April 3, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Beverly Hills City Government Agrees to a Stipulated Judgment After Blocking Abortion Clinic Opening

City to Implement Training, Oversight on Reproductive Rights Following Legal Settlement 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a legal agreement with Beverly Hills, resolving accusations that the city obstructed the opening of an abortion clinic, violating state reproductive rights laws. Specifically, the agreement alleges that the city of Beverly Hills violated the State Constitution, Article I, sections 1 and 1.1, and the state law, the Reproductive Privacy Act, Health and Safety Code section 123460. 

The stipulated judgment, filed today, mandates comprehensive compliance measures, including training and reporting, to ensure adherence to California’s reproductive healthcare laws. You can use these links to read the full text of the complaint and the judgment

Rob Bonta’s social media statement said, “We’re holding Beverly Hills accountable for preventing a reproductive health clinic from opening and failing to protect CA’s constitutional right to abortion. Reproductive healthcare is a fundamental right. My office will always defend that right.”

In September 2022, DuPont Clinic, an abortion provider based in Washington, D.C., sought to open a location in Beverly Hills. Despite publicly supporting reproductive rights, Beverly Hills officials allegedly imposed significant barriers that ultimately prevented DuPont from establishing its clinic. 

Attorney General Bonta expressed concern over the city’s actions, stating, “It is troubling that, even here in California, Beverly Hills officials have taken actions reminiscent of those in extremist red states by illegally interfering with… a new reproductive healthcare clinic.”

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) launched an investigation, finding that city officials actively worked to hinder DuPont’s efforts by delaying permits and pressuring the property owner to terminate the clinic’s lease. City leaders, including the former mayor, reportedly cited false security concerns, claiming without evidence that the clinic would attract bomb threats and “lone-wolf” attacks, leading the building owner, Douglas Emmett, to end the lease with DuPont.

Under the stipulated judgment, Beverly Hills will take several steps to ensure compliance with state laws protecting reproductive healthcare rights. The city will be required to:

  • Implement training on the California Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, the federal FACE Act, and California’s protections for reproductive healthcare.
  • Conduct regular training for city employees on reproductive healthcare rights and post training materials publicly.
  • Appoint a Reproductive Compliance Officer to oversee compliance and ensure training and reporting requirements are met.
  • Develop a complaint process for potential violations of reproductive rights, reporting findings to the DOJ annually for five years.

“This first-of-its-kind agreement will ensure that the City abides by comprehensive training and education of reproductive healthcare laws,” said Bonta, emphasizing that the agreement will serve as a benchmark for other municipalities.

The court-approved judgment concludes the DOJ’s inquiry, and Beverly Hills must comply with all measures specified in the agreement to uphold California’s commitment to reproductive healthcare access.

The city responded with a statement on its website, which says, “The City of Beverly Hills and the State Attorney General’s Office have entered into a stipulated judgment regarding the planned opening of the reproductive health services facility ‘DuPont Clinic’ in Beverly Hills. 

The stipulated judgment contains no admission or finding of wrongdoing, and the City will not be subject to any fines or penalties. In the agreed-upon filing, the stipulated judgment also cannot be referenced in any current or future litigation.

“The City cooperated fully with the Attorney General’s investigation, and the evidence presented demonstrated that the City did not interfere with the planned opening of the clinic and the decision to rescind DuPont Clinic’s lease was not made by the City of Beverly Hills,” said Mayor Lester Friedman. “We disagree with the allegations in the Attorney General’s complaint.”

Per its agreement with the Attorney General’s Office, the City will develop a training module for select employees and elected officials regarding compliance with state and federal reproductive healthcare law.

“Beverly Hills is already home to medical facilities that offer complete reproductive health services,” added Mayor Friedman. “The City reaffirms and pledges that it did not and will not discriminate against any reproductive healthcare provider and strongly supports a woman’s right to choose.”

in News
Related Posts

Mikomi Sushi Opens New Santa Monica Location

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

The new location continues Mikomi Sushi’s commitment to serving sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls Mikomi Sushi, a well-regarded sushi restaurant...

(Video) Palisades Art Gallery Owner on Relocating to Santa Monica

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Bruce Lurie Owned What Was The Only Fine Arts Space in Palisades. The Gallery Has Found a New Life in...

Venice Shorts: Local Resident Joins Trump Administration at HUD

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Conservative Community Activist Soledad Ursua Lands Senior Advisory Role at the Department of Housing & Urban Development By Nick Antonicello ...

Levain Bakery to Open Venice Location with Special Guests and Charitable Twist

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Bigger Than a Cookie: Levain’s Venice Opening Is a Flavorful Fundraiser Levain Bakery, the cult-favorite cookie destination founded in New...

Historic Beethoven Market Reopens as Community-Centric Restaurant

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Originally established in 1949, Beethoven Market was a grocery store serving the community for 75 years Beethoven Market, a longtime...

Venice Shorts: VNC Seeks Community Input in Wake of Disastrous Election Turnout

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Survey Seeks Insight on Why So Few Participated in the Recent Election By Nick Antonicello  In wake of the historically...

Nonprofit Warns of Heavy Metal Contamination in Santa Monica Bay

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

The contamination is linked to storm runoff carrying toxic debris from burned structures and scorched land in the Palisades, Topanga,...

Mar Vista Council to Address Bike Parking Improvements, Oil Well Maintenance at Wednesday Meeting

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

The agenda also includes discussions on wildfire recovery and ocean water quality The Mar Vista Community Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, and...

Venice Shorts: New Structure on Washington Has Residents Perplexed

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

The New Encampment Is Just Another Example of Homeless Conditions on the Streets Gone Astray By Nick Antonicello  Washington Boulevard,...

(Video) Spending an Afternoon at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Go To Pacpark.com For Tickets and More Information. Go To https://t.co/PUWlOc89JQ For Tickets and More Information.#amusementpark #rides #rollercoaster #summer #spring...

Venice Shorts: Twenty-Five RVs & Campers Now Populate Washington Blvd

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Many Permanently Parked, Propped Upped By Nick Antonicello  As of Saturday afternoon (3.29.25), at least twenty-five RV’s, campers and other...

City Councilmembers Move to Update Wildfire Hazard Zones in Response to New State Maps

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The motion calls to strengthen brush clearance laws, pointing to disparities between private property owners and state agencies In response...

Santa Monica Launches Public Search for New City Manager

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Nationwide Job Posting Seeks Leader to Guide City’s Future The City of Santa Monica has officially launched a nationwide search...

“NYPD Blue” Actress Arrested on Assault Charges in Marina del Rey: Report

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Emmy Award Winner Faces Court Appearance Following Domestic Dispute Kim Delaney, best known for her role on “NYPD Blue,” was...

Debris Removal Deadline Extended, Eligibility Expanded for Condos and Multi-Family Homes

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Officials continue to push for eligibility expansion to include nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, mobile home parks, and additional multi-family...