Hilton Referendum Will Dead Man in Vacant House Places To Avoid, Some • • • Becity on November Ballot Page 3 briefsat Alta Drive Still a Mystery Page 4 Torudy Enjoy And cole People Making News Page 6
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WeeklySERVING BEVERLY HILLS • BEVERLYWOOD • LOS ANGELES Issue 458 • July 10 - July 16, 2008
DoctorDoctor inin thethe househouse HealthHealth andand SafetySafety CommissionerCommissioner SandraSandra AronbergAronberg diagnosesdiagnoses preparednesspreparedness inin BeverlyBeverly HillsHills
cover story • page 9 Anti-Hilton Expansion 30 Years After The Hilton • • • Referendumcity Qualifies for Vote Page 3 Receptionphotos Page 7 Planrudy Goes Tocole Voters Page 8
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WeeklySERVING BEVERLY HILLS • BEVERLYWOOD • LOS ANGELES letters Issue 457 • July 3 - July 9, 2008 • Local Numbers Throughout California Summer Reading • Reservation-based or Reservationless email • Recording Capability & “Is Beverly Hills Prepared for Major 5 ¢/minute Local Access Drought?” [Issue # 456] Let’s look realistically at the Water 10 ¢/minute Toll Free Access Shortage. Farmers use 80 percent of the water. The rest of use 20 percent. If farmers save 10 percent the rest of us, What are your neighbors reading? San Francisco Los Angeles in order to match, have to save 40 percent, cover story • page 10 which is not realistic. If the rest of us save only 10 percent, that WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? is one fourth of what farmers save. Every little bit helps, but the farmers You can write us at: should reduce their water usage first before 140 South Beverly Drive #201 the rest of us step up to the plate. Beverly Hills, CA 90212 You can fax us at: Paul Bernstein 310.887.0789 Beverly Hills email us at: Advertise in the Dallas [email protected] Beverly Hills Atlanta San Diego New York Weekly Chicago phone: 310.887.0788 The Telephone Connection fax: 310.887.0789 SNAPSHOT CNPA Member 310 -789 -7900 WeeklyBeverly Hills
Issue 458 • July 10 - July 16, 2008 Beverly Hills Weekly Inc. Founded: October 7, 1999 Published Thursdays Delivered in Beverly HilIs, Beverlywood, Los Angeles ISSN#1528-851X
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Reporter are available. Jacquelyn Ryan Sent via US Mail Sports Editor $75 payable in Steven Herbert advance Contributing Editor Rudy Cole Adjudicated as a General Manager newspaper of general Rebecca Rihani circulation for the County of Los Angeles. Case # Advertising Representatives e BS065841 of the Los s Natasha Hakimian u Angeles Superior Court, o Patricia Massachi H
on November 30, 2000.
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: Legal Advertising o t Michael Saghian o h P 140 South Beverly Drive #201 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 310.887.0788 phone 310.887.0789 fax CNPA Member [email protected] All staff can be reached at: first name @bhweekly.com EXECUTIVE POWERS Unsolicited materials will not be returned. PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE ©2008 Beverly Hills Weekly Inc. Beverly High graduate Riza Zalameda ‘04 (second row) joined her UCLA women’s tennis teammates in meeting President Bush in the White House June 24 as the team was honored for winning an NCAA championship. (see sports page 7) Page 2 • Beverly Hills Weekly Another 3-2 Board Vote Over city schools New Asst. Principal & Fenton, Goldberg believe hiring process was biased Hilton Referendum Will Be on By Jacquelyn Ryan
A divided BHUSD actually going through the interview process. November Ballot Board of Education Of the three internal candidates from the Council unanimously decides to put referendum to vote approved Santa BHUSD, none were offered interviews. Monica High School According to Fenton, an additional 14 By Jacquelyn Ryan special-education applicants had principal or assistant principal teacher Kelly Tabis as experience. Only one of those candidates The Beverly Hills City Council unani- Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s the new assistant prin- received an interview. cipal for Beverly High In the 1980s and 1990s, almost every mously decided that Beverly Hills voters Office verified that 2,574 of those signatures Myra Lurie should decide the fate of the anti-Hilton ref- were valid on June 25. The petition needed in a vote of 3 to 2 at a BHUSD principal or assistant principal was erendum on November 4, when the referen- at least 10 percent or 2,075 signatures of the meeting on Tuesday hired from within the BHUSD. Of the 12 cur- dum will be added to the presidential elec- 20,747 registered voters in Beverly Hills to evening. rent principals or assistant principals, only tion ballot, at Tuesday night’s meeting. be viable for a public vote. Dissenting votes four taught in the BHSUD prior to becoming In contrast to the 3 to 2 vote that approved “It is the citizens right to decide,” said came from Board administrators. the project, the City Council unanimously Councilmember Linda Briskman at the members Brian One source of concern was that BHUSD agreed on the future of referendum aimed at meeting in support of putting the referen- Goldberg and Steven assistant superintendent Ilene Straus, who halting the current Hilton expansion project, dum to a vote. “It took a huge effort to col- Fenton, who raised was the principal of Santa Monica High which includes the development of a 12- lect those signatures.” concerns about School when Kelly Tabis was hired as a Iliene Straus story Waldorf=Astoria hotel, a six- to eight- The council favored Nov. 4 for the vote BHUSD’s hiring teacher in September 2005, was a panel mem- story condominium building, 16- to 18-story because the voter turn out will be substan- process at the open ber in the interview process to hire the new condominium building and green gardens on tial, it will be economical and it will be meeting in the Salter assistant principal. Tabis, who graduated the Hilton’s nine-acre lot on Wilshire and quickest, as Briskman noted in the meeting. Family Theatre. from Loyola University Chicago, worked as Santa Monica Boulevard. “[I] see there is support for the November “I’m not taking issue the special education department chair, school “This referendum is not about the Hilton, 4 ballot, which I have no problem with at all with the candidate’s site council chairperson and special education though the Hilton is subject matter. It’s a so I will go along with it,” said Mayor Barry qualifications but intensive studies teacher at Santa Monica wake up call to the entire council and com- Brucker, who voted against the project the rather the process and High School. munity regarding the upcoming general last time it came before the council. the fact that three inter- Only one week ago, the Board of Education plan. The community wants a say in the Should the referendum be approved by Steven Fenton nal [BHUSD] candi- discussed