Dr. Nazarian promises public safety, economic development and improved quality of life.

Q: Why are you running for council?
A: I am running for Beverly Hills City Council because I have dedicated my career to public service and I have a deep commitment to giving back to the community that has given me so many opportunities. I am a proud immigrant, active in the community and a philanthropic advocate. I am a 30-year Beverly Hills resident with strong community ties and currently a Beverly Hills Public Works Commissioner and LA County Commissioner for Alcohol and Other Drugs. I have been actively involved in Beverly Hills for decades. I am a public servant, and our community means everything to me. I love living here with my family, and over the last few months, I realize that we need some fresh and innovative thinking. It is time to bring new energy and ideas to the city council, and together we can do this so our community has more of a voice.

Q: What are the most pressing issues facing Beverly Hills?
A: The three most pressing issues are public safety and security, our small businesses and making it easier to start a business in Beverly Hills, and quality of life issues facing our families and residents. As a Beverly Hills City Councilmember:

  1. I will work to increase trust in public safety, facilitate humane ways to address the homeless issue, and have a strong police presence, especially at the new metro stations.
  2. I will prioritize local culture to guide strategic economic development, expediting permits for our local businesses and residents.
  3. I will help improve Beverly Hills’ quality of life with young professional housing, sustainability, technological advancement, and improved infrastructure.

Q: What kind of governmental experience do you have?
A: After completing my doctorate in Clinical Psychology, I wanted to work in our great city and give back. I have over 20 years of experience in Public Service. Currently, I am a Beverly Hills Public Works Commissioner as well as a Los Angeles County Commissioner for Alcohol and Other Drugs. In the past I served as the Chair for the Human Relations Commission for the City of Beverly Hills for over 6 years, and I am also on the Beverly Hills Police Chief’s Advisory Board.

As a member of the Beverly Hills Public Works Commission, I am focusing on sustainability and key city services. I helped spearhead the Disposable Foodware Accessories Ordinance, which the City Council approved unanimously in October 2021. By asking consumers to request disposable foodware accessories (plastic cutlery, paper goods, and condiments), the goal is to create a culture to reduce first, before having to reuse or recycle. Another initiative I support is RethinkBHTap, which not only promotes the city’s high quality drinking water, but also helps reduce the use of plastic bottles. I was recently appointed to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Community Task Force.

I am Co-Chair of the Beverly Hills Sister Cities Association and participated in almost every single Beverly Hills homeless count since its inception. As a current Member and Past Chair of the Los Angeles Commission for Alcohol and Other Drugs, I helped re-draft the mission statement and restructured the Commission and its long-term goals.
While serving as Past Chair and Member of the Beverly Hills Human Relations Commission, I launched the Civility Statement that is read at the beginning of all thirteen Beverly Hills City Commissions, started the first cultural roundtable to bring unity to various faith based organizations in the community, and supported the anti-bullying campaign.

In addition, I have also served in numerous leadership positions in Beverly Hills clubs, organizations and non-profits. I am the immediate past President of the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills, Member of the Beverly Hills Police Chief’s Advisory Board, former Board Member of the Maple Counseling Center, former National Vice President of Friends of Israeli Disabled Veterans, past Board Member of Sinai Temple, Treasurer for the Beverly Hills Residents Association, past member of the Beverly Hills Women’s Club, Team Beverly Hills and CERT alumni, and member of several Committees for the Jewish Federation of LA including Chairing the last Pritzker event.

Why should people vote for you?
I will bring a new and needed perspective to the Beverly Hills City Council. I am innovative, creative, think outside the box and work to build consensus on behalf of the community. I will invest into long term transformative change that will aim to modernize the city’s existing systems while also preserving the culture that makes Beverly Hills the most well known and iconic City. My goal is to ensure a safe and vibrant Beverly Hills that will be even more attractive for future generations to come. My current and past work and life experiences have prepared me to be an effective City Council member. I will build a solid coalition, run an effective grassroots campaign and focus on the issues important to residents. I have lived in Beverly Hills for over three decades and have generational roots in the community. My community involvement, life experiences, and background have prepared me to be an effective City Councilmember.

Q: What experience as a mother will you bring to the table?
A: To me, motherhood is one of the most rewarding privileges in the world that I will always cherish. When my children were growing up, my family was always a priority for me. We always tried to show the balance and importance of supporting your community while caring for your family. This has been an integral part of our family dynamics and upbringing. So it was a very proud mommy moment for me when my children were my strongest supporters who encouraged me to run for Beverly Hills City Council.

I am delighted to show my 3 sons how to find balance between home, career, civil service and giving back. Raising 3 rambunctious boys was not always easy. We had to set rules and have consequences, be firm yet compassionate, communicate empathetically and make sure to advocate for them in their times of need. We worked hard to encourage education and growth and often had to think outside of the box to find harmony to help set a forward thinking path. I hope to continue that style of leadership for the city of Beverly Hills.

Dr. Sharona Nazarian is running a grassroots campaign and needs support. You can visit her website at http://www.sharonanazarian.com or follow her on social media for more information @Sharona4BH