PPCC Library Integration Test

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MINUTES FROM AUGUST 24th 2023

1\.
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM and Nina Kidd read the Community Council Mission. 2\.
The President called roll and certified that there was quorum Voting members present: Sue Kohl, Maryam Zar, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Dave Card, Murray Levy, Steve Cron, Nancy Niles, LeeAnne Sanderson, Kimberly Bloom, Chris Spitz, Bruce Schwartz, Nina Kidd, Alisa Wolfson, Kevin Niles, Shirley Haggstrom, Courtney Macker, Cathy Russell, Bill Skinner.
Non-voting members present: Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Michael Edlen, Aileen Hough, Mary Mueller. 3.**Introduction of attendees** The President introduced Armine Sargsyan from CA Department of Insurance, outreach Analyst for a presentation about Fire hazard insurance.
Ms.
Sargysyan shared a presentation and informed the board about the Department of Insurance, a state consumer protection agency tasked with regulating all lines of insurance.
They hold resource fairs and outreach events to inform the public.
The main issue in CA is fire insurance – availability and affordability, which is increasingly an issue.
The Dept of Ins. got together with other agencies to introduce new regulations and a strategy termed “Safer from Wildfires”.
If homeowners follow guidelines or home hardening, they can get discounts from insurance companies.
Please see the recording of this presentation at our website and the power point on the website: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Department-of-Insurance-Safer-from-Wildfires-PPT-4.22.23.pdf> The President thanked Armine for her important presentation.
The President introduced Richard Fink from CA State Parks, District Superintendent II for a discussion about the role of State brush clearance in VHFHSZ communities like ours. LAFD Brush Clearance Captain, Bryan Nassour also joined the conversation.
Mr.
Fink informed the board that there are at least three swaths of State land in the Palisades which is not usually cleared by the State, but are expected to be cleared by homeowners nearby.
Those homeowners may seek a right of entry onto state land to do that brush clearance.
Per Rad Nowroozi, from State Sen Ben Allen’s Office, that can be a complex process that requires an initial inspection, a right of entry permit, and a follow-up inspection – so it may be wise to look at these policies and perhaps think of a better method for this brush clearance.
The President informed the board that discussion with the state began when she was informed that the LAFD had cited the State for failure to clear some of its land, which was overgrown with brush and presented a fire hazard.
When we reached out to the State to ask them to clear, they informed us that they do not do brush clearance.
When we pressed as to why, we weren’t given much other than a direction to ask homeowners to clear up to 200 feet from their property lines, and seek a permit to clear more, if they wish.
That didn’t seem to address the glaring need to clear State brush land in our residential areas, which posed an immediate observable fire threat.
We asked for some answers, and Skylar Payab from ASM Irwin’s office took the lead.
Mr.
Richard Fink, agreed to speak to PPCC after Skylar’s outreach.
Richard Fink introduced himself as the District Superintendent for the Angeles District State Parks (including PP, Malibu, Long Beach, Castaic Lake and Downton LA), a large and diverse region.
Protecting from wildfires tales a collaborative approach and state parks as well as homeowners share that responsibility.
Fuel modification and brush clearance is a challenge.
The parcel of land on Via Floresta was interesting.
He has researched the issue and applicable laws and spoken to LA City and County fire to see what the approach is, locally.
State Govt’ code 51182, compels a person who owns a dwelling in a VHFHSZ (all of the Palisades) to maintain a defensible space of 100 feet from their dwelling.
State code requires fuel mitigation extending 100 feet, whereas the State requires clearance to 200 feet (but not beyond the property line).
State policy prohibits brush clearance because they have a mandate to preserve the state’s natural resources.
Clearance is not in their line of business – but their mission is to protect natural habitat.
So, if the homeowner isn’t clearing beyond 200 feet and the state cannot clear land, per policy, what do we do?
Mr.
Fink says, there is a permit process to ask for the right of entry into state land, identify what can be removed and what must be protected.
Once the permit is issued, the private homeowner can go onto State land and conduct fuel modification in accordance to the permitted plan.
Mr.
Fink showed an image of the state park land they will be clearing (on Via Floresta).
He confirmed that brush is overgrown past the road (“maintenance questions, for sure”), and obstructing the PROW.
There is an easement on this land for the City of LA, already, for the slope area to be drained.
There is some question as to who has a maintenance obligation here, but Richard/State had spoken to City before and they’ve agreed to come and conduct some brush clearance and fuel modification – from the sidewalk several feet up, in order to clear the immediate brush by the side of the road, impacting the PROW.
This is on the City’s interest to maintain, so they have made this arrangement as a solution to the issue.
As far as clearing out other areas or vast average of bush, that is not what the State does.
The President introduced Capt., Nassour and Insp.
Sutton on the call.
She thanked Mr.
Fink, but pointed out that there are other tracts of state land (for example in Paseo Miramar) that also need to be addressed.
She thanked him again for addressing this parcel, but pressed that the state needs to think foo a solution for other parcels, that remain combustible and close to residential areas.
Insp.
Warren confirmed that there are other state parcels that are of concern.
They do cite the State – but that’s all they can do.
The Homeowner is responsible to their property line and/or their property line – not more.
Mr.
Fink said there are examples of state land close to structures that can’t be cleared, but that is the current regulation.
The board thanked out presenters, and left the discussion at more needs to be done.
The President said she would upload this segment of the recording to the PPCC you tube website. 4\.
The Minutes for
July 27, 2023 were approved as distributed. 5.**Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings: ** The Agenda was considered as presented. 6.**Treasurer’s Report.** Treasurer, Jenny Li, reported that the PPCC bank balance rests at $42,702.
50. Transactions have included income of $50 (minus PayPal fee), a $37 charge for printing new checks (which we will no longer need to do since Jenny is transforming most of our bill pay to a technology platform/Bill Pay though the bank). We will also no longer have paper statements (no $6 fee). There was a check to our accountant for $800 for filings for the 2022 fiscal year. We will be doing another fiscal year filing in September. She will present a budget in September at the start of our next fiscal year. The President reminded everyone that we will be looking for fiscal sponsors, particularly for upcoming events. She thanked the treasurer for her report. 7.**General Public Comment.** Jennifer Miner was present to inform he board about an upcoming PPDC event which would feature local elected officials, including Councilwoman Traci Park, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and City Attorney Hydee Feldstein-Soto. She encouraged all to attend for an opportunity to hear from these elected officials and ask questions. 8.**Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_
8.
1.
1. The President appointed two new Advisors with the consent of the board

* She appointed and received consent to confirm Legal Advisor, Rob Weber
* She appointed Park Advisor, Mike Skinner
* She appointed Tech Advisor, Ramis Sadrieh
* She re-appointed Transportation Advisor, Lou Kamer
* She re-appointed Education Advisor, Allison Holdorff

8.
1.
2. The President appointed and received consent to confirm Corresponding Secretary, JoAnna Rodriguez, who was present and introduced herself to the board, and received a warm welcome.
8.
1.
3. The President updated the board with respect to the Potrero pre-design outreach phase of the bridge project by stating that we would hear more in September from the Council Office, and outreach timeline forum the chosen contractor which will be tasked with soliciting board based and meaningful community input.
8.
1.
4. The President said WRAC had a few motions that may require action and/or LUC conference and community discussion.
8.
1.
5. The President asked the board to affirm a position with respect to the Metro CTN (<https://www.metro.net/projects/transportation-communication-network/>) matter, which we have discussed before and is being rushed though city council. We may get an opportunity to comment and request that the program be referred to the City Council Transportation Committee (recommended by our Transportation Advisor and WRAC Transportation Committee Rep) for feedback from LADOPT before implementation. She asked if there would be any objection to our recommendation to oppose the program, if time requires comment before we meet again. The board agreed that they would like to continue to oppose the program, as currently proposed. In keeping with same line of reasoning on this topic, she asked for support to oppose the adoption of City ordinance that would fast-track the implementation of METRO CTN. The board gave its opinion that it agreed again to give the EC the authority to write in opposition of the program.
8.
2. _From Officers and Chair Emeritus_
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_

* Murray Levy asked for the Castellammare/Tramonto project be agendised for discussion, early, at the next meeting. He reiterated his, and the neighborhood’s, concern surrounding bluff instability on this building location which is an active landslide. The President reported that she had discussed this with jeff Khau at the Council office, is unsure what can be done at this late stage, but pledged to alert the LUC and have more discussion at the next meeting. She agreed that this was urgent and crucial. Chris Spitz, At-large Rep compared the situation to the Via de las Olas bluffs which are also an active landslide, and said it is concerning, but a position cannot be taken without LUC review. Murray urged the Council not to ignore this! Steve Cron pledged to take this matter up with the LUC, prior to travelling in September.

8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_
8.
4.
1. Alisa Wolfson, Education Rep Alternate asked for the board’s help in securing a crossing guard for Canyon Elementary. Allison Holdorff said the office of Board member Nick Melvoin was also in support and doing all he can to secure this hiring. The board agreed to help advocate for this position.
8.
5. _From Government Offices / Representatives_
8.
5.
1. LADWP, Deborah Hong, Sr.
Community Relations Representative and Andrew Christopher, Inspection program Coordinator reported on power pole inspections of all overhead power poles in the Palisades.
Please see the presentation on our website: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Power-Line-Inspections-PPCC.final_.pdf> These inspections will begin on August 28th and run through the end of October.
There will be a careful visual inspection of facilities and structures, using binoculars and measuring devices as appropriate.
The inspectors record the status of power pole and making note of potential upgrades and repairs in order to promote the health of the power systems managed by LADWP.
The inspections are done every 3 yrs., and there are 4000 poles within the PP that will be inspected (on public roadways and in backyards).
The contractor is Osmose utilities.
These contractors will always have Osmose ID badges that will; be visible, they will be wearing hard hats and will always wear highly visible vests.
They will have Osmose branded trucks and will always be willing to present credentials, if asked.
No traffic or lane closures are expected and no anticipated power outages.
Each pole inspection will take approximately 30 minutes.
Access to power poles on private property may be rewired.
In this case, the homeowner/resident can ask for identifying credentials, or even ask to speak to an LADWP representatives to verify the inspection or the Osmose worker.
Note that neither the contractor nor the LADWP rep will ever ask to walk through the house, rather they will ask to walk around the home.
Contact [Andrew.christopher@ladwp.com](mailto:Andrew.christopher@ladwp.com) or [Deborah.hong@ladwp.com](mailto:Deborah.hong@ladwp.com) for more info or questions.
The President thanked the presenters from LADWP.
8.
5.
2. Rad Nowroozi, Sen Ben Allen representative, announced that the Office of Sen Ben Allen has funded a $1M grant to PP YMCA per a request for revitalization efforts at Simon Meadow. They also secured $6.5M for SM mountains, developing more protected green space. He announced that the legislature is within the final three weeks of this year’s session when important decisions will be made on Bills. Sen Allen is hoping for approval of his SB867 – climate and wildfire prevention bond. This will fit nicely within the discussions of today because there may be some money for state land brush clearance. They also have their eye on a redistricting bill that would have an oversight committee that would review district lines each 10 years. Ben Allen will also soon be at Palisades Farmers Market. He thanked the President for her assistance on some of these matters. The President thanked Rad and asked about the State bill that would prohibit retail stores and their employees from enforcing shoplifting laws, given the high-profile smash-and-grab robberies in LA. Rad said he would have to explain the intent of the bill, and report back another time.
8.
5.
3.
Michael Amster from Councilwoman Park’s office reported that he had examined El Oro Lane which is a small but critical road for evacuations.
He brought BOE out to the road, which identified slope/sinking issues with the road and proposed an interim and long-term remedy.
He encouraged others who have similar critical but faulty streets in their neighborhoods to bring them to his attention so he can alert the BOE and assess the safety.
Regarding resurfacing the parking lot road at the Rec Center (strip of Toyopa from Alma Real to the Park), he has been told there is no budget for resurfacing the street but there may be an opportunity to fill the potholes on that city street, which was left unattended/unslurried after the improvements made to the Rec Center parking lot in the lead-up to Potrero opening.
Regarding Via de las Olas bluffs and the conditions of the sloping bluffs. BOE is a few weeks away from completing their investigation, but that is forthcoming.
They will report to Rec & Parks regarding recommended action.
Temescal Canyon Rd (TCR) is a top priority for the Council office.
There is a motion expected at City Council tomorrow to secure funding for substantive repairs.
Amster has approached BOE regarding the pinch-point in TCR which has resulted in a reported backlog of traffic.
Michael disagrees and would like to create a stripping [SIC] strategy that would preserve two lanes of traffic in both directions of TCR.
He asked the PPCC bard to support that position.
8.
5.
4. Zach Gaidzick, from the County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office and announced that she has been voted in as the Chair of LAHSA. She is excited because she intends to bring accountability and data driven results to LAHSA. Additionally, Supervisor Horvath has introduced two critical motions (passed unanimously) to support our striking workers in the entertainment industry. She will be specifically looking at ways LA County will be able to support the workers themselves as well as the numerous industries affected by the ongoing strike. The Supervisors also passed a resolution calling for the AMPTP to come back to the negotiating table and bring an end to this strike so people can get back to work with a fair contract.
8.
5.
5. LAPD SLO officer Brian Espin reported typical summertime increase in crime surrounding car break-ins on and near PCH or main arteries. Burglaries are about the same as last year (46 – year on year). He asked that people email him with questions but not to always believe what they read online about Palisades crime. He suggested that when there is an increase in foot or car traffic, there is an increase in crime. He reiterated that holiday weekends, summertime, more traffic at the beach translates to more crime, traditionally. Steve Cron observed that more than half of the crime on his report is on PCH rather than in the neighborhoods above. SLO Espin said he’d have to look at those numbers to give an accurate picture of percentages. The President asked him to bring us that information when he can.
8.
6. _From PPCC Committees, Advisors and WRAC Representatives_ 9\. _Reports from PPCC Committees:_
9.
1. Dave Card reported that the Three Chairs Committee (David Card: Committee Chair, members: Chris Spitz, Maryam Zar) met and have nominated Betsy Handler for the 2nd Alternate position for Area
5. The board affirmed the nomination. Betsy was welcomed to the PPCC board. 10\. **Old Business** – None. 11\. **New Business.**
11.
1. _Temescal Canyon Rd.
Restriping Motion_.
There was discussion and a motion regarding Temescal Canyon Road restriping as proposed by CD11 in order to preserve two lanes of traffic in both directions.
The following motion was made by the EC with a friendly amendment made by Beth Holden-Garland and seconded by Lee Anne Sanderson.
It passed unanimously after discussion: ["]The PPCC has profound concerns with the way TCR has been re-striped, and in light of recent natural disasters (storms close to home and fires in Hawaii) as well as the start of school, we believe the current striping of TCR compromises public safety – with drivers now attempting to skip lanes and drive along the yellow median or make unsafe U-Turns in the middle of this fast-paced road, creating perilous traffic conditions for all. CD11 informs us that there is enough space along the road to create interim lanes that would provide for two lanes of traffic in both directions.
Therefore, we encourage LADOT to collaborate with CD11 on a better restriping scheme that would save two lanes of traffic in each direction.
We urge any lane restriping change to incorporate one bicycle lane in each direction on Temescal Canyon Road.
Further, TCR is an Avenue I “Significant Road” for which both LA City Municipal Code and LADOT guidelines support the implementation of a short-term Transportation Control Management Plan during prolonged, disruptive events. TCR is a major feeder to and from Pacific Coast Highway for which signal timing at the intersection is limited to a 67 second green phase to limit overflow congestion on PCH.
Therefore, PPCC urges Caltrans to consider allowing a temporary (or permanent) increase in signal timing at PCH during peak periods, as well as incorporation of the #3 lane to accommodate a safe left turn onto S/B PCH.["]
11.
2. _Bulgari Hotel Motion_.
There was discussion regarding a motion to support Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky and Councilwoman Traci Park in urging the Director of City Planning to pause the approval project of the project by rescinding the process of initiating a zoning change to accommodate the design and construction of a hotel in Bel Air, referred to as the Bulgari Hotel Project, on 9712 Oak Pass Road in Benedict Canyon.
See: <https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-0777-S1_caf_8-16-23.pdf> The following Motion was made by the EC.
It passed unanimously after discussion: ["]PPCC urges the Director of City Planning and the Department of City Planning (DCP), to consider rescinding the initiation of a General Plan Amendment (GPA) for the Retreat at Benedict Canyon Project, Case No. CPC-2018-1506-GPA-VZC-SP- SPP-SPR, located at 9704 - 9712 West Oak Pass Road; 9800, 9801 - 9815 West Wanda Park Drive; and 2534 North Hutton Drive, in the Bel Air-Beverly Crest Community Plan Area, in order to halt the development of this project in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone within the Benedict Canyon, where the impact on local wildlife and community fire safety are likely to be irreversible.["] 12\. **Adjournment** – the meeting was adjourned at 9:00PM

