On the agenda: Beverly Hills meeting — License Plate Reader (Jan 26)

Beverly Hills City Council Liaison I Health and Human Relations Commission Committee
will conduct a Special Meeting, at the following time and place, and will address the
agenda listed below:
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
455 N. Rexford Drive
Municipal Gallery
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
IN-PERSON I TELEPHONIC I VIDEO CONFERENCE MEETING
Beverly Hills Liaison Committee Meeting
https:I/beverlyhills-orq.zoom.uslmylcommittee
Meeting ID: 516 191 2424
Passcode: 90210
You can also dial in by phone:
+1 669 900 9128 US
+1 833 548 0282 (Toll-Free)
One tap mobile:
+16699009128,,5161912424# US
+18335480282,,5161912424# US (Toll-Free)
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
4:30 PM
Please be advised that pre-entry metal detector screening requirements are now in place
in City HaIL Members of the public are requested to plan visits accordingly.
In the interest of maintaining appropriate social distancing, members of the public can view this
meeting through live webcast at www.beverlyhills org/live and on BH Channel 10 or Channel 35
on Spectrum Cable, and can participate in the teleconference/video conference by using the link
above. Written comments may be emailed to mayorandcitycouncilbeverlyhiIls.org and will also
be taken during the meeting when the topic is being reviewed by the Beverly Hills City Council
Liaison /Health and Human Relations Commission Committee. Beverly Hills Liaison meetings will
be in-person at City Hall.
AGENDA
1) Public Comment
a. Members of the public will be given the opportunity to directly address the
Committee on any item listed on the agenda.
2) 2025 Health and Safety Commission Accomplishments
3) 2025 Human Relations Commission Accomplishments

4) Discussion of 2026 Incoming Chair’s Focus Area Topics, Areas of Interest, and Work
Plan Initiatives
5) City Council Liaison Direction
6) Adjournment

Huma Ahmed
City Clerk
Posted: January 23, 2026

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Beverly Hills will make
reasonable efforts to accommodate persons with disabilities, If you require special
assistance, please call (310) 285-1014 (voice) or (310) 285-6881 (TTY). Providing at
least forty-eight (48) hours advance notice will help to ensure availability of services.
City Hall, Municipal Gallery is wheelchair accessible.

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CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
FIRE DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO:

Beverly Hills City Council Liaison/ Health and Human Relations Commission
Committee

FROM:

Gregory Barton, Fire Chief

DATE:

January 27, 2026

SUBJECT:

2025 Health and Safety Commission Accomplishments

Helena M. Rosenthal, MBA, MPH, and Erica Felsenthal, PhD, have served as the Chair and
Vice Chair of the Health and Safety Commission from January 2025 to December 2025.
The areas of interest for 2025 included:
• Mental Health
• Emergency Preparedness
• Wellness
• Optimize Public Health and Safety
• Beverly Hills Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
• Smoking Education, Outreach and Cessation
• Community Engagement
• Support City Health and Safety Programs
During this time, the Health and Safety Commission accomplished the following:
1. Held the 2nd annual Social Media Safety Day discussion to build awareness about the
mental health effects of social media on children and their families. A Dedication to
Social Media Safety – A special discussion, in lieu of a public meeting, led by Jane
Tavyev Asher, MD, Cedars-Sinai, Pediatric Neurology. In 2024 the Commission
spearheaded a City proclamation which was established on September 4, 2024,
declaring Social Media Safety Day every year on September 4th.
2. City of Beverly Hills Mayor and City Council recognized the Health and Safety
Commission at the August 19, 2025, formal session for Social Media Safety, a Mayor
initiative titled Moment of Unity.
3. Held the 3rd annual Beverly Hills Day of Wellness event in collaboration with the Human
Relations Commission and the Recreation and Parks Commission.
4. Supported mental health, emergency preparedness, and wellness; addressed a topic at
the Health and Safety Commission meeting through discussions, educational
information, and mindfulness exercises.
5. Provided Blue Can emergency water at a reduced cost for the Beverly Hills community
as a continued Health and Safety Initiative from 2024.

