Real Estate Quarterly, See Pages 15-19 BEVERLYBEVERLY HILLSHILLS
THIS ISSUE VOLUME XXXXVII NUMBER 30 $135 PER YEAR - $1.25 PER COPY • www.bhcourier.com SINCE 1965 AUGUST 5, 2011 BH Safety Employee Pensions Aren’t Sustainable: Task Force By Courier Staff to follow. The Task Force had its It doesn't matter how rich hands full getting to the truth. the city of Beverly Hills is, it can- The way it works is this: the City not sustain the level of public pays into the California Public Harbor cruise set sail in employee pensions it now gives, Employee Retirement System honor of LA Navy Week. 4 mainly tax-free, to its staff. That's (CalPERS. CalPERS sets the rate the conclusion of the Beverly based on a combination of pay- Hills Pension Task Force headed roll, rate of return on CalPERS' by City Treasurer Elliot Finkel. investments, and the payout The Task Force presented its find- needed for retired workers. The ings at Tuesday's city council norm is that each public safety meeting. employee is supposed to con- National Night Out, spon- Calculating and paying city (see ‘PENSIONS,’ page 13) sored by the BHPD, was pensions is convoluted and hard held on Tuesday night. 4
Beverly Hills City Confirms ACADEMY PRESIDENT RE-ELECTED—Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences President Tom Sherak was re-elected to a third one-year term Staff Get 13 Weeks Time Off Tuesday night at its Wilshire Boulevard headquarters by the AMPAS Board of Governors. Matt Petit/A.M.P.A.S By The Courier staff and other benefits awarded staff. City Councilman John According to Aluzri, the Peninsula Beverly Hills will Mirisch wanted to know just jaw-dropping total results from How South Pasadena Fought celebrate its 20th anniver- how much paid time off city staff vacation (3-6 weeks per year/be- sary on Monday. 5 receives. He got his answer at ginners only 2), overtime - un- Tuesday’s city council study ses- limited, “sick days” (8 per year), And Won Its Battle To Survive sion from Assistant City Manager regular holidays, the “every oth- Mahdi Aluzri. Yes, most get 13 er Friday or Monday off” (the Against Caltrans And Metro weeks paid time off on top of the “9/80 Plan”) even for executive By Marla Schevker and The Long Beach to Pasadena. astonishing salaries, overtime (see ‘13 WEEKS OFF,’ page 11) Courier staff That study started the move The small city of South to slice South Pasadena in two. BHHS student establishes Pasadena (pop. 25,000) had Cal- California’s all-powerful fashion Website. 5 Trans’ bulls eye painted all over state transportation agency and it from 1949 on. nearly all the players in L.A. That year, California’s then- County transportation planned to Gov. Earl Warren (grandfather of split the historic little city in two current Vice Mayor Willie Brien) with the final leg in the 710 Free- ordered a study of connecting (see ‘SOUTH PAS,’ page 10)
Concerts on Canon attract a crowd last week. 5
•Fashion 9 •Birthdays 14
SALUTING ‘THE GODFATHER’–A champagne reception at Neiman Mar- cus honoring Fred Hayman, the legendary “Godfather of Rodeo Drive,” was hosted by former General Manager John Martens. The occasion HERE COME THE marked the publication of Rose Apodaca’s Fred Hayman: The Extraordi- SMART ASSES— George Christy, nary Difference The Story of Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Glamour And The Freida Pinto plays Page 6 Showman Who Sold It All. Pictured (from left): author Rose Apodaca, au- a primatologist and A Celebration thor Judith Krantz (Scruples), Martens and Fred Hayman. For more infor- James Franco is a Sherry Hackett mation, visit www.fredhayman.com. scientist develop- Hosted For Phyllis Photo by Philip Oshiro ing a higher intelli- Diller’s 94th gence in primates, Birthday; Phyllis’ bringing on a war Memoir, Like A New Legislative Boundaries for supremacy in Lampshade In a Rise Of The Planet Whore House, Is Of The Apes, Chockablock With Will Affect B.H. Districts which is being released today. Her Zany Zingers By Brenton Garen election. Editorial from New boundaries for Califor- If approved, these are the Inset: Producer Rabbi Pressman nia’s congressional and legisla- changes that affect Beverly Hills. Peter Chernin. AND MORE tive districts will affect Beverly When it comes to Congres- CLASSIFIEDS 24 Hills should tentative final maps sional representation, Beverly More photos in • Announcements be approved by the California Hills will change from District George Christy’s • Real Estate Citizens Redistricting Commis- 30 to District 33, which would column on page 6. • Rentals sion on Aug. 15, 2011. exclude parts of Culver City, but • Sales The changes will then take include Marina del Rey, Santa Janet Gough/ • and More Celebrity Photo effect after the November 2012 (see ‘REDISTRICTING,’ page 8) Page 2 | August G5, 2011 reen Car Service BEVERLYBEVERLY HILLSHILLS Westside $ .00 To LAX from 45 Beverly Hills resident special.