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MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 14th 2023

1.**Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission.** Sue Kohl read the Community Council mission. 2\. **Roll-call of Board members and Certification of Quorum.** Voting members present: Maryam Zar, Sue Kohl, Beth Holden Garland, Dave Card, Murray Levy, Steve Cron, Haldis Toppel, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Cindy Simon, Julie Silliman, Rick McGeagh, Chris Spitz, John Padden, Kevin Niles, Barbara Kohn, Aileen Hough, Alisa Wolfson, Shirley Haggstrom. Non-voting members present: Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Michael Edlen, LeeAnne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Betsy Handler, Quentin Fleming. 3.**Introduction of attendees** The President introduced Captain Rich Gabaldon, Captain III, LAPD West Commanding officer; Sonya Young Jimenez, Department of Recreation and Parks, Superintendent of West Region; Robert Buenrostro, Principal Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, RAP; and Jasmine Dowlatshahi, Sr. Facilities Director, Palisades Recreation Center.
4.
**Approval of Minutes:** The Minutes of
August 24, 2023 were approved 5.**Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.** The Agenda was considered as presented.
The President said that one of the October meetings will be held in person. 6.**Treasurer’s Report.** The Treasurer was not present. 7.**General Public Comment.** Rich Wilken from the Palisades Lutheran Church (PLC) announced the 3rd annual all charity 5/10K run on October 24th.
They are expecting 100 runners.
They shared the route with the community and announced that there will be street closures from 8:30am until 11am. PLC will have people stationed at corners and will help people with road access when needed.
They’ve reworked the track so that Pali High, Northfield and Erskine exits will be available, as well as El Medio and Muskingum.
They’ve worked with local residents to make sure the impact of the race route is minimal.
They will post door hangers along the entire race route and put door hangers on all individual homes with race info, as well as sandwich signs along the route, days in advance.
Check-in is at the church – the race begins at Janaluska Road.
Pali High Ambassadors will also be helping, as well as Sons of the American legion volunteers.
Rich said he would be happy to accept volunteers from the community to help monitor their streets.
Karen Ridgley, Area Four Primary Rep, thanked Rich for the great communication and the accommodation of the race route for minimum impact, as well as door hangers to inform the community. 8\. **Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. The President announced again that new appointments for Advisors are being made and suggested people look on the PPCC website for a listing of Advisors.
8.
1.
2. The President announced that following the Wildland Fire Planning meeting arranged by CD11 (see items 8.1.3 and 8.2.1 below), she appointed a PPCC Wildland Interface and Fire Hazard Mitigation Committee, as follows: a)Dave Card
b) Julie Silliman
c) Rick McGeagh
d) Cindi Young
e) Steve Cron
f) Sue Kohl
g) Michael Edlen
h) Bruce Schwartz
i) Lou Kamer
8.
1.
3. See Sue Kohl’s report regarding the Wildland Urban Interface meeting convened by CD11 (with LAPD, LAFD, LADOT, LA EMD, City Planning, BSS, RAP, DONE, LA County Fire, CAO’s office) (item 8.2.1 below).
8.
1.
4. See Michael Amster’s update regarding Temescal Canyon Road repairs (item 8.5.2 below).
8.
1.
5. The President provided an update on the 50th Anniversary Jubilee & Community Celebration, recognizing all the volunteer effort that has gone into developing the event and the monetary contributions that have been made to enable the event to be free to the public, and encompassing of more than 20 community organizations who are now taking part. She thanked CM Traci Park for underwriting the canopies, Palisades PRIDE for underwriting food, American Legion for underwriting chairs and stage, Jenny Li for underwriting set up and take down, Michael Edlen for underwriting printing costs, the Simon family for underwriting environmentally friendly water, the Zar family for underwriting a specialty coffee cart, as well as various community and board members who have made contributions including Sue Kohl, Chris Spitz, Beth Holden-Garland and Kimberly Bloom who is, along with Beth, helping with decorations. She noted that CM Traci Park, State Senator Ben Allen, and perhaps Congressman Brad Sherman will all be on hand to help celebrate our community and give commendations. She encouraged everyone to spread the word.
8.
1.
6. The President mentioned a discussion with Gates Security about a pole top camera pilot or bike patrols though open spaces where she was informed challenges and opportunities, but more would come later as LAPD assesses how best to mitigate some of the concerns around our open spaces.
8.
1.
7. The President asked the Bylaws Committee to amend the organizational certificate process and the name of the PP Library Association and tasked them with these amendments to be presented to the board for approval at upcoming meetings.
8.
1.
8. See the report by Dave Card, Chair Emeritus, for a Potrero update (item 8.2.3 below).
8.
1.
9. The President did not give a Metro TCN update.
8.
1.
10. The President reported that the Bulgari Hotel project has been defeated and the zone change has been rescinded, largely due to community opposition in a vocal manner.
8.
2. _From Officers and Chair Emeritus_
8.
2.
1.
Sue Kohl, Vice President, reported about the Wildland Interface and Fire Hazard Mitigation Committee which CD11 convened for the benefit of Brentwood and Pacific Palisades (communities in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, or VHFHSZ.
Many City and county departments were present and spoke in great detail about coordination between all first responder agencies as well as the LA City Emergency Management Department and LA County Fire. PPCC asked to be included in future convenings and is learning how we can be part of citywide Fire Councils.
All were encouraged to sign up for Notify LA, and informed that landlines are important for city evacuation notifications.
Technology is being implemented to foresee the movement of fire (dependent on velocity and wind conditions), and to react based on that information.
It is important to know neighbors and to collaborate on information-sharing and with special needs individuals who may need extra care.
Fire roads are not to be used, as they are for fire resources to be moved into place in order to protect communities – please do not use those in an emergency. AT&T was also present to discuss a possible cell tower that can be used for emergency bandwidths at the Getty Villa (private entity).
We exchanged contact information with the presenters and will hear from them before the plans advance. SLO Brian Espin (LAPD) reiterated that reception can be very spotty in the hills.
They rely on AT&T emergency bandwidth (First Net) and would support better connectivity in the high fire severity zones in the hillsides. LAPD works with LAFD (at the Incident Command Post) and decides the direction and flow of evacuation.
They also work with LADOT for route planning and road direction (“contra flow” planning).
The President informed the board that this conversation will be ongoing and that we will be part of the evolving conversation surround fire safety, as Pacific Palisades is entirely in VHFHSZ.
We asked for Fire Council information, evacuation drills, information-sharing improvements and more.
The President has formed a committee to continue pursuing these conversations and bring resources and information to the community.
The President said there is the promise of more discussion about communication, maps, crucial emergency information-sharing, etc.
8.
2.
2. Beth Holden-Garland, Secretary, reminded the board to buy drums of water for emergency use and also updated the board about September 30th celebration decorations and items for kids.
8.
2.
3. Dave Card, Chair Emeritus, reported on a PCH Task Force meeting. With regard to the Potrero Canyon Bridge project – the draft report from BOE was sent to the Board of Public Works and it will be agendized within the next two months. The report includes the scope of work, the funding, the contractor/consultant and more. The lateral trail to Temescal Canyon Rd. is advancing in coordination with bridge and coastal access developments. PPCC and the Palisades community are still waiting to hear from CD11 as to the contractor chosen to conduct Outreach for the pre-design phase. Lou Kamer (PPCC Transportation Advisor) also reported that discussion about fixing the light rotations and signage at PCH and West Channel Rd. is continuing. He also reported that he has continued to press for reactive lights for the stretch of PCH that is in Pacific Palisades so that traffic flow can adjust to volume and result less often in gridlock.
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_.
8.
3.
1. Murray Levy, Area One Primary Rep, led discussion with respect to the Castellammare/ Tramonto development project in hillside streets in Area One. He confirmed that the appeal hearing is scheduled for November
15.
He shared pictures and commentary about the dire circumstances surrounding the hillside, which is the site of an active landslide, and attested that for the past 50 years, the hillside landslide has been moving.
In the last slide, it wiped out four streets, and the city built the bulkhead.
The developer proposes to build four massive houses and Murray asked the PPCC to re-write and resubmit the letter requesting a full EIR for the project.
The PPCC board agreed this could and should be done, and the sense of the board was that this development seems perilous and should be monitored as a development of possible concern.
The President agreed to work with Murray to pen a strong letter, recommending a full EIR for the project.
She also noted that the PPCC LUC is keeping an eye on this matter and has indicated that it is happy to conduct a fair and open community meeting regarding the matter, should that become appropriate.
Murray also noted that the CA Coastal Commission has imposed Special Conditions 8 and 9 on the project.
The landowner must assume the risk of extraordinary land circumstances and geological hazards.
It also requires the property owner to record the deed restriction, providing notice of potential hazards to potential buyers.
Murray made the point that existing residents must also live with hazards, and they feel unsafe.
Murray also noted that the Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan (CP) provides for a basis by which this community can protest this proposed construction.
The President read from the CP _[see_[ _https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/about/community-specific-plans/_](https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/about/community-specific-plans/)_]_ and confirmed the language cited by Murray.
She said she’d be happy to have the LUC work on this thread to see what can be done.
Area One resident Christopher Ekstein also spoke in support of Murray’s presentation and request for support from the board and the community.
He and board members expressed the opinion that strong comments and opposition from the Area One community and their vocal appearance at the November 15th hearing will be instrumental, irrespective of PPCC action.
Resident Marcia Vogler also commented that resident opposition is present and important.
Chris Spitz, PPCC At-large Rep, agreed that a further PPCC letter would be appropriate to expand on the position previously stated, and that LUC review (with all sides present) might be appropriate with a public LUC meeting and a recommendation made by the Committee to the PPCC board.
Steve Cron, LUC Chair, agreed that there was time to do this prior to the November 15th hearing, if the Area reps and the relevant HOA were to ask for the LUC to take this up.
8.
3.
2. Steve Cron, Area Two Primary Rep, gave a substantive update on Highlands Trail Head bathroom improvements as a result of PPCC and community advocacy over the years. He shared pictures and reported that after 4.5 years of effort, there has finally been some movement on improvements so that the bathrooms are now clean and presentable, and will soon be operable.
8.
3.
3. Chris Spitz, At-Large Rep: Update on the status of SB 423 deferred.
8.
3.
4. Julie Silliman, Area Seven Rep, informed the board about the upcoming Rustic Night celebration on the night of September 30th, to raise money for Rustic Canyon Park.
8.
3.
5. Rick McGeagh, Area Seven 1st Alternate, reported about brush clearance in the Will Rogers neighborhood of Area Seven.
8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_. There were no organizational updates.
8.
5. _From Government Offices / Representatives_.
8.
5.
1. SLO Brian Espin, LAPD, shared data with the board, per the questions asked at the last meeting, regarding the concentration of crime in specific areas. He reported that, in fact, most crime is often occurring along PCH and in the more public areas of access. He shared that crime in the Palisades has seen an uptick and investigators are searching for patterns and perpetrators. He reiterated that the new Captain is not reducing any resources for the Palisades and that patrols continue to visit hot spots and are available to respond to radio calls as best they can.
8.
5.
2.
Michael Amster, Field Deputy for Brentwood and Pacific Palisades from CD11reported that Quimby funds were being allocated to bathroom upgrades and playground construction at the Palisades Recreation Center to comply with current codes.
He also reported that tomorrow at City Council there will be a motion introduced by CM Traci Park for approval of $400,000 from the “anti gridlock transit improvement funds” for repairs and restoration of Temescal Canyon Road (TCR) by the end of October.
There was a question as to whether that will be enough finding for the drainage repairs planned for TCR.
Michael informed the board that $400,000 is expected to be enough for the full repairs.
He also reported having worked with Area Four reps and Asilomar residents as well as Tahitian Terrace residents to find a solution to branches and debris that presented a fire threat.
This debris has successfully been cleared out.
Michael also reported having worked with members of the DRB, Barbara Kohn and Donna Vaccarino, to find new members for the Brown-Acted, and specifically appointed, DRB, and can report three new members who are expected to join the board, two of whom would fill specialty roles required by statute.
Michael also informed the community that a small nonprofit called the SAB Center has proposed to construct an affordable housing research facility in the Castellammare neighborhood of the Palisades.
He reported that the Council Office plans to hear them out, and believes that it can work, but would like to hear more.
He has arranged a meeting on site for next Friday (9/22) and encourages as much input as possible.
More information will be made available.
The President suggested more info be made available to the board at the next meeting, following the site visit.
8.
4. _From PPCC Committees, Advisors and WRAC Representatives_ – None. 9.**Reports from PPCC Committees.**
9.
1. _PCOC report_ : Update on signs and proposed order of priority (see link below) for communication with CD11 and RAP, urging them to amend or restore the signage this community asked for, and install as appropriate at the George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon. See full report: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Park-Rules-Sign-Revision-Issues.pdf>.
9.
2. _Three Chairs Committee report_ (David Card: Committee Chair, members: Steve Boyers, Maryam Zar): Update regarding 2nd Alternate applications for Area 8 and At-large. See also: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PPCC-At-lrg-Area-8-Alts.-Notice-2023.pdf>.
9.
3. _LUC_ report (Steve Cron or Howard Robinson reporting on recent discussions regarding Castellammare construction project): See discussion in item 8.3.1 above. 10\. **Old Business** – None. 11\. **New Business.**
11.
1. _Motion to oppose the “100% natives” proposed ordinance in City Council_. Motion made by Dave Card (Chair Emeritus and Chair of the Palisades Forestry Committee, a PPCC Organizational member) and jointly seconded by Beth Holden-Garland and Chris Spitz. Motion: “Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) opposes the motion in L.A. City Council File 22-1469, on the grounds set forth in the accompanying Position Paper, summarized as follows:
a) The proposed motion will result in less biodiversity, more monoculture. A mandate prohibiting the planting and sale of any non-native species in all of the City of Los Angeles (urban, suburban, commercial, governmental, and residential properties) is far too radical and damaging.
b) It risks the health of the urban forest by the concentration of too few tree species. There are not enough native tree species to sustain our urban forest.
c) Some natives do not adapt well in city environments. Yet cities are not devoid of diverse species, and can even benefit regional ecosystems.
d) We encourage the planting of more native species. And we support conserving our wild open spaces and creating more parks. However, biodiversity includes all trees and plants, not just natives.
e) Restrict invasives, not climate appropriate trees and plants.” After discussion, a vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. 12\. **Adjournment.** The meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM.