6. Provided fire extinguishers at a reduced cost for the Beverly Hills community as a
continued Health and Safety initiative from 2023.
7. Conducted community outreach via social media, with the City’s Communications Office,
promoting the guest speakers who presented at this year’s Health and Safety
Commission meetings.
8. Maintained the resources page on the Health and Safety Commission webpage that
provides a directory of a variety of helpful services.
9. Vice Chair Felsenthal’s and Commissioner Hilborne’s involvement in the Community
Advisory Committee (CAC) for the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP)
aiming at helping the community come up with measures to reduce the City's
greenhouse gas emissions and manage the future effects of climate change. The Plan
was adopted by the City Council in April 2025.
10. Continued learning about health and safety, mental health and emergency preparedness
related topics, programs, presentations, outreach, and education.
January

February

March
April

May

June

Beverly Hills Public Works Department. An update about the
Department’s response to the red flag warnings and windstorms and the
City’s water supply, provided by Director of Public Works Shana Epstein.
Nurturing a Proactive Approach for Longevity. A presentation about
optimizing your well-being by double board-certified physician Dr. Jeffrey
Egler.
Health Care Rights and Education – A presentation by Stephanie Fajuri,
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) Program
Director, Staff Attorney, Center of Health Care Rights on helping older
adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers navigate Medicare and
get the health care they need.
Mobile Stroke Unit – A presentation by May Nour, MD, PhD, on UCLA
Health's Mobile Stroke Unit program.
Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Health and Education – A presentation
by Sarah Lavonne, Founder of Birth Bundle, Board-Certified Labor &
Delivery Nurse, Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Lactation Educator.
Policing with Cutting-Edge Technology – A presentation by the Beverly
Hills Police Department on utilizing advanced technology to improve
safety.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month – A presentation about online safety
by Marc Berkman, CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety.
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps – A presentation by the
Beverly Hills Fire Department on the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Map update.
Honoring Outgoing Health and Safety Commissioner Kirk Y. Chang
MD.

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August

Recalibrating the Nervous System and Increasing Resiliency – A
presentation by Dr. Bonnie Goldstein, LCSW, EdM, PhD, the Maple
Counseling Center.
2024 Water Quality Report – A presentation by the Public Works
Department, Water Quality Specialist Jason W. Dyogi, on the 2024 Water
Quality Report.

October

December

Beverly Hills Fire Department Performance Management – Beverly
Hills Deputy Fire Chief Alfred Poirier and Assistant Chief Trevor Richmond
provided information about the Fire Department’s performance
management efforts.
The Science of Addiction – A presentation by Dr. Kevin M. Gray, M.D.,
Professor and Chair, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical
University of South Carolina, on the topic of addiction.
Beverly Hills Evacuation Preparedness Drill and the 6 P’s to
Evacuation Preparedness – Information on evacuation readiness,
building a go-bag, the targeted evacuation drill in the Northwest section of
Trousdale Estates and other useful resources, in honor of National Fire
Prevention Awareness Month.
Review of the Beverly Hills Evacuation Preparedness Drill – An
informational update by Fire Marshal Trevor Richmond on the November
9, 2025, targeted evacuation drill in the Northwest section of Trousdale
Estates.
BH Wellness Network – A presentation by Sean Stokes, EMS Division
Chief, Beverly Hills Fire Department.
2025 Health and Safety Commission Accomplishments – Provides the
Commission with a list of Commission accomplishments for calendar year
2025.
2025 Outgoing Chair and Vice Chair – Recognition of current Chair and
Vice Chair.
Honoring Outgoing Health and Safety Commissioner Lee Hilborne,
MD, MPH.

11. The Commission was led in a “Moment of Mindfulness” to promote mental health,
resiliency, and teach mindfulness techniques to our community.
January

Vice Chair Erica Felsenthal, PhD. – guided meditation.

