News Summary
The Beverly Hills City Council held a meeting to review proposed signage regulations allowing portable and blade signage in commercial zones. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, the ordinance will enhance visibility for local businesses. Legal concerns regarding content regulation were noted, and the council opted to table the discussion for further review. Additionally, pedestrian safety improvements and cultural events were also addressed.
Beverly Hills, CA – The Beverly Hills City Council convened on May 20 for a Regular Meeting to discuss the potential permanent adoption of rules allowing portable and blade signage in commercial zones. The proposed changes come as the city transitions out of COVID-19 restrictions, which temporarily eased sign regulations to support local businesses during the pandemic.
The City Council considered a draft ordinance that would permit the display of portable signs in front of various businesses, including restaurants, retail shops, exercise centers, and private training facilities. Currently, businesses are allowed one additional sign along with their existing signage. These portable signs typically take the form of freestanding, movable A-frame structures positioned on sidewalks.
In addition to portable signs, the draft ordinance aims to expand the use of blade signs—projections from buildings above the sidewalk—beyond their current allowance in just one commercial zone. The proposal would facilitate their use on South Beverly Drive, Robertson Boulevard, and South Santa Monica Boulevard to further enhance visual marketing for local businesses.
City Attorney Laurence Wiener clarified that the city lacks the legal basis to regulate the content displayed on these signs under First Amendment protections. As the council discussed the potential implications of signage regulation, Councilmember Mary Wells suggested limiting sign content to store logos to boost visibility. However, Wiener indicated that implementing such restrictions might not be legally permissible. Vice Mayor John Mirisch raised concerns about the potential use of signs for political messaging, expressing hesitance to support the ordinance without content regulations in place.
Ultimately, the council decided to table the discussion to conduct further review of a confidential memo regarding content regulation before moving forward with any legislation.
In separate agenda items, the City Council voted to award a contract to E & M Constructors, Inc. for pedestrian crossing improvements at Lomitas Avenue, Cañon Drive, and Beverly Drive. These enhancements will include curb ramps and crosswalks, designed to improve safety for pedestrians. Councilmember Wells advocated for the future construction of a roundabout at the intersection to further ensure the safety of both pedestrians and cyclists; city staff confirmed that the planned upgrades would not hinder future roundabout construction.
During the meeting, the council also reviewed staffing conditions within the city’s workforce. Reports indicated a vacancy rate of approximately 10.9%, revealing 91 open positions out of 834. Additionally, the council acknowledged the service of two retiring commissioners: Myra Lurie from the Recreation and Parks Commission and Mark Schwartz from the Community Charitable Foundation.
In cultural news, council members discussed the upcoming “Great Elephant Migration” art exhibition scheduled for July 2025 at Beverly Gardens Park. This exhibition, organized by Elephant Family USA, will feature life-sized elephant sculptures and aims to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife. The costs related to the exhibition, covering transportation and security, will be managed by the organizing body, emphasizing their commitment to the project.
Furthermore, the Director of Finance introduced a proposal for a Community Facilities District (CFD) to help finance public improvements associated with the One Beverly Hills project. This CFD would involve special taxes to support infrastructure enhancements in local neighborhoods.
Community concerns were voiced regarding road maintenance disparities between residents of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills as highlighted in a viral TikTok video. Residents on the Los Angeles side of Whitworth Drive reported dissatisfaction with road conditions, prompting the city of Beverly Hills to reaffirm its dedication to maintaining its streets. The city of Los Angeles acknowledged the issue and expressed a desire for collaborative solutions.
Lastly, Beverly Hills High School principal Drew Stewart announced his decision to resign at the end of the school year, taking a position closer to home in Lawndale.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: City Council Discusses Signage
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- Beverly Hills Courier: Great Elephant Migration Art Exhibition
- Google Search: Great Elephant Migration Art Exhibition
- NBC Los Angeles: Concrete Divide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Design
- Beverly Hills Courier: Principal Drew Stewart Leaving BHHS
- Google News: Drew Stewart Resignation
- Beverly Hills Courier: Mayor’s Talk on Fire Prevention
- Google Scholar: Fire Prevention Strategies