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MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 28th 2023

1\. **Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission.** The mission of the PPCC was read by Karen Ridgley, Area Four Primary Rep. 2.**Roll-call of Board members and Certification of Quorum.** The Chair certified that there was quorum. Voting members present: Maryam Zar, Dave Card, Beth Holden-Garland, Sue Kohl, Murray Levy, Steve Cron, Haldis Toppel, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Cindy Simon, Julie Silliman, Chris Spitz, John Padden, Nina Kidd, Alisa Wolfson, Barbara Kohn, Genevieve Bostik, Shirley Haggstrom, Bill Skinner, Courtney Macker. Non-voting members present: Joanna Spak, Michael Edlen, Daphne Gronich, Mary Mueller, Eileen Hough, Ryan Craig, Bruce Schwartz, Jessica Rogers. 3.**Introduction of attendees.** West LA Captain, LAPD, Rich Gabaldon was in attendance to support the report by SLO Espin. Sgt Scott Alpert and Officer Jose Bermudez were also present. (See YouTube post for that segment of the meeting.) 4\.
**Approval of Minutes:**
September 14, 2023 were approved without objection. 5.**Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.** 6\. **Treasurer’s Report.** See the report sent by Treasurer (absent) and read by President _[see Attachment/Item 6]_ 7.**General Public Comment (GPC).** There was no GPC __ 8.**Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. The President reviewed letters written since last meeting and noted that they are posted online. <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Native-plants-letter.pdf> and <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FIN-PPCC-EC-Letter-re-BCC-Amicus-Grants-Pass.pdf>
8.
1.
2. The President gave an update on 50th Anniversary Jubilee & Community Celebration and urged everyone to attend.
8.
1.
3. The President gave an update on Castellammare issues. a. Tramonto construction/development – she said the LUC was looking again at review or best position at this juncture. b. SAB center proposal for nonprofit headquarters - she said a new nonprofit has proposed to construct a research headquarters for affordable housing innovations on a site that has apparently been granted to them by the City for this purpose. She reported that she would be referring this matter to the LUC, and finds the suggestion/proposal to be questionably appropriate for the R1 zones sight.
8.
2. _From Officers and Chair Emeritus_. [none]
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_.
8.
3.
1. Karen Ridgley, Area Four Primary Rep., reported that Insp. warren Sutton has been helpful since May and helped cite LA Parks and private property owners who own the slope at Asilomar Blvd to the bottom where Tahitian Terrace lies. Inspections are completed at this point, and brush clearance has largely been done She thanked Andre Branch for his assistance and announced that Tahitian Terrace leadership and residents have been very helpful and proactive in conducting brush clearance. She also thanked Michael Amster from CD11 for securing a large bin to assist in getting rid of all the debris that was cleared from Asilomar Park and Tahitian Terrace. He also replaced a vandalized sign by elevating it, and she thanked him for his efforts. She asked for more Sunrise to Sunset signs for Asilomar Bluffs Park as well as Potrero. She also mentioned new Graffiti, she was hoping the city would address (Rick Mills, former Area Rep) reported it to 311.) She also reported that the Asilomar Bluffs project may soon be underway (email from Michael Womack). The President said she’d follow up on that. The President thanked Karen for her exemplary service as an Area Rep.
8.
3.
2. Chris Spitz, At-Large Primary Rep., reported on the deteriorating condition of the "History of the Palisades" mural along Temescal Canyon Rd. and gave an update on SB 423 winding its way through the legislature as well as a note on the "Grants Pass" case impacting homelessness, for which we have now sent support for the BCC Amicus Brief. The President said our submitted letter is on our website.
8.
3.
3. Steve Cron, Area Two Primary reported that he visited the Ciela Elder Care Center and reported that they have built the building in a fire hardened way and have pledged to offer their community room for evacuations or community events. Cron reported that they were eager to be part of the community and while their onset was controversial, they are now here and would like to be good community members. Aileen Hough asked if they have all the right permits (including a CoO) in order to open. She said they had hosted a loud event on their rooftop last week and the neighbors do not sense that these will be good neighbors. They have questions to which they’d like answered. Steve and Maryam, the President, pledged to make sure we invite them to a PPCC meeting and introduce themselves as well as tale questions. Steve said open communications would be crucial in regulating issues and addressing them.
8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_.
8.
4.
1.
Courtney Macker and Jessica Rogers, PPRA primary and Alternate Reps, alerted the community regarding the increase in, and escalation of, crimes involving the youth in our community.
The board held discussion on how best to come together, get involved and talk to our children so that we may get a handle on these new threats and improve public safety for all the Palisades. LAPD Captain, Sgt., SLO and beach detail Officers were on the call to take part in this discussion.
Courtney said we have had an increase in crime in our public paces involving juveniles.
She mentioned drag racing, fighting and lighting of fire fireworks in the park.
She said as a community, we are at our wits end and need law enforcement to do more to respond to the ongoing issues that are threatening the safety of our public safety and community, at large.
Asked for leadership and collaborative effort with LAPD to break the impasse.
The President thanked Courtney and mentioned that both Courtney and Jessica (from PPRA) for their proactive effort to address issues of law enforcement and acknowledged that they often have conversations with LAPD, and reach out to voice their concerns and address ongoing community safety issues. LAPD, PPCC President and Courtney Macker urged reporting and noted that all crime must be reported, even to the non-emergency number, so that LAPD can investigate, bring charges and have the difficult conversations with parents. (Please see video segment on our PPCC YouTube site: <https://youtu.be/-XKsVHmRTog>).
8.
5. _From Government Offices / Representatives_.
8.
5.
1.
Edward Feves, _[District Representative]_ Senator Ben Allen, reported they would have a table and a presence at the 50th Anniversary Jubilee on Saturday.
He mentioned that the CA Legislature approved $350M for statewide law enforcement agencies to make sure they have the resources they need to address community concerns, such as those which were brought up in this meeting today.
Feedback from communities is crucial in this allocation of funding.
Advanced surveillance cameras and task forces resource to respond to community public safety concerns are of concern to the State, and the office of State Senator Allen will follow up with us.
The Legislature has until October 14th to send bills to the Governor.
The Senator championed a series of environmental bills, and they will report back about those that passed in the months to come.
Senator Allen had three environmental bills, including SB 54, getting rid of single use plastic packaging (along with SB665) to create a working group that would address alternative non plastic items that can replace current non-biodegradable plastics.
Sen Allen also sponsored SB 867 (two year bill) that would ask for a $15.5B bond that would go toward climate change resiliency projects (like brush clearance, fewer black tops, more shade, etc…).
The President thanked Edward and asked him to thank Sen Allen on behalf of the board, since she understood that he would be attending the Jubilee with a commendation and Resolution for PPCC on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.
8.
6. _From PPCC Committees, Advisors and WRAC Representatives_. 9\. **Reports from PPCC Committees.**
9.
1. _[_Three Chairs Committee_]_ The board elected the nominees presented by the Committee of the Three Chairs (Steve Boyers, David Card, Maryam Zar) for 2nd Alternates for Area Eight & At-Large positions. Alan Goldsmith was elected to serve as the 2nd Alternate for the At-Large seat. Andrew Wolfberg was elected to serve as the 2nd Alternate for Area Eight. 10\. **Old Business** \- none. 11\. **New Business.**
11.
1. _WRAC Motion._ The PPCC board voted unanimously to support the WRAC recommended motion to support public park/skateboard facility at West LA Commons. Motion proposed by Chris Spitz, At-large Rep and WRAC VP, seconded by Sue Kohl, passed as follows: PPCC requests that the LA City support WLASNC’s request for a public park and skateboard facility, as part of the West L.A. Commons project, that maintains high-density housing and numerous affordable units. This park would serve the 2,500 tenants of the project as well as the 5,000 neighbors who live on the south and don’t have a park (many are low-income households), and visitors from Westwood, Mar Vista, Bel Air-Beverly Crest and Brentwood who visit the Felicia Mahood Senior Center and the West L.A. Municipal Building. 12\. **Adjournment.** The meeting was adjourned at 8:48PM. _[ATTACHMENT – Item 6/Treasurer’s Report: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Treasurers-Report-9-28-23.pdf]_

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MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 12th 2023