May

George A. Boyd, MA, Clinical Psychology

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The Beverly Hills Unified School District provided monthly updates on the following topics:
1. The mental health resources that the school district offers to students to encourage
mental wellness such as the Norman Aid Wellness Center at the Beverly Hills High
School, the Mental, Social, and Physical Wellness activities at the Beverly Vista Middle
School, Bulldog Aid Center, and the Maple Counseling Center’s Parenting Group
Support sessions for parents. Dedication to student’s physical health, cognitive
performance, and overall wellness through nutritious food and comprehensive wellness
education. Launch of BHUSD Cares bullying prevention platform.
2. Fundraisers, awareness themes, celebrations, and community service projects.
3. New student enrollment, school tours, and return to school efforts, displaced students
from the January Los Angeles fires, advanced placement classes, California assessment
of student performance and progress testing, purchase of two Apple Vision Pro units
through the Apple Education Program.
4. Staffing activities, National Board Certification training and development and new
Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss.
5. Various events and activities such as the Academic Decathlon County Competition, The
Importance of Being Earnest presentation by the Drama Department, Beverly Hills
Reads, Annual Back to School Carnival, and Not Today Cancer.
6. Various advisory, committee, board meetings; other meeting discussions such as the
Beverly Hills High School accreditation review, and BHUSD Board meetings.
7. Discussed safety and emergency management topics, the partnerships with the Police
Department and private security, anti-vaping, securing the health and safety of the
students through advanced technology, AI, Automatic License Plate Reader, Fall
Detection, and the Disctric’s new Command Center, and enhancing a learning
environment. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department review of the District’s security
system.
8. The lockdown at Beverly Vista Middle School.
9. Bolstering online safety with Lightspeed – web filtering tool that blocks malware,
phishing links, and inappropriate content; Gaggle – monitoring system that flags
potential threats such as self-harm, cyberbullying, or violence; ADA-compliant website
designed with encrypted, secured access to provide real-time updates during
emergencies; social media verification to identify legitimate school communications
online.
10. School programs like the Early Childhood Center, nutrition, and the launch of a
dedicated kosher kitchen.
11. Active Shooter training, and fire and lockdown drills.
12. Partnership with City Greens.

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The Beverly Hills Police Department provided monthly updates on the following topics:
13. High profile incidents and success stories.
14. Safety information and crime prevention such as traffic reminders, theft prevention,
yielding the right-of-way to emergency vehicles in active response, self-defense,
National Bike Safety, Distracted Driving Awareness Month, theft distraction scams, and
school officer resources available for bullying concerns.
15. Community events like the Golden Globes, LA Marathon, Winter Holiday event.
16. The Real-Time Watch Center, Milestone, Drone as a First Responder, Live911, and
Automatic License Plate Reader.
17. The utilization of drones as first responders for scene assessment, investigation and
crime fighting resource.
18. Police Officer recruitment, staffing, training and awards and recognitions.
19. Community outreach events such as Coffee with a Cop, Black and White Gala, Catalytic
Converter Etch & Catch, Police Service Day, Pancake Breakfast, and National Night
Out.
20. Updates regarding Police Department activities including metrics on response times,
commercial and residential burglaries, thefts from motor vehicles, arrests, Area A mutual
aid deployment during the Los Angeles ICE protests, and autonomous vehicles.
21. Program updates regarding the Police Department Explorer, and the Neighborhood
Watch Programs, Citizens Academy, participation with Team BH, and grant funded
programs.
22. Police activities, enforcement, and major incidents like DUI/driver license checkpoint,
smash and grabs, vehicle thefts, and vehicle pursuits.
23. Safety mitigation measures for the Halloween holiday, and e-Bikes and e-Scooters.
24. Media release announcing the new program Beverly Hills Connect.
The Beverly Hills Fire Department provided monthly updates on the following topics and
programs:
25. High-profile incidents and success stories.
26. Firefighter recruitment, staffing, training, graduations, awards, and succession planning.
27. Community Risk Reduction operations and activities.
28. Fire Department programs such as the Nurse Practitioner Program, Human Services
Programs, JUST IN CASE BH, Community Risk Reduction/Fire Prevention, Emergency
Management Program, CERT and CPR training, Emergency Evacuation Assistance
Registry, and the BH Wellness Network Program.

