I met Jimmy Delshad at a Charity event in support of Amnesty International. Mayor Delshad’s manner and words profoundly impacted me. With his eyes wide with passion and wonder for life, he spoke on behalf of people struggling worldwide. Baring the weight of his own story of triumph, Mayor Jimmy Delshad's service to Beverly Hills stems from appreciation and deep community roots. Seeking to return a debt of gratitude, Mayor Delshad is now serving his second term as Mayor of Beverly Hills. Mayor Delshad is the highest ranking elected Iranian American to hold office. He came to this country when he was nineteen after an ordeal of religious persecution and suppression being born an Iranian Jew.
It was my true pleasure and honor to fly in from Washington D.C. in order to attend the Official Installation Ceremony of the Honorable Mayor Delshad on March 16th 2010. His first time leading an incoming mayor in his oath of office, Larry King presided over the ceremony. Humble, humorous, and aware that a true community is not led by one person but by many, the installation of Mayor Delshad was indeed a refreshing and multicultural experience. Falling on the cusp of the Persian New Year, the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was filled with international pride and the local flavor of Beverly Hills.
The celebrations were jovial and touching. Unique stories of individual triumph build this country's backbone. Gifted with diversity, the United States is stitched together by the freedom to express ourselves through our talents and heritage. "The Melting Pot" concept hosts many dreams that began by seeking a better way of life. Jimmy Delshad's story is no exception. His gifts are extraordinary. Born in Shiraz, Iran, Jimmy Delshad is a beloved father, husband, son, brother and friend to many, his heart in service to his home, Beverly Hills.
Mayor Delshad has resided in the Los Angeles area for fifty-one years and has lived in the City of Beverly Hills for the past twenty-two years. He has been married for forty-two years to Lonnie Gerstein Delshad. They are blessed with two children: Debra, a graduate of USC and Loyola Law School; and Daniel, a computer businessman and graduate of USC. Jimmy Delshad is a computer engineer and an award winning entrepreneur with a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University at Northridge. Following this accomplishment, Delshad attended post-graduate classes at USC and also participated for seven years in the continuing education program of "The Executive Committee," a round table of CEOs.
Mr.Delshad embarked on a career in computer technology in 1965 and was fortunate enough to start his own business in 1978 in the then-new field of "Computer Storage Technology." During the ceremony, Mayor Delshad spent a great deal of time discussing his vision to make Beverly Hills a shining example of the future. Beverly Hills, in cooperation with technological industries, will be one of the pioneering "smartest and safest" cities around the world. “I want to offer my experience as a successful business owner, as a technologist and as a member and leader of many non-profit organizations not only to help our city face new challenges, but also to open doors for others who would see me as an example and feel more comfortable about joining us and getting more involved,” Delshad says.
On March 27, 2007, the Mayor took office for the first time. He plans to improve Beverly Hills’ technological capabilities by placing surveillance cameras on various neighborhood streets to report to local police activities, which range from traffic violations, to theft, to injury. Such innovations also include the Automatic License Plate Recognition Device that scans car license plates and can wirelessly report any stolen car in milliseconds. Through his traveling to sites including Israel, London, and Paris, Delshad has come to believe that new, intelligent "forensic and analytical" software could and should be implemented in the city of Beverly Hills. Such sophisticated technology can detect whether a package has been left unattended, if a person has fallen down, or even if an unrecognized object such as weaponry is present. "These cameras will make us an example for homeland security for cities across America," he states.
Moreover, Mr. Delshad plans to install intelligent irrigation systems, reusing “Gray Water” and wireless water meters to conserve and monitor water use for public parks and private purposes. In order to deal with one of the city's thorniest quality-of-life issues, he wants to install new, mini-parking meters that accept dollar bills and credit cards and allow people to use their cell phones to reserve additional time. Of course, some technology doesn't need improvement. Amidst the smart cameras, wireless meters, and "Gray Water" technology, you may very likely see the Mayor on his way to work peddling his bicycle. A fan of peddling power, the Mayor plans to give Beverly Hills bike lanes, making Beverly Hills Smart - yes - and green!