1.**Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission.** The PPCC mission was read by Maryam Zar. 2.**Roll-call of Board members and Certification of Quorum.** The meeting was called to order at 6:03PM Voting members present: Maryam Zar, Sue Kohl, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Murray Levy, Bruce Schwartz, Haldis Toppel, Karen Ridgely, Kimberly Bloom, Quentin Fleming, Julie Silliman, Reza Akef, Mary Mueller, John Padden, Barbara Kohn, Aileen Haugh, Alisa Wolfson, Kevin Niles, Genevieve Bostic, James Alexakis, Hagop Tchakerian, Courtney Macker.
Non-voting members present: Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Nancy Niles, Michael Edlen, Daphne Gronich, Betsy Handler, Harlan Hogue, Cathy Russell, Andrew Wolfberg, Alan Goldsmith, Janet Anderson. 3.**Introduction of attendees.** LAPD West Traffic Officer Blair Gabler attended the meeting to address the gridlock that has plagued the Palisades recently.
The President asked for West LA Traffic to attend the meeting and help us discuss the reasons why and how to better communicate traffic accidents and manage the **flow** of traffic when it snarls.
Officer Gabler presented statistics on collisions and an assessment of whether those have adversely impacted traffic in pacific Palisades.
The board held a discussion on strategies and solutions for traffic flow and better communication.
Please see the recording of the discussion on our YouTube site.
Officer Gabler is from West Traffic Division, Community Traffic Safety Unit, designated to West LA (she sees all the traffic related complaints). SLO Espin said Officer Gabler looked at some statistics to determine what kind of impact recent traffic reports have had on the community.
Lou Kamer, PPCC Traffic Advisor, said we need to see what’s causing our traffic snarls, what we can do about it and how to change outcomes, so we don’t experience standstill the way we recently have experienced.
Officer Gabler said the Traffic Analysis Unit (TAU) for West LA has not seen an increase in traffic accidents in our area.
Sunset and PCH are “High Volume Roadways”, which are adversely impacted by Waze traffic patterns that redirect people to these roadways; if they are blocked, Waze re-routes people to smaller streets. TAU has reached out to Waze to see if they can change those rerouting patterns.
Apparently, those roads are so encumbered with traffic that traffic police have been unable to conduct speed surveys or traps on those roads.
The President noted that this community is lodged between a mountain and an ocean, and the entire Palisades is in the VHFHSZ.
We have recently gotten a glimpse of what it might look like if we had to evacuate (in the event of fire or natural disaster), and while not being alarmists, we do think it might be complicated.
Officer Gabler assured the board that in the event of evacuation, motorcycle officers would be used in great numbers to direct people out in the safest manner they can to avoid traffic snarls.
It’s hard when there are only two main roadways out of the Palisades, but she has confidence that motor escorts will be there in the case of evacuation.
Stop lights will be stopped, and police officers will dictate the flow of traffic and make “contra flow” touch points work well for the flow of traffic. DOT will also be involved.
She is happy to come out for community meetings and help learn more from the community and gather ideas.
Right now, they are focused on Waze stopping sending people though Palisadian streets, which creates congestion.
Lou Kamer noted that he founded the Waze community program in the Palisades and he can make changes to Waze rerouting protocols when there are emergencies in place.
He suggested that he can help with the outreach to Waze and help make adjustments that need to be made.
But the reality of our location is that we will have bottlenecks if there is an emergency (density as well as increased vehicular traffic). 81,000 cars travel through the PCH/ Chautauqua intersection daily, so we have to deal with the reality that things are going to get more congested but there are steps we can tale to mitigate a lot of the issues, especially in emergencies.
The issue of evacuations resulting in traffic snarls was repeated and finally the President brought up the idea of adaptive lights (something Malibu has invested in), which might help with the flow of traffic as situations on roads change.
She said this would be a good discussion for another day.
Some Q and A ensued where people expressed a concern about being trapped in case of fire.
See the exchange online at our YouTube channel.
Carl Ginsberg from My Safe LA introduced their work and made a presentation about fire safety, home hardening and local Fire Councils as a means by which to mitigate the impact of fire and to assist in emergency preparedness in the community.
Carl said My Safe LA is a nonprofit which is funded by CalFire, FEMA and others.
They teach safety in elementary schools, install smoke alarms throughout the city, hold CERT classes and also are funded by the City of LA Fire Department, with whom they’ve worked for more than 15 years, working together in communities to launch Fire Safe Councils (in conjunction with LA County).
He introduced David Barrett to give a presentation and suggested we meet in person at another date to focus on Fire Safe Councils and all the benefits that they bring to communities.
Please see the recording online.
Mr.
Barrett said they are here to bridge the gap between residents and all the various fire agencies and try to fill them in as related to supporting communities.
He suggested that the City of LA (Office of CM Park) might be very interested in helping fund adaptive lights for our area, because we are in the most dangerous part of the United States (according to FEMA) as related to wildfires. CM Park is extremely committed to her constituents, and she would be open to hearing about adaptive lights because it would be a “huge win” for her and they meet with her office all the time.
The threat of wildfire in the County of LA has a rating of 100%.
The SF Valley is surrounded by the SM Mountains which are all within the VHFHSZ.
Last year’s rains resulted in “fuel” if the conditions are right (temp high/humidity low).
As they look at the coming year, this is a good time to harden our resilience to wildfire.
He introduced us to the Wildfire Alliance which is a collaboration of agencies that work to harden homes against fire and mitigate the possible damage.
My Safe LA is the coordinator that helps with outreach and assists organizations like ours (through HOAs and Neighborhood or Community Councils) to be more prepared for wild fires by going into communities and holding monthly meetings (such as this Thursday’s meeting) where they discuss wildfire impact mitigation and other topics.
The President thanked Dave and Carl, and pledged to create a taskforce to work on both fire councils as well as mobility issues.
See more online. 4.**Approval of Minutes** : The meeting minutes from
September 28, 2023 were approved 5.**Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.** 6.**Treasurer’s Report**. Account balance, $48,683.26 as of the day of reporting. Most transactions were related to the anniversary celebration. Most bills have been paid. $12,196.89 in donations (not counting in kind donations). Expenses were $9024.
28. We netted $3172.61 of income from the 50th Anniversary Jubilee & Community Celebration, which saw board members (organizational and individual) donations come together to support the event which had great turnout and resulted in community building as well as income generation. The Treasurer said several events that can generate this kind of income would be very helpful to the PPCC. 7.**General Public Comment.** None. 8.**Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. From _the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. The President reviewed letters written since the last meeting: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FIN-Tramonto-Rvello-Dev.-project-letter-2.pdf> . She got a call from Jeff Khau, CD11 Planning Deputy, and highlighted for him the fact that we have referred to language from our Specific Plan which seems to prohibit this kind of large scale construction on our hillside streets with unique topography steeped in nature. She reported that Jeff asked for a reduction in scale, quarterly reports to the community and a mitigated plan for construction impact in the community and on hillside streets. Jeff said he would investigate the CEQA exemption the developer had applied for. She reported that he would look into our request more intently. She also said he had reiterated the notion that a developer would strengthen the hillside and fortify the slide area as a natural extension of hillside construction.
8.
1.
2. The President reported that the 50th Anniversary Jubilee & Community Celebration was a huge success with hundreds of people coming out to visit with more than 40 booths of organizations and community officials.
8.
1.
3. The President gave an update on the SAB center proposal for a nonprofit headquarters in the Castellammare area, saying that the group had met with Traci Park and Jeff Khau and that no decision had been made. Apparently, no permits or entitlements have been given to the nonprofit yet by any city agency. The PPCC LUC is monitoring with great interest.
8.
1.
4. The President reported that a Youth Exhibit will take place from November 1st to November 12th at the Library Community Room, hosted by PPCC – culminating in a November 9th in person meeting and an awards recognition for youth artists, as an extension of our 50th Anniversary Jubilee (we sought submissions and got an overwhelming number). More information to come.
8.
1.
5. The President announced the appointment of the Awards Selection Committee and the timeline for nominees and announcement of honorees in November (11/9). The committee consists of Daphne Gronich, Sue Kohl, Beth Holden-Garland, Ryan Craig and Diana Danielle.
8.
1.
6. The President announced the 2023 Holiday Dinner & Awards Gala, planned for December 14 possibly at The Draycott. There were no objections to the date (prescribed by the bylaws.)
8.
1.
7. She reported that a CD11 rep and an RAP will be at the Oct 25th PAB meeting and report about Quimby funds for park and bathroom upgrades/ construction.
8.
1.
8. She did not report on the Asilomar Bluffs update
8.
1.
9. The President welcomed new Organizational reps. A possible new-member orientation may take place in early November 2023.
8.
2. _From Officers and Chair Emeritus_
8.
2.
1. Sue Kohl, Vice President, reported that she met with new the Mayor’s new West Area Field Deputy, Marian Ensley. Sue imparted to her the major issues she could think of which included crime, homelessness, fire issues, issues at the park, pole top cameras, prosecution of serious criminals. Sue said it went well. Ms. Ensley was at the 50th Anniversary Jubilee and said she’d be on our calls in the coming weeks to keep the Mayor’s office abreast of our priorities and be a point of communication for us. She has been invited to the Holiday party and she will work on certificates for our Holiday event.
8.
2.
2. Beth Holden-Garland, Secretary had no updates.
8.
2.
3. Dave Card, Chair Emeritus, had no updates.
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_
8.
3.
1. Haldis Toppel, Area Three primary rep., reported on the MKPOA block party re-emergence as a staple in the Palisades, to take place on Saturday October 22nd. Everyone is invited to join. There will be food, music, face painting, a bounce house and many merchants participating.
8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_
8.
4.
