Kirk Y. Chang, MD, and Lee Hilborne, MD, MPH, have served as the Chair and Vice Chair from January 2022 to December 2022.

The areas of interest for 2022 included:

• Health and Safety Emergency Preparedness
• COVID-19 Education, Outdoor Siren Warning System Initiative, Smoking Education, Outreach and Cessation, and Mental Health.
• Develop and complete opportunities for the Commission on a variety of health and safety disaster preparedness related topics.
• Continue to support the Health and Safety Awards, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and JUST IN CASE BH programs.

During this time, the Health and Safety Commission accomplished the following:

1. Continued learning about health and safety emergency preparedness related topics, programs, presentations, outreach and education.

January	City Cameras and Surveillance System. An informational presentation on the different ways the Police Department utilizes technology. Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and People with Disabilities. An informational presentation on emergency preparedness for seniors and those with disability and access/functional needs. Tips to add to your Mental Health Tool Kit. An informational discussion on ways to become more resilient during tough times by Health and Safety Commissioner and Clinical Neuropsychologist Erica Felsenthal, PhD.
February	Jewish Family Services’ Beverly Hills Care Management Program. An overview of the Beverly Hills Care Management Program funded by the City’s Community Assistance Grant Fund program - comprehensive client assessments and care plans, home care assistance and home meal delivery, and hoarding programs and various mental health resources. Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and People with Disabilities. An informational presentation on emergency preparedness for seniors and those with disability and access/functional needs. Fire Department’s Nurse Practitioner Program Updates and Highlights. The Use of Drone Technology. An informational presentation on ways the Police Department utilizes drone technology. Beverly Hills City Council Liaison / Health and Safety Commission Liaison Committee Meeting Highlights.
March	Beverly Hills Fire Department International Accreditation. An informational update on the Fire Department’s internationally-accredited agency status. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Program Information and Basic First Aid Tips. A presentation by CPR Administrative Coordinator Les Bronte dedicated to teaching skills that save lives. April – Earthquake Preparedness Month and tips on how to be prepared in the event of an earthquake. Outdoor Warning Siren System. A multi-hazard alerting tool for the City to notify residents in of a potential wildfire.
April	Social Media Safety. Information about navigating safely through social media and mental health impacts of unsafe use. Beverly Hills Fire Department Peer Support Program. Information on Fire Department peer and mental health support.
May	Mandatory Commissioner Training – special meeting.
May	Organic Waste Management Program. Presentation by the City asking residents to include organic material of food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings, and nonhazardous wood waste into green yard bins, and for commercial businesses to subscribe to the City’s collection services in accordance to the California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) that was passed on January 1, 2022. Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction and Home Hardening. Provided information on increasing a home’s survivability to wildfires.
June	WELL Health-Safety Rating. The Health and Safety Commission provided a recommendation to the International Well Building Institute’s (IWBI) WELL Health-Safety Rating’s proposed services.
July	Fire Department’s JUST IN CASE BEVERLY HILLS (JICBH) Program Update. Beat the Heat. Addressed sun safety information, resources, and tips to beat the heat. Fire Department’s Nurse Practitioner Program Updates and Highlights.
August	Outdoor Warning Siren System. A multi-hazard alerting tool for the City to notify residents in of a potential wildfire. Power Outages and Preparedness Tips. A presentation by Southern California Edison on electrical power outages and preparedness. National Preparedness Month. Information on a nationwide campaign held each September on emergency preparedness. Consumer Confidence Report (Water Quality). A presentation on the 2021 Water Quality Report for the City of Beverly Hills. Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Update. A progress summary for the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, including activities completed to date and upcoming steps towards the adoption of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
September	Meeting Cancelled due to Rosh Hashanah.
October	WELL Health-Safety Rating Follow-up Review. The Health and Safety Commission provided a recommendation on the services and proposal related to the International Well Building Institute’s WELL Health-Safety Rating Program. Great Shakeout Drill. An informational presentation on how to DROP, COVER and HOLD and protect ourselves when an earthquake occurs. Programs Operations Specialist, Gabriel Mier, shared a demonstrational video highlighting various aspects of the Fire Department’s CERT program. 2022 Conflict of Interest Code. State Law requires that each local agency review its Conflict of Interest Code every year.
October	Police Department’s Presentation on Halloween Safety and Fentanyl Concerns. Anger Management: Prevention, Coping and Seeking Help. A presentation by Kathleen Kim, Director of the Briskin|Wilder Welcome Center at the Maple Counseling Center. National Pediatric Readiness Program. An informational presentation on the Fire Department’s pre-hospital care new Pediatric Readiness Program.
November	Drought Update. A presentation from the City’s Water Conservation Administrator on current drought conditions and other environmental programs. Enhanced Services for the Unhoused. A presentation from City staff on the City’s efforts and recent Council actions to further assist the unhoused in Beverly Hills. 2023 Health and Safety Commission Meeting Dates. The proposed 2023 meeting dates schedule for the Health and Safety Commission.

