Commentary: The Softer Side of Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Patch accepts and publishes emails to the editor regarding any relevant local issue. The views expressed in the following commentary do not reflect the opinion of the publication, its editor and/or its writers. Emails may be edited for length and clarity. Have an opinion? Write to the site editor at mariec@patch.com.

Commentary submitted by Beverly Hills resident Jennifer Brugger.

We all tend to focus on the negative and what’s not being done to change things for the better: the potholes in the road, the trash in the streets, etc. The list goes on and on. While I have been guilty of this to a point, I do also take the time to—as the old saying goes—stop and smell the roses.

Let’s face it. Beverly Hills is one of the most desirable places in the world to not only visit but to live. It has a quiet, serene, suburban small-town feel, high-rises that bounce the sun in the afternoon, and one of the best selections of restaurants and shopping in the world.

Not only that, but we seem to hover in mid-seventy degree weather for most of the year. When The Valley is stifling hot and the beach is overcast, Beverly Hills gives us that happy median temperature where nothing more than light layers of clothing is needed for most of the year.

If the in Beverly Hills isn’t a 10 it should be. I have a car, but if I didn’t, I could walk to eat, shop, bank, get groceries, do dry cleaning, work, see my dentist, my optometrist, my son’s pediatrician, my gyno and my dermatologist. I could go to the pet store, the groomer’s, the bakery, the post office or even get pampered with a fancy hairdo, pedicure or massage. What else? A game of tennis, lawn bowling or a day of leisure at the park.

For a city with a population that rises to three times its usual amount during business hours, I would have to say it’s pretty friendly. People still wave when you let them into a long line of cars and they stop before the intersection to let folks get through. When we walk our pets on the streets we say "Hi," and some people even stop and chat.

Shoot, we have silver fire hydrants and palm tree-lined streets, meticulous gardening, water fountains, large statues and works of art that grace our corners. History, happiness and the American Dream emanate from our streets spreading hope to homes across the nation that somewhere out there, there is a city where the sidewalk shimmers and Segway tours exist to show them dreams have happened here, and that they can and do come true.

Jennifer Brugger
Beverly Hills Resident 

Be sure to follow Beverly Hills Patch on Twitter and "Like" us on Facebook.