1. Courtney Macker, PPRA primary rep, spurred us to discuss emergency response plans and actual escape routes for evacuation in light of recent events. This discussion becomes increasingly important as we see traffic snarls that led to gridlock for Palisadians. Courtney spoke about better communications and reiterated the need for a community app as a tool for essential communication. Officer Espin agreed that there should be better communication. He said the Wet LA Command is short staffed. The conversation with Officer Gabler, above, was prompted by this item having been agendised for discussion. See above.
8.
4.
2. Kimberly Bloom, Area Five primary rep – discussion about a fundraising opportunity was tabled in the interest of time.
8.
5. _From Government Offices / Representatives_.
8.
5.
1. Michael Amster, CD 11 Palisades Field Deputy, invited people to get involved in the Community Plan update process. He noted that the Palisades - Brentwood Community Plan is not yet in focus. He also gave an update on the effective efforts and operations to address encampments across the District. Temescal Canyon Road repairs are underway and Michael said he will follow up with DOT, regularly. Michael reported that he is in conversation with DOT to hire a crossing guard at Canyon Charter School. There is a general liability concern but he is working to see what can be done in order to accommodate this one specific volunteer who wishes to be hired as a crossing guard for Canyon Charter School. He reported that BOE gathered more info about the Via de las Olas Bluffs using drones and will complete their investigation within a few weeks. He also reported on a Veterans Resource Fair on December 7th at the VA, where CM Traci Park will provide resources and giveaways to those who live there. Michael asked for donations of new and lightly used clothes.
8.
6. _From PPCC Advisors and WRAC Representatives_.
8.
6.
1. Lou Kamer, Transportation Advisor, reported that PCH closures and improvements have had great impact on our neighborhood roads, and we must find better communication and impact mitigation strategies. Information must get out to the public must faster. He suggested that the PCH taskforce meetings bring all agencies together – can we have LADOT and CalTrans get information to us as fast as possible so we can report to the community both incidents and clearance times. 9.**Reports from PPCC Committees**.
9.
1. _Bylaws Committee_. Committee Chair Andrew Wolfberg and Vice-Chair Haldis Toppel walked the board through the 1st distribution of Bylaws amendments impacting certification for returning organizational members who transition from the Alternate to the Primary role, in their respective categories (not applicable to categories with a sole member). The Committee also proposes correcting the formal name of an organization in Appendix A to the Bylaws. There were no questions. The vote will be reserved for the next meeting, to follow the second distribution. (See also item 11.2 below.) 10\. **Old Business** – There was no old business. 11\. **New Business.**
11.
1. _LUC recommended motion re Proposed Affordable Housing Streamlining Ordinance (AHSO)_ / CF 22-0623; CPC-2023-5273-CA – _Request VHFHSZ Exemption_. The board voted to support the motion and the letter attached below was unanimously approved.
11.
2. _First distribution of Bylaws Committee recommended motions_.
Discussion only.
See suggested motion language here: _[https://pacpalicc.org/wp content/uploads/2023/10/09-26a-2023-Draft-Revisions.pdf](https://pacpalicc.org/wp %20content/uploads/2023/10/09-26a-2023-Draft-Revisions.pdf)_ Summary of proposed changes: 1\.
The Bylaws Committee presented the first distribution for proposed bylaws changes to impact the current requirement for Member Organizations and Alternate Member Organizations to provide a written certification of various information regarding their organization.
The proposed change removes the obligation that the Alternate Member Organization comply with the annual certification requirement.
These changes will make sure that any Member Organization (the organization in a category that will be the voting organization in a Category for the term) has provided the required written certification.
If an organization will be serving a consecutive term or terms (including the Historical Society and PPRA), then those Member Organizations will be required to submit an updated written certification if any of the information has changed since the organization’s last written certification or if the organization has not submitted a written certification within the last three years.
There was no discussion. 2\.
The Bylaws committee also recommended the updating of Appendix A to reflect the correct name for the Friends of the Library, which is now formally named the Pacific Palisades Library Association (PPLA).
There was no discussion. **12\.
Adjournment.**
12.
1. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10pm.
**ATTACHMENT – Item 11.1; letter re AHSO:** **Proposed PPCC letter – recommended to the PPCC board by the PPCC LUC** October __, 2023 Department of City Planning _(via email):_ Vincent P.
Bertoni, Director of Planning [_vince.bertoni@lacity.org_](mailto:vince.bertoni@lacity.org) __ Cally Hardy, City Planner, Housing Policy __[_planning.housingpolicy@lacity.org_](mailto:planning.housingpolicy@lacity.org) Re: _Proposed Affordable Housing Streamlining Ordinance (AHSO) / CF 22-0623; CPC-2023-5273-CA –_ ** __Request VHFHSZ Exemption__** Dear Department of City Planning: For fifty years, Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) has been the voice of the community and the most broad-based organization in Pacific Palisades.
Our entire community is located within the sensitive Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).
The proposed AHSO contains limited exemptions for certain sensitive areas (in single-family and Coastal zones), but does not include a VHFHSZ exemption.
Several areas of Pacific Palisades (and other Los Angeles communities in the VHFHSZ) are not located in either of these two exempt zones, and thus would be subject to a streamlined approval process for affordable housing projects, with _no review of public safety impacts_ in sensitive VHFHSZ areas.
Elimination of environmental and discretionary review in designated VHFHSZ areas is dangerous and unacceptable.
Both PPCC and the Los Angeles City Council have recognized this fact by calling for an unconditional VHFHSZ exemption in proposed state housing legislation that would streamline approvals for housing development projects.
In addition, the City’s own approved Housing Element protects environmentally sensitive areas such as the VHFHSZ by excluding them from the Rezoning Program needed to meet RHNA numbers.
Consistent with these positions and City policy, an **unconditional exemption for the VHFHSZ** should also be included in the proposed AHSO. **Los Angeles City Actions/Policy** The City Council has expressly recognized the danger to all of the City’s VHFHSZ areas if adequate discretionary review is eliminated in the housing approval process.
The Council recently called for an unconditional exemption for the VHFHSZ in proposed state legislation (SB 423) that would streamline certain affordable housing projects statewide _(see_ Council File 23-0002-S71 – unanimously passed on 9/25/23 to include this position in the City’s 2023-24 State Legislative program).
As explained in the CLA’s report in CF 23-0002-S71, an unconditional VHFHSZ exemption is necessary to allow for adequate environmental review and scrutiny for public safety concerns of proposed housing development in these sensitive areas. _Without a VHFHSZ exemption, the proposed AHSO is contrary to the CLA’s conclusion and the City Council’s express position on SB 423._ Moreover, the approved 2021-2029 Housing Element (HE) _expressly protects VHFHSZ properties_ by excluding them from the inventory of sites available for rezoning.
As the HE explains: “Key elements of the rezoning strategy have been informed by public input and City Council direction. . . .
In general, the program emphasizes increasing access to Higher Opportunity areas of the city, . . . while _protecting environmentally sensitive areas such as fire zones_ . . . .” HE, Chapter 4 (emphasis added). _Failure to exempt the VHFHSZ from the proposed_ _AHSO would be clearly inconsistent with the HE’s protections._ _____________________________________________________________________ Page Two October __, 2023 Dept. of City Planning **Substantial Risk to Public Safety** Failure to exempt the VHFHSZ would compromise public safety in Pacific Palisades and in other hillside communities in the VHFHSZ.
Like many of our counterpart communities in the City, the Palisades is at constant risk of wildfires and required emergency evacuations.
We have extremely limited means of egress and ingress (only two main roadways lead in and out of Pacific Palisades) and thousands of our residents reside on narrow hillside streets as well as substandard “flat” streets, where evacuation is already challenged.
See: [_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PPCC-LetterCF-20-1213-Motion-re-VHFHZ.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PPCC-LetterCF-20-1213-Motion-re-VHFHZ.pdf) _._ We have decades-long experience with destructive wildfires and frightening evacuations, including the massive 1978 Mandeville Fire, the 2018 Woolsey Fire, the 2019 Getty and Palisades Fires and the 2021 Palisades Fire.
These conditions result in serious risk to lives and public safety from crowded roadways during required emergency evacuations – which would be made even worse with additional density.
Our community’s significant and legitimate concerns and considerations must be addressed with an adequate environmental review of any proposed affordable housing projects in the VHFHSZ. **Conclusion/Request** PPCC recognizes the need for affordable housing and __does not seek to prevent affordable housing in appropriate areas of Pacific Palisades or in any other areas of the City_._ However, in the interest of public safety, it is imperative that any such proposed housing in the sensitive VHFHSZ must not be streamlined and must be subject to adequate environmental and discretionary review.
Consistent with the City Council’s position in CF 23-002-S71 and its request for an unconditional VHFHSZ exemption in SB 423, as well as with the protections afforded sites in the VHFHSZ by the HE, **we urge the Planning Dept. to include an unconditional VHFHSZ exemption in the draft of the proposed AHSO.** This letter was recommended by the PPCC Land Use Committee and approved _[unanimously?]_ by the PPCC Board of Directors at the regularly-scheduled public PPCC meeting on October __, 2023.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, Maryam Zar President, Pacific Palisades Community Council Steve Cron and Christina Spitz Co-Chairs, PPCC Land Use Committee cc _(via email):_ Hon.
Karen Bass, Mayor, City of Los Angeles [_karen.bass@lacity.org_](mailto:karen.bass@lacity.org) Hon.
Traci Park, Councilwoman, CD 11 [_traci.park@lacity.org_](mailto:traci.park@lacity.org) Hon.
Paul Krekorian, L.A.
City Council President; Councilmember, CD 2 [_councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org_](mailto:councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org) Hon.
Katy Yaroslavsky, Councilwoman, CD 5 [_katy.yaroslavksy@lacity.org_](mailto:katy.yaroslavksy@lacity.org) Hon.
Nithya Raman, Councilmember, CD 4 [_councilmember.raman@lacity.org_](mailto:councilmember.raman@lacity.org) Lisa Webber, Deputy Director of Project Planning [_lisa.webber@lacity.org_](mailto:lisa.webber@lacity.org) Arthi Varma, Deputy Director of Citywide Policy Planning [_arthi.varma@lacity.org_](mailto:arthi.varma@lacity.org) __

