: $271,017.62 Assistant Director of Public Works Services - Patricia Rhay Total Pay: $209,932.78 Other Compensation: $57,292.73 Total Compensation: $267,225.51 Assistant Director of Public Works - Parking and Facilities Operations - Chad Lynn Total Pay: $198,774.46 Other Compensation: $44,036.70 Total Compensation: $242,811.16 Assistant Director CD Building Official - Rajesh Patel Total Pay: $195,035.39 Other Compensation: $72,233.33 Total Compensation: $267,268.72 Deputy City Manager - Cheryl Friedling Total Pay: $193,618.97 Other Compensation: $57,969.21 Total Compensation: $251,588.18 Assistant Director Administrative Services - Human Resources - Rachelle Ovrom Total Pay: $188,252.49 Other Compensation: $67,499.86 Total Compensation: $255,748.53

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BEVERLY HILLS

Beverly Hills Salary Survey - What It All Means Editors Note: Below is a glossary explaining the terms you will find on the City salary chart on pages 20-27. PERS: Public Employee Retirement System. Beverly Hills grants employees retirement benefits equal to 3-percent of their highest-ever compensation multiplied by each year of service to a maximum of 30 years for Police and Fire Employees and 2.5-percent of their highest-ever compensation multiplied by each year of service for all other employee groups. “Legacy” CALpers members (those in the PERS system prior to January 2013) may retire at 50 for Police and Fire and 55 for all other employee groups, while new employees after January 2013 can retire at 57 (Police and Fire) and 62 (all others). Sworn Police for Fire employee with 30 years service receives 90-percent of highest pay plus cost-of-living adjustments while all other employee groups would receive 75-percent for 30 years of service. All retired employees receive a reimbursement for health coverage (currently $125). Some employees hired prior to January 2010 receive a higher benefit depending on their bargaining group up to full health coverage for themselves and their spouse. All non-Police and Fire employees hired after Jan.1, 2010 and Police and Fire hired after July 2012 receive a monthly payment to an employee Retirement Health Savings plan in lieu of employer provided medical coverage retirement.

•PERSABLE Pay: Used to calculate annual retirement contributions. CalPERS requires an annual contribution of the employee’s salary toward their pension fund. City employees have begun paying their full percent contribution, in accordance with new CalPERS regulations, but received a pay raise to “make up” for the burden of having to contribute to their own retirement. •Retro PERS/Retro Non-PERS: “Retro pay happens when after an employee group contract ends, sometimes it takes a while to come to terms on a new contract. Once that new contract is in place, if it was agreed to pay any increase retroactive to the last contract end date, that generates the retro pay.” City CFO Don Rhoads told the Courier last year. •Cafeteria Plan: An employee health benefits plan that allows an employee to choose from a variety of benefit plans. If the employee doesn’t spend the full amount on a health plan, they get a portion of the savings in the form of additional wages. This column is what the employee gets back after money is not spent. •Leave Payoff: When an employee has an excess amount of vacation time, beyond what is needed on the books, it can be paid off in a lump amount. •PERS Overtime vs. Overtime: Some portion of a normal work schedule, mostly public safety, can fall under FLSA rules as overtime. Since this time is part of a normal work schedule it is considered PERSable even though it is paid at an overtime rate.

Normal overtime worked is not PERSable and is not considered when calculating PERS retirement payments. •Pay for Performance: “It’s a program for our management, professional and executive folks based on performance, goals and objectives that are set up at the beginning of the year. They are evaluated at the end of the year and depending on how well they met those goals and objectives, they would qualify for some amount of pay for performance, which can be all the way from one percent to 10 percent of a total pool of dollars. It’s the closest thing we have in the government sector to performance plans and that sort of thing.”–City CFO Don Rhoads. •Merit/Bonus: If an employee does something “particularly meritorious”, according to Rhoads, there is a provision where a bonus can be given. •Other Pays: Generally falls under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows an employee to receive funds in a different category while they are out on personal leave. •Deferred Compensation: A matching deferred contribution between the City and employee, where the employee contributes a certain amount of their paycheck, tax-deferred, which is matched by the City. •Explanation of the Leave/Vacation/Sick Categories: Rhodes says: “These hours don’t add any additional cost to the other columns. The only way they add cost is if someone doesn’t use all their leave at the end of the year, so they want to cash it out.

That would generate additional cost outlay, which shows in the ‘leave payouts’ column. If someone used their leave time, it would be recorded in the salary column.” • RHS Health: RHS Health: Is an employee Retirement Health Savings plan contribution that has replaced the City’s obligation to provide retired employees with health coverage for all employees hired after 2010 (non-Police and Fire) or 2012 (Police and Fire) •Total Cost of Employee: All forms of income each City employee receives combined with the retirement, health care and deferred compensation benefits the City contributes to provide a more accurate look at the total cost of a City employee to the taxpayer. •RHS Health: An employee Retirement Health Savings plan. •Leave Earned: Management Or Executive Leave time, or Administrative Leave. Rhoads says: “Generally speaking, it’s used in cities for management employees. Management doesn’t get overtime pay, so it’s typically used for those employees in recognition of the fact that they don’t get overtime pay. It basically says ‘we’ll give you a certain number of hours per year that you can use administratively.’ It can be used much like vacation time, or can be used for whatever personal leave they have.” •Total Compensation: The total amount of compensation each employee receives from the City of Beverly Hills, combining all categories of income and compensation.

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