Team Beverly Hills Class of 2011 Graduates

March 1 marked the graduation of the 16th class of Team Beverly Hills, the city program that strives to educate residents about local government representatives, departments and programs, as well as community associations and current community issues.

Earlier I wrote about the group's visit to the . We also toured the backstage areas of the , , water treatment plant and Human Services Department. We were told about our parks and allowed to tour during "Maison de Luxe," seeing it furnished by some of the most exciting decorators in the country. We met representatives of every commission in the city, learned what they do and even took part in a mock Planning Commission meeting. We looked at rescue equipment, participated in ride-alongs with the police and had a chance to pilot a bucket-loader (imagine those hauling machines at construction sites).  

Some of us even went up in a "cherry-picker," which is used to service the street lights. (Not I, however. Averse to heights, I restrict vertical movement to planes, scenic elevators and trips to , and prefer that a cocktail await my arrival at the top.)

In short, we did it all and had an excellent time doing it. We also learned a great deal about what goes on behind the scenes and how much work goes into keeping our little city working as well as it does.

Graduation was bittersweet. It all seemed to go by so quickly since we had such a great group of people. I now have new friends to say "Hello" to when I see them out and about.

I do have to post some public thanks, first to Team Beverly Hills Chair Lawrence Kohn, who created the program and was a tireless, cheerful host. To city liaison Gisele Grable, who kept things running with a smiling face that was always there to greet us. To city employee Genevieve Row, who provided able assistance and who we were proud to see awarded a well-deserved diploma as a graduate of the program in recognition of all her hard work. We couldn't be more thrilled that she was in our class.

I must also note the city staff who stayed late and took the time to educate, inform and (with that cherry-picker) terrify us. Kudos and thanks to you all!

Lastly, a sincere thanks to the City Council for supporting the program, with special appreciation to Mayor Barry Brucker, who attended every meeting and was his usual warm and affable self. A graduate of the first year of Team Beverly Hills, he always reminded us that there are further opportunities for residents to get involved in our city, even inviting us to consider that one of us might one day be sitting in his chair welcoming a new class of Team Beverly Hills members. 

Applications for the 2012 class of Team Beverly Hills will be out in May. Click here for more information. I sincerely urge residents to apply for this exciting and informative program. You'll get to see parts of the city that will fascinate and astonish you. I'm grateful I was afforded the opportunity to participate and hope residents will take advantage of the program.

How many chances do we get to meet the mayor AND drive a bucket-loader?