Maybe it would be a good idea to install gates sufficient to limit entry onto the buses or into the subway stations only to folks who have actually paid the appropriate fare. This might eliminate or at least reduce the threats to a comfortable environment caused by non-paying persons with drug addictions, serious mental illness and/or without housing. These individuals are simply looking for a place to be rather than to go from one place to another. Last I checked, that is the purpose of public transportation.

And it might increase ridership by folks who are willing and able to pay the fare and, eventually, attract those who correctly perceive that public transit can be faster and less expensive and not only those for whom use of public transit is an option of last resort.

***

I cannot be the only person who believes that our City Council meetings include much too much time on ceremonial matters that can be of interest only to the persons directly involved.

Particularly time-consuming is the practice of having all councilmembers leave the dias for a photo opportunity for the person or persons being recognized. And sometimes they return to the dias only to come back to the floor and do it again.

Is this really necessary? I will answer my own question: of course not. There must be a better way. Perhaps a special session that will include all persons being honored each quarter. Or something different.

PS – the repetitive photo ops are offensive.

***

On Saturday May 18, a partly cloudy pleasant day, I had the privilege of visiting three local parks, Roxbury and Coldwater in Beverly HIlls and neighboring Pan Pacific Park. All were filled with children, parents, birthday parties, dogs running free after balls, kids’ baseball, soccer and flag football games and people simply enjoying being outside and together in the beautiful urban westside of Los Angeles. Of course there were the ubiquitous pickleball crowds.

I also walked through the wonderful iconic Farmers Market and its not so iconic but equally terrific Grove shopping center. A bit later I visited the fabulous Century City Mall. Notably all were filled with people who mirrored the diversity of Southern California playing and living together with apparent harmony.

I reflected on the fact that I cannot think of another city that has this combination of urban riches in such close proximity. I should perhaps leave it at that but it also made me think of tired La Cienega Park and the dormant plans for a makeover. I will look into this to see what, if anything, can be revived and when.

***

Also on May 18, long-time Beverly Hills resident Gary Greene was awarded the UCLA Alumni Association Award for outstanding work in community service at a ceremony at the Luskin Center. Of special importance to me, Gary is the brother of my good friend and former Planning Commissioner Lori Greene Gordon who, for better or worse, is responsible for my appointment to the Beverly Hills Planning Commission.

Gary is the organizer and conductor of the LA Lawyers Philharmonic Orchestra, Legal Voices and Gary S. Greene and the Big Band of Barristers. On June 22, Gary will be conducting the LA Lawyers Philharmonic 15th Anniversary concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Beverly Hills lawyers Michael Maguire and Bruce Altschuler will be among the performing singers. Importantly, all of Gary’s work with these outstanding organizations is done pro bono to raise funds for legal services to those who cannot afford them and other charitable organizations.

Tickets for the June 22 concert are available through www.LALawyersPhil.org.

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On June 11, the Annual Backdraft Ball supporting the Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association will be held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Longtime resident Jeanne S. Marks will be honored. This is always a great event for one of our most important institutions. You should consider attending or at least supporting the Association.