News Briefs
Local Businesses Doing Well
The Economic Development Division of Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce has released a Buyer Behavioral Survey that quantifies the economic contribution and the composition of Beverly Hills’ retail patrons. For the estimated 4.6 million shopping trips in 2006, data shows that Beverly Hills residents make about two shopping trips a week, spending on average $281 per trip, whereas LA County residents make about three shopping trips a month, but spend on average $493 each trip.
The Buyer Behavioral Survey concludes that the average shopper in Beverly Hills is anything but “average†: the median income level of Beverly Hills shoppers is $133,000 a year, whereas the median household income in LA County is $42,189. According to the Buyer Behavioral Survey, patrons enjoy their shopping experience in Beverly Hills, with 80% of them being extremely or very satisfied with their experience. Shoppers prefer and value the city’s walkability and village atmosphere, and repeat patronage is very high. Approximately 95% of all of the city’s patrons have shopped or browsed in Beverly Hills in the previous year. City restaurants and bars are also a draw, as 94% of shoppers eat or have a drink out while in Beverly Hills.
Chamber Of Commerce Online Auction
The Chamber of Commerce’s Online Auction, which concluded on May 18, offered up everything from hotel stays and restaurant packages to salon and spa services. Among the items bid on were: The Ultimate Beverly Hills Experience, a two-night stay at Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel and a luxury car rental by Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise, and a SoBev Package featuring gift certificates from businesses in the trendy SoBev neighborhood including Bobbe Joy Makeup Studio, Anat B, Hands On Day Spa, Fabric, Switch, The Shave of Beverly Hills, Gourmandise and Home Sweet Home. Several restaurant packages were also auctioned, including ones from Spago, Mastros Steakhouse, Il Pastaio, AN Crustacean, Ruth’s Chris and Lawry’s The Prime Rib.
Youth In Government Day
Twenty Beverly Hills Unified School District 8th grade students where presented with a proclamation by the Beverly Hills City Council declaring May 28 2008, “Youth in Government Day†in the City. Each student was selected to participate in the annual event at City Hall based on the merits of their essay that responded to the question as to how Roxbury Park should be improved. Each student will assume the role of a department head or elected official, learn about his or her responsibilities and participate in a mock city council meeting.
Mike Roberts: Older American Of The Year
Mike Roberts was selected as the Older American of the Year for 2008 by the City of Beverly Hills in recognition of his long-standing active involvement in the community, including serving as a member and chairperson of the Recreation and Parks Commission and volunteer with the Beverly Hills Police and Fire associations.
Real Estate Developer Pleads Guilty To Fraud
Forty-seven year old real estate developer Charles Elliot Fitzgerald pled guilty to a mortgage fraud scheme. Fitzgerald bought dozens of homes in upscale neighborhoods including Beverly Hills, and then sold them to fake buyers at inflated prices.
Fitzgerald pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and loan fraud, running a continuing financial crimes enterprise, money laundering, obstruction of justice and three counts of bank fraud.
He will be sentenced on August 18 and could face a life sentence.
D.A.R.E. In Beverly Hills
The Beverly Hills Police Department is on a roll, recently receiving first place honors in the 2008 D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) vehicle competition in Modesto, CA. The city’s car is a Mercedes-Benz 2005 ML350, donated by Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills. D.A.R.E. vehicles have large, colorful D.A.R.E. stickers plastered across them as reinforcement to the community to resist drugs and violence.
In addition, the Beverly Hills Police Department has been designated the D.A.R.E. State Training Center for California. Coordinator for the program is BHPD Sgt. Joseph A. Chirillo, who is noted for working closely with Beverly Hills High School, ensuring the city’s kids remain safe.
Magbit Foundation Gala
The Persian community came out in force, as over 1,000 people attended the 19th annual Magbit Foundation Gala at The Beverly Hilton.
Established in 1990, The Magbit Foundation provides interest-free loans for needy students in Israel. To date the organization has provided free loans to over 8,500 students. President Bijan Nahai told the assembled crowd that the repayment rate is 97%, “due to the respect and gratitude these students have for our donors… Thank you for celebrating the best and brightest [students] in Israel and showing your concern for our cause.â€
Other attendees who spoke included former Beverly Hills Mayor and Magbit Chairman Jimmy Delshad, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan, and Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple.
This year’s honoree was David Merage, co-founder of Chef America, Inc., known for creating amongst other things, Hot Pockets. Merage – who left Tehran at 15 – has created, funded and supported dozens of philanthropic causes, including helping to develop the Negev – the Israeli desert.
La Vie En Rose At BCBG Rodeo Drive
Over 100 patrons and dignitaries attended a Champagne reception held by the French Consulate and hosted by world-renowned couturier Max Azria, at his BCBGMAXAZRIA store on Rodeo Drive. The event was an opportunity to raise funds for the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s annual fundraiser gala, organized by the Association’s International Committee.
The evening featured music performed by three members of the Philharmonic, refined French hors d’oeuvres, and models dressed in some of Azria’s most sophisticated fashions. The event was a precursor to the May fundraising gala, which will honor Marion Cotillard’s win at this year’s Academy Awards with the theme of “La Vie En Rose”.
Benefit Chair Aida Gaon told the assembled guests, “Music is truly an international language, it is magical, and we are committed to providing funds to continue to support the Los Angeles Philharmonic.â€
Consul General Philippe Larrieu said, “When we decided to baptize the 57th edition of the Philharmonic Ball, we had no idea “La Vie en Rose†would win two Oscars. My wish is that [the gala] will be as successful as the movie.â€
The New Look Beverly Hills Sign
The Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park is quickly becoming an iconic draw for residents and visitors alike. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard between Canon and Beverly Drives, the original sign was first installed in 1906.
In November 2006, a replication of the historical landmark was re-installed at the same location to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Rodeo Land and Water Company (first developer of Beverly Hills) and the 100th anniversary of the founding of Rotary International. The newly replicated sign was made possible through the City of Beverly Hills’ cooperative partnership with The Rotary Club of Beverly Hills.
Most recently a water feature and landscaping was added to complement the Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park.
Bowling On The Green
May 10th was Lawn Bowling Day and Beverly Hills celebrated with a Lawn Bowling Festival at Roxbury Park. Croquet, Bocci Ball and Lawn Bowling won the day. Prospective bowlers enjoyed free pizza and local clubs in the area provided equipment. Lawn Bowling is becoming increasingly popular and has enjoyed popularity in Southern California for decades.
