The Perception of Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is not just a place, it is also a state of mind.

Why is it accorded such special status?

Of course, for decades, movie stars have made it their home. Others of great wealth have have too. However 60% of its residents are renters.

Geographically, Beverly Hills is a five square mile island, surrounded largely by West Los Angeles and partially by West Hollywood, on the east. It's become a noted international dateline, too. 

A press conference, held in Beverly Hills, may be given greater credibility than if it is held elsewhere in the area. When traveling abroad, a resident of Beverly Hills may be given the benefit of the doubt. 

A few years ago, when the Paris Metro was being bombed and mailboxes and trash receptacles were sealed to prevent further terrorist bombs from going off, security was particularly tight at France's airports. But presenting a security guard with a business card, from the City of Beverly Hills, resulted in at least one passenger being waved through without even being electronically frisked. Others were thoroughly patted down.

So, what is responsible for the mythological status conferred upon a city of no more than 36,000 residents? The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, working hand in glove with the city council, can take a great deal of credit, or blame, for this.

With millions of local taxdollars, professional public relations and advertising firms are hired to promote the city, worldwide.
Many residents feel that the focus on bringing in ever more tourists to the city, has been done at the expense of the community's residential quality of life.

It may be that the goose responsible for Beverly Hills' golden business triangle is being severely maimed, if not killed off.  This is being accomplished by permitting too much density, resulting in near-complete traffic strangulation.  The goose, of golden egg fame, could have been the official bird of Beverly Hills, But, we now believe the (construction) crane to be a better selection for designation as the Municipal Bird of Beverly Hills.

"The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes," according to Marcel Proust. 
Through www.BeverlyHillsCitizen.org we hope to show you other views of Beverly Hills.