The Beverly Hills Health and Safety Commission had an informative meeting on October 27th. Key topics included student health, crime rates, and an upcoming evacuation drill.
Student Health Concerns
Rachelle Marcus, President of the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD), and Board Member Russell Stuart addressed health concerns linked to the One Beverly Hills construction project near El Rodeo Elementary. Parents reported issues with dust and dirt from the site. In response, Cain International, the developer, installed air quality detectors on-site. They are monitoring air quality every five minutes and will notify school officials if it exceeds safe levels.
Stuart also mentioned the effectiveness of new vape detectors in schools. While he didn’t share specific statistics, he indicated the findings were significant.
On the tech front, BHUSD recently bought two Apple Vision Pro AI headsets. These devices are helping students in subjects like science and robotics. However, concerns were raised about the impact of AI on brain development. Commissioner Erica Felsenthal noted the lack of research on this topic. Yet, Stuart emphasized the importance of embracing new technology for student learning.
Crime Statistics
Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Lt. Kevin Orth reported on crime statistics from August and September. Most crime categories have decreased compared to previous years. Notably, aggravated assaults and major vehicle thefts increased by 17% and 2%, respectively. So far this year, the city has seen 54 robberies, down from 30 last year. Orth credits the decrease in overall crime to the Real Time Watch Center, which was established in 2022 and uses a range of surveillance technologies.
“Our crime has been steadily decreasing,” he noted. The tools have allowed officers to take proactive measures in the community.
Upcoming Evacuation Drill
Another important discussion focused on a scheduled evacuation drill in the Trousdale neighborhood for homes in high fire risk zones. It will take place on November 9th from 1 PM to 4 PM. Residents are encouraged to create to-go bags and use designated evacuation routes to Will Rogers Park. The drill aims to improve communication between city officials and residents, enhancing community preparedness for potential emergencies.
BHFD Fire Marshall Trevor Richmond highlighted the chaos that can occur during real evacuations, referencing recent wildfires in Los Angeles County. His message emphasized the importance of training: “The only way to prepare for chaos is to train.”
Residents can find evacuation details on the city’s website, including the “6 P’s” for packing: people and pets, prescriptions, papers, pictures, personal computers, and money.
As communities adapt, it’s crucial to stay informed and ready for any emergencies that might arise. Engaging with technology and public safety initiatives not only helps keep residents safe, but it also strengthens community bonds. Increased awareness is essential for everyone’s well-being.
For more about community safety initiatives, you can visit the California Office of Emergency Services.