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29. Provided the CERT and JUST IN CASE BH program monthly newsletters.
30. Community outreach events such as Team Beverly Hills, Fire Service Day, Backdraft
Ball, Junior Firefighter Camp, Empowerment Camp, National Night Out, JUST IN CASE
BH Emergency Preparedness Fairs, Outdoor Warning System testing, Day of Wellness,
Community Wildfire Protection Plan survey, and Trousdale evacuation preparedness
drill.
31. City Council recognition for the JUST IN CASE BH program as a model for effective
community engagement.
32. Fire Department responses and incidents metrics and call volume.
33. Evacuation protocol and planning enhancement.
34. The City Council adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Action Plan.
35. Large and major incidents like the January Los Angeles fires and post mud and debris
flow mitigation, traffic accidents, brush and structure fires, high-winds, and heavy
rainstorms.
36. Red flag activations.
37. Strike Team deployments and pre-deployments, and utilization of the Type III and VI fire
vehicle.
38. Wildfire and weather monitoring.
39. Collaborative training with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
40. Reported the automatic aid to neighboring cities and mutual aid for large scale
emergencies such as the Palisades, Sunset, and Eaton fires.
41. Emergency Operations Center activations.
42. Resources regarding calls for automatic alarms.
43. Resource allocation and deployment management.
44. Highlighted some of the volunteer and community efforts and endeavors of department
personnel.
45. Human Services activities and community outreach events like Day of Wellness,
Farmer’s Market, winter shelters, social services, and monthly Roxbury Park senior
wellness drop-in hours to provide on-site assessment.
46. The Community Assistance Grant Fund (CAGF) programs.
47. Homeless counts and quarterly statistics.

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48. Updates on the homeless outreach and the Beverly Hills Outreach Team support
services for the unhoused.
49. Success stories of the unhoused program as well as housing and shelter occupancy
levels.
50. Emergency Medical Services activities and educational topics such as Measles cases,
treatment, and prevention, Mobile Integrated Health Summit, and BH Wellness Network
program.
Smoking and Tobacco Quarterly Reports (Informational):
51. Quarterly reports were provided as supplemental attachments to the Health and Safety
Commission packet as informational items.
52. The reports shared statistics related to smoking, vaping, complaints, and investigations,
as well as information about tobacco retail enforcement.
53. The Commission continues to support enforcing public right-of-way ordinance, thirdhand
smoke, and public education and outreach.
Active Transportation Programs Quarterly Reports (Informational):
54. Quarterly reports were provided as supplemental attachments to the Health and Safety
Commission packet as informational items.
55. The reports shared information on the progress of the Complete Streets Plan, Bicycle
Program and Holistic Bikeway Network, Enhanced pedestrian crossings, Transportation
Safety Campaigns for 2025, The Clifton – Le Doux Corridor Mobility Study, and
Crosswalk Daylighting.
Other Health and Safety Related Topics and Staff Attendance:
56. Staff Attendance at Health and Safety Commission meetings:
- Fire Department
o Fire Chief Gregory Barton
o Deputy Fire Chief Alfred Poirier
o Assistant Fire Chief Trevor Richmond
o Battalion Chief Mark Hein
o EMS Division Chief Sean Stokes
o Fire Administrator Michael Liongson
o Human Services Administrator Enisha Clark
o Human Services Outreach Manager Susana De La Torre
o Emergency Management Program Manager Meena Janmohamed
o Executive Assistant Karen Gutierrez
o Management Assistant Austin Brault
o Administrative Assistant Roger Askin
- Police Department
o Police Chief Mark Stainbrook
o Police Captain Renato Moreno
o Police Lieutenant Kevin Orth
o Police Sargeant Audra Alatorre

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-

Public Works Department
o Director of Public Works Shana Epstein
o Utilities General Manager Robert Welch
o Water Quality Specialist Jason W. Dyogi

57. The City Council’s approval of the Ad-Hoc Standardization Committee’s
recommendation to merge the Health and Safety Commission and Human Relations
Commission. On January 1, 2026, these commissions will merge under the new name
titled Health and Human Relations Commission.
58. Presentation from the City’s Public Works Department regarding the City’s water supply,
emergency response, and the annual Water Quality Report (2024).
59. National Recognition Calendar 2025. A promotional events and awareness calendar
used as a guide for Health and Safety Commission meeting themes, discussion topics
and/or to raise awareness. Supplemental information was also included in monthly
packets.
March