Additional $10 for LAX pick-up. 310.430.1882 122 Lincoln Boulevard Venice, 90291 CA www.MyGreenTaxi.com BEVERLYBEVERLY HILLSHILLS August 5, 2011 | Page 3 BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | AUGUST 5, 2011 Page 4 HERE! BEVERLY HILLS MAIN NEWS LEFT: R.Adm. Mike Shoemaker, com- City Ignores School Defense, Navy Week Hosts Harbor Cruise manding officer Carrier Strike Group 9 Wants BHUSD Tunnel Info For MTA (USS Abraham Lincoln) with (front left) Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associ- Beverly Hills city officials fense agreement to protect the ate dean Simon Wiesenthal Center, continue to try to get the Bever- information, the information and Fred Balitzer, host aboard ly Hills Unified School District becomes public. The District “Burning Daylight” on harbor cruise to give them highly confiden- has offered that agreement during Los Angeles Navy Week. tial, attorney/client and attor- twice but the city remains BELOW: Candace and Kathryn Smith ney work product data com- silent on the offer. with Cmdr. Chris Sobol aboard piled by District experts to de- The information sought by Burning Daylight during Los Angeles fend Beverly Hills High School the city is the vital, irreplace- Navy Week. from the MTA subway tunnel. able data the District will use This is despite repeated advice in court when it comes time to from District lawyers that un- sue the MTA under the Califor- less the city signs a joint de- (see ‘METRO,’ page 13) MAZEL TOV—Sara (right) and Todd Okum (not pictured) had their Bat Mitzvahs in Jersualem on July 25. The Okum Family, including Laurie (left), are traveling throughout Israel this summer. Email your special- summer photos to Council To Spend $$$ On Own PR Television Show mschevker@bhcouri By Courier Staff saw them giving the “go ate” with him. As of now, Cole er.com. The City Council majority ahead” to two 30 to 60 minute will not be paid by the City. of Mayor Barry Brucker, Vice “public affairs” programs to be Where did this come from? American Cancer Society’s Gourmet Mayor Willie Brien, M.D., and paid for by the city and broad- Brucker, Brien, Cole and city Garden Party Sunday At Design Center Councilmember Julian Gold, cast on the city's cable televi- staff presented the matter as M.D., apparently decided that sion channel. though Cole originated it. Chef Wolfgang Puck, Sher- Restaurants last year included eight hours of live television They picked local lobbyist The Courier has obtained ry Lansing and Barbara Beacon, Chinois on Main, Cut broadcasts of themselves is not Rudy Cole to be the “modera- city emails that call this into Lazaroff have gathered many & Sidebar, Lago, Minestraio enough. tor” to select topics, format and (see ‘COUNCIL PR SHOW,’ page 11) top restaurateurs and vintners Trattoria, Montage Beverly Tuesday’s study session guests. City staff will “cooper- for “California Spirit XXVII” on Hills, Nobu, Red O, Red 7, Sunday, Aug. 7, at Pacific De- Sashi, Spago and Tar Pit. The Board Gives Direction On Measure E Funding sign Center’s plaza to benefit event honors Margaret Loesch, By Marla Schevker project funding by up to five Hsieh said that was not true. American Cancer Society re- president/CEO of The Hub, During a study session years. The board also gave direc- search, education and free pro- who will receive ACS’s “Cele- Wednesday, the Board of Educa- Through BAN’s, the district tion to Cayabyab to further flesh grams and services for cancer bration of Life” award for her tion agreed to further investigate can get the money in by 2013 out a construction-phasing plan. patients, families and care- support of lifesaving programs Measure E funding and construc- and there will not be an inten- This plan would be a hybrid, in givers. and services. tion. tional increase in tax rates. tearing down and keeping exist- The gourmet garden party Tickets are $350. For reser- Although many financing Keygent Managing Director ing buildings, and will consider