2. Every month, Commissioner Erica Felsenthal, PhD, led the Commission in a “Moment of Mindfulness.”

January	An exercise titled Grounding through the Five Senses, also known as Centering.
March	A meditation to balance and shift our awareness to increase a sense of wellbeing.
April	An exercise titled Mindful Rings.
May	A mindfulness exercise called Mindful Breathing as a Pleasant Event.
June	Commissioner Felsenthal spoke on well-being and led the group in a mindful meditation focusing on gratitude.
July	A breath exercise followed by a mindful meditation titled Labeling.
October	A special guided meditation with silent reflection.
November	Commissioner Felsenthal shared a parable and led a guided meditation titled, “Self Embrace.”

3. Vice Chair Hilborne and Commissioner Felsenthal’s involvement in the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) aimed at helping the community come up with measures to reduce the City's greenhouse gas emissions and manage the future effects of climate change.

4. Continued the Health and Safety Recognition Program, honoring individuals, businesses, and groups who have demonstrated leadership in the field of health and safety issues or made a contribution to the mission of the Health and Safety Commission.

February	The Commission will recognize Jason Malone, Executive Director of Sunshine Beverly Hills. Selected by Commissioner Rosenthal.
April	The Commission recognized Licensed Clinical Social Worker Susan Belgrade, Senior Director of Multipurpose and Senior Centers, Jewish Family Services Los Angeles. Selected by Commissioner Erica Felsenthal.
June	The Commission recognized Diane Shader Smith, writer and cystic fibrosis advocate. Selected by Commissioner Cathy Baker.
August	The Commission recognized community leader Shirley Reitman for the Health and Safety Recognition Program. Selected by Vice Chair Hilborne.

5. The Health and Safety Commission presented Employee Excellence Awards to recognize employees who have gone beyond their daily responsibilities to contribute to the City’s health and safety efforts.

January	Chris Ley, Video Production Supervisor, Information Technology Department.
March	Tania Schwartz, Senior Management Analyst, Public Works Department.

6. The Health and Safety Commission continued its pro-health intermission called the “Seventh Inning Stretch” every other month to focus on the need to stay active via a short demonstrational video, which addressed the positive aspects of stretch relief, injury prevention, blood circulation and mind rejuvenation. These intermissions were led via pre-recorded video.

February	Neuro Activated Advanced Meditation (NAAM) yoga instructors Renata Spironello and Alyssa Gaustad
May	Dogpound Gym Certified Personal Trainer Nick Trice
June	NAAM yoga instructors Renata Spironello and Alyssa Gaustad.
September	NAAM yoga instructors Renata Spironello and Alyssa Gaustad.
October	NAAM yoga instructors Renata Spironello and Alyssa Gaustad.

7. Presentation on various topics related to COVID-19, to include testing and cases, and other proactive prevention interventions happening at the schools.

8. Return to school efforts.

9. Staffing activity.

10. The mental health resources that the school district offers to students to encourage mental wellness through the Norman Aid Wellness Center as well as the new building in partnership with Bulldog Aid for Mental Health.

11. An evening event addressing mental health and awareness focused on the social and emotional elements of learning.

12. The Safety and Security Committee’s review of the schools’ safety procedures and plan.

13. Director of School Safety Mark Mead spoke on the topic of emergency management, partnership with private security company NASTEC and social and emotional wellness.

14. Horace Mann Elementary multi-cultural event, Hawthorne High School Harvest Festival, Unity Day.

15. The formation of the District Wellness Committee.

16. Various awards including the Common Sense School Award; and Michelle Stradford was one of sixteen teachers selected for Teacher of the Year in the Los Angeles County.

17. School programs like ‘Dude Be Nice’, the Grandparents Permit, Community Spotlight, Bulldog Aid for Mental Health, Beverly Hills Education Foundation, Not Today Cancer 5K, and participation in the Great Shakeout Drill.

18. The award of six gold medals at the California Interscholastic Federation 2022 Swimming & Diving Championships.

19. The BHUSD strategic plan.

20. The BHUSD’s Community Pledge and Civility Bylaw.

21. Active Shooter training and Fire and lockdown drills.

22. Fentanyl drug and counseling services.

 

The Beverly Hills Police Department provided monthly updates on the following topics:

23. Events and safety information.

24. Newly appointed Chief of Police Mark Stainbrook made a formal introduction to the Commission.

25. The assignment of the Community Relations position to Sergeant Jesse Perez.

26. Police Officer recruitment, staffing, and training.

27. Community outreach events like Guac with a Cop, Coffee with a Cop, Black and White Gala, and National Night Out.

28. The Department’s participation in a joint press conference with federal partners and the Anti-Defamation League advocating standing united against hate and committing resources to fight against it.