April
May
June

August
October

December

Patient Safety Awareness Week
National Poison Prevention Week
Earthquake Preparedness (for April)
Earth Day (for April)
Stress Awareness Month
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Stroke Awareness
Bike Safety Month
Summer and Extreme Heat Safety
National Safety Month
Fireworks Safety
International Overdose Awareness Day
Bullying Prevention Month
Crime Prevention Month
National Fire Prevention Awareness
Holiday Fire Safety
Health Awareness Month
Winter Weather Safety
Suicide Prevention

Events and Participation:
60. Team Beverly Hills
61. Crescent Drive Street Closure for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party
62. LA Marathon
63. Visit to the Police Department and tour of the Real-Time Watch Center.

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64. City Council Recognition of Outgoing Health and Safety Commissioners Cathy Baker,
and Kirk Y. Chang, MD.
65. Police Department’s Pancake Breakfast
66. Fire Department Fire Service Day.
67. Never Again is Now, Diversity of Jewish Experience
68. Memorial Day Remembrance Gathering at Roxbury Park
69. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps community meetings
70. Fire Department Backdraft Ball event.
71. Beverly Hills Fire Department Centennial Event
72. 4th of July Community Picnic at Roxbury Park
73. National Night Out.
74. Police Department Citizens Academy.
75. Beverly Hills Police Department Catalytic Converter Etching event.
76. City Council Installation Ceremony.
77. Father’s Day Car Show.
78. JUST IN CASE BH community meetings, events, and Emergency Preparedness Fairs.
79. Moment of Unity (Recognition)/ City Council Meeting of August 19, 2025
80. 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.
81. Beverly Hills Day of Wellness 3rd annual event.
82. Participated in the Great ShakeOut on October 16, 2025, a nationwide earthquake drill.
83. Reminded the community that September is National Preparedness Month.
84. Menorah Lighting Celebration
85. Chair Rosenthal attended the monthly Mayor’s Cabinet Meetings to report Health and
Safety Commission updates; Commissioner Hilborne served as backup attendee.
86. No Commissioner recusals.

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Supplemental Information included in packets:
- Beverly Hills Police Department Metrics
- Beverly Hills Fire Department Metrics
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Monthly Newsletters
- Smoking and Tobacco Quarterly Update
- Quarterly Active Transportation Programs Update
- Current Emergency and Disaster Information
- Vegetation Management and Wildfire Evacuation Routes City of Beverly Hills
- Ready, Set, Go!
- Blue Can Water – Product Information
- Fire Department Human Services Division Drop-In Consultation Now Available (Roxbury
Park)
- Earthquake Preparedness Month
- Burton Way Green St. and Water Efficient Landscape Project
- Coyote Wildlife City of Beverly Hills Community Preservation
- Patient Safety Awareness
- National Poison Prevention Awareness – Top 10 Ways to Poison Proof Your Home
- 22nd Annual Earth Day Event Flier
- April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month BHPD Media Release
- Public Health Advisory – Mosquitoes
- City of Beverly Hills, Emergency Evacuation Assistance Registry
- Stress Awareness Month
- Beverly Hills Police Department – May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
- Beverly Hills Police Department: Information Regarding Helmets and e-Bikes and eScooters
- Beverly Hills Police Department – “Click It or Ticket” Campaign
- Vegetation Management – City of Beverly Hills Brush Clearance Brochure
- Stroke Awareness Month
- National Wildfire Awareness Month – Home Hardening
- Mental Health Month
- Bike Month
- LA County Department of Public Health - FAQ
- Beat the Heat and be Sun Safe!
- National Safety Awareness Month
- Fireworks Awareness
- National Preparedness Month
- International Overdose Awareness
- 9/11 Memorial Commemoration Event Flier
- Day of Wellness Event Flier
- Beverly Hills Fire Department Human Services Contact Card
- Bullying Prevention Month
- Crime Prevention
- National Fire Prevention Awareness Month
- Holiday Fire Safety
- Health Awareness Month
- Winter Weather Safety
- Suicide Prevention

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The following continued to be the goals of the Commission:
•
•
•

To Create a “Community Culture of Awareness and Preparedness.”
To Encourage Good Decision Making and Battle Complacency on Health and Safety
Matters.
To Serve as Ambassadors to the Community on Health and Safety related Resources
and Information.