the importance of bringing BHUSD future without manipulation and spot zon- voters in November, Hilton’s developer dates didn’t get face- staff and teachers “up through the ranks” to ing, not about no growth, it’s about respon- Oasis West Realty LLC would either have to to-face interviews,” Goldberg said in a phone administrative positions when they become sible growth in an orderly manner,” said develop a new plan for the project or wait a interview. open, which is rare in a small district like Councilmember Nancy Krasne, who voted full year before coming to the City Council There were 89 applicants for the assistant BHUSD, Fenton noted. against the project the last time it was before with the same plan again. principal position. Fourteen candidates were “So why didn’t [internal candidates] get the the council. “We look forward to the vote in offered interviews, with seven candidates city and schools vote cont. on page 5 The Citizens Right to Decide Committee November and are confident that the resi- submitted 3,092 signatures in favor of the dents of Beverly Hills will confirm the Referendum petition on May 29. The Los city and schools hilton cont. on page 5 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The City Council of the City of Beverly Hills at its regular meeting to be held NOTICE OF COMMISSION VACANCY on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 455 N. Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, will hold a public hearing HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION to consider:
The Beverly Hills City Council is seeking qualified residents to fill one upcom- A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEV- ing vacancy on the Human Relations Commission. The initial term of office ERLY HILLS DECLARING AND IMPLEMENTING WATER for the position is two years. At the discretion of the City Council, the CONSERVATION “STAGE A” Commissioner may be reappointed to a second term of four years. The appointee will be required to file an initial and an annual “Statement of Pursuant to the City’s Emergency Water Conservation Plan Ordinance set Economic Interests” financial disclosure. forth in Section 9-4-301 et. seq. of the City’s Municipal Code, the City Council may declare and implement water conservation stages upon recommendation In order that we may preserve the integrity of the application and interview by City staff. This resolution will declare and implement Stage A water con- process, please direct all inquiries to the City Clerk, City Manager or the servation requirements as set forth in Section 9-4-304 of the Beverly Hills Human Services Administrator. Please DO NOT contact the City Municipal Code. Councilmembers or the members of the Human Relations Commission regarding the vacancies. All interested persons are invited to attend and speak on this matter. Written comments are also invited and should be addressed to the City Council, c/o Application forms for the Human Relations Commission, along with a descrip- City Clerk, 455 N. Rexford Drive, Room 190, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; and tion of the duties of a Commissioner, and filing details are available for pickup should be received prior to the City Council Meeting. in the City Clerk’s Office, Room 190, 455 N. Rexford Drive, or call 310.285.2400 to receive an application and information by mail or by e-mail. Please remember, if you challenge the City Council’s action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the hear- The deadline for filing applications for this Commission has been ing before the City Council or in written correspondence delivered to the City, extended to Friday, August 1, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. either at or prior to the hearing.
BYRON POPE, CMC BYRON POPE, CMC City Clerk City Clerk July 10- July 16, 2008 • Page 3 BHPD Officer Gets Award Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR), a technolo- for Finding 12 Stolen Cars gy in police vehicles that reads license plates at speeds over Beverly Hills Police Officer 100 miles per hour through databases in a fraction of a sec- briefs Jesse Perez was recognized ond. Perez is one of several officers that utilize the for recovering 12 stolen vehi- device. Dead Man in Vacant House at Alta Drive Still a Mystery cles during the last year and The dead body found in a vacant house on North Alta half by the California Goldberg and Waxman Discuss No Child Left Behind Drive on June 26 confirmed fears of some neighbors who Highway Patrol, who present- Act have had safety and aesthetic concerns about the dilapidat- ed him with a ‘10851 Award’ ed property for years. at the BHPD headquarters on “We’ve been talking to the city [about the house] for June 27. years. It’s a firetrap and they haven’t done anything about “This is the first time a it,” said neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. “And Beverly Hills officer received the 10851 Award,” said Lt. now this.” Officer Jesse Perez The vacant house at 720 N. Alta Drive, where the corpse Tony Lee, spokesman for was found, is owned by two brothers, according to the Los BHPD. “It’s truly an honor Angeles County Assessor’s Office. The brothers acquired for not only Jesse but for the men and women of the BHPD. the property on July 3, 2007, after it had been foreclosed, He certainly has a knack for finding stolen vehicles and I’m according to county records. No sale price was listed at the sure he’s going to find more.” Assessor’s Office, but county officials valued the land alone The 10851 award stands for number of the California at $3.3 million in 2003. Vehicle Code that defines Vehicle Theft, a felony crime. The homeowners could not be reached for comment. The 10851 award is given to officers who find a high num- The body of the presumably homeless man found at the ber of stolen cars. house still has not been identified nor has the cause of death A CHP lieutenant and officer presented the award to been determined, according to a spokesperson for the Los Perez in front of a group of his peers at roll-call, Lee said. Angeles County Coroner’s Office. The Coroner’s Office is Perez found six cars by observation arrests and found the waiting for the results of a toxicology report, which could other six either parked or abandoned between January 2007 take six to eight weeks, before they can establish a the cause and June 2008. He found one stolen car while it was being of death. driven by a wanted suspect that was “considered armed and A spokesperson for the BHPD said the investigation is dangerous.” Board of Education member Brian Goldberg recently met on-going. Part of Officer Perez’ success can be credited to the with Congressman Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles) to dis- CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS GENERAL PLAN
THE CITY IS CURRENTLY PREPARING TO RELEASE A DRAFT OF THE GENERAL PLAN!
