BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (NewsNation Now) — Beverly Hills is ramping up security measures ahead of Election Day. The city is encouraging all residents and businesses to be proactive, as this community saw looting and a lot of protest activity over the summer.

Fresh sheets of plywood now surround a Soul Cycle location in Beverly Hills. It is one of many businesses preparing for potential protest activity linked to Election Day.

Beverly Hills Police has already announced it will have full staffing with extended shifts starting this weekend and they’re also tapping some outside reinforcements.

“Additionally, other law enforcement personal and private security companies will offer support. Some businesses in the community may choose to limit operations at this time,” Chief Dominick Rivetti, Beverly Hills Police Department said.

San Francisco is also preparing for possible unrest next week.

“I think it was more just what could happen on either side, somebody’s gonna be angry and upset so there could be a response to that,” said store owner Amy Schelling.

Businesses in Washington D.C. are getting covered in plywood, as well. The Golden Triangle Business District near the White House was targeted over the summer with dozens of businesses looted or damaged. 

The proactive protective measures all over the country follow a devastating summer for businesses in many cities.

However, the plan for Beverly Hills had one Rodeo Drive employee telling us anonymously that a shutdown was unnecessary.

The LAPD is also among the many departments busy with preparations for election night.
Mayor Eric Garcetti said the city is preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best while protecting the rights of all voters to do so safely.