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BEVERLY HILLS NUMBER 46
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By Victoria Talbot The Beverly Hills City Council will consider the Final Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the proposed dog park located at the intersection of Foothill Road and Alden Drive on Thursday, Nov. 17 at a public meeting at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 455 N. Rexford Drive.
‘Literary Feasts’ came to Beverly Hills with author Michael Connelly. 4
DUET GALA — Pictured above: the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s legendary conductor Zubin Mehta. Pictured right: The evening’s honoree, The IDF raised $34.5 million Founding Chairman of The last week at a Beverly Hills and Chairman gala. 4 Wallis Emeritus of City National Bank Bram Goldsmith and his wife Elaine.
The Beverly Hills Women’s Club began its Centennial year with a visit from Pat Boone. 17
Pepperdine University honored Vin Scully at The Beverly Hilton. 19 •Fashion 8 •Birthdays 20 •Letters to the Editor 31
The Wallis’ Duet Gala Honors Bram Goldsmith; Celebrates Beverly Hills-Israel Partnership By Matt Lopez and Victoria Talbot The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra partnered Tuesday to host the Duet Gala. The Wallis’ Founding Chairman Bram Goldsmith was honored at the event, with attendees Debbie Allen, Mary Hart, Allison Janney, Joshua Malina, George Schlatter and Stacey Snider, among many more.
The black tie evening began with cocktails, followed by a concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The Duet Gala featured a program of Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto For Three Violins and Dvorak’s New World Symphony. The evening was co-chaired by 20th Century Fox Co-Chairman Stacey Snider and acclaimed music producer Gary Jones. (see ‘THE WALLIS’ page 22)
Beverly Hills Elders: Bernard, Judy Briskin – Lifelong Philanthropists
Early Amazon Ratings Are Pointing To Bestsellerdom For The Blue Bloods Cookbook By Bridget Moynahan And Wendy Howard Goldberg Published by St. Martin’s Press
CLASSIFIEDS • Announcements • Real Estate • Rentals • Sales • and More
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By Laura Coleman It was love at first sight for Bernard and Judy Briskin, who met as newly single parents through their school-aged children attending Hawthorne. Like so many people of the day, both purchased homes in the City during their first marriages for the excellent schools and to become part of the tight-knit community. But it was pure serendipity that led them to each other. “We’re so lucky,” said Judy. “There’s not a community that is like Beverly Hills.” The philanthropic Beverly Hills couple, whose five children all went to Beverly Hills schools, recently celebrated 43 years of marriage. Tomorrow the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai will honor
The draft MND was circulated July 31-August 20. The City received many comments. Though the vast majority were in support, some, including those from local synagogues, oppose the dog park. Last year, as mayor, Councilmember Lili Bosse made a dog park a top priority. Following up on years of (see ‘DOG PARK’ page 22)
Planning Commission: L’Ermitage Renovation Needs More Work
Part 59 in a series on Beverly Hills residents who have grown with the Centennial City
George Christy, Page 6
November 13, 2015
City Council To Consider Final MND For Dog Park On Nov. 17
THIS ISSUE
Beverly Vista students donated 4,150 books to a local L.A. school 5
SINCE 1965
Bernard & Judy Briskin
them at its annual gala. Through their family foundation, they support an array of programs and institutions that emphasize health, medical treatments and cures, and education; and their involvement with Cedars-Sinai is legendary. “It all started with my parents,” (see ‘BRISKINS’ page 18)
By Victoria Talbot On Thursday, the Planning Commission recommended changes to a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for plans to renovate the L'Ermitage Hotel. The renovation includes modifications to the rooftop venue that involves noise and increased usage weekends and evenings. Some residents nearby have expressed concern.
The hotel is a multi-family residential zone, with condominium buildings on either side of the building. The renovation project involves several modifications that will include the addition of an external elevator from the street to the rooftop, moving the existing seating area without increasing seating, upgrading the mechanical equipment (see ‘L’ERMITAGE’ page 22)
Beverly Hills Musicians Weil, Mann Honored By Women’s Guild Gala By Laura Coleman For over half a century, Beverly Hills residents Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann have opened hearts with their lyrics and tunes. You've Lost That Loving' Feeling sung by The Righteous Brothers, which in 2000 BMI named the most performed song of the twentieth century, is just one of over 500 songs they created in tandem with their love. The Grammy-winning duo, who count 54 years of marriage, will be honored with
Celebrity Photo Agency/Scott Downie
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Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
the Music Icon Award at tomorrow night’s Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai Gala at the (see ‘WOMEN’S GUILD’ page 16)
RIDIN’ HIGH — Cote de Pablo, Juliette Binoche, along with Antonio Banderas and Nicole Kimpel stroll the Red Carpet during the AFI FEST 2015, Presented By Audi for the Centerpiece gala premiere of The 33 at The TCL Chinese Theatre For more photos, see George Christy’s column on page 6.