The General Plan guides the city’s future development and growth. Beverly Hills has been in the process of updating its General Plan since 2001. Many community groups and citizens have participated in the General Plan process since its beginning.
BACKGROUND. From the beginning, the community has been involved in the General Plan update process through various public outreach events, meetings and STAY INVOLVED! The following meetings and public activities. hearings are currently scheduled to discuss the General x 2001 The General Plan Plan. These meetings are open to the public and all are THE PURPOSE OF THE GENERAL PLAN: Update began with Plan encouraged to participate! All meetings will be held at x Preserve our quality of life, Day, an all day event City Hall, Council Chambers. Meeting dates may be added or changed. x Protect our community from natural focused on developing disasters, community enthusiasm GENERAL PLAN RELEASE DATE x Optimize City services and and participation. August 7, 2008 amenities, and x 2002 - 2004 One of the MEETINGS x Ensure the economic health of the initial steps in the update PLANNING COMMISSION community. process was to assemble July 10, July 24 (afternoons at 1:30) committees to study certain topics important to Beverly Hills. These topic committees consisted of PUBLIC HEARINGS community members from all walks of life. PLANNING COMMISSION September 11, September 25 (Time TBD) x 2004 The topic committees developed recommendations for the General Plan. CITY COUNCIL November 5, November 18 (evenings at 7:00pm) x 2004 – 2008 Recommendations from the Topic Committees informed the For confirmation on specific meetings, as well as additional information: development of policies in the plan. http://www.beverlyhills.org/services/planning/plan Or contact Larry Sakurai by phone or email (310) 285-1134, [email protected] g
Page 4 • Beverly Hills Weekly cuss unfunded school mandates and the status of “No Child Torres, 41, won the 50 freestyle in 24.25 seconds Sunday, son” who asked them to wire thousands of dollars to him Left Behind” act in Waxman’s local district office in Los breaking her own American record of 24.38 that she had set via Western Union, the BHPD recently announced. Angeles. in Saturday’s semifinals. The male suspect called the senior citizens on the tele- Goldberg recently became the Federal Government “I was hoping to go somewhat fast,” said Torres, who phone and greeted the victims by saying, “Hi Grandma.” Relations Committee’s chair for BHUSD for the California graduated from the Westlake School for Girls in 1985. In the first two separate incidents, which occurred on School Board Association. “They have girls in the world who are going 24.1 and 23.9. June 18, the man claimed to have been arrested for Driving I have five more weeks to try to drop a couple of tenths to Under the Influence in Canada and requested thousands of Alan Kaye Joins S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Board of hope to be in competition with those girls. So I’m very dollars for assistance and additional funds to pay off the Directors happy with my time and I know I have more work to do.” vehicle he claimed to have stuck. The man pleaded with the Beverly Hills resident Alan Kaye recently joined the On Monday, Torres announced that she would not com- victims, ages 85 and 95, not to tell his parents about the national board of directors for The S.L.E. Lupus pete in the 100 freestyle at the Olympics in an attempt to accident. Foundation, a national lupus research group that also pro- reduce the strain on her body. Two victims complied and wired several thousand dollars vides community outreach and promotes awareness of the Torres has won nine Olympic medals, including four gold to Western Union. disease. medals. The other incident, which occurred on June 19, happened Kaye became involved with the S.L.E. Lupus -Steven Herbert similarly to the first incident, except that the 76 year old Foundation’s Los Angeles office after his daughter was victim in this case was quickly skeptical of the caller diagnosed with lupus in 2006. BH Football Gets Strong Start for Summer Season because her only grandson did not consume alcohol. When Kaye has extensive experience as a board member, hav- Beverly High football team opened its summer season by the victim stated she didn’t have the money, the suspect ing served on the California Senate Advisory Commission winning three of four games in its Best of the West hung up immediately. on Life and Health Insurance and on the board of directors Tournament June 21 at Nickoll Field. “These are despicable crimes preying on our senior citi- for the Guaranty Bank of California. Normans defeated Los Angeles Roosevelt, Bakersfield zens, to gain their trust and then taking advantage of them,” Through his company, Alan Kaye Insurance Agency, and Ridgeview and Barstow in seven-on-seven touch football said Lt. Tony Lee, spokesperson for the BHPD. “Our detec- as vice president of Barry Kaye Associates, Kaye has con- games played in T-shirts and shorts, becoming one of two tives are conducting follow-up investigations and would sulted with families, business owners, and individuals for undefeated teams in pool play in the 15-team tournament. advise senior citizens to obtain as much information as pos- over 30 years. The long-time Californian also has led and Beverly Hills was seeded second in the tournament’s sin- sible about the suspects and don’t give any personal infor- served on numerous community organizations, from the gle-elimination portion. The Normans lost in the first round mation. Then call the police immediately.” Beverly Hills Residents’ Association to the Cedars-Sinai to Los Angeles Washington, 24-18, as quarterback Dex For more information about safety tips, contact Crime Hospital Board of Governors and the Maple Counseling Lucci’s pass on the final play of the game fell incomplete as Prevention Officer Doug Trerise at (310) 285-2163. Center, a non-profit mental health organization. they were trying to complete a comeback from a 12-0 deficit. BH Senior Allstars Win Tournament El Rodeo Graduate Earns Spot On U.S. Olympic Team “We played very well the entire day,” Beverly Hills coach Carter Paysinger said. Wide receiver-safety Erik Munzer, Lucci, defensive back Kenny Bassett and linebacker Marcelus Jones drew praise from Paysinger for their play. -Steven Herbert