Staff would like to commend the Health and Safety Commission for its outstanding
achievements and extensive accomplishments that supported the mission of improving the
overall health and safety of the community.

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CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO:

Beverly Hills City Council Liaison/ Health and Human Relations Commission
Committee

FROM:

Stephanie Harris, Director of Community Services Department

DATE:

January 27, 2026

SUBJECT:

2025 Human Relations Commission Accomplishments

Vered Elkouby Nisim, and Rose Kaiserman, have served as the Chair and Vice Chair of the
Human Relations Commission from January 2025 to December 2025.
The following summary outlines the key accomplishments, community initiatives, and Work Plan
priorities advanced by the Beverly Hills Human Relations Commission (HRC) throughout
calendar year 2025. These highlights reflect activities documented in Commission meetings and
City-supported programming.
2025 Kindness Week (February 9 – 15)
• Launched the week with a Farmers’ Market donation drive, collecting items for Foster
Love, Midnight Mission, Safe Parking LA, Step Up on Second, Los Angeles Animal
Services, and Westside Food Bank.
• Supported the BHAAC Valentine’s Day Dance at Roxbury Park, promoting
intergenerational connection.
• Partnered with the Beverly Hills Public Library to feature kindness-themed Story Time
and reading lists.
• Supported Walk to School activities with BHUSD elementary schools to promote
kindness and safety.
• Engaged older adults through BHAAC Valentine’s programming.
• Promoted daily social media kindness challenges, encouraging residents to
participate in acts of kindness throughout the week.
• Reinforced the Commission’s mission to promote civility, compassion, and positive
human relations.
• Supported the Kindness Van activation at Beverly Hills High School, engaging
students directly in kindness messaging, peer-to-peer encouragement, and campuswide positivity efforts. (postponed to March 26)
• Initiated early planning for 2026 Kindness Week (Feb 8–14) with a focus on
partnerships, scheduling, and expanded community participation.
Beverly Hills Reads!
• Supported and highlighted the 2025 Beverly Hills Reads! community event held on
August 24, 2025, at El Rodeo Auditorium.
• Featured Isola by Allegra Goodman, fostering community dialogue and literacy
engagement.

•

Expanded outreach through collaboration with residents, students, and City departments
to increase participation and visibility.

Day of Wellness
• Supported the 2025 Day of Wellness on September 14, 2025, at Roxbury Park.
• Highlighted diverse wellness sessions and strong vendor participation, with more than
40 participating organizations.
• Strengthened community awareness of local health and wellness resources through
broad public engagement.
Embrace Civility Award
• Received and reviewed 21 nominations for the 2025 Embrace Civility Award.
• Selected an honoree and advanced recommendation for City Council recognition
(October 28, 2025).
• Recognized Dr. Stephen J. Jacobs for his longstanding leadership with Boy Scouts
Troop 110 and his commitment to fostering inclusive youth engagement and community
service.
Kindness Matters Recognition & Community Impact
• Continued year-round recognition of individual acts of kindness by community members
and City staff.
• Highlighted student and youth contributions as part of the Commission’s commitment to
fostering a respectful and inclusive community culture.
• Highlighted individual acts of kindness through Kindness Matters recognition, including
community and City staff contributions.
• Recognized student and youth community participation as part of the Commission’s
commitment to building a respectful, inclusive, and engaged Beverly Hills community.
Community Collaboration & Priority Agency Updates
• Received public safety and community engagement updates from the Beverly Hills
Police Department (BHPD), including crime trend reporting, youth safety initiatives, and
seasonal security planning.
• Reviewed outreach and education efforts tied to youth engagement, including programs
and partnerships supporting safe and connected student experiences.
• Received Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) updates, including district-wide
programs, pathways, and community-facing initiatives supporting students and families.
Commission Milestones & Transition
• Supported the City Council process to merge the Human Relations Commission with the
Health & Safety Commission, creating the new Health and Human Relations
Commission.
• The merger and new Commission structure took effect in January 2026, expanding the
City’s advisory focus to include community health, safety, and human relations while
continuing the core values of inclusion, civility, and community connection.
• Acknowledged and celebrated key City leadership and service milestones mentioned
during 2025 meetings, including staff recognition and departmental transitions.
Staff would like to commend the Human Relations Commission for its outstanding achievements
and extensive accomplishments that supported the mission of the Commission.

