Beverly Hills Sends Its Ambassador Packing

Gregg Donovan, has been dressed up in a a top hat, red coat and tie, standing on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California and offering a broad smile and friendly face to tourists and locals alike for years. But Donovan, whose website proclaims him as the "world famous Ambassador Of Beverly Hills" is out of a job. He was asked to turn in his red ambassador jacket by the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau which has said it can no longer afford to pay him. Donovan has served as the unoffical face of the city, posing with stars and visitors alike, and featured on maps and souvenirs.

The Associated Press reports that Donovan was asked surrender the rights to any photos, videos or other materials representing him as the city's ambassador. So far Donovan has refused to do so and he's asking the public for help in getting him his job back. Like any other unemployed person, he's been hanging out, seeing movies, going to the gym and looking for work. He has indicated that he'd take a similar job, perhaps in nearby Hollywood but it's clear that his heart is in Beverly Hills.