MWD Approves Pipe Relocation at 9900 Wilshire The Metropolitan Water District’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the relocation of a water pipe that runs under the Robinson-May on the 9900 Wilshire proper- ty at a meeting on Tuesday. The Board authorized General Manger Jeffrey Dara Torres, who began swimming at the Beverly Hills Kightlinger to sign an agreement with Project Lotus LLC, The Beverly High Senior Allstars won the California YMCA about 30 years ago, is scheduled to compete in the the developer for the project at 9900 Wilshire. District 25 Allstar Tournament at La Cienega Park Monday 50-meter freestyle and on the U.S. 400 freestyle and 400 The 28-inch pipe, the Santa Monica Feeder pipeline, will night, defeating Santa Monica with a score of 9 to 5. The medley relay teams in next month’s Olympic Games. be moved from under the 9900 Wilshire property and be Allstars move on to the sectional tournament starting this The 1981 El Rodeo School graduate earned a spot on her relocated to public domain under Wilshire, Santa Monica Thursday night in Ladera Heights. fifth U.S. Olympic swim team by winning the 100 freestyle Boulevard and Merv Griffin Way. From left to right: Coach Charlie Bogart, Andy Bogart, Friday at the Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. Dillon “Moose” Curtis, Manager Jay Herzog, Ben Jones, “That really, really hurt,” Torres told reporters after the Senior Citizens Telephonically Targeted By Man Aaron Kerman, Henry Evans, Shane Shapiro, Cody Vallez- race. “All I could think was, ‘Where is that wall?’ It was Claiming To Be Grandson Norton, Phil Cooper, Joey Livingston, Charlie Bennett, more about guts today, because my body’s really beat up Within two days, three Beverly Hills senior citizens were Coach Lee Livingston and Justin Wagner (kneeling). Not right now.” conned on the telephone by a man claiming to their “grand- pictured: Jason Ross, Yoni Ginsburg and Jonas Brock. city & schools hilton cont. from page 3 city & schools vote cont. from page 3 difficult for non-administrators to have that Meshkaty. “We all want the best people to common history here,” said Beverly Hills work in our district” and for that reason, there council’s approval of the project,” said opportunity to compete for this job?” said Education Association president Chris is no problem with recruiting from other dis- Corrine Verdery, senior vice president in Fenton. “It sends the wrong message.” Bushee. tricts, she added. charge of The Beverly Hilton Revitalization According to Goldberg, this is not an isolat- Another problem is policy decisions being As an example, Meshkaty pointed to outgo- Project, in a prepared statement. ed incident. BHUSD’s most recent hires have made on the administrator’s experience in ing assistant principal Amy Golden, who was Larry Larson, treasurer for the Citizens come from Hamilton High, where Beverly other districts. hired from outside BHUSD and became a Right to Decide Committee and the spear- High principal J. Guidetti used to be princi- “Those solutions are not tailored to the “great leader” in the district. Golden has since head behind the referendum petition and sig- pal, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School unique circumstances of Beverly Hills,” said accepted a principal position in Northern nature-gathering campaign, is not worried District, where Straus was principal of Santa Bushee, who believes that those problems California. about the November election. Monica High, and San Diego Unified School could be overcome with better communica- Board president Myra Demeter and mem- “We could have received another 600 to District, where superintendent Kari McVeigh tion, among other things. ber Myra Lurie echoed these sentiments, each 1,000 signatures [on the referendum peti- worked as an assistant superintendent previ- However, the other three Board members adding that they had faith in the hiring panel tion] but many people were afraid that ously. argued that recruiting from other districts and the hiring process, which had been Hilton and city would somehow find out “That troubles me greatly,” said Goldberg, helps bring the best and brightest to the through revisions a few years ago. who signed and were fearful of retaliation. who believes that the process may look school district. But both Goldberg and Fenton attributed When these voters get into the secret voting “rigged” given this history of external hires “You look to people you have experience their concern about an unfair and possibly booth, there’s no way anyone can know how coupled with an administrator on the hiring with,” said Board member Myra Lurie about biased process to the reason they voted they voted so I’m confident that in panel who knows the candidate from a previ- recent hires from outside districts where against the incoming assistant principal. November we have enough signatures ous district. administrators have previously worked. “Our role is to provide oversight; it is not already to defeat the Hilton,” said Larson in One issue that arises with external candi- “We want to encourage our own but at the our role to dictate the candidates or the crite- a phone interview prior to Tuesday’s meet- dates joining BHUSD is that “so few employ- same time we are obligated to pick the best in ria, but we have a duty to ensure the process ing. ees here have risen through the ranks that it’s the process,” said Board member Nooshin is fair,” said Goldberg. July 10- July 16, 2008 • Page 5 food critic S. Irene Virbila’s work, although I know her reviews can be dev- astating to new restaurants, and she is often acerbic when a more tolerant view fromthehillsofbeverly might have been in order. So, I finally managed to test Paper Fish, As for the checkers, they are courteous the eatery that replaced Maple Drive and Places To Avoid, Some To and attentive. But during one visit, not that drew such harsh words from Virbila. one staff person seemed to have any idea Either they have made vast changes in the Enjoy And People Making where I could find “Reddi Whip,” maybe kitchen or Virbila was having a bad night because before this was a “Whole Foods” out. The food was incredibly good and I the original Mrs. Gooch would never have hope the Times gives the restaurant a sec- News permitted that product in her store. Not ond look. quite up to Nate ‘n Al’s offerings, but Perfect, it wasn’t. Our server