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MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 12th 2023 - Special Meeting

1\. **Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission.** The Mission of the community council was not read but explained by the President. 2\. **Roll-call of Board members and Certification of Quorum** Board members present: Maryam Zar, David Card, Sue Kohl, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Murray Levy, Haldis Toppel, Karen Ridgley, Betsy Handler, Quentin Fleming, Julie Silliman, Alan Goldsmith, John Padden, Genevieve Bostic, James Alexakis, Hagop Tchakerian, Courtney Macker, Reza Akef, Barbara Kohn, Andrew Wolfberg, Rick McGeagh, Cindi Young, Jessica Rogers. 3\. **Introduction of attendees: NA** 4\. **Approval of Minutes: NA** 5\. **Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. **The agenda was considered as presented, with an explanation form the President as to the reason for the convening of the meeting. 6\. **Treasurer’s Report: NA** 7\. **General Public Comment.**__ There was no general public comment 8\. **Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_
8.
1.
1. NA
8.
2. _From Officers and Chair Emeritus_
8.
2.
1. NA
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_
8.
3.
1. NA
8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_
8.
4.
1. NA
8.
5. _From Government Offices / Representatives_
8.
5.
1. NA
8.
6. _From PPCC Committees, Advisors and WRAC Representatives_
8.
6.
1. NA 9\. **Reports from PPCC Committees.**
9.
1. NA 10\. **Old Business.**
10.
1.
The President introduced the reason for the meeting and presided over two hours of commentary focused on the bridge project, given that the next day (October 13) the Board of Public Works (BPW) would address an item on their agenda which would affirm the contract signed between LA City (Board of Engineering) and the chosen contractor for the implementation of the pre-design phase of the bridge.
The PPCC Potrero Canyon Oversight Committee (PCOC) has been told the day before on a regular meeting call with CD11 that once the contract was signed, our community would be at a point of no return with respect to the forward movement of the bridge project, as this would begin the predesign phase of what would ultimately culminate in the bridge that connects the George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon to the County parking lot at Will Rogers (State) beach, overpassing PCH.
The President explained the committee had understood the outreach phase would be a process of meaningful outreach which would take into account the concerns and objections as well as the support and design ideas for the bridge, but since after the affirmation of the contract by the Board of Public Works, the project would presumably be set on a course to completion, she felt the PPCC owed the community a chance to be heard.
She said she hoped all who were present on the call would speak on the project – whether in support or otherwise – and she opened the floor for discussion.
Alan Goldsmith (At-large 2nd Alternate) said that having reviewed the history of the project, he is struck by the fact that the CA Coastal Commission required an EIR and outreach prior to approval and did not see how the contract for the project could be approved without them.
He suggested making a motion to oppose the bridge on the grounds that the conditions today are so radically different than they were in 2004 when this project was conceived (cited crime and public safety issues as well as current Park safety issues and lack of law enforcement resources).
The President suggested we allow some more discussion and see if a friendly amendment to the motion on the agenda is appropriate.
He also made the point that outreach has not yet been done and that some areas in the Palisades do not have HOA’s, so outreach specifically to those households would be important and in addition to the current list provided by PPCC to the Council office and SD24 (Office of Sen.
Ben Allen).
Haldis Toppel (Area 3 Primary) asked for the motion to be restated and went on to say that community outreach is absolutely necessary since conditions have changed drastically and so an EIR and community forum are important in order to determine if we are for or against the bridge, issues include EIR, community outreach to further assess the impact, the maintenance, the funding sources for maintenance, security, access gates, locks after-hours access.
Barbara Kohn (Historical Society Alternate) asked where the CA Coastal Commission feasibility study is so we can review and ask questions about it.
Similar to EIR, we were told that study would be done before the bridge project were to advance.
Karen Ridgley (Area Four Primary) said her constituents say their do not want the pedestrian bridge, many are unaware of the bridge, many are concerned about the security, many would like to learn more about the pros and cons.
She also commented upon the bike path which may appeal to young people (which have recently caused some issues for law enforcement) who will use the path, and she asked how will that impact pedestrians.
Another concern is that beach parking lots will close but where will the security mechanism be for the use of bike path if parking is closed.
Additionally, with limited ranger and security resources, she asked, how would the influx of homelessness or crime be regulated.
She suggested we needed to get more community input and felt she did not, at the moment, have sufficient information to make a decision.
Lou Kamer (PPCC Transportation Advisor) questions the location of the bridge.
He argued that coastal access should be focused at the Temescal Canyon Rd crosswalk and not at the bridge crossing.
From a safety standpoint, he said, the location is not wise and the resources should be used at Temescal Canyon Rd.
This would be a bridge that will be vastly underused, and should be moved closer to the Temescal Canyon Rd Crosswalk.
Reza Akef (Area Eight Primary) said, as someone who has been around Potrero Canyon for 20 years or more, he knows the bridge has been part of the vision and the fear mongering against the bridge is unfair.
As a stakeholder around the Canyon, he says Palisadian youth pose the biggest source of problems on and around the Canyon.
The fear-mongering that people will come up from the beach is unfair.
But he suggests that we should wait a few months and do better outreach in order to hear more from the community and secure the park so it can be safe for everyone in the community.
David Card (PPCC Chair Emeritus) said he’s heard many of these comments before since the original PC Community Advisory Committee, which heard these concerns but still recommended the bridge as a safe crossing across the bridge, in order to prevent deaths.
The park would lead people down to the edge of the bluff and might prompt pedestrians to run across PCH, so the bridge was deemed to be the safest passage across PCH.
This bridge has been public knowledge for decades, and people have had the opportunity to comment on it all along.
Now we have a contractor who will give consulting advice and do research on the bridge, and will research environmental issues, safety issues and other concerns.
We should let this go forward.
The process will include an expert in outreach, not just on design but on any matter.
Public meetings are built into the contract and communication will be meaningful and reactive.
He urged everyone to support the bridge and not even vote (which he suggested is a distraction).
He urges that board to just ask for outreach and more information.
He reiterated that all comments have asked for more information, and he made the point that advancing to the next phase means more information flowing to the community.
The President remarked that she hopes the outreach will be the kind of outreach that takes the community’s input into account and reflect the input into the bridge project design, and that was precisely what we were here to ensure before allowing the project to advance.
Sue Kohl (PPCC VP) said it’s too late to put the brakes on the bridge, but the question is why there isn’t an EIR and would like to see the outreach process come to the community and ask the community about their concerns.
She also asked if this project is bigger than the Palisades – is there a responsibility on the part of the City to provide this bridge to the City as a matter of public access – and asked: is this bigger than the Palisades?
Betsy Handler (Area Five 2nd Alternate) says she has lived here for 30+ years and didn’t know about this bridge.
It is incumbent on someone to have many meetings with community wide discussions where matters can be thoroughly fleshed out (safety, environmental impact, location, etc.) and this is premature.
She reaffirmed that provision of recreation and parks is a city function, and we cannot keep people out, but our safety concerns need to be addressed.
She said the community outreach cannot be left to the contractor.
Jessica Rogers (PPRA Alternate) said the PPRA is not yet ready to vote on this.
This meeting was called at the last minute and she tried to get people from the board at the meeting but less than 20% of their board are represented.
She commented favorably about Potrero Canyon Park but noted the horrendous/horrific drug epidemic that has impacted the beach path.
She said she no longer goes on the beach path without pepper spray and this is a different world than the days when the bridge was originally conceptualized.
Things are changing and we shouldn’t go through with this without involving the entire community.
Many people don’t know PPCC and do not read the papers, so outreach has to be much broader – broad outreach needs to take place.
She said people don’t read the Pali Post or Circling the News, so we need to find a way to figure out what the community wants before we go ahead with this project.
The President again explained that the point of today’s meeting is not to curtail outreach but to affirm whether it is meaningful outreach by the contractor that we wish to approve, or if the community is simply not informed enough for this board to allow for the next phase of the project - the predesign phase conducted by the contractor and their professional outreach – to advance.
Assuming we do advance, she reiterated that the input of community members MUST be sought in the outreach phase which must be meaningful and the results implemented into the final project – not simply sought and ignored.
Julie Silliman (Area Seven Primary) said that we are all very well informed about the bridge, so far as these comments reveal.
She believes it is premature for us to be saying yes or no to the bridge, after decades of discussion and money secured as well as contractor chosen.
She said she believes we are best served by working closely with the contractor to fashion the various variables that have been brought up (and more) by working with the outreach consultant being hired by the contractor.
We must turn to this team, begin to work with them, and let them guide the community through meetings (three required) and those should be a good opportunity to give our input for the project.
She believes that most usage for the bridge will prove to be by Palisadians, not by County beach goers.
Rick McGeagh (Area Seven 1st Alternate) wants everyone to consider that providing access to the beach was an important part of permitting the park (trail or beach).
He said the Park Advisory Board has supported the bridge largely due to the additional parking that the County beach parking lot will provide, were there to be a foot bridge.
The President said it might be true that we need parking, and that park access is a broad City desire, but this small community will host the bridge and continues to host the park, which ultimately must be managed in a way that accommodates our community and protects our public safety interests.
She also noted that a lateral trail also provides beach access and we could simply focus on the trail (with $1.15M secured by Congress).
David Wolfberg (non-Palisadian, Wolfberg family) suggested the community go forward with the redesign phase and stay on top of the outreach portion of that stage and work with contractor to make sure community concerns are addressed.
He also suggested that the foot-bridge could help in an emergency situation where evacuation by foot or bike (not by car) is helpful to the community.
He acknowledged there are safety concerns around the bridge, just as there may be for any public resource in our community, but that is not a good enough reason not to go forward with an advisable project and address those concerns, instead of halting the project.
Anya Wolfberg (non-Palisadian, Wolfberg family) acknowledged the many serious security concerns but suggested these be brought to the public outreach process and the meetings which will be held by Jacobs (the BOE contractor) and ensure that solutions and deterrents be highly integrated into the design.
These include gates and fencing, improved from current fictions, that need to be managed and addressed.
She ultimately supports the bridge and recognizes that the trail can also be an access point.
She said even when she was growing up in the Palisades, young people’s shenanigans and homeless people in the Canyon existed then/are not new.
It can be managed.
She suggested that a “regional park” designation can be helpful for us.
The President said the community is pushing for that designation for more resources that might be made available for public safety.
She said she is familiar with the public outreach team hired by Jacobs, Arelleano Associates, and believes they will address community concerns though the design phase.
John Alle (community member), a lifelong Palisadian and a member of the taskforce that originally contemplated the bridge, suggests things have drastically changed since those days.
He serves on the PPTFH volunteer taskforce and not a week goes by when he doesn’t see people carrying sleeping bags and back packs going in/out of Potrero.
There are also teens smoking and setting fires in Potrero, and our police are stretched thin.
The park is a fire hazard, and we need to emphasize the lateral walkway rather than the bridge.
Before we go further on the bridge, which is a costly project and an unneeded extravagance, not a necessity, more outreach needs to be done to assess whether the community wants this. A few other community members spoke about the bridge reflecting a desire to see the bridge as a car-free manner to get to the beach and a note that crime is not a good enough reason not to invest in public infrastructure.
We need to address security issues but forge ahead, not fear the public safety concerns that can be addressed.
The President then turned to LAPD to address public safety.
She noted that many people have now brought up security concerns, not necessarily in staunch opposition to the bridge, but as cautionary tales for the manner in which we proceed on the bridge project.
She also noted that since the opening of Potrero Canyon Park on
December 10, 2022, there have been numerous causes for concern, from malfunctioning gate locking systems, to non-functioning bathrooms and ineffective fencing to standing water, unreliable first responder access and other public safety concerns.
She asked that these all be addressed, in addition to the issues raised about a feasibility study and an EIR. LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO) for Pacific Palisades, Brian Espin, said there have been no homeless in the park (checked repeatedly) but there are enduring issues with young people hanging out in the evenings.
He also learned from the fire station that the fireworks used in the park have been the result of use by kids.
In general, when you increase foot traffic you do see an increase in criminal activity, “that is a given”, he said.
He noted that the Park is “wide open” so it’s difficult for people to hide or camp out and get encampments in there.
He does not see likely influx of homeless encampments due to the bridge.
But, if the bridge is installed, he’d like to see increased resources allocated to the Palisades.
Cindi Young (Area One 1st Alternate) mentioned the Castellammare Security Committee (begun by her) which took in donations for cameras for all entrances to Castellammare including one on the bridge, and it has been very helpful.
Joe Halper (community member) affirmed the importance of all the thoughts and concerns expressed, but said there’s no reason not to go forward.
He explained that the Board of Public Works moment of affirmation is not a moment of no return and that the final project plan will go the Board of Rec and Park Commissioners which will give the community again an opportunity to give feedback and press on priorities and concerns again at that point.
He urged the board to move forward.
Reza Akef (Area Eight Primary) said, as a lifelong Palisadian, he can say that this bridge will add value to the Palisades, but input must be had and considered by the City.
He complimented the Palisades and the PPCC on its ability to manage matters with City agencies, and then he announced his resignation from the board, effective November 30th.
He said we had a lot to be grateful for and not to lose sight of this.
The President then gave the floor to Jake Ettinger, District Representative to SD24, office of Senator Ben Allen, to respond to all that has been raised.
She asked for acknowledgment that much has been said about public safety concerns here, and asked for a pledge that the Senator will support the community in their call for sensible safety features that address community concerns.
Jake Ettinger said he understood that PPCC wished to make sure that everyone in the community could provide their input on the bridge project.
He then reviewed a timeline.
He reiterated the 2004 PPCC motion for support of the bridge, then Coastal Commission report that offers various routes of coastal access, and determines the bridge to be the best option (cites the 2016 MARS Report).
He referred to several PPCC meeting minutes that indicate interest in the bridge but no funding.
In 2021, a comprehensive update and timeline was provided to the PPCC Board – prepared by the Executive Committee – in which it was announced that the Offices of Sen Allen and ASM Bloom were looking to find state money for the bridge project. A few months after this update, the state had a surplus of money and an opportunity to secure these funds for this project. “Folks from the community,” Jake said, came to the Senator’s office and represented that there is broad support for the bridge and asked that the state surplus money be considered to help fund the bridge project for coastal access.
The Senator, who loves our natural environment, together with ASM Bloom, put in a request and succeeded in securing $11M.
At the
July 8, 2021 meeting, Sen Allen was present on the call and gave an announcement about the project, the funding secured and the bridge project getting underway, now with funding.
He congratulated PPCC and coastal communities (as well as the PPCC Chair at the time and Joe Halper) and commended the funding to make the safe crossing over PCH via bridge, possible.
The minutes reflect some Q and A but nothing substantive by way of opposition.
He also said that this past May, PPCC held a meeting where we spoke more in detail about the bridge project and he came away still with the impression that the community is broadly in support of this project.
He understood that some may still not be aware of this project, but the office of Sen Allen has been in the community repeatedly and has tried to raise awareness for the project and reflect their sense that this is a win for the Palisades and the broader coastal community.
He said the Senator takes very seriously the public safety concerns heard on this call, and by no means would they wish to create a project that would lead to a huge spike in crime.
He clarified that the Park at Potrero Canyon is not a state property or project.
With regard to this project, the next step in this process in a two-year feasibility study (a Project Initiation Document/technical term) to give a better design and understanding of what the bridge will look and where it will land, but also comprehensive community engagement.
This is an important factor, he said.
The process will also engage the rest of the community that does not yet know about the project.
The professional community engagement process will make sure that all the concerns have been raised here will be raised in that process and mindful attention will be paid to those (e.g. gates, lighting, safety, etc.).
He encouraged everyone to get involved in order to build the best possible bridge that will mitigate many of these public safety concerns.
Regarding the Coastal Commission approval, Jake reiterated that while the Commission hasn’t seen the specific design proposal for this bridge, Commission staff are very supportive in concept of this project and think it will be a better point of coastal access than the lateral trail.
They are also very concerned about matters of safety, and they see the bridge as the safest way to cross what is otherwise an unsafe corridor (across PCH).
The next phase of this process will have comprehensive community engagement and outreach.
Concerns will be responded to in substance and concerns of course will be mitigated, but they see this bridge as a resource for the entire city.
Sen Allen wants to be sure they are mindful of community concerns, and for now Jake said that they hear no real opposition to the bridge.
The President asked Jake to make clear the response to questions about the Feasibility Study and the EIR.
Jake said Gaby would be better to answer those questions but of course there will be environmental review of the project in the Project Initiation Study. CD11 District Director for Councilwoman Traci Park, Gabrielle (“Gaby”) Medina, took the floor to say the Councilwoman was listening to the first portion on the meeting and was happy to see so many people on the call.
The CM is listening to what constituents are saying, and she is also acting on what she is hearing.
She explained the agenda item for the Board of Public Works to authorize the starting of the work of the Contractor ($2M contract with Jacobs Eng.) to begin the first portion of the bridge project.
She corrected that city liability does not set in after the approval of the project tomorrow, which impacts only the beginning phase of the project which includes the predesign phase that entails geo technical studies, an environmental review and Coastal Commission approval.
Gaby reported that she has spoken to BOE and they recommend moving ahead with the agenda item approval at the Board of Public Works tomorrow (10/13) and then holding off on issuing the Notice to Proceed until after the Council Office has had a chance to hold a public meeting in the Palisades to inform the community of the project and its timeline, as well as a chance to hear from the community.
She made clear that the park was opened under the previous administration and its development was done in years prior and that going forward, the office of Councilwoman Park will manage concerns and address them with the contractor and reflect community input in the final design.
She pledged that the first meeting we will have with the contractor will be focused on community outreach and that they will take engagement very seriously.
She spoke of learned experiences from the current park (IT, locks, gates, safety, lighting, aesthetics, hiking, walking, etc.) and pledged to use the list provided by the PCOC of various community organizations for meaningful outreach.
The President thanked Gaby and Jake and explained again that the purpose of the meeting was a review of bridge project and consider board feedback on whether the PPCC should allow the project to move ahead to the predesign phase (something the BPW would be affirming the next day), or whether we should ask for a halt.
She affirmed that there was quorum (19 voting members remaining on the call) and called for the vote.
The board voted, with 13 in favor, 3 opposed and 3 abstentions, to allow the contractor hired by BOE to conduct meaningful outreach in order to garner the community’s feedback through the process of the predesign phase and implement the results of the feedback in a substantive way that will address the items of common concern and incorporate community sentiment into the final bridge design, including its public safety elements.
These may include, but will not be limited to, hours of operation/open to the public, fences, gates, lock mechanisms, monitoring, law enforcement resources, patrolling, cameras, etc. 11\. **Adjournment** – the meeting was adjourned at 10:10PM.