29. Updates regarding Police Department activities including the recent metrics, commercial and residential burglaries, and thefts from motor vehicles.

30. Increased private armed security companies assisting the Police Department patrol the City.

31. The launch of the Citizens Academy program.

32. The launch of the Mental Health Evaluation Team (MHET) who will respond to mental health related calls and provides on-scene assessment.

33. The launch of the Real-Time Watch Center.

34. The Police Department’s Mental Health Evaluation Team with two clinicians for anyone who may be in need.

35. Program updates for Just in Case, BH, the Police Department Explorer, and the Neighborhood Watch Programs, Home Hardening, 2022 Junior Police Camp, and participation with Team BH.

36. Police activities, enforcement and major incidents like DUI/driver license checkpoint, smash and grabs, armed robbery.

37. Safety tips and crime prevention.

38. Safety mitigation measures for the Halloween holiday.

 

The Beverly Hills Fire Department provided monthly updates on the following topics and programs:

39. General operations regarding fire inspections.

40. Firefighter recruitment, staffing, and training.

41. Community Risk Reduction operations, community outreach, and activities.

42. Stop the Bleed, Business Emergency Response Team (BERT), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Employee Emergency Response Team (EERT) training, including monthly newsletters.

43. The Nurse Practitioner and the JUST IN CASE BH programs.

44. Community outreach events like Community Preparedness Day, the return of Fire Service Day, and the first-ever Girls’ Empowerment Camp.

45. Fire Department responses, call volumes, and incidents metrics.

46. Large and major incidents like traffic accidents with extrication, cooking fires, brush fires, and structure fires.

47. Red flag activations.

48. Information on various Strike Team deployments to the Laguna Niguel Fire and the Paxton Fire. Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) at the Oak Fire in Mariposa County, Yeti Complex Fire in San Mateo County, and the Mosquito Fire in El Dorado County, and provided resources to assist in firefighting efforts in the Pacoima area of the San Fernando Valley.

49. The completion of the 2021 Annual Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency Advanced Life Support Audit.

50. Newly-appointed Deputy Fire Chief Alfred Poirier made a formal introduction to the Commission.

51. The Fire Department’s new Type VI Cal OES fire engine that went into circulation in April 2022 to assist the State of California in suppressing wildfires.

52. Presentation on the topic of Mutual Aid responses.

53. Fire Chief Officers’ participation in a Multi-Agency Command Training (which covered wildfire and active shooter simulations).

 

COVID-19:

54. Staff regularly kept the Commission updated with COVID-19 statistics in both Beverly Hills and Los Angeles County.

55. Masking mandates, traveling, therapeutics, and testing.

56. Information on local, state, and nationwide COVID-19 statistics, the City’s continued response, testing and vaccines, resources for residents, and the current health order.

57. Presentations discussing Emergency Use Authorization regarding COVID-19 vaccines, planning, contact tracing and how to receive vaccines and booster shots.

58. Received important information on the upcoming flu season and how to prepare with vaccines, as well as how it is affected by COVID-19.

59. Staff spoke on virus variants, post complications, and isolation requirements.

60. Provided an overview on Monkeypox.

 

Smoking and Tobacco Quarterly Reports:

61. Smoking and Tobacco Informational Report: 2021 Year in Review.

62. Code Enforcement and Ambassador efforts, and the associated hardship exemption applications from retailers in regards to the City’s ordinance.

63. No-smoking/vaping banners in the City.

64. Cedars-Sinai Smoking Cessation program.

65. Shared quarterly statistics related to smoking, vaping, complaints and investigations, as well as information about tobacco retail enforcement for 2022.

 

Active Transportation Programs Update:

The Transportation Department provided quarterly updates on the following topics related to mobility:

66. The Roxbury Protected Bike Lane Pilot Project

67. Connect Beverly Hills

68. Slow Streets

69. Minimum Grid Bikeway Network

70. Self-propelled, human-powered mode of transportation (walking and bicycling)

71. Announced the installation of the Real-Time Bike Counts Display on North Santa Monica Boulevard near Rodeo Drive.

72. The feasibility study for a Bike Boulevard on Clifton Way and Le Doux Road.

 

Other Health and Safety Related Topics:

73. Conducted Commission business including approving the 2023 Health and Safety Commission meeting dates, and adopting the resolution of the Health and Safety Commission of the City of Beverly Hills continuing to authorize public meetings to be held via teleconferencing, pursuant to government code section 54953(e), including making findings and determinations to streamline meetings.

74. Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Programs Manager, Josette Descalzo, presented to the Commission on the Public Works Department’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) and discussed a City-wide plan to become carbon neutral by 2045; supporting the goals of the State of California for carbon neutrality. Staff solicited for two members of the Health and Safety Commission to participate on the established Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to look into the details of CAAP. Health and Safety Commissioners Lee Hilborne and Erica Felsenthal volunteered for the positions.

