Human Relations Commission Member Honored by City

The Champion of the Community Award is the highest honor given annually by the California Park & Recreation Society, and Beverly Hills Human Relations Commission member Barbara Linder received the esteemed honor Tuesday night during the City Council meeting.

"There's no one I can think of better than this year's recipient, Barbara Linder, who's done so many things for the community," said Mayor John Mirisch. "She's educated the community on sustainable gardening. She's the first, sole recipient ever of the Champion of the Community Award."

In reading the proclamation, Vice Mayor Lili Bosse noted that Linder initiated the demonstration gardening program at Greystone Mansion, which trains volunteers to grow their own food using urban farming techniques. The food grown was donated to local food banks. Linder also brought the bike corrals to the public library.

Linder said her family's roots in Beverly Hills dates back to the 1930s, and noted they're dedication to the city gave her the inspiration to volunteer for the last 25 years.

During her speech, Linder added that she spoke to Armstrong Nursury Companies to sponsor her demonstration garden at Greystone Mansion Park, as part of the company's 125th birthday, and they plan to hold workshops and other activities in the coming months.

There were also two appointments on Tuesday to the Health and Safety Commission:

• Myra Demeter
• Gary B. Ross