was very By Rudy Cole Whole Foods does have a fine beef sand- knowledgeable about the menu and wich: you have to ask for the “Signature” described the offerings with care and con- Time to revisit some stores and shops As for the pharmacy, it must be operat- type. trolled enthusiasm – just the right touch. that still allow me to get past security. ed by lovers of group meetings. The dis- Just down the street is the role model for But after that, he vanished. The bread What? You expected me to do a con- pensers of drugs simply can’t accept the all checkers, Elaine Webster. Easier in a came late, the water after the main course sumer report on Rodeo Drive? idea that you might want to leave anytime smaller store, Beverly Hills Market, but and the cocktails with the meal. In fact, As frequent readers know, my favorite soon. If only Schwab’s on Bedford, yes this sometime singer, knows her patrons we had to ask for servers twice in the shopping time is at Rite Aid on Canon. the one with family ties to the famous and can actually explain where to find course of a 45 minute meal. Strange, You need not waste time asking where a Sunset Blvd. store, opened for evenings. obscure items. because the restaurant was not busy and product can be found or even if it is in These guys actually are patron friendly as Of course, as a warbler she knows you our server seemed highly professional. stock. No one knows, but you will be is the Robert’s Optical Shop next door. have to please the customers. No, I’m not Maybe this was their idea of not wanting directed to whatever aisle number first One of our most successful retailers: suggesting Rite Aid’s folks take singing to be overly visible or interrupting. comes to mind. This saves you money, Whole Foods, on Crescent, is now cele- lessons. Interrupt. avoiding purchases you probably don’t brating its tenth year in our village. Ralph’s always is interesting. Clearly, The Beverly Wilshire used to redecorate need. Much more time is conserved at There was one very small problem last the most completely stocked food store in every time owner Hernando Courtright the checkout stations where the ancient month. The milk on the shelves was our region, they too have workers with no changed wives. If you saw new awnings custom of actually thanking you for your almost as old as the store, almost. idea where to find even easy items. A on Wilshire, a divorce lawyer was earning patronage is totally avoided. The carton I wanted to buy had an expi- request to locate Slim Fast turned me, by new fees. Sometime, through some management ration date for the day before. two different workers, to two different Now changes at the hotel have more to miscalculation, new checkers appear who Fortunately, I found a “team” member, aisles, neither right. do with changing “flags” than domestic are customer sensitive and even knowl- you know that the word “employee” is However, the most puzzling lack of turmoil. The flags of a hotel tell you who edgeable. However, for a real drug store totally passé, and he did remove about six knowledge has to do with their malfunc- operates or, sometimes, owns it. In an experience, stick with the veterans. They of the offending containers and even tioning down escalator. This contraption incredible twist of historic fates, the ven- have a tradition to maintain. thanked me for my vigilance. has been “out of order” for nearly six erable BW is now operated by The Four months, which means you have to use the Seasons. elevator. On two separate visits, I asked What makes this so fascinating is how if it had been repaired and each time I was much effort former owner Courtright UNLIMITED Local & Long Distance Calling told it was working. The second time, I expended to keep the Four Seasons out of was skeptical and wanted more assurance Beverly Hills. His backing of the suc- before pushing my cart to the other end of cessful campaign against the Four the store. Wrong again. No signs of life. Seasons led the Canadian group to make a Last week, it was barely functioning, too deal that found them operating a Four slow to be useful, but at last the “team” Seasons on Doheny, fifty feet from members gave me a timely warning. Beverly Hills. The Four Seasons says it $ .99 For the best, most friendly service in the is “at” Beverly Hills. village, go no further than Pavilion’s. I Although the name Beverly Wilshire Per Month† am always pleasantly surprised by their has historical meaning and was retained willingness to assist customers, even one when Courtright sold the hotel and it was 24 as cranky as me. Too bad the store is not renamed the Regent Beverly Wilshire, for Get UNLIMITED Local & Long Distance Calling for only $24.99/mo†! larger, the selections not as complete as a time it had an even longer name: The Ralph’s, but they work hard at being Regent Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons SAY NO TO HIGHER PHONE BILLS! patron friendly and that includes checkers, Hotel. “Regent” has been dropped from UÊ"ÕÀÊ«ÀViÊSTARTS LOW AND STAYS LOWSM. SPECIAL OFFER floor people and management. the name. Satisfation GuaranteedÃÃiÃ]ÊÊÌÀ`ÕVÌÀÞÊ Warner. They do answer the phones, included major improvements in the pricing — just reliable phone service at a “BLVD” restaurant will come soon with reliable price! TRY ONE MONTH something Adelphia found offensive and an intrusion. 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Alarms and other systems may not be compatible. † Rates There are some fine exceptions, but for for a Waldorf Astoria at the Hilton – our exclude: broadband service, regulatory and activation fees and certain other charges, equipment, taxes, & shipping. International calls billed per minute. Offer valid in the US only. See Terms of Service for details. < 30-day money back guarantee is refunded for better quality films, you are permitted to hotel industry seems to be thriving with any paid activation fee, 1st month service charge, initial shipping charges and termination fee. Applicable only to first ordered line per account. Available only in the event of timely cancellation for subscribers who have not exceeded 500 minutes of usage and pay extra. high optimism for future occupancy rates. who obtain a valid return authorization number from 1-VONAGE-HELP, and return of equipment in original condition and packag- ing within 14 days of cancellation. Refund will not include charges for taxes, international usage, payphone calls to Vonage toll Recreation and Parks will soon have a free numbers and directory assistance. Offer revocable. ^ Where available. The number transfer process takes approximately 10 I am an admirer of Los Angeles Times business days from the time you confirm your transfer request. ©2008 Vonage. new top administrator, Steve Zoet, second
