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PRE PROM— Makeup artist Marina Gravani applies make-up to Victoria Priano at L’Ermitage Hotel on Burton Way. ARTISTS by Timothy Priano held the pre prom gathering for Victoria Priano and four of her friends last Saturday. All of the girls had a great time, said C E O Ti m o t h y Priano.
ART IN THE GARDEN—Painter Steven Michael O’Connor smiles next to a piece from his “Vibration” series.
Local Art Show Attracts Serious Buyers By The Courier Staff The Beverly Hills gardens were abloom with art last weekend when the City hosted its 38th bi-annual Affaire in the Gardens. Artists from all over came together to give patrons a high quality art show. One artist, painter Steven Michael O’-
Connor said he enjoyed the Affaire in the Gardens because participation is based on a jury selection, which chooses quality art and ultimately brings serious buyers. O’Connor said this was his sixth time participating in (see ‘AFFAIRE,’ page 20)
ENJOYING THE ART—At last weekend’s Affaire in the Gardens Art Show were, from left, Annette Saleh, president of the Beverly Hills Education Foundation; Zale Richard Rubins, architectural commissioner, and Councilwoman Lili Bosse.
Horace Mann To Hold Biennial Olympics By Marla Schevker Horace Mann will be holding its traditional Olympic Day today at 1 p.m. on its athletic field. Starting in 1984, Olympic Day originated as a way to celebrate the Los Angeles Olympics and get students excited about the Olympics and athletics. The Olympics occur once every two years and involves all students, K8. Activities include relay races, scoot-
er races and long jump. It begins with a parade before school where all students walk around the track and culminates in a tug-ofwar competition between the eighth grade students and the faculty. Every participant will receive a ribbon. “I love to promote a K-8 situation,” Horace Mann Principal Steve Kessler said. “Everyone watches everyone. It’s really fun.”
BHEF Holds Annual Summer Programs The Beverly Hills Education Foundation is once again running two summer programs, an enrichment program for students in K-8 and a high school program for credit and college preparation. Both programs run July 5 through August 5. The K-8 program will be held at El Rodeo School and offers academic classes such as kindergarten
round up, first grade magic, language arts, and study skills for academic success. Students may also take creative writing, exploring our oceans, experimenting with science, computer keyboarding, computer applications, math mania, Spanish culture, guitar, arts and crafts, digital photography and (see ‘SUMMER SCHOOL,’ page 23)
‘Click It Or Ticket’ Campaign In Effect By Brenton Garen Buckle up and be safe is the message from the head of the BHPD traffic bureau for this Memorial Day weekend and beyond. From now through June 5, Beverly Hills police are participating in the statewide campaign called ‘Click It or Ticket’ which has officers stepping up enforcement of motorists not wearing
their seatbelts. BHPD Traffic Bureau Commander Lt. Mark Rosen told The Courier there were no targeted enforcement activities in Beverly Hills, but officers would be stepping up their awareness keeping an eye out for anyone breaking the law. “Use of seatbelts is up now in the (see ‘SEATBELT,’ page 23)
BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | MAY 27, 2011 Page 5
Assessed Valuation To Increase 1 Percent By Marla Schevker The BHUSD received a letter from the Los Angeles County Assessors office late last week stating there is a projected 1 percent increase in 2011/2012 assessed valuation. Assessed Valuation, or the value of a property as determined by an assessor, does not determine property taxes directly. However, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Alex Cherniss said there is a direct correlation. “If property is worth more there is an assumption you’ll collect more taxes,” Cherniss said. Even though these are just projected numbers, Cherniss said it was a positive development. There is never a definite number when it comes to property tax
collection. “It’s safe to assume we won’t collect less next year then we did this year,” Cherniss said. Vice President Brian Goldberg said he believed the increase in Assessed Value is a good sign for the entirety of Beverly Hills. “It’s good news for the City, not just the schools,” Goldberg said. “That should help relieve the pressure on the JPA. When we get more property taxes, so does the City.” Cherniss said the assessors office will issue a report to the BHUSD with projected revenue collections in August. This projection, while also not guaranteed, will give the BHUSD an idea of how much they will receive next year.