75. Presentation from the City’s Public Works Department regarding the annual Water Quality Report.

76. Adopted the 2022 Conflict of Interest Code.

77. Heard presentations from the City’s Conservation Manager on water conservation and drought.

 

Attendance and Events:

78. In-process scheduling of a Health and Safety Commission Liaison Committee meeting in January to review the 2022 accomplishments and approve the 2023 Health and Safety work plan.

79. Earth Day at the Farmer’s Market.

80. Business with Bosse initiative.

81. 2022 Arbor Day.

82. Commissioner training in May.

83. Movie Night at Roxbury Park in regards to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

84. National Mosquito Control Awareness Week.

85. Participated in the Great Shakeout on October 20, 2022, a nationwide earthquake drill.

86. Reminded the community that September is National Preparedness Month.

87. Chair Chang attended the monthly Mayor’s Cabinet Meetings to report on Commission updates.

88. No Commissioner recusals and only one absence.

 

Supplemental Information included in packets:

• Home Heating Fires
• The Truth About “72 Hours”
• Beverly Hills Fire Department - Exit Drills In The Home (E-D-I-T-H)
• Mapping Out Your Escape Plan (Single-Family and Multi-Family Structures)
• Family Emergency Preparedness Kit Check-List
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter January 22, 2022
• Ready! Set! Go! Your Personal Wildfire Action Plan (COBH FD)
• Older Adults and Depression (National Institute of Mental Health)
• Hoarding Fact Sheet (International OCD Foundation)
• Protecting Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter February 26, 2022
• Earthquake Safety Checklist (Red Cross)
• Family Disaster Plan Template (Red Cross)
• Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents after Disasters (PFA)
• Parent Tips for Helping Infants and Toddlers after Disasters (PFA)
• Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after an Earthquake (NCTSN)
• Tips to Survivors: Coping with Grief after a Disaster or Traumatic Event (SAMHSA)
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter March 28, 2022
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (NIH)
• Stand up to Stress – Coloring & Activity Book (for Kids Ages 8-12)
• Age Related Reactions to Traumatic Events (NCTSN)
• JUST IN CASE BH Program Community Outreach Flier
• JUST IN CASE BH Program Roles & Responsibilities
• Be Aware, Be Prepared, Take Action – A Guide for Alerts and Warnings
• City of Beverly Hills Arbor Day April 29, 2022
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter April 2022
• Benefits of Mindfulness (Help Guide)
• Be Red Cross Ready – Fire Prevention & Safety Checklist
• Taking Care of Your Emotional Health (CDC)
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter May 2022
• Climate Action Movie Night at Roxbury Park
• Beverly Hills Fire Department Presents: Preventable Heat Related Illness
• City of Beverly Hills Fire Department Fireworks Awareness
• I’m So Stressed Out! from the National Institute of Mental Health
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (National Institute of Mental Health)
• Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness (National Institute of Mental Health)
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter June 2022
• Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain from the National Institute of Mental Health
• Caring for Your Lawn Water Conservation Tips
• American Red Cross – Children and Home Fires
• Prepare with Pedro – Disaster Preparedness Activity Book
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter July-August 2022
• A Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan 2020-2025
• Warning Signs of Suicide
• Frequently Asked Questions About Suicide
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter September 2022
• After the Earthquake: Helping Young Children Heal (NCTSN)
• Do’s and Don’ts Fire Escape in Home & Home Fire Escape Plan (BHFD)
• Home Safety Tips for Kids (NFPA)
• Cooking Safety in the Kitchen (NFPA) Cooking Safety in the Kitchen (NFPA)
• Beverly Hills Girls’ Empowerment Camp 2022
• JUST IN CASE BH – Stay Connected, Informed, Prepared for an Emergency
• Teen Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) 2022
• Beverly Hills Fire Department Presents: Halloween Safety
• Halloween Safety Tips: Costumes, Candy, and Colored Contact Lenses
• 10 Tips to Boost your Mental Health
• 8 Things to Know About Mind and Body Approaches for Health Problems Facing Military Personnel and Veterans
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter October 2022
• Beverly Hills Fire Department Presents Do’s and Don’ts for Fire Escape In a Home
• Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms
• Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents
• COVID-19 Information

These accomplishments will be provided to the City Council Liaisons during the Health and Safety Commission Liaison meeting to occur in 2023. 

The following continues to be the goals of the Commission:

• To Create a “Community Culture of Awareness and Preparedness.”
• To Encourage Good Decision Making and Battle Complacency on Health and Safety Matters.
• To Serve as Ambassadors to the Community on Health and Safety-related Resources and Information.