presents hearty samples of vations, contact Adriana San- options were discussed to keep Tony Hsieh said L.A. County an- ed spec requirements to update L.A.’s culinary offerings, live doval at 310-348-0356, option Measure E on schedule, the board nounced a one percent increase buildings for programming needs. entertainment, a VIP reception 3, ext. 227 or adriana.san- decided to examine Bond Antici- in AV. Both Keygent representatives and live and silent auctions. [email protected]. pation Notices (BANs) as a viable While there was concern and Cayabyab will present more option for obtaining bond money that BAN’s would affect the dis- detailed information to the board allowing the district to expedite trict’s exemplary credit rating, Aug. 24. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN B.H. — Damien Bean, Ed Brown, AJ Wilmer and Franny Rennie enjoy National Night Out 2011 on North Hillcrest Drive sponsored by the BHPD Tuesday. CHEER IN THE FUNK—Cheerleading Summer Camp participants National Night Out, learn a Funk Dance in preparation for their Friday final performance. hosted by Larry and Pictured from left: Vivi Spadafora, Kate Orlanski, Ellie Orlanski, Jenna Shawn King, featured Kim, Sarah Yadidian, Elise Knebel, Amara Obijiaku, Kira Lewis, Willa topics including crime Ziegenfuss, Sophie Kaye, Shaya Dadbin, Shannon Miller, Hayley prevention topics, Miller, Kayla Dadbin and Lucia Condes de Bethencourt. emergency prepared- Photo by Eva Keshishian ness information, CPR information and Safe- Neutra House Safe Until Oct. 10 T-Proof’s Quake By Marla Schevker the City Council, crafted by Cottage. The last remaining Beverly Mayor Barry Brucker, and Hills house designed by World property owner’s attorney Sports Club/LA Purchased By Equinox This Week War II architect Richard Neutra Mitch Dawson, the property Equinox fitness club, Director of Entitlements for LA/Beverly Hills location or the is safe, for now. owners have agreed to not de- which was given approval by Equinox Luba Cenatorova said already approved proposal to After a discussion at the molish the property until Octo- the City to move forward with Equinox had reached an agree- create an Equinox fitness club Beverly Hills City Council ber 10 to allow an opportunity plans to create a 37,000 square ment to take over the Sports in Beverly Hills at 9465 meeting Tuesday, the L.A. Con- for the house to be sold or oth- foot exercise facility a block Club’s four sites, located in Wilshire Blvd. servancy and other organiza- erwise saved. In the meantime, away from Sports Club/LA Bev- Beverly Hills, Irvine, Los Ange- Centatorova was also un- tions and individuals looking Dawson said they will contin- erly Hills just this year, has en- les and New York City. able to provide any further in- to save the house have until ue with demolition permit tered into an agreement with Cenatorova could not formation about the terms of October 10. process and won’t post the Sports Club/LA to purchase the comment on how this agree- the agreement to The Courier In an agreement between (see ‘NEUTRA,’ page 11) Sports Club. ment will affect the Sports Club before press time. BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | AUGUST 5, 2011 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Page 5
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY —Interior designers BHUSD Approves Personnel Decisions Helen Glynn (left) and The Beverly Hills Unified School “It’s been a very fast span of time,” Cynthia Forchielli in one District Board of Education unanimously Staser said. “I know the big picture of the of the recently renovated made several personnel decisions at the district is out there for all of us to be suites at The Peninsula Wednesday board meeting. looking at and I’m thrilled to be able to Beverly Hills. The pair The board hired Lisa Hall as the co- continue serving this district next year at worked closely with ordinator of special projects and student Beverly High.” owner