Meet Sharona Nazarian, Candidate For Beverly Hills City Council

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Sharona Nazarian is vying to be reelected to the Beverly Hills City Council.

In the June 2 election, voters will choose from a list of 11 candidates running for three council seats. Incumbents Lester Friedman and Nazarian are seeking reelection. The seat currently held by Councilman John Mirisch is open, as Mirisch has reached his term limit.

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Learn more about Nazarian's goals for Beverly Hills:

What is your educational background?

I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from USC and a doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in multicultural psychology. My education has shaped how I lead. I am grounded in listening, problem-solving, and understanding diverse perspectives, which are essential in serving a community as dynamic as Beverly Hills.

What is your professional background?

I am a clinical psychologist and longtime community leader with over 30 years of civic service. Before serving as city councilmember and mayor, I worked in mental health and served on multiple commissions, including as chair of the Beverly Hills Human Relations Commission, Beverly Hills Public Works Commission, and LA County Alcohol and Other Drugs Commission. My background has prepared me to lead with empathy, discipline, and results.

Have you ever held public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes. I currently serve as a Beverly Hills city councilmember and was elected to the City Council in 2022. Previously, I served as a Public Works commissioner, chair of the Human Relations Commission, and chair of the Los Angeles County Alcohol and Other Drugs Commission. I have also served on regional boards focused on public safety, economic development, and regional planning.

What are the top three issues facing Beverly Hills right now?

Public safety remains our top priority. We must continue investing in technology, staffing, and proactive strategies to keep Beverly Hills one of the safest cities in the nation.

Second, state housing mandates and builder’s remedy continue to challenge local control and threaten neighborhood character. We must navigate these pressures responsibly while protecting our community.

Third, planning for the future, especially with the Metro expansion, is critical. We must ensure infrastructure, safety, and quality of life keep pace with regional changes.

At the same time, we must maintain fiscal responsibility and support our local businesses, because a strong economy allows us to fund the services residents rely on every day.

How should Beverly Hills approach state housing mandates while addressing concerns about density, neighborhood character, and infrastructure?

State housing mandates present one of the most complex challenges our city faces. While we must comply with state law, we also have a responsibility to protect the character and quality of life that define Beverly Hills.

My approach is balanced and strategic. We should prioritize thoughtful, well-designed development in appropriate areas, particularly near transit corridors, while maintaining strong design standards and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace.

Local control is critical. Cities like Beverly Hills understand their communities best, and I will continue advocating at the state level for reforms that respect local planning. At the same time, we must remain proactive by keeping our housing plans current and ensuring projects are reviewed rigorously and transparently.

We can meet our obligations while preserving what makes Beverly Hills special: our neighborhoods, our livability, and our sense of community.

What opportunities and challenges do you see with the Metro D Line extension, and how should the city respond?

The Metro D Line is a generational opportunity that must be managed thoughtfully. It will bring mobility and the chance to revitalize the area. We should focus on attracting businesses that serve residents like a local grocery store and everyday neighborhood amenities.

At the same time, the Metro D Line presents real challenges particularly around public safety, traffic, and quality of life. From day one, I have focused on ensuring Beverly Hills is prepared. We have invested in a dedicated Public Safety Center at the station, increased police presence, expanded camera coverage, improved lighting, and strengthened coordination with Metro and regional partners.

Moving forward, we must continue to prioritize safety and cleanliness, support businesses in the surrounding area, and ensure any development near transit is thoughtfully planned and aligned with community standards. We also have wraparound services for the unhoused, ensuring a humane and proactive approach.

Metro should enhance our city, not disrupt it. With proactive planning and strong leadership, we can maximize its benefits while protecting our residents and neighborhoods.

Why are you a better choice than your opponents?

Experience matters and I bring common sense governing for the people. During complex times like today, I have the experienced leadership to help navigate the challenges Beverly Hills faces today, from public safety to state mandates to Metro expansion.

During my time in office, we delivered real results. Crime has declined by nearly 20%, we strengthened partnerships with our police and fire departments, implemented advanced public safety technology, and improved our city’s financial position while maintaining essential services.

But beyond results, I lead with a residents-first approach. I show up, I listen, and I bring people together to solve problems. I understand how local government works, how to advocate effectively at the regional and state level, and how to make thoughtful, informed decisions that protect our community.

This election is about who can lead on day one. Beverly Hills is at a pivotal moment, and it requires steady, experienced leadership that delivers results while planning responsibly for the future. That is exactly what I will continue to do.