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CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
FIRE DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO:

Beverly Hills City Council Liaison/ Health and Human Relations
Commission Committee

FROM:

Gregory Barton, Fire Chief

DATE:

January 27, 2026

SUBJECT:

Discussion of 2026 Incoming Chair’s Focus Area Topics, Areas of Interest,
and Work Plan Initiatives

ATTACHMENTS

None

The purpose of this memo is to request review and approval by the Beverly Hills City Council
Liaison/Health and Human Relations Commission Committee, consisting of Councilmember
John Mirisch and Councilmember Lester Friedman, of the Health and Human Relations
Commission (Commission) calendar year 2026 work plan.
BACKGROUND
It has been the practice of the Commission that the incoming Chair names an Area of Focus for
their term and that they provide suggestions and seek input on other Items of Interest the
Commission may want to cover or highlight in the coming year. This format was designed by the
previous Commissioners to establish a map or guideline for the Commission to follow that
provides a clear direction and focus and allows the Chair to highlight a specific topic. Also
historically, in December the Commission identifies a work plan item to be included in the
budget. The definitions appear below.
Area of Focus:
One umbrella topic the Chair would like the Commission to focus on during their term.
Items of Interest:
Subject matter/topics of interest to the Commission. Commission may want to study or
have a staff member, or a subject area expert or a community member provide
information to the Commission or public.
Work Plan Items:
An actual task that will be completed by the Health and Human Relations Commission.
This is reflected in the City’s budget and is based on the fiscal year.
Commissioners provide input and seek approval for any other areas of interest to be heard in
2026.

DISCUSSION
For 2026, incoming Commission Chair Rose Kaiserman requested the following area of focus
and corresponding items of interest:
FOCUS: Optimizing Mental and Physical Health, Safety, and Human Relations
A. Create a space to cultivate best practices in optimizing health, safety, and human
relations to continue to foster a cohesive engagement plan for the community. Support
staff in championing issues by leveraging the commitment and engagement of various
programs including the Just in Case Beverly Hills and Neighborhood Watch programs.
ITEMS OF INTEREST:
The following are items of interest for the Commission.
1) Expand education and programs in the Beverly Hills community to address challenges
experienced by individuals struggling with mental health.
2) Public health preparedness for future health and safety challenges.
3) Further develop and disseminate a “Mental Health First Aid Cabinet”, including
promotion of mindfulness and mental health tools within the community by utilizing City
platforms. Strengthening partnerships with mental health providers in the.
4) Highlight community health, mental health, and the unhoused services for the
community.
5) Promote a civil environment where respect and responsible actions prevail.
6) Raise social media safety and empower the community with the tools to stay safe and
smart online.
7) Emergency preparedness, communications, alerting, and drills.
A. Topics will rotate monthly, every other month and quarterly. A schedule will be set
accordingly. On other occasions we plan to coordinate with existing “awareness” months
to learn about preventative health strategies. For example, if October is Breast Cancer
Awareness month, we would have a speaker to go with that topic.
Work Plan Items for FY 2025-2026 and FY 2026-2027 (Budget)
•

Continue to support staff and the various health, safety, and human relations related
programs offered to the community.

RECOMMENDATION
The Commission requests the Beverly Hills City Council Liaison/ Health and Human Relations
Commission Committee review and consider approving the Commission’s focus and items of
interest for the calendar year 2026 and the work plan items for the second half of fiscal year
2025-2026 and first half of fiscal year 2026/2027.

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