Page 6 • Beverly Hills Weekly in command to Steve Miller, head of ness and individual and family responsi- Community Services, which includes bility as well as city government services. many departments such as the Library. However, Ms. Mattice constantly reminds sports scores Is it appropriate to say a man will have us that the best preparedness comes from large shoes to fill when he replaces a knowing what to do as individuals, family woman executive? Zoet will have that and neighbors. & challenge as he succeeds the highly Note: Do you check your supply of No Summer Vacation for regarded and popular Pat Agnitch who basic needs including batteries, emer- moved to Mammoth Lakes and retired gency food and water? Do you have a recently. family plan on where to go in case schools Beverly High Sports Zoet has held many high-ranking or your home is damaged? Of course, By Steven Herbert administrative positions in city govern- denial is understandable, but preparedness ments both in California and other states. is critical. Become informed. I can’t His most recent assignment was as direc- afford to lose any readers. Bonita Tournament tor of parks, recreation and cultural servic- Goof department, right here. Although the best chefs he ever had.” es in Northglenn, a suburb of Denver. it may not rise to the level of the Chicago With several players unavailable because The Bruins women’s tennis team was The newest addition to city staff begins Tribune’s infamous headline: “Dewey they were playing in soccer and lacrosse tour- among several NCAA champions visiting the his duties this Monday. But this is not his Wins,” or the Ohio newspaper that had a naments, the Normans lost four of six games White House to be honored. Bush went from first job in the department. Some years one letter error in their headline: “Duck June 28 at Bonita High School in La Verne. room to room meeting the teams. back, Zoet worked for Miller as a Season Opens” raising the expectations of Beverly Hills lost to Upland, defeated The UCLA team was unsure how to greet Recreation Supervisor before moving to the young men in the Buckeye state’s cen- Diamond Bar and Lynwood and lost to Bush when he came to the Roosevelt Room Olympia, Washington. tral area, my explanation of alternatives Newhall Hart in pool play, lost to Moreno they were in, Zalameda said. Zoet’s arrival is propitious. The facing the Hilton revitalization was, how Valley Rancho Verde in a first-round game of “Our tour leader said we could do any- department has gone through a long shall I say this, somewhat ducked. For the bracketed portion of the tournament, and thing,” Zalameda said. “I said, ‘Let’s just clap review process in planned improvements some clearer analysis of what will happen Lynwood in a consolation bracket game. when he enters the room.’ Even though people at both La Cienega and Roxbury Parks. next with the referendum and possible “We played some younger guys and got an may not be happy with him, it was just the An update on the status of this work next impacts, read here next week. opportunity to build some depth and gain respectful thing to do. I started clapping and week. experience,” Paysinger said. then everybody started clapping with me. It Mayor Barry Brucker correctly cited Rudy Cole served for eight years as a Receiver Harrison Hopp, defensive back was a great feeling.” Pamela Mattice, our director of member and chair of the city’s Recreation Trey Haughton and linebacker Torrey Lubkin Emergency Management Services, as a & Parks Commission. He was also drew praise for their play from Paysinger. Junior Tennis civic gem. One of her missions, to make President of the Greystone Foundation 106th Annual Southern California us aware of and prepared for any possible and served on three other city commit- What’s Next? Sectional Championships. disaster is paying off in community tees. Rudy can be reached at: The Normans are scheduled to play in the Beverly High junior Daniel Ho advanced to involvement. Civic groups, including [email protected]. Claremont Tournament Friday and Saturday. the doubles quarterfinals and the round of 16 Rotary, Chamber of Commerce in singles in the boys’ 18 and under division. Government Affairs, PTA etc. would ben- Women’s College Tennis Ho and partner Joshua Tchan of Woodland efit from having Pamela explain prepared- Riza Zalameda, a 2004 Beverly High grad- Hills won three matches, the first two in uate, said meeting President Bush at the White straight sets, before losing to Ryan Cheung House June 24 “was an incredible experi- and Jason Lin, both of Irvine, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. Ho ence.” and Tchan were seeded fifth, Cheung and Lin Zalameda, who was with her UCLA third. /0A=:CB3/C1B7=< women’s tennis teammates to be honored for In singles play, Ho won four main draw winning the NCAA Division I championship, matches, all in straight sets, before a 7-6, 4-6, /A6:/<2 ;/<=@ said she ``was really surprised at how much 6-0 loss to top-seeded Lawrence Formentera \Uijt gvmmz gvsojtife ipnf jt uif qfsgfdu sfusfbu gps sfmbyjoh boe foufsubjojoh ¦ Btimboe- PS^ different” Bush was in person. of Colton. “He didn’t look, or talk or act the same way Beverly High senior Marie Zalameda 4c`\WaVSR " PSR ! PObV VOZT PObV like he acts on TV,” Zalameda said. “He was reached the round of 16 in the girls’ 18 and A^SQbOQcZO` dWSea ;W\cbSa b] ]cbR]]` very personable. He seemed like he was real- under division doubles. ly approachable and really respectful of us. Zalameda and Jessica Harrow of Crescenta `SQ`SObW]\ Z]QOZ TSabWdWbWSa “He actually took time to talk to us as a Valley, defeated Kelsey Costales of Long \Uivstebz- Kvmz 35 bu 22;11 BN )QU*^ team and individually. He was actually pretty Beach and Jocelyn Lu of Mission Viejo, 6-4, funny. He just kind portrayed himself as a nor- 6-1, in the round of 32, before losing to ninth- mal guy, but you could tell he had a presiden- seeded Eleanor Edles of Costa Mesa and &##&#"$" tial aura to him.” Stefanie Villajuan of La Mirada, 