Robert Zarnegin support services. Hall thanked the board The board also promoted Haw- to freshen all the rooms, suites and villas as part at the meeting. thorne Assistant Principal Kathy Shaffer of its 20th anniversary, “I am ecstatic,” Hall said. “I look for- to principal of Hawthorne. Shaffer is out which will be celebrated ward to getting to know each and every of the country and unavailable for com- on Monday morning at one of you more.” ment. 8:08 a.m. Since former Beverly High Assistant The board also unanimously voted Courier photo by Principal Jen Tedford was recently pro- to lay off Director of Maintenance and Brenton Garen moted to the interim director of curricu- Operations Jim Fahey. lum, instruction and professional devel- As the report states: “Classified em- opment, Hawthorne Principal Toni ployees may be laid off or have their as- The Peninsula Beverly Hills To Celebrate Staser will fill the position of BHHS’s as- signments reduced in hours due to lack Its 20th Anniversary On Monday Morning sistant principal. Staser is starting her of work or lack of funds.” Fahey’s last 35th year in the district. day will be Sept. 23. By Brenton Garen menced. The Peninsula Beverly Hills will Interior designers Cynthia Forchiel- celebrate its 20th anniversary at 8:08 li and Helen Glynn have been working a.m. on Monday, Aug. 8, with a ribbon with owner Robert Zarnegin to freshen cutting by Mayor Barry Brucker and the look of the hotel while retaining its Vicki Reynolds, who was mayor of Bev- elegant, discreet and timeless spirit. erly Hills when the hotel opened its Zarnegin told The Courier that 70 doors in 1991. percent of The Peninsula’s guests are re- The hotel’s anniversary celebration peat customers, which is why he gave really began nearly a year ago when the careful consideration to the renova- renovation of all its 193 rooms, includ- tions. ing 36 suites and 16 private villas, com- (see ‘THE PENINSULA,’ page 7) Burglar Arrested 10 Minutes After Crime By Brenton Garen pect in his backyard and confronted Beverly Hills police arrested a bur- him,” Hoshino said. “The suspect ran glar just 10 minutes after the suspect out of the yard and fled west on Grego- MUSIC IN THE PARK—A crowd enjoys the atmosphere at the July 28 Concerts on Cañon. committed the crime shortly after mid- ry Way.” The concerts are held in the Beverly Cañon Gardens,at 241 N. Cañon Dr. People can gath- night Sunday. About 10 minutes later, officers er on Thursday evenings and enjoy live music under the stars. The concerts are presented Beverly Hills Police Department of- stopped a suspect matching the de- in conjunction with the City of Beverly Hills with the support of the Cañon Drive Association. For more concert information, visit www.beverlyhills.org or call the Community Services ficers responded to the burglary call in scription on Olympic Boulevard and Department at 310-285-6830. the 300 block of S. Clark Dr. Sherbourne Drive. BHPD Sgt. Lincoln Hoshino said Officers determined that this sus- the resident was awakened by a noise pect was involved in the burglary. coming from his rear door. Officers arrested Alex Taylor, 24, a “The resident observed a male sus- transient, on suspicion of burglary. BHHS Junior’s Website Helps Girls Decide What To Wear In The Morning Nina Vir, a rising BHHS senior, is dations from other making it easier for girls to get dressed websites. in the morning. The daughter of She has launched a new website, Vineeta and Jay Vir, DailyDressMe.com that answers the Nina Vir is a mem- age-old questions, “What’s the weather ber of Beverly like today?” and “What should I wear?” High’s ASB and On the easy-to-use site, girls can Deca, an associa- enter any zip code and get a weekly tion for marketing forecast of that area’s weather condi- students. tions, complete with highs and lows— Always interest- Nina Vir plus wardrobe suggestions. ed in fashion and Vir developed the idea—expanding the latest trends, she also