News Summary
Beverly Hills held a special City Council meeting to honor Donna Ellman Garber, the second woman elected to the Council, as she approaches her 100th birthday. The meeting also marked the kickoff of current Mayor Willie Brien’s re-election campaign. Brien highlighted his past achievements, including budget surpluses and rising local revenue. As Beverly Hills gears up for an exciting election on March 5, 2023, the community expresses its gratitude for past leaders while looking forward to the future.
Beverly Hills Celebrates a Local Legend and Prepares for Election Excitement
In the charming city of Beverly Hills, there was quite a special gathering on March 4, 2023, at the City Council meeting. The event was not just another routine council session; it turned into a heartfelt tribute to an iconic figure in the community: Donna Ellman Garber.
Donna holds a special place in the annals of Beverly Hills history as the second woman ever elected to serve on the City Council. She has made quite a mark, serving a remarkable 12 years as a council member and taking on the role of mayor not just once, but twice — first in 1976 and then again in 1981. As a long-time resident of Beverly Hills, her commitment to public service over the years has been nothing short of inspiring. Additionally, there’s a rather exciting milestone around the corner; Donna is set to celebrate her 100th birthday this year!
While the community honored Donna for her longstanding contributions, attention also turned to the mayoral race. Current Mayor Willie Brien officially kicked off his campaign for re-election the same day. He took this opportunity to present his achievements during his four-year term on the City Council, showcasing his impressive record of economic growth.
Since stepping into office in 2009, Brien has made some significant strides for the city. Remarkably, he managed to cut a hefty $30 million from the city budget in just two years without laying off any staff, all while ensuring that essential services remain intact. His initiative to reform city employee pension and retirement medical programs also stands out, as it is expected to save the city a staggering $90 million over the next four decades.
Bringing good news to the community, Brien reported a budget surplus of $10 million, reflecting the city spending $5 million less than expected. This wasn’t just about balancing the books; Beverly Hills is witnessing a growth in its revenue that outpaces rising costs. However, he didn’t stop at economics. Brien shared that a remarkable 97 percent retail space occupancy rate exists in the iconic Golden Triangle, and he has simplified the permit process for businesses to open within 70 days. That’s a win-win for both entrepreneurs and the community!
Caring deeply for the education system in Beverly Hills, he confirmed his commitment to the Beverly Hills Unified School District, supporting a strong Joint-Powers Agreement that provides nearly $10 million a year to the district. However, he does voice concerns about routing the Westside Subway Extension under Beverly Hills High School, despite supporting the overall project for improving traffic control and driving redevelopment opportunities.
Looking ahead, Brien is prioritizing the revitalization of Southeast Beverly Hills and several key infrastructure projects, including completing the Roxbury Park Community Center, repaving Santa Monica Boulevard, and restoring the legendary Beverly Gardens Park.
For Brien’s re-election campaign, he’s garnered support from a bevy of former mayors including Les Bronte, Linda Briskman, Vicki Reynolds, and, of course, Donna Ellman Garber. Additional endorsements come from prominent locals, such as the current BHUSD school board President Jake Manaster and council members Barry Brucker and Julian Gold. Notably, Gold praised Brien’s leadership throughout his tenure for making significant budget cuts while increasing revenue.
Add to that, Myra Lurie, a former school board member, is diligently organizing a coffee meet-and-greet for Brien’s campaign, scheduled for January 30. As the excitement builds for the upcoming election on March 5, 2023, where six candidates are vying for three council seats, the residents of Beverly Hills find themselves in an exhilarating position.
Will Brien be able to maintain his seat at the council table? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—this bustling city has certainly captured the essence of community spirit through its recognition of past leaders and its hopeful gaze toward the future.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Press: Beverly Hills Honors Second Councilwoman
- Patch: Willie Brien
- Wikipedia: Beverly Hills, California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beverly Hills
- Google News: Beverly Hills news