6-4, 4-6, 6- EEE8>97<51=; Bush asked the Bruin players which ones 3. Zalameda and Harrow were seeded fifth. would be playing professionally and In singles play, Zalameda defeated Adriana 1V`WabWS9W\U@Og:WQS\aSR=`SU]\0`]YS`)8>9W\U/cQbW]\1][^O\g7\Q Zalameda, who has completed her college eli- Diakite of Azusa, 7-6, 6-2, in the round of gibility, raised her hand. 256, then had to withdraw from her round of Zalameda said she could not remember 128 match against Christie Lau of Chino Hills exactly what Bush said, but said it was along because of injury after trailing 6-2, 3-0. Man Builds Record-Size Tree House After the lines of “just do your best” and “as long Beverly High junior Gary Parizher reached ® as you try your best, there’s no one who will the round of 32 in the boys’ 16 and under sin- be disappointed in you.” gles, defeating Philip Kozan of Diamond Bar, Using Thera-Gesic ® Among the topics Zalameda said she dis- 6-1, 6-2, Jaymir Shah of Yorba Linda, 6-0, 6- BEXAR COUNTY- Tom W. applied Thera-Gesic on cussed with Bush was his meeting earlier that 1, and Mikey Zablan of Irvine, 6-4, 6-4, before day with Philippines President Gloria Arroyo. losing to third-seeded Denis Nguyen of his aching knee, then built a monster 1650 sq. ft. tree Zalameda’s great-grandfather was a colonel in Anaheim, 6-4, 6-4. house on his friend's ranch while his friend was on the Philippines Army during World War II. vacation. When asked why he built the tree house, “I said, ‘On behalf of my family, I thank Steven Herbert has covered Beverly you for supporting my family’s country,’” High sports for the Beverly Hills Weekly especially knowing his friend had no kids, he Zalameda said. “I thought that was a good since 1999. He welcomes feedback and painlessly replied: “None of your thing for me to say because he has really suggestions. He can be reached by e-mail helped Philippines a lot. at [email protected], by telephone at 0 1 9
dang business!” 8 “He was really appreciative that I thanked (310) 275-7943 or by fax at (310) 273- 0 -
® G H him and he told me the head White House chef 4519. T Go painlessly with Thera-Gesic was Philippine American and he was one of July 10- July 16, 2008 • Page 7 Many Women with Facial Dark Spots Suffer From Dark Moods … Dermatologists Offer Hope. Dr. Ilya Reyter knows just inflammation. When those United States face the dark Evolution and Human Behavior at the supermarket.” what he’ll hear from some of his dark, grayish-brown patches patches in the mirror every day, showed that dark spots on a ose treatments didn’t work patients when they walk into his occur on the cheeks, upper lip and it’s especially prevalent in woman’s face are one of the signs for her. Finally, she decided to Beverly Hills office. and forehead, the condition women of Hispanic, Caribbean that people use to judge her age, call her doctor. “A frustrated woman, typically may be melasma– also known and Asian ancestry as well as and in fact, the presence of spots “Prescription treatments in her 30s and beyond with as paño, mask of pregnancy or African-American women. alone can influence how old a work differently and are dark patches on her face, will hypermelanosis. Whatever the Approximately 80% of Latino person looks. often much more successful,” ask if I can help. It’s amazing name, the condition is most likely women report having these types “I felt like people thought I Dr. Reyter said. how common this is,” said Dr. caused by skin cells producing of darkened spots on their faces. was dirty,” said Rebecca Brown, Two months after she went to Reyter, “and it’s too bad that extra melanin – the chemical It also tends to run in families. 32, a patient diagnosed with her dermatologist, Ms. Brown more people don’t go to their responsible for pigmentation. ese dark patches don’t melasma. said her skin was clear. dermatologist for help. I love to Many doctors link these cases to make people physically ill, Ms. Brown’s condition “I had basically given up see my patient’s smile when I tell a variety of triggers including sun but research shows that the appeared after a beach vacation hope,” she said. “I didn’t realize her there are treatments available exposure, hormone changes in psychological and emotional tolls in Cancun. how badly those spots made me that can help reduce or eliminate women, such as those caused by are another story. Not only does “e longer the dark patches feel until they were gone.” those unsightly brown patches.” pregnancy, menopause, and even the condition affect how many lasted, the more embarrassed I For more information about Dark patches on the face can be the hormonal shifts associated women feel about themselves, it got,” Ms. Brown said. “I covered this condition, please go to caused by many things, including with use of birth control pills. changes how others see them. A them with makeup, and I tried www.darkpatches.com, or sun damage, acne scarring, or Millions of women in the report published in the journal some of the treatments I found speak to your dermatologist.
Tri-Luma® Cream is the only topical product FDA approved to treat moderate to severe melasma. With results in as little as 4 weeks,1 no other topical cream has been proven more effective than Tri-Luma® Cream. No wonder it’s the A bright outlook #1 prescribed product for melasma.2 You can also get a free list of dermatologists in your area who treat this condition. Simply go to www.triluma.com and click on the DermFinder® link to find the name of a dermatologist who can help you start treatment with Tri-Luma® for people with Cream right now. dark spots. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to get your melasma under control. Ask your DermFinder® dermatologist about Tri-Luma® Cream. melasma #1 prescribed by dermatologists for melasma2 !RTISTS RENDITION OF MELASMA 0LEASE SEE )MPORTANT 3AFETY )NFORMATION BELOW 0EOPLE ALLERGIC TO SULlTES SHOULD NOT USE 4RI ,UMA® Cream. It contains hydroquinone, which may cause a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin. Safety and efficacy have not been established in pregnant or Tri-Luma® Cream can lighten the nursing women, or individuals with darker skin. Redness, peeling, burning, dryness, or itching may occur. Exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or UV light and extreme heat, wind, or cold should be avoided. dark patches of melasma. www.triluma.com Melasma control you can stay with.
