DR. BETTY BERZON PLACE

Motion - The late Dr. Betty Berzon, a psychotherapist and author devoted her life to groundbreaking work improving the quality of life for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. She held leadership positions in numerous organizations as follows: National President, Gay Academic Union, 1977-79. Board of Directors, LA Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center, 1972-75. Board of Directors, Whitman-Radclyffe Foundation, 1976-77. Board of Directors, National Gay Rights Advocates, 1979-84. Board of Directors, Gay & Lesbian Adolescent Social Services, 1984-1994. Dr. Berzon was considered a pioneer within the gay and lesbian community because she provided therapy to clients during a time - the early 1970's - when there were very few psychologists or psychiatrists willing to openly discuss homosexuality. In 1971, she helped star the first gay group within the American Psychiatric Association, which dropped homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses two years later. Dr. Berzon co-founded the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center and wrote a relationship advice column for PlanetOut.com. Dr. Berzon authored five books including the best seller, Permanent Partners. Building Gay and Lesbian Relationships That Last. These books provided a roadmap for fellow homosexuals. In "Setting Them Straight," she suggested how to handle homophobia. In "Permanent Partners" and "The Intimacy Dance," she talked about building long-term gay relationships. Dr. Berzon in particular loved her neighborhood in the hills of Studio City, near Ventura Boulevard and Ventura Place. In light of her contributions to the community, it is appropriate that a portion of Ventura Place be named in her honor. THEREFORE MOVE that a one-block portion of Ventura Place between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Ventura Boulevard in Council District 2, be also named as "Dr. Betty Berzon Place" in honor of the contributions of the late Dr. Betty Berzon. FURTHER MOVE that the Department of Transportation be directed to post the appropriate sign(s) at this location to implement the above action.

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