writes a fash- on her own habit of daily weather ion blog. checking. The site offers a five-day fore- Vir is also seeking advertising spon- cast with a model wearing an outfit sug- sors with the goal of donating a percent- gestion over each day’s summary. age of the proceeds to the Mountain Making it a family affair, her broth- Fund, a nonprofit that serves victims of er Raj helped her develop the algorithm sex trafficking in Nepal. for the site so the correct outfits and “I want to collaborate with them,” weather correspond. Vir says, “I have family from Nepal so Currently, all the outfit recommen- their causes are close to my heart. They dations are from Forever 21 (she got are setting up a school in Nepal for slum permission), but she hopes to get outfits children and people unable to access from other retailers and develop links education.” for buying all or part of the recommen- —Steve Simmons Study Finds Low Rate Of Global Warming A new study using data from NASA’s cient at releasing energy to space than Terra satellite during the past decade re- models used to forecast climate change vealed the Earth’s atmosphere traps far have been programmed to “believe.” less heat—shattering climate alarmists’ The result is climate forecasts that assumptions—than any of the frequently are warming substantially faster than the cited models presumed. atmosphere, according to Dr. Roy The data, released last week, shows Spencer, a principal research scientist in Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.: CA Bond #RSB2004175; CA Auctioneer Bonds: Leo Frese #RSB2004176; that when the climate warms, the plan- the Earth System Science Center at The Shaunda Fry #RSB2005396. CA. LIC. #19101134 19406 et’s atmosphere is apparently more effi- University of Alabama. GEORGE CHRISTY believe that I once entered a better and more private than beauty contest? I must have fighting a conversation in a At our table was metal been out of mind. I not only crowded noisy restaurant?” sculptor Al Glanns with wife George Christy came in last, I got 361 get-well Class. Jeanie Linders, creator, com- cards.” Then there’s “I’m dedi- poser and writer of The cated to culture. I honestly To hail Phyllis, Sherry Menopause Musical that believe there’s absolutely Hackett rounded up our former opened ten years ago in a 76- nothing wrong about going to mayor, the hale and hearty seat theater in Orlando, bed with a good book … or a Dick Riordan who came with Florida, and playing now in 15 friend who’s read one.” And: Kelly Lange -- her latest thriller countries with seven transla- “I was in a beauty parlor, and is Graveyard Shift. Also: tions. A Chicago critic warned said to the guy, ‘I’m looking Barbara and Don Rickles; phi- that any lady attending the for a hairstyle that will simply lanthropist Louise Danelian; show “should bring waterproof drive men wild!’ He said, ‘So George Chakiris; Nike Air shoe mascara because you’ll laugh am I.’” designer Bob Bogart with wife so hard you’ll cry.” Four Trudy; Sandy and Wink women shopping for lingerie at Early on in Manhattan, Martindale; Elliot Gould; Jane Bloomingdale’s sing 25 songs Phyllis with best friend Bernie she knocked the socks off the Shine of The Shine Gallery and Norm Crosby; Lois Aldrin; about hot flashes, chocolate patrons at Jimmy Daniels’ inti- Dolly Martin; David Loftus, addiction, nightly sweats, and, Bernie. Radiating irre- mate boite Bon Soir in who screened a video of Phyllis yes, sex. pressible energy and Greenwich Village, where performing for our soldiers firing nonstop with her musical talents Norene Tate, overseas with Bob Hope. As for her long-running killer jokes? “She just Mae Barnes, Tiger Haines Menopause Musical, Jeanie’s does … it’s effortless.” reigned nightly, along with We sat with Lee Bell, the updating her songs. “Those tie- Phyllis and comics such as creator of The Bold And The dye and Earth Mother days are Not many know Jimmy Kirkwood and Lee Beautiful and Young And The