PATIENT INFORMATION the presence of measures for sun avoid- ics, and supplements. They may make your worse even if you don’t get sunburn. likely to react to heat and cold. Your doctor blisters, or tiny red lines or blood vessels For External Use Only. ance, including the use of sunscreens. skin more sensitive to sunlight. Only your doctor knows which other medi- can recommend ways to manage your showing through the skin (telangiectasia). Not for Ophthalmic Use. TRI-LUMA® Cream showed a significantly How should I use TRI-LUMA® Cream? cines may be helpful during treatment, and melasma under these conditions. If you are concerned about how your ® TRI-LUMA® Cream favorable safety profile for the long-term TRI-LUMA Cream should be used as will tell you about them if needed. Do not Other skin care products and medi- skin is reacting to the medicine, call your (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroqui- treatment of melasma, up to 6 months. instructed by your doctor. use other medicines unless your doctor cines. Avoid products that may dry or doctor. Milder forms of melasma may not need To help you use the medicine correctly, approves them. irritate your skin. These may include soaps none 4%, tretinoin 0.05%) General information about prescrip- treatment with medicine. Melasma can follow these steps: If you get sunburned, stop using TRI- and cleansers that are rough or cause dry- tion medicines Read this information carefully before you also be managed by staying out of the LUMA® Cream until your skin is healed. ing; certain astringents, such as alcohol- s 'ENTLY WASH YOUR FACE WITH A MILD Medicines are sometimes prescribed begin treatment. Read the information sun or by stopping the use of birth control cleanser. Don’t use a washcloth to apply After stopping TRI-LUMA® Cream treat- containing products, soaps and toiletries for conditions that are not mentioned in you get whenever you get more medicine. methods that involve hormones. the cleanser, just your fingers. Rinse and ment, continue to protect your skin from containing alcohol, spices, or lime; or patient information leaflets. Do not use TRI- There may be new information. This In clinical studies, after 8 weeks of pat your skin dry. sunlight. certain medicated soaps, shampoos, and LUMA® Cream for a condition for which it information does not take the place of treatment with TRI-LUMA® Cream, most ® Cream at night, at least What should I avoid while using hair permanent products. Do not use any s !PPLY 42) ,5-! was not prescribed. Do not give TRI-LUMA® talking with your doctor about your medical patients had improvements, with 42 (26%) 30 minutes before bedtime. TRI-LUMA® Cream? Sunlight or ultra- other medicines with TRI-LUMA® Cream Cream to other people, even if they have condition or your treatment. If you have out of 161 patients experiencing complete s 0UT A SMALL AMOUNT PEA SIZED OR violet light. Too much natural sunlight unless you have consulted your doctor. The ® the same symptoms you have. It may harm any questions about TRI-LUMA (try- clearing of their melasma. In most patients inch or less) of TRI-LUMA® Cream on or artificial sunlight from a sunlamp can medicines and products you have used LOOM-ah) Cream, ask your doctor. Only ® THEM 4HIS LEAmET SUMMARIZES THE MOST treated with TRI-LUMA Cream, melasma your fingertip. Apply a thin coat onto the cause sunburn. Dark skin patches may in the past may cause redness or peeling ® ® important information about TRI-LUMA your doctor can determine if TRI-LUMA came back after treatment was stopped. become darker when the skin is exposed when used with TRI-LUMA® Cream. DISCOLORED SPOTS )NCLUDE ABOUT INCH Cream. If you would like more information, Cream is right for you. If the underlying causes of melasma, such of normal skin surrounding the affected to sunlight. You don’t have to have a What are the possible side effects talk with your doctor. You can ask your What is the most important informa- as the use of certain birth control pills or area. After you have used the medicine sunburn to make your melasma worse. of TRI-LUMA® Cream? A very few ® pharmacist or doctor for information about tion I should know about TRI-LUMA ® too much exposure to sunlight, are not for a while, you may find that you need TRI-LUMA Cream can make your skin patients may get severe allergic ® ® TRI-LUMA Cream that is written for health Cream? Use of TRI-LUMA Cream removed, melasma will come back when slightly less to do the job. more likely to get sunburn or develop other reactions from TRI-LUMA® Cream. professionals. in pregnant women may carry the you stop treatment. In the long-term stud- s 2UB THE MEDICINE LIGHTLY AND UNIFORMLY UNWANTED EFFECTS FROM THE SUN 0ROTECT This includes people allergic to sulfites. chance of having birth defects in the ies, patients were treated with TRI-LUMA® into your skin. The medicine should be- your skin from natural sunlight as much as They may have trouble breathing or Ingredients: TRI-LUMA® Cream contains baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, Cream on and off, whenever their melasma come invisible almost at once. If you can possible to help prevent further darkening severe asthma attacks, which can be fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, and may be pregnant, or plan to become preg- came back until it cleared. About 300 still see it, you are using too much. of existing dark patches and formation life-threatening. tretinoin as active ingredients, as well as nant. Your doctor will talk with you about patients used TRI-LUMA® Cream intermit- s +EEP THE MEDICINE AWAY FROM THE COR- of new ones. Staying out of the sun is While you use TRI-LUMA® Cream, your skin the following in the cream base: butylated ® the benefits and risks of using TRI-LUMA tently (not continuously) for 180 days, ners of your nose, your mouth, eyes and especially important for women who take may develop mild-to-moderate redness, hydroxytoluene, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, Cream during pregnancy to help decide if and the majority of the side effects were open wounds. Spread it away from those birth control pills or hormone replacement peeling, burning, dryness, or itching. TRI- glycerin, glyceryl stearate, magnesium the benefits for you are greater than the mild in severity. TRI-LUMA® Cream may areas when applying it. therapy, and for people who have had dark LUMA® Cream contains a corticosteroid aluminum silicate, methyl gluceth-10, risks. You may decide to delay treatment improve your melasma, but it is NOT s Do not use more TRI-LUMA® Cream or patches in the past. medicine as one of its active components. METHYLPARABEN 0%' STEARATE PROPY- until after your baby is born. a cure. apply it more often than recommended Use an effective sunscreen any time The following side effects have been lparaben, purified water, sodium meta- If you become pregnant while taking Who should not use TRI-LUMA® by your doctor. Too much TRI-LUMA® you are outside, EVEN ON HAZY DAYS 4HE reported with application of corticosteroid bisulfite, stearic acid, and stearyl alcohol. ® TRI-LUMA Cream, tell your doc- Cream? Do not use TRI-LUMA® Cream if Cream may irritate your skin, waste SUNSCREEN SHOULD HAVE 30&