Rotarian Helps Make History at Library With a Cultural Exchange

The Beverly Hills Library celebrated Persian New Year recently with a gala party. On hand to celebrate March 19 were more than 150 people from the community and numerous city officials. But the highlight of the evening was Beverly Hills resident Massood Haroonian’s presentation of a collection of Persian books. The formal presentation coincided with Persian New Year, also known as “Now Rooz,” which is held each year on the eve of the vernal equinox.

“This is a wonderful contribution to the library because of the cultural depth it reflects from the community,” Mayor Vicki Reynolds said. “Their interest in education parallels our dedication to our schools and children.”

Haroonian, who serves as president of the Rancho Park Rotary Club, worked with fellow Rotarians during the past six months to raise funds to purchase the books. The collection is composed of books in Persian and English that reflect Iran’s history, art, culture and literature. The group organized such an effort with two goals in mind.

“First, it is our duty to appreciate the people of Beverly Hills, freedom and democracy that we enjoy in this blessed land,” Haroonian said. “On the other hand, there is a lack of general knowledge by many Americans who are not familiar with the culture of Iran.”

Haroonian, who is a native of Iran, came to Los Angeles almost 18 years ago and feels most Americans are unaware of Iran’s history. Part of that can be attributed to the political atmosphere and negative publicity that Iran has received during the past decade, he said.

“(Americans’) evaluation and judgment are primarily based on what they see and read in the American television and news media, which are mostly political and in many cases negative,” he said. “We believe (that with) the donation of books about history, arts, architecture and literature of Iran to the library, we can fill this gap to a certain extent.”

Four people have been honored by the UCLA School of Law for their achievements in public-interest law.

Alumnus Toby Rothschild, a 1969 graduate of the school, received the Antonia G. Hernandez Award. Rothschild, who has practiced public-interest law for more than two decades, heads the Legal Services Foundation of Long Beach.

Cruz Reynoso received the Fredric P. Sutherland Award. Reynoso is UCLA faculty member, a former justice of the California Supreme Court and a founder of the California Rural Legal Assistance program.

Student Brenda Sutton received the Nancy J. Mintie Award. Sutton is editor in chief of the National Black Law Journal.

Student Lisa Payne received the Joseph Hairston Duff Award. Payne has been active in public-interest law projects at UCLA and in East Palo Alto.

The awards are named for UCLA law alumni with distinguished records of public service.

B’nai Zion will award its America-Israel Media Award to Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean and co-founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies in Los Angeles.

Cooper will be honored at luncheon today at Kanner Hall in Los Angeles.

The Hollywood Entertainment Museum recently gave its Legacy Award to the Hollywood Farmers Market. The award, presented at the museum’s annual awards ceremony, recognized the market for its civic contribution to the area.

The Hollywood Farmers Market, which opened last May, is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Sunday on Ivar Avenue between Hollywood Boulevard and Selma Avenue.

The Center for Geriatric Health at Century City Hospital is accepting nominations for local Outstanding Senior Citizens.

The five categories are philanthropy, community service, leadership, education and music/arts. Winners will be notified in April and awards will be presented at a ceremony on May 2.

Deadline for nominations is Wednesday. Nomination forms are available at numerous Westside locations including Century City Hospital. Information: (310) 201-6789.

The Windward School honored Shirley Windward, co-founder of the college-preparatory school. Windward was recognized March 14 at a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the school in Santa Monica.