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MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 26th 2023

1\. **Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission.** The PPCC Mission was read by Karen Ridgley 2\. **Roll-call of Board members and Certification of Quorum.** The President called roll and certified that we had quorum.
Voting members present: Maryam Zar, Jenny Li, Sue Kohl, Beth Holden-Garland, Murray Levy, Bruce Schwartz, Michael Edlen, Karen Ridgley, Cindy Simon, Kimberly Bloom, Julie Silliman, Andrew Wolfberg, Chris Spitz, Aileen Haugh, Barbara Kohn, Kevin Niles, Genevieve Bostic, Ryan Craig, Hagop Tchakerian, Courtney Macker.
Non-voting members present: Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Leeanne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Betsy Handler, Rick McGeagh, Mary Mueller, Andy Frew, Richard Blumenberg, James Alexakis, Harlan Hogue. 3.**Introduction of attendees.** Barbara Broide, Westside NC LUC Chair, spoke about the Metro TCN ordinance.
See new business item _[11.1]_ below for more.
Michael Womack, Geotechnical Engineering Division | Civil Engineering Associate IV for the City of LA, for the Asilomar Bluffs project, which was expected to begin on November 6th and expected to end in late April or early May 2024 at a cost of over $6M.
They gave us details about the upcoming project and shared the presentation shared on our website at the following link: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Asilomar.pptx 4\. **Approval of Minutes.** The minutes of
October 12, 2023 were approved as distributed. 5\. **Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.** The agenda was considered as distributed. The Chair announced that the next meeting will be in person at the library (and virtual) and there will be an art exhibit element that will be ongoing in the library on that day, as an extension of our 50th Anniversary Jubilee. Shew also announced that the Holiday event will be held at the Draycott on December 6th (a departure from the Bylaws but in recognition that Hanukkah will begin on December 7th and end on December 14th, which is the 2nfdThursday of the December, 2023.) 6\. **Treasurer’s Report.** The Treasurer announced that our balance was $46,477.66 as of the meeting day and that no substantial costs or income van be reported since the last meeting. She announced that after paying all bills for the 50th Anniversary Jubilee and Community Celebration event and collecting donations, she can report that PPCC had a net gain of slightly over $3000. 7\. **General Public Comment.** There was no public comment. 8\. **Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. The President reviewed the outcome of the special meeting held to discuss the bridge project and progress of coastal access from Potrero Canyon Park. She announced that a 13 to 3 (with three abstaining) vote in favor of advancing to the outreach phase of the bridge project was a clear indication that the board, even with many public safety concerns articulated, wanted to learn more while also expressing a clear focus on the public safety aspects of the bridge. Per this outcome, a letter was written following the Special Meeting on Oct 12th. The letter is linked: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Potrero-Advance-letter.pdf>
8.
1.
2. The President updated the board on the proposed SAB center project for nonprofit headquarters and a think tank in Area One. She said the PPCC LUC was monitoring this project.
8.
1.
3. The President announced that a Youth Exhibit will take place from November 9th to the 15th at the Palisades Library, as an extension of our invitation to young artists to get involved in our 50th Anniversary Jubilee celebrations.
8.
1.
4. The President announced the appointment of the Event Committee (Kohl, Li, Simon, Spitz, Bloom & Zar) as well as a timeline for nominations, announcement of honorees and the holiday dinner event at the Draycott. The Holiday Dinner & Awards Gala was determined by the board to be best held on December 6th, before the onset of Hanukkah.
8.
1.
5. The President asked the board to affirm the appointment of Danielle Samulon as Parliamentarian, per the bylaws, separate from the Legal Advisor. The parliamentarian would only be concerned with procedural matters and bylaws interpretation. The board affirmed the appointment with no objection.
8.
1.
6. The President announced that Doggie bags refills for the dispenser that RAP had installed in Potrero Canyon Park needed funding and got the affirmation of the board that we can fund those next month and see if they serve a useful purpose and are used responsibly.
8.
1.
7. The President announced that CD11 and Rap will be at the Oct 25th PAB meeting to report about Quimby funds to be used for park and bathroom upgrades/construction, while Measure A funds will be used for the dog park. She said the community could expect RAP to present the community with two or three different proposals for the Palisades Recreation Center Playground, and would look for feedback in order to craft the final iteration.
8.
1.
8. The President reiterated that the Asilomar Bluffs project, per the update presented by Michael Womack, will begin soon as the contractor is in the process of procuring equipment and lining up subs.
8.
1.
9. The President announced that following the Special Meeting of October, the Council Office has announced that they will host an information sharing meeting on the bridge project and that they will promote that broadly in order to get the most community attendance and engagement at that meeting, A tentative November date had been shared but was not yet finalized. The President asked people to stay tuned and to help spread the word so friend and neighbors would attend the meeting and begin to be informed about the project as it unfolds. She lamented that people often tell her they do not follow the work of PPCC or read the local papers and have remained uninformed about projects that propose coastal access for Potrero Canyon Park. She hoped this CD11 hosted meeting would garner more engagement.
8.
1.
10. The president announced that nominations for PPCC annual awards are open and she encouraged all to nominate honorees and to tell their friends, acquaintances and neighbors to send nominations as well.
8.
2. _From Officers and Chair Emeritus_.
8.
2.
1. Sue Kohl, Vice President, announced that she had secured a number of silent auction items for the Holiday event, including the Fire station, Porta Via and Vittorio’s.
8.
2.
2. Beth Holden-Garland, Secretary, announced that she was also working on live auction items and the wine fundraiser.
8.
2.
3. Dave Card, Chair Emeritus. _[None.]_
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_.
8.
3.
1. Julie Silliman, Area 7 Primary, announced that the Canyon Square project on West Chanel Road in the lower canyon area of Area Seven had received DRB approval and would be advancing to the planning and construction phase, led by Palisadian and property owner Frank Langen. Langen owns four parcels which he proposes to develop into offices, dwelling units and required parking. They will be hauling 700 cubic ft. of dirt and building up toward Chautauqua, with seven parking spaces and seven bicycle spaces.
8.
3.
2.
Murray Levy, Area One primary shared a shocking video that helped inform the board how challenging large-scale construction can be for Area One residents, who live almost exclusively on narrow hillside streets.
The video can be seen here: [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4fmur01pic9uj30cbpqbd/h?dl=0&preview=ONE+WAY+OUT%2C+1080p.mp4&rlkey=266joflnqtyoy0e69ula4ltcn](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4fmur01pic9uj30cbpqbd/h?dl=0&preview=ONE+WAY+OUT%2C+1080p.mp4&rlkey=266joflnqtyoy0e69ula4ltcn).
The board was unanimously appalled at the irresponsible way in which contractors and developers dismiss area concerns and wave off the protests of residents who are unable to enter or exit their homes or driveways, as they grapple with noise, dust and blocked roadways which poise a threat to the public safety.
Mayor Karen Bass’ westside representative, Marian Ensley, was present on the zoom and she remarked that she would share the circumstance with the office of the Mayor and keep an eye on hillside construction issues as they also impact other city Districts such as CD5, as well as CD11.
Chris Spitz, At-Large rep, WRAC VP and PPCC LUC Co-Chair expressed her frustration and lamented the fact that city enforcement is notoriously ineffective, but that she would work with Area Reps to come up with methods and strategies to address these transgressions.
The President suggested the video be shared with Jeff Khau, Planning Deputy at CD11, who is predisposed to protect hillside VHFHSZ from protracted construction projects and may be a natural ally for us. K.C.
Soll, PPCC emergency preparedness advisor, also express the real concern with this kind of construction in hillside streets and is alarmed that emergency vehicles would not be able to pass.
8.
3.
3. Karen Ridgley, Area Four primary commented that the Asilomar Bluff project is a welcome repair project that the Area is bracing for but welcomes.
8.
3.
4. Kimberly Bloom, Area Five Primary Representative, announced a wine fundraiser that would be launched online, and will be launched on November 9th. The link will be live for 60 days.
8.
3.
5. Cindy Simon, Area Six Representative announced the Pumpkin Patch at Simon Meadow and urged everyone to go and purchase their pumpkins there.
8.
3.
6. Chris Spitz, At-Large Representative reported that she has been working with Cindy Simon (with some assistance from Sue Pascoe) to refurbish the mural on Temescal Canyon Rd. Cindy informed the board that American Growers, Tracey Price, has offered an estimate of $2000 to clean the brush so we can see the state of the mural behind the overgrown brush and determine then how best to go about resting it.
8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_.
8.
4.
1. James Alexakis from Temescal Canyon Association announced a hike at the George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon, on Nov 29th at 9AM.
8.
4.
2. Genevieve Bostic, YMCA representative, announced Holiday Ho Ho at Simon Meadow on December 9th, along with a Christmas Tree lot, a tree lighting and some fun rides with LAFD.
8.
5. _From Government Offices / Representatives_.
8.
5.
1. Brian Espin, Senior Lead Officer (LAPD SLO) for Pacific Palisades, announced that vandalism at the Pali Rec Ctr has been reduced due to sporadic task forces that were funded by the West LA Captain. He said burglaries are up roughly 24% Year on Year (six more this year than last year at this time) and suggested Palisadians be “super vigilant” and watchful in their neighborhoods and keep their doors locked and personal belongings out of view in parked cars. He cautioned care during Halloween and to remain a community that watches out for each other. He said he continues to work with west LA traffic to mitigate traffic speed and other issue areas that impact the Palisades, particularly on PCH. He said traffic enforcement is up on PCH and Sunset.
8.
5.
2. Michael Amster, CD11 Field Deputy, Pacific Palisades & Brentwood reported that they recently had an Inside safe initiative which housed 50 people. TC Rd repairs will be finished toward the middle to end of November. The DRB will have five new members appointed and still needs a landscape Architect. He also said he is still working with Paseo Miramar residents to work with them on the largescale development project that was approved by the West LA APC, but remains a project of concern to the neighborhood.
8.
5.
3. Radmehr Nowroozi, SD 24, Field Representative, Palisades, Brentwood, Westwood and Westside was not present.
8.
5.
4. Skylar Payab, AD 42, Field Deputy, Pacific Palisades & Brentwood was not present.
8.
5.
5. Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy for Mayor Karen Bass said she was excited to be here, as well as to attend the 50th anniversary Jubilee. She offered some general updates on housing and homelessness and Inside Safe, which housed more than 50 Angelenos in the last operation with a partnership alongside Traci Park. She announced an in-person meeting about the Sepulveda transit Corridor, and she also announced the mayor’s opposition to the 90 Freeway project (which has since been defeated). She also said the Mayor’s office would make certificates available to all our honorees and she looks forward to attending our event. She also said she would help with hillside street challenges, which impact many Los Angeles streets.
8.
5.
6. Zac Gaidzik, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath Field Deputy congratulated us on an excellent 50th Anniversary Jubilee & Community event. He said the Supervisor was glad to join us and enjoyed meeting Palisadians and having important conversations with constituents. She continues to work on issues that are important to our community, such as homelessness and coastal matters. She is tentatively available on December 7th, should our holiday event be held on that day.
8.
6. _From PPCC Advisors and WRAC Representatives_. 9.**Reports from PPCC Committees**. _[None.]_ 10\. **Old Business.**
10.
1. 2nd distribution of Bylaws Committee recommended motions and vote. See Bylaws Committee report and redline of proposed changes, below. See suggested motion language here: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/09-26a-2023-Draft-Revisions.pdf This two-pronged motion was tabled. 11.**New Business.**
11.
1.
The board heard from Barbara Broide regarding the Metro TCN ordinance.
She updated the board on recent developments with respect to the Metro TCN ordinance, it progress, and its enduring risk of impact to public safety and erosion of scenic highway protections.
In keeping with our previous positions, the following motion was discussed and unanimously passed (made by Chris Spitz and seconded by Murray Levy): PPCC has voted to oppose the Metro digital advertising program referred to as the Metro Transportation Communication Network (TCN), which seeks to install 86 large changing digital billboards on streets and freeways throughout the City. PPCC (alongside other westside Councils) is especially concerned about the driver distraction caused by the changing digital messages and their distractive impacts on driving and other public safety considerations, as well as the many negative environmental impacts (on biological resources, energy consumption, night sky pollution), and decades of visual blight.
We are particularly concerned about the erosion of protection of our City's scenic corridors, including Sunset and San Vicente Boulevards and the Pacific Coast Highway.
It is important to note that the proposed enabling Supplemental Use District changes the scenic roadway protections from the language in the City's General Plan Mobility Element from 500 feet from the center line of the roadway to 200 feet – a significant difference that may expose our scenic roadways to new advertising structures.
As such, we vigorously oppose the TCN program and the adoption of enabling ordinances to the City Planning Commission (CPC) which will meet to discuss the program on
November 14, 2023 at 8:30am. Additionally, we urge Councilwoman Park to work with the city to remove all TCN billboards proposed for CD11. 12.**Adjournment** – the meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM.