over. To attract our baby that her peers are Goodman. Restless. Lee came with pro- boomers, my new lyrics deal wowed that Phyllis can ducer Josh O’Connell -- he with yoga lessons and juice deliver 12 punch lines She asked Jimmy Daniels informed that both soap operas bars.” per minute, and she if he’d please invite Barbra have sparked who-knows-how- just as easily will Streisand to perform after her many acting careers. The Online at knock off a Chopin acclaim as Miss Yetta series, in truth, are timeless, www.bhcourier.com/georgechristy.cfm sonata on the piano, Marmelstein in the 1962 launched decades ago, and having studied music Broadway musical I Can Get It now playing in at conservatories. For You Wholesale. Barbra was 100 countries. Why give up music? “I 19. Jimmy agreed, and she cor- Lee’s son Bradley could never compete ralled staunch devotees with and wife Colleen with my teachers and the erudite socialites, rich Ivy own a major col- mentors. I faced reali- Leaguers, nouveau riche and lection of contem- ty … they played a hel- those to-the-manor-born who porary art -- The Phyllis Diller Archives The Phyllis Diller luva lot better.” poured in after their black-tie Colleen and parties. DreamWorks’ fter marrying Jeffrey Katzenberg Birthday girl Phyllis Diller wel- A he Bon Soir was no comed dozens of friends of all Sherwood Diller (ulti- T will be honored mately christened cheap date. Cover plus a this year during ages to Sherry Hackett’s celebra- drinks minimum, with Barbra tion in Beverly Hills. Phyllis makes Fang), Phyllis house- the Inner City Arts favoring witty tunes such as no bones about her age of 94. wifed, and six children benefit dinner, followed (Perry the Cole Porter’s Come To The youngest oversees her Supermarket In Old “Who the hell wants business affairs). Copywriting Peking. to be 93?” wisecracked and journalism began paying Phyllis Diller after our arrival the bills, before introducing her By day, Barbra was with her signature cackle of a inimitable comedy act with a cashiering in a Chinese laugh before lining up for 1955 debut at the Purple eatery in Brooklyn, and Sherry Hackett’s sumptuous Onion in San Francisco. Godmother Phyllis loaned an elegant white silk The film’s Olivia Wilde and Leslie Mann with director buffet. “Anybody who’s 94!” Booked for two weeks, she David Dobkin Howls everywhere. Phyllis is remained for 87 more! blouse with a tailored 94. grey jumper for Barbra’s Next was stand-up, night performances. At Phyllis was The Birthday after night, in dives and clubs Manhattan vintage shops, Girl From Lima, if you will, hither and wherever around the Barbra’s initial casting while Antonio Carlos Jobim’s country, TV series, movies, photos with those printed serenaded us with The Girl Broadway where she starred as resumes on the back one From Ipanema. Lima, Ohio, Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly, finds that Barbara inked with its populace of 38,717, musical engagements, enter- out the second “a.” birthed this comedic divinity taining thousands of troupes at Producer Si Litvinoff that’s keeps generations freak- war fronts with Bob Hope. owns one such photo, and ing out with screaming laugh- shares it with pals at his The film’s co-star ter. Her career’s covered summer parties. Jason Bateman plenty of waterfronts, as we dis- To acknowledge Phyllis’ covered reading her memoir, When we July birthday, Sherry (Mrs. Like a Lampshade in a scheduled an interview Buddy) Hackett welcomed a Whorehouse, My Life in for Town & Country crush of friends to her Beverly Comedy. Recollections of her magazine, Phyllis flew Hills estate famed for its youth abound, along with to New York, checked unique architecture. They air- anecdotes about her colorful into the Plaza Hotel, kissed, hugged a lot, and life as a comedy star. This and asked that we every guest was pho- included a dinner hosted by meet an hour later in tographed with the Gemini Tallulah Bankhead in a her suite. Gal. peignoir (“with nothing under- neath”) -- the book is chock- After our good- Celebrity Photo/Janet Gough Escorting Phyllis was ablock with zingers. byes, she mentioned best friend, Bernie Shine, an that she was checking impassioned collector of vin- A sampling: “I realized out to take the train to Ryan Reynolds invited mom Tawny, brother tage chacharas, whose iconic on our first anniversary that our Toledo for an engage- Terry with his wife Christine to the shop The Shine Gallery is in marriage was in trouble.. Fang ment. We were flum- Westwood premiere of The Change-Up at the Farmers Market. How gave me luggage. It was moxed. Had she The Village Theatre, with a party following does Phyllis do it, we asked packed. My mother damn near reserved a suite only at the Hammer Museum. for our two-hour inter- suffocated!” Also: “Would you Jonathon Komack Martin Page 6 | August 5, 2011 view? “Wasn’t this with Sandra Bullock BEVERLYBEVERLY HHILLSILLS BEVERLYBEVERLY HILLSHILLS August 5, 2011 | Page 7 THE PENINSULA For the makeover, Forchielli and (Continued from page 5) Glynn carefully studied the hotel’s orig- “For them as well as for us, we inal concept of combining classic fur- wanted to keep the original design DNA nishings with warmly colored prints to of the hotel, yet improve the functional- create an elegant and comforting wel- ity of each guest room,” Zarnegin said. come. “I envisioned superior electronics, plus “We updated the concept to bring a our signature ‘Southern California’ fresh new lightness to the rooms and rein- colors, new furnishings and soft goods, force their connection to the adjoining all with the same original spirit – ele- gardens, allowing true respite,” said gant, residential and classic.” Glynn. Zarnegin met with Forchielli and The refreshment of all of the rooms Glynn several times a week during the and most of the suites has been com- process. pleted. “Having been intimately involved Before the end of the year, the hotel in the design of the hotel when it was will unveil its newly refreshed private built, I have always felt it imperative that villas and four largest suites, including any enhancements meet our high stan- The Peninsula Suite. Each of the four dards with a critical eye to the details,” suites will have its own distinctive color he said. scheme, furnishings and ambiance. Epicurean Festival Set Aug. 28 At Sofitel The Los Angeles Epicurean Festival conducted by Keizo Ishiba (K-Zo), JF brings together culinary specialties, Meteigner (La Cachette), Sebastien wines and spirits under one roof at Archambault (L’Epicerie), Josiah Citrin Sofitel LA, 8555 Beverly Blvd., on (Melisse) and Neal Fraser (BLD). Sunday, Aug. 28. Products usually only There will be mixology classes and available to chefs are being offered at oenologists standing by to explain how the event where attendees will be able to taste and recognize great wines. to take home their favorite selections. Attendees will be treated to 500 “Iron Chef”-alike contest with nine boutique wines and spirits, cheeses, chefs, sommeliers and mixologists will spices, coffee and teas, charcuterie, be judged by a panel of food-industry olive oils, mushrooms, organic choco- personalities. late, meat, fowl, fish, produce and more. The three chefs, will go onto the Tickets: $75 general admission – showroom floor to retrieve 10 products includes all tastings and seminars; $100 of their choice to formulate the perfect VIP poolside cabana and general admis- cold appetizer while the three somme- sion includes all tasting, seminars, liers and three mixologists will concoct plus a rare tasting or Rosés of Provence, wines and spirits to accompany the armagnac and cognac paired with cigars dish. To order tickets and for more infor- Besides live entertainment, food mation visit www.laepicureanfestival. demonstrations will be available hourly com or 323-930-6785. GRETA BEVERLY HILLS Join Us For Our Imported Leather PROMOTION! Jackets and Vests on The cutting Edge From Paris Quantities Limited
