The beginning of this week marked the start of election season in Beverly Hills, as four of the five candidates for the two City Council seats up for election on March 3 held events to rally support and educate voters on their platforms.

On Sunday, Jan. 5, one challenger, Planning Commissioner Lori Greene Gordon, and the incumbents, Councilwoman Lili Bosse and Councilman Julian Gold, gathered supporters and spoke about their goals and qualifications.

Lori Greene Gordon (photo courtesy of Lori Greene Gordon)

Gordon said she was pleased that approximately 300 people attended her event at the Bedford Drive home of supporters, where she took questions in addition to giving a speech. Gordon added that she was happy to have in-person support from local leaders like Mayor John Mirisch and Beverly Hills Board of Education Member Mel Spitz.

Gordon, who earned a Master of Business Administration degree from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and has owned and managed GTL/KG Properties for nearly 40 years, thinks she brings a different perspective to Beverly Hills’ first City Council elections since 2011.

“After nine years, it’s time we change the dynamic. I’m the only viable candidate that’s doing so. I’m really thrilled to be able to be in this position where I can make some positive change,” Gordon said.

To win the election, Gordon said she’ll have to stay active in order to raise awareness of her campaign and compete against the incumbents.

“I’m excited to have coffee and things scheduled, forums. Not only do I enjoy doing it, but it’s necessary to do it to spread my message. I’m not as well-known as the incumbents, and in this arena, it’s important to double down and get to know people,” Gordon said.

Dr. Julian Gold (photo courtesy of Dr. Julian Gold)

Gold estimated that more than 350 residents attended his event on Canon Drive.

“We are very lucky to have such a large group of supporters who are enthusiastic about my plans for the future of Beverly Hills,” Gold said.

Gold, who was introduced by former Fire Chief Ralph Mundell, said the crowd was pleased to hear of his plan to build a police substation near the La Cienega metro station, and his campaign is flourishing so far.

“The campaign is going very well. Not only have we exceeded all of our expectations but we have a lot of momentum from the community behind us,” Gold said.

Gold said he and his supporters are frustrated, however, that his name will be the only one on the second page of candidates when voters use Los Angeles County’s new system in March, forcing voters to hit the “more” button to select him on the ballot.

“The L.A. County registrar seems unconcerned about this despite the obvious issues it raises for any election with more than four candidates. Navigating the new system is not only confusing, but also robs our residents of a fair electoral process,” Gold said.

Lili Bosse (photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

On Jan. 5, Bosse held her event at the Linden Drive home of Janet Salter, widow of former Beverly Hills Mayor Max Salter.

“At that home, there’s a lot of energy and a lot of hope,” Bosse said.

Bosse estimated that more than 500 people attended her event, including local leaders like state Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica).

“There was so much excitement and enthusiasm and just a true sense of community. We had people from all over the community coming together and truly, I still am feeling out of body from the experience, because it was truly a magical day,” Bosse said.

Bosse said she’s heard from those in attendance that much of her message “really resonated and reflects their feelings for Beverly Hills,” and on Jan. 6, more than 30 volunteers spent 11 hours walking Beverly Hills to put up yard signs.

“My campaign is very grassroots and very hometown. Friends are calling friends are calling friends. It’s just been a very positive and exciting, upbeat experience with a lot of people who are calling every day, asking to be part of the campaign and volunteer,” Bosse said.

Robin Rowe (photo courtesy of Robin Rowe)

Technologist Robin Rowe, who serves on the city’s Technology Committee, held a campaign event on the morning of Jan. 6, meeting with residents at Le Pain Quotidien on South Santa Monica Boulevard and joining the Beverly Hills Walkers.

Rowe described his event as smaller than those of the other candidates because it was a brainstorming session, where he introduced himself to voters and asked them what they thought was important. On Jan. 6, Rowe said he talked about a potential cleaning crew for trash in Beverly Hills, having doctors go to patients so that infectious diseases won’t be as easily spread on public transportation and a phone application for parking.

“I get at least one great suggestion from every conversation I have with residents. To me, that’s a successful event,” Rowe said in an email.

Rowe added that he is not raising money for his campaign and has promised to limit his campaign expenses to $2,000, so fundraising rallies aren’t necessary for him.

“By not focusing on fundraising, I have time to be the best representative,” Rowe added.

Rowe said he will hold similar events every Monday morning, first at 8:30 a.m. at Whole Foods, located at 239 N. Crescent Drive, then with the Beverly Hills Walkers at 9 a.m.

Rabbi Simcha Green (photo courtesy of Simcha Green)

Rabbi Sidney “Simcha” Green, a retired modern orthodox rabbi and Jewish educator, was the lone candidate who did not hold an event earlier this week. Green said he doesn’t plan to hold any kick-off events or rallies, calling them “a waste of money” because the job of City Council member pays less than the money spent to earn the title.

“What do they accomplish at those events? They raise money there. That’s necessary if you’re running that type of campaign. That’s not necessary for me. I’m doing things differently,” Green said.

Instead, he will focus on the upcoming forums and debates where he can square off with the other candidates, the first of which is the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum on Jan. 21. There, Green said, he can better bring attention to his primary issues: the needs of seniors in Beverly Hills, interfaith relationships between churches and synagogues in the city and bringing medical marijuana to Beverly Hills.

“I have very specific concerns that the other candidates are not addressing. The voters will agree with me or not. We’ll find that out. It’s important for me to get the message out to the voters,” Green said.