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MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 9th 2023 (hybrid meeting)

1\. **Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission.** Vice-President Sue Kohl served asPresiding Officer in the absence of the President.
The Presiding Officer called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm.
Chris Spitz read the Mission Statement. 2\. **Roll-call of Board members and Certification of Quorum.** The Presiding Officer called the roll and certified that there was quorum.
Voting members present: Sue Kohl, Jenny Li, Beth Holden Garland, Dave Card, Murray Levy, Steve Cron, Haldis Toppel, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Cindy Simon, Andrew Wolfberg, Chris Spitz, John Padden, Aileen Haugh, Alisa Wolfson, Eric Dugdale, Kevin Niles, James Alexakis, Gabrielle Gottlieb, Courtney Macker.
Non-voting members present: Joanna Rodriguez, Joanna Spak, Michael Edlen, LeeAnne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Betsy Handler, Quentin Fleming, Andy Frew, Hagop Tchakerian. 3.**Introduction of Attendees.** All board members in attendance in-person were introduced.
The Presiding Officer announced that the meeting was preceded by a presentation of Youth art and a viewing of the Exhibit at the Library’s community meeting room, co-hosted by Palisades High School (PCHS) Photography Department and Instructor, Rick Steil, and the Pacific Palisades Library Association (LAPL), with a recognition of the work of the young artists.
The exhibit is open until November 23rd, daily from noon to 5PM, and everyone is invited.
The Presiding Officer then welcomed Ranee Katzenstein, Assistant US Attorney, Dept. of Justice, Central District of CA, who introduced herself, gave extensive remarks about common digital and gift card scams (including an explanation of the scam known as “pig butchering”) and answered questions from the audience.
The Presiding Officer thanked Ms.
Katzenstein for her important presentation to PPCC. 4\. **Approval of Minutes.** The minutes of the Special Meeting of
October 12, 2023, were approved. 5\. **Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.** 6\. **Treasurer’s Report.** The Treasurer Jenny Li reported that PPCC’s account balance is $46,246.
51. She also reviewed habitual expenses and two donations since the last meeting. 7.**General Public Comment.**
7.
1. _Resident_ Kathleen Botansky, and others, expressed concern about ongoing illegal and dangerous behavior of teens in the Palisades community, particularly incidents occurring at the Recreation Center and in the Village, such as the recent tasering of a female youth by other teens. They asked what can be done and what police are doing to stop this behavior. The Presiding Officer noted that this issue is of great concern to PPCC and that LAPD will be providing information about a new strategy to address this conduct.
7.
2. _Resident John Alle_ commented that the community had not received adequate notice of plans to build a bridge across PCH; he also expressed concerns about public safety and about the bridge funding, which he felt would be better used to hire more police officers or to otherwise address public safety in or around Potrero Canyon Park. The Presiding Officer noted that CD 11 will soon host a public meeting to provide information and obtain input about the bridge and that ample advance notice will be provided to the community _[see item 8.1.7 below]._ 8\. **Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. The Presiding Officer acknowledged the Youth Art Exhibit.
8.
1.
2. The Presiding Officer announced the names of all Organizational Reps for the term starting on
Oct. 1, 2023 through
September 30, 2024 _[see Attached list below]._
8.
1.
3. The Presiding Officer explained that LAPD will provide information regarding a new strategy to bring attention to youth conduct in and around the Village and Park.
8.
1.
4. The Presiding Officer noted the letter written regarding the October 26 PPCC motion on Metro TCN: [ _https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Metro-TCN-Oct-26.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Metro-TCN-Oct-26.pdf) _._ She asked At-large Rep Chris Spitz to provide a further update. Ms. Spitz reported that the City Council Planning & Land Use Management Committee on Tues. approved the TCN (digital billboard) program, with some amendments. Several Councilmembers have asked for billboards (particularly non-freeway facing) to be removed from the list. CM Park has indicated that most comments she has received from CD 11 constituents are opposed to digital billboards. The City Attorney must report back to the committee with a revised proposed ordinance. There will still be opportunities for further amendments. We will continue to monitor.
8.
1.
5. The Presiding Officer noted that Area Eight Rep Reza Akef is resigning as of the end of November; information will be forthcoming about changes in representation for the Area.
8.
1.
6. The Presiding Officer announced the President’s appointment of the Event Committee to oversee the 2023 Holiday Dinner & Awards Gala on Dec 6th at The Draycott: Sue Kohl, Cindy Simon, Jenny Li, Chris Spitz, Kimberly Bloom & Maryam Zar _[ex officio]._
8.
1.
7. The Presiding Officer stated that CD 11 will host a community-wide meeting to update and receive feedback on the impending start of the predesign phase for the bridge project; the meeting is now set for December 5th, from 6-7PM. More information to come by letters, email, CD11 newsletter and even door to door canvasing.
8.
2. _From Officers and Chair Emeritus_.
8.
2.
1. Sue Kohl, Vice President – None.
8.
2.
2. Beth Holden-Garland, Secretary – None.
8.
2.
3. Dave Card, Chair Emeritus – None.
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_.
8.
3.
1. Murray Levy, Area One Rep, reported on the upcoming appeal hearing related to the Tramonto/Revello development project. The appeal will be heard by the West LA Area Planning Commission at 4:30pm at the Palms-Rancho Park Branch Library, 2920 Overland Ave., Los Angeles. Community members are encouraged to attend.
8.
3.
2. Karen Ridgley, Area Four Rep, provided an update on the Asilomar bluffs construction project. Residents have requested the City move a large construction sign to a less obtrusive location on the bluff. She stated that residents are concerned about some issues related to construction but are generally glad the work is being done and that the homes on the bluff will be saved from unstable soil.
8.
3.
3. Chris Spitz, At-Large Rep, provided two updates: (
a) _SAB Center_ : She and Steve Cron (Area Two Rep), Co-Chairs of the PPCC Land Use Committee (LUC), recently met with the proponent of a possible future project on vacant bluff lots owned primarily by the City on Porto Marina Way in Castellammare. The proponent is a French architect who doesn't own the property now but wishes to purchase it from the City and then obtain permission to build a headquarters building for her organization, called the SAB center. She is aware that the property is zoned R-1 and may need a zone change and variances, and that pursuant to our guiding principles, PPCC does not support zone changes or variances except in very rare cases. She is also aware that the property is on very unstable land, has been subject to landslides and that the public is concerned about geologic instability as well as traffic and emergency access. With these considerations in mind, she has been advised by CD 11 to see if the community would support her proposal before going forward. She advised us that if the community does not support this project, she won't move forward. Our LUC will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, January
15. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a forum for the proponent to make a presentation about the proposed project and for the community to give input on whether or not they support the proposal. The meeting will be at 5pm in a hybrid format, in person at the library and on Zoom. Additional notice will be sent out prior to the meeting. The community is encouraged to attend. (
b) _Via de las Olas bluff insta.bility_ : Residents have expressed serious concerns about landslides on the Via de las Olas bluff and have requested that BOE investigate and provide a report as to what can be done, if anything, to mitigate the unstable geologic conditions. One of the slides is almost two years old and the other dates from almost 6 months ago; to date there is still fencing and/or emergency tape in place and the unsafe conditions are still present. We have requested that BOE reps attend one of our PPCC meetings in January to provide information.
8.
3.
4. Cindy Simon, Area Six Rep, provided information about an event sponsored by the Women’s Civic Action Network, “Let’s Get Ready L.A.,” to feature a conversation with LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and LA Emergency Management GM Carol Parks, on the topic of preparing our communities for disaster and recovery. The event will take place on
November 14, 2023, 6:30-8pm at 3402 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica _[more information at_[ _www.civicas.net/event_](http://www.civicas.net/event) _]._
8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_.
8.
5. _From Government Offices / Representatives_.
8.
5.
1. LAPD Beach Detail Officer Jose Bermudez updated the board in the absence of LAPD SLO Brian Espin. Officer Jose Bermudez spoke about the new task force in the park and along the bluffs. He reported that some kids are riding bikes that are essentially motorcycles, without headlights or safety equipment. They are hard to chase, and they must be careful not to possibly cause the kids to hurt themselves by chasing them too fast (because of their unsafe vehicles). Citations will be issues if the youth are caught. Officer Bermudez also reminded Palisadians not to leave valuables or things in their cars as thieves will break in and steal them. An incident of tasering in the park was discussed. Officer Bermudez said they are awaiting a juvenile report. He further said that youths under 18 are not permitted to be out without an adult, after 10 pm. (“curfew”),
8.
5.
2.
Michael Amster, CD11 Field Deputy, Pacific Palisades & Brentwood, reported on several matters, including improvement conditions and encampment removals and clean-ups in the District.
He spoke about CD11 progress on homelessness issues and said 500 people have now been brought inside, thanks to help with the Mayor, LAHSA, and St.
Josephs.
He has personally put in a lot of time at the Brentwood VA location, and the West LA / Sawtelle area with clean ups.
He spoke about Temescal Canyon Road and that the work is progressing and the road is getting smoothed out.
He reported that he met with the Paseo Miramar Homeowners Association, and believes that parking enforcement should be enforced, and rules of the road obeyed.
He addressed the Tramonto / Revello developments at Castellammare and said their Planning Deputy, Jeff Khau, is the point person regarding that matter on behalf of the Council office.
He mentioned the Asilomar Stabilization project and that pillars are currently being installed to help the ridge.
The Canyon School Crossing Guard vacancy was brought up and discussion ensued regarding the fact that there is a person who is interested in the job, but for some reason is not being approved by LADOT for the position. PPCC Education Representative and Canyon School parent, Alisa Wolfson, asked for more help to secure the position for the applicant.
It was suggested again that Allison Holdorff-Polhill should be able to help with this.
Michael Amster then answered questions from the board and audience. 8.5.3 –
8.
5.
6. Other reports from Government Representatives – deferred due to time constraints.
8.
6. _From PPCC Advisors and WRAC Representatives_.
8.
6.
1. Lou Kamer (Transportation Advisor) provided information about the PCH Task Force and plans by government agencies to address speeding on PCH. He discussed transportation issues and said we are seeing more accidents, and need to conduct speed and traffic surveys in the area, and using the results as data, ask for improvements on the roadway along Sunset Blvd (reflectors, stripes) so drivers can see more ably what they are turning into, which should help somewhat. He also reiterated the importance of smart traffic lights and urged us to use all means we have to get those installed along Sunset and PCH in the Palisades. 9\. **Reports from PPCC Committees.**
9.
1. _PPCC Awards Selection Committee_ (members Daphne Gronich, Sue Kohl, Beth Holden-Garland, Diana Daniele and Ryan Craig). The Presiding Officer announced the Awards Honorees for 2023 and provided information about their accomplishments: Citizen of the Year – Cindy Kirven; Golden Sparkplugs – Laura Schneider, John Dwight, Sara Marti and Steve Cron; Pride of the Palisades – Palisades PRIDE. _[See_[ _https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Awards-Honorees-2023R.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Awards-Honorees-2023R.pdf) _.]_ The Presiding Officer and members of the Board and audience congratulated all the awardees for these well-deserved honors.
9.
2. _PPCC Land Use Committee (LUC_). _[See item 8.3.3(
a) above above.]_ 10.**Old Business** – None. 11\. **New Business.**
11.
1. _WRAC-recommended motion_ , sponsored in PPCC by the Executive Committee.
At the request of the Presiding Officer, Chris Spitz (PPCC At-large Rep and WRAC Vice-Chair) presented the motion, noting that a second was not needed as the motion was made by a committee of more than one voting member.
She read and explained the motion, as follows: “Re Council File # 21-1230, Housing Element / General Plan / 2021–2029: Data in the Housing Element and Community Plan Updates demonstrate more than enough capacity and zoning opportunities in our underutilized commercial corridors, public lands and through adaptive reuse to meet State mandates.
Our residential neighborhoods have already been rezoned through SB 9 and ADU laws that allow duplexes and ADUs on a single lot.
There is no need to rezone, through overlays or other zoning devices, R1 zones or sensitive, rent-stabilized multifamily housing. _“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC), a member of the Westside Neighborhood Alliance of Councils (WRAC), opposes the Housing Element’s proposed rezoning and densification of R1 and multi-family neighborhoods beyond what SB9 and ADU laws allow.
We demand that Mayor Bass and all Councilmembers representing WRAC neighborhoods (Park, Yaroslavsky, Hutt and Raman) stand up for our communities and direct the City Planning Department to reject the upzoning of our single-family and sensitive multifamily neighborhoods, and instead, locate all upzoning on our underutilized commercial corridors.”_ A question was asked about the meaning of “commercial corridors,” which was explained referred to underutilized commercial corridors Citywide.
There was no further discussion.
The Presiding Officer called the vote. _Result_ : Unanimous in favor of the motion. 12\. **Adjournment.** Prior to adjournment, Kimberly Bloom (Area 5 Rep) announced that a flyer had been distributed to all attendees, providing information about a “Fine Wine Fundraiser” to benefit PPCC, with samples of the wine (unopened bottles) available for viewing in the library room until the close of the meeting.
She noted that the fundraiser is being held in connection with the PPCC Awards Gala and that more information will be provided on the website and in notices to the community. ___[See_[ _https://www.onehopewine.com/event/de87b685-382f-4020-871f-637ebef91b9d_](https://www.onehopewine.com/event/de87b685-382f-4020-871f-637ebef91b9d) _.]._ The Presiding Officer then adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:55pm.
**ATTACHMENT, Item 8.1.2 – Names of Organizational Reps:** **PPCC Organizational Members/Reps, 2023-24 Term** **I. Business &** **Commerce** John Padden, _PRIDE_ ; Alternate Bruce Schwartz Alternate org. member _(Chamber):_ vacant **II. Culture &** **Aesthetics** Aileen Haugh, _Pacific Palisades Garden Club;_ Alternate Andy Frew, _Theatre Palisades_ **III. Education** Alisa Wolfson, _Canyon Charter Elementary School_ ; Alternate org. pending **IV. Historian (PPHS)** Eric Dugdale; Alternate Barbara Kohn **V. Civic** **Organizations** Kevin Niles, _American Legion_ ; Alternate Richard Blumenberg, _PP Civic League_ **VI. Recreation** Genevieve Bostic, _Palisades-Malibu AYSO;_ Alternate Janet Anderson, _AYSO_ **VII. Environment** Ryan Craig, _Resilient Palisades_ ; Alternate James Alexakis, _Temescal Canyon Association_ **VIII. Service Clubs** Gabrielle Gottlieb, _Pacific Palisades Woman's Club_ ; Alternate Hagop Tchakerian, _Pacific_ _Palisades Rotary_ **IX. Residents** **Association (PPRA)** Courtney Macker; Alternate Jessica Rogers

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PPCC HOLIDAY AWARDS GALA DECEMBER 6, 2023 — BUSINESS MEETING NOT HELD/NO MINUTES

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