New Officers Elected to Business Board

Four new officers have been elected to the board of the Westwood business improvement district during a meeting in which some merchants complained that the group does not communicate well with member businesses and spends their money unwisely.

The officers elected to the 26-member board were Chairman Kam Hekmat, owner of the Center West office tower; Vice Chairman Jim Jimirro, president of J2 Communications; Treasurer Sol Salzer, founder of City Bean Coffee; and Secretary Judy Flax, co-owner of Flax Art Supplies.

Before Thursday’s meeting, Gil Chasin, owner of Chasin Chicken in Westwood Village, distributed fliers outlining grievances he said he and other merchants share.

Chasin criticized the board, saying its members don’t seek comment from merchants before deciding how to spend their $673,000 budget.

There are about 600 business and property owners in Westwood who pay annual assessments to the district, which is charged with revitalizing the once-bustling commercial area.

Bob Walsh, executive director of the district, said the board met seven times last year, but will begin holding monthly meetings.