Walking, Not Driving, On Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive

Beverly Hills Vice-Mayor Jimmy Delshad plans to study foot-traffic zones in cities "with high-class areas" like Paris and Cannes. He wants to discuss the idea with many people before proceeding. Some people don't like the idea of closing part of the street. One Ralph Lauren shopper commented, "It'd be a nightmare. I think it will have benches and bring homeless people around. They'll sit, and people will start playing music."

The final decision will be market driven to keep Rodeo Drive competitive with other high end shopping districts. "Delshad would like to see stylish food and beverage kiosks up and down Rodeo, where people could stop to enjoy cappuccino, gelato or finger sandwiches. Hmm, sounds a lot like the Grove, next to the Farmers Market at 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue. In fact, the Grove, Century City and other high-tone retailing destinations have been siphoning customers from Beverly Hills, city officials have said. Seeking to spiff up their most opulent street, the city and merchants recently invested in a nearly $18-million, two-year makeover that included new and wider sidewalks."