141 S. BEVERLY DRIVE • BEVERLY HILLS 310.247.1006 Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm • Closed Sunday-Monday Page 8 | August 5, 2011 BEVERLYBEVERLY HILLSHILLS BEVERLY HILLS
Now In Our 45th Year 8840 West Olympic Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-278-1322 Fax: 310-271-5118 www.bhcourier.com Publisher Clifton S. Smith, Jr. Publisher Emeritus SOMALY MAM–The non-profit Somaly Mam Foundation launched March Schwartz “Project Futures Global” with a reception at SLS Hotel to engage young Hollywood professionals in the fight against modern day sex slavery in Senior Editor Asia and the Middle East. Pictured (from left): SMF Program Director John L. Seitz Amy Merrill, Anna Lynne McCord, co-founder Somaly Mam, Ashley Rickards, Angel McCord and SMF Special advisor Izzy Katz. Mam, a Special Sections & Features Cambodian slavery survivor who was named among Time magazine’s Steve Simmons “100 most influential people” and Glamour’s “Woman of the Year.” Online & Video Director Photo by Beverly Lindo/ EYEAM.shooter Photography Brenton Garen Staff Reporters REDISTRICTING change: Democrats from Marla Schevker (Continued from page 1) 50.6% to 47.2%; Republicans from 23.2% to 25.1%; and Tricia Arend Monica and Malibu. This “other” voters from 25.9% to Intern would lead to the following po- 27.7%. Andrea Stern litical landscape change: De- The race/ethnicity break- mocrat representation would down is set to change from: Associate Publisher & Editor change from 50.5% to 44.5%; Asian 9.2% to 13.9%; Black Marcia W. Hobbs Republicans from 22.8% to 3% to 3.5%; Latino 25.5% to 28.6%; and “other” voters from 13.6%; White 58.9% to 64.9%; Fashion Director 26.7% to 26.9%. and Other 3.4% to 4.1%. Tawny Sanders The race/ethnicity break- The current representatives down is set to change from: are Fran Pavley (District 23) and Columnists : Asian 10.9% to 13.5%; Black Curren Price (District 26). George Christy 2.9% to 2.8%; Latino 10.1% to For the State Assembly 11.2%; White 72.1% to 68.5%; Joan Rivers Beverly Hills will move from and Other 3.9% to 4%. Rabbi Jacob Pressman District 42 to District 50, which Current District 30 Repre- would include pairing with Joan Mangum sentative Henry Waxman con- Santa Monica and Malibu. This Stephen Frank firmed he would seek re-elec- leads to a political landscape Maureen Dowd tion next year in the proposed change favoring Democrats, Frances Allen District 33, which would en- which increase from 53% to Connie Martinson compass Beverly Hills. His 54.2%; Republicans would de- likely opponent is Karen Bass, crease from 19% to 18.1%; and Contributing Writers who is the sitting Representa- “other” voters from 27.9% to Jerry Cutler tive for District 33. 27.7%. James Metropole “I have long enjoyed repre- The race/ethnicity break- Marta Waller senting the citizens of Beverly down is set to change from: Sherry Dodd Hills,” Waxman said. “I would Asian 8.8% to 9.3%; Black Roger Lefkon be pleased to have the privilege 3.6% to 3.7%; Latino 10.9% to of continuing to represent Cartoonist 12%; White 73% to 71.2%; them.” and Other to remain at 3.7%. Janet Salter At the State Senate level, Assembly member Mike Restaurant Critic Beverly Hills will be shifted Feuer will term-out in District Merv Hecht from District 23 to 26, which 42 next year; District 50 is cur- would include the South Bay rently held by Ricardo Lara. Display Advertising Manager communities all the way to This is the first time in the Evelyn A. Portugal Rancho Palos Verdes. This leads history of California that an in- Classified Advertising Manager to a slight political landscape dependent citizens commission Rod Pingul drew district boundaries, per Classified Account Executive an independent initiative George Recinos passed last year. Accounting The maps are available at Ana Llorens www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov. Production Artists Ferry Simanjuntak Robert Knight