Embrace Civility Award

The Embrace Civility Award recognizes people in our community who
exemplify one or more of the following attributes:
• Acts as a role model of positive civic behavior
• Takes a stand in support of respect and responsible actions
• Promotes positive neighbor to neighbor relations

2018 Embrace Civility Award - Rose Norton and the Redston Family

On October 16, 2018, the Human Relations Commission and the City Council honored two Embrace Civility Award recipients. Rose Norton and the Redston Family were honored for their civic involvement and the positive impact that they've had on their community.

2017 Embrace Civility Award - Ida Nalbandian and Karen Setian

On October 17, the Human Relations Commission and the City Council honored Ida Nalbandian and Karen Setian for the Embrace Civility Award and their work in raising awareness of distracted and drunk driving with the Every Fifteen Minutes program and the Vahagn Setian Charitable Foundation. Congratulations to Ida and Karen for being model citizens.

2016 Embrace Civility Award - Asher Waxman

Embrace Civility Award 2016

Asher is pictured in the first row, third from the right, holding the proclamation, jointed by the City Council, the Human Relations Commission, family and friends.

On December 6, 2016, the Human Relations Commission and the City Council honored Asher Waxman as the recipient of the Fifth Annual Embrace Civility Award. For the past 34 years, Asher has been a dedicated employee of the Beverly Hills Public Library, working with their Homebound Services Program. Through the Homebound Services Program, Asher visits residents in their homes, and curates biweekly packages of books, movies and television shows for those residents who are unable to visit the Library due to a disability or illness.

2015 Embrace Civility Award - Presented to Rita and Charlie (Of Blessed Memory) Brucker

2015 Embrace Civility Award Honoree Council Chambers

Rita is pictured first row, fifth from the left and joined by City Council, Human Relations Commission, family and friends.

On October 6, 2015, Rita Brucker, surrounded by family and friends, was honored by City Council and the Human Relations Commission as the recipient of the 2015 Embrace Civility Award. Rita and Charlie were selected by the HRC for their exemplary work in serving others and helping make the world and their community a better place. Together and as individuals, and always without fanfare or any personal accolades, Rita and the late Charlie Brucker have given a lifetime of unconditional dedication and volunteer service to help others. Read more about their work here.

2014 Embrace Civility Award - 400 South Camden Drive Block Party Organizers: Allissa Roston, Janet Roston, Cindy Trangsrud and Karyn Newman

On December 9, 2014 Allissa Roston, Janet Roston, Cindy Trangsrud and Karyn Newman were selected by the Human Relations Commission as role models of positive civic behavior and honored for their efforts in promoting neighbor-to-neighbor relations. For the last 11 years, these individuals have organized a community block party and rallied support from 31 households in the 400 South Camden Drive area. Through games, food and interactive activities the annual tradition has bridged generation gaps, created a caring community and built an atmosphere of respect between neighbors.

Pictured: (Top) Commissioner Friedman, Commissioner Berman, Janet Roston, Cindy Trangsrud, Allissa Roston, Chair Ginsburg, Vice Chair Blumenfeld, Commissioner Popovich Levyn and Honoree Karyn Newman.

(Bottom) Residents of the 400 South Camden Drive block join the City Council and Human Relations Commission in recognizing the Embrace Civility Award Winners.

2013 Embrace Civility Award - Raymond Flade

On October 15, 2013, the Human Relations Commission awarded their annual Embrace Civility award to Beverly Hills resident Raymond Flade. Mr. Flade received a proclamation from the City Council recognizing his contribution to civility in Beverly Hills by promoting positive human relations in all aspects of community life and exemplifying the following attributes: acts as a role model of positive civic behavior; takes a stand in support of respect and responsible actions; and promotes neighbor to neighbor relations.

(Pictured: Commissioner Sharona Nazarian, Commission Chair Rochelle Ginsburg, Melanie Bellamo of BH Small Animal Hospital, Donna Flade, Raymond Flade, Mayor John Mirisch, Vice Mayor Lili Bosse, Dr. John B. Winters of BH Small Animal Hospital, Commissioner Ilona Sherman, Christopher Biehl, Commissioner Barbara Linder and Flade grandson, Ryan Biehl)

2012 Embrace Civility Award - Ronald Boze

On June 19, 2012, the Human Relations Commission awarded their inaugural Embrace Civility award to Beverly Hills resident Ronald Boze. Mr. Boze received a proclamation from the City Council recognizing his contribution to civility in Beverly Hills by promoting positive human relations in all aspects of community life and exemplifying the following attributes: acts as a role model of positive civic behavior; takes a stand in support of respect and responsible actions; and promotes neighbor to neighbor relations.

(Pictured: Human Relations Commission Chair Ilona Sherman, commissioners Barbara Linder, Yar Meshkaty and Tom Pease, Mr. Boze, his nominator George Hadley-Garcia, commissioners Dr. Sharona R. Nazarian and Vice Chair Rochelle Ginsburg)

See below to learn more about the Human Relations Commission's Embrace Civility Initiatives