Rose Kaiserman Takes the Helm of Newly Merged Health & Human Relations Commission

Beverly Hills has entered a new chapter in civic oversight with the creation of a combined Health & Human Relations Commission, a structural change intended to better align the city’s work around wellness, safety, and community relations. Appointed as the commission’s first chair is Rose Kaiserman, a longtime civic volunteer with deep ties to local schools and community organizations.

The newly formed commission replaces two previously separate bodies, reflecting the city’s view that public health, safety, and human relations are increasingly interconnected. Under its expanded scope, the commission is expected to address a broad range of issues, from mental health education and emergency readiness to programs that encourage community dialogue and social cohesion.

Kaiserman’s background in public service is rooted in years of involvement with Beverly Hills Unified School District schools. She previously served as president of the Beverly Vista School and Beverly Hills High School parent associations, as well as PTA council president for six years. Those roles placed her at the center of complex conversations involving parents, educators, administrators, and students, experiences that continue to inform her approach to city-level service.

The commission’s planned work includes a mix of educational programming and community initiatives. Among them are Kindness Week, the Civility Award, Beverly Hills Reads, and a series of speakers focused on mental health, bullying prevention, and public safety awareness. Emergency preparedness remains a key area of emphasis, supported through partnerships with programs such as Community Emergency Response Team training and Just In Case.

Mental health has emerged as a priority for the commission during its inaugural year. Early meetings include programming related to suicide prevention, alongside broader discussions about youth wellness issues such as vaping and online behavior. The focus reflects growing concern over the cumulative stress experienced by residents in recent years.

The commission is also expected to continue supporting efforts related to homelessness, working in coordination with nonprofit organizations that provide services and resources to individuals experiencing housing instability. These efforts extend into community events, including Kindness Week activities scheduled to begin February 8 at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market, where donations of clothing, blankets, and food will be collected in partnership with organizations such as Midnight Mission and Westside Food Bank.

A 1990 graduate of Beverly Hills High School, Kaiserman has observed both continuity and change within the city. While the character of Beverly Hills has remained familiar, public discourse has grown more contentious in recent years, a dynamic reflected across schools and civic institutions alike. The commission’s work aims, in part, to address these tensions through structured engagement and public education.

Kaiserman’s transition from school-based advocacy to city commission leadership followed the graduation of her children and an interest in continuing public service beyond the education system. She was encouraged to apply by members of the City Council, who viewed the newly merged commission as a natural extension of the work she had long supported.

As the Health & Human Relations Commission begins its work, the emphasis is on establishing a stable foundation, aligning priorities, and integrating new members into a cohesive body. The goal for its first year is not only to address immediate concerns, but to create a structure capable of responding thoughtfully to the city’s evolving needs.