Mayor Delshad has earned many accolades and service awards including the 2005 community appreciation award from B.H.P.E.T. Home Owners Association, "Man of the Year" (1990) from Sinai Temple, "Burning Bush" (1991) from the Jewish Federations of Men's Club, and the ”Conservative Judaism Leadership" (1999) from Masorti/Schechter Institute. Mayor Delshad served as President of Sinai Temple (1999 - 2001), one of the most important large Synagogues in America with more than several hundred employees. The temple's congregation is about 1,500 every Saturday and over 4,000 during High Holidays. The Temple owns and operates two schools with about 1,000 students. It also operates two mortuaries in the Los Angeles area. Jimmy was able to build bridges among all segments of the Temple to drastically improve the involvement and contributions of all members in Temple activities. During his service as President, Temple membership grew by more than 30%. He helped raise more than four million dollars to help reduce the Temple's mortgage. Jimmy also helped establish an Endowment Fund and oversaw the renovation of the Temple's entire one-square block facility while leaving an operating surplus. As president of the Magbit Educational Foundation (2002-2006) and Chairman of Magbit Educational Foundation (2006-2010), Jimmy Delshad guided this highly respected foundation in raising funds and distributing interest free loans to worthy college students in need. The re-paid loans and funds are re-distributed to other students. Delshad considers America his home and safe haven, persistently expressing gratitude to this country for truly being the land of opportunity.
After first winning election to the City Council in 2003, Delshad wrote “I did not seek to serve on the City Council out of a sense of national or ethnic pride. Instead, I felt I owed a debt to this city and this country that welcomed me and allowed me to use my talents to build a successful life.” He continues to live out this philosophy encouraging new generations of Iranian Americans to empower themselves by serving this country by holding office. "I cannot run for president of the United States, but maybe you will," said Mayor Delshad, encouraging youth to seek out civil service. As a member on the Board of Directors, he has served The Maple Counseling Center, Sheba Medical Center, Nessah Synagogue, Israeli Cultural Awareness Foundation, Sinai Temple's Executive Board, and numerous community fundraising events. He was a group leader for the AIPAC (Capitol Club). Ever respecting the diversity of world cultures and religions, Mayor Delshad served as Event Chairman for His Holiness Dali Lama’s visit and lecture.
Mayor Delshad is indeed a breath of fresh air and an example to local leaders across the country indicating that every small town has a global impact. Walking his talk, Mayor Delshad is an active participant and contributor and fundraiser to The Beverly Hills Police Black and White Ball, Beverly Hills Police Retirement Dinners, Beverly Hills Education Foundation Apple Ball, Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Ball, Beverly Hills Fireman's Association "Back Draft Ball" , Beverly Hills Homeowners Association, Beverly Hills High School PTA. Act locally. Think globally. Jimmy Delshad lives this philosophy and cultivated young minds to follow his example.
The Official Installation Ceremony was short on speeches and long on cultural exchanges -- something we are not used to in Washington D.C. Our National Anthem was performed by City Clerk Byron Pope opening the ceremony followed by an invocation by Rabbi David Shofet. His respect and admiration for Mayor Delshad goes all the way back to high school in Iran, which lent a reminder that the actions taking place in the Academy March 16th had a greater impact than we could imagine.
Musical entertainment was contributed by Beverly Hills High School’s String Quintet and by leading Santur Virtuoso, Mr. Manoochehr Sadeghi. (Mayor Delshad had taken lessons with Mr. Sadeghi previously.) His first time installing a Mayor, Larry King swore Mayor Delshad into office. Barry Brucker was sworn in as vice-mayor. Larry King traded his signature red suspenders for Mayor Delshad's signature silk handkerchief. All the while the Motion Picture Academy's trademarked Oscars oversaw the ceremony -- keeping vigilant the reminder of excellence which is the Beverly Hills Brand. International Artist Farshid Amin sang "God Bless America" to close the formalities and to begin the jovial reception -- catered by Beverly Hills finest.
Just like screen writer Andrew Levine who sat next to me during the proceedings, I am a fan of Jimmy Delshad. "This man won me over," began Andrew "because of his ability to promote the acute care of a small town community world wide." Welcome back to office, Mayor Jimmy Delshad. You are every bit the breath of fresh air this wide and wonder filled world seeks.
This article was written by Ms. Elizabeth Croydon She is a Washingtonian Political Activist, Comedian & Actress who Flew in all the way from Washington D.C. to attend the Installation Ceremony.
