
There is so much to say about our dear friend & Garden Champion Phil Savenick – although no one could say it better than Phil has already done, forever, in so many of the films, videos, TV appearances and clips about our treasured VRG that are available on our website.
Tragically, we mourn the loss of this special man, who left us too early at age 72 in late June. But we celebrate the many contributions he so unstintingly made to his hometown where, after a successful career as an award-winning writer, producer, and documentarian, he devoted himself to another chapter: President of the Beverly Hills Historical Society and historian of this fabled city.
Phil came from a family tradition of service to the community – his stepfather Ben Norton served as mayor – during the 1984 Olympics! – and his mother Rose Norton was not only a Planning Commissioner, but also Founder of the LACMA Service Council, Board Chair of El Nido Family Centers, and remains an active resident at 95!
He took that affection of growing up in this city of dreams and made sure the world could share and relive those formative years through skills acquired in his multi-faceted career both behind and in front of the ever-changing technology that enables us to see and experience the past.
While producing a documentary prior to the Centennial of Beverly Hills, Phil interviewed over 200 residents and grew his knowledge of what made the City so famous in the first place, and how it has evolved.
Through his leadership and partnership with historian and author Robbie Anderson (our incredible Fellows’ Chair Jeanne Anderson’s spouse), they began to pioneer how to share the stories, the landmarks, the unique treasures with the citizens and visitors. They launched an award-winning app called the Beverly Hills Experience. It features walking guides and augmented reality experiences, free to everyone to download and experience the fairy-dust of Beverly Hills. They also have QR codes on plaques at Beverly Gardens Park, Greystone Mansion, and Will Rogers Park that can feature stories and historic videos.
But Phil did even more specifically for the VRG: he provided the very best outreach to the wider world. His enterprise, skill, and talent produced the video in 2014: the Ultimate Guide to the Virginia Robinson Gardens. And he never stopped, promoting the Gardens whenever he had the chance: you can see the work, proudly displayed on our website. He brought his buddy, former Third District Supervisor Sheila Kuehl for her first visit to this LA County Park; his mother chaired the El Nido benefits at the Gardens; he sat for interviews with Allison Martino for Spectrum Television’s feature piece last summer; and he will be part of the upcoming Peter Greenberg TV specials on Beverly Hills’ Hidden Gems.
He made sure that this material is available for everyone: for fun, for free, for forever.
Post by Maralee Beck
Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member
Patti Reinstein
Phil was a lovely man and was dedicated to spreading the word about Beverly Hills’ many storied treasures. His enthusiasm for his hometown will be missed!