PPCC Library Integration Test

1. Very important ordinance but some concerns: Need an ordinance that allows us to enforce the laws, but not overbearing on the innocent.

Jack Allen - Technical problems with the ordinance, but agrees in theory. He has concerns with the administrative enforcement and that it would eventually wind up in court. The costs of a conviction of a violation could be prohibitive, even up to $30,000. The provision has an appeal process. Chris Spitz - The reason it was brought here today is that we support the objectives of the ordinance. The Brentwood Community Council supports it and it is modeled after the San Diego and Sacramento ordinances which have 80% compliance. Richard Cohen - We should support this ordinance; the City Attorney doesn’t enforce current violations. Enforcement of planning and zoning laws are needed. Harry Sondheim - Does it include signs. Yes. Joyce Brunelle - Residential and Commercial interior and exteriors included. Yes. Gil Dembo - Supports the new City Attorney, he has bill boards under control. New enforcement is needed. Jack- City currently doesn’t collect enforcement costs. Janet Turner - Can we support the concept? MOTION 10.1 ACE "PACIFIC PALISADES COMMUNITY COUNCIL MOTION WHEREAS, the Pacific Palisades Community Council has often commented on the failure of enforcement of sign violations and of building and zoning violations of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC); WHEREAS, the City Attorney has drafted an Ordinance for an Administrative Citation Enforcement Program (“ACE”) (CF 10-0085 and 10-0600); NOW, THEREFORE, the Pacific Palisades Community Council supports the objectives of ACE in concept to enforce the LAMC." Jack Allen moves and Haldis Toppel seconds the Motion. The motion passes with one opposed. 11\. General Public Comment. Flo Elfant – there is much interest in earthquake preparedness after the Japan earthquake. She is making numerous presentations and the materials at the Post Office are being used. She wants to remind everyone of this available information and the need to be prepared. 12\. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

_________________________

[Return to top of page](https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/minutes-from-2011/)

##### **MINUTES FOR APRIL 14th 2011**

Voting Members in Attendance: Executive and Primary: Janet Turner, Haldis Toppel, Ted Mackie, Richard Cohen, Cathy Russell, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, George Wolfberg, Richard Wulliger, Chris Spitz, Mary Cole, Aurelia Friedman, Jennifer Malaret, Amy Kalp Voting Alternates: Robert Baker, Mahtab Moayedi, Susan Orenstein, Janet Anderson Non-voting Advisors and Alternates: Flo Elfant, Norma Spak, Andrew Wolfberg, Quentin Fleming, Jamie Schloss, Schuyler Dietz, Barbara Marinacci 1\. Reading of Community Council’s Mission. Haldis Toppel read the Mission Statement. 2\. Introduction of the Board and Audience. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by Janet Turner. Introductions of the Board and Audience. 3\. Certification of Quorum. The Chair certified that a quorum was present. 4\. Adoption of Minutes. George Wolfberg moved and Haldis Toppel seconded that the minutes from the March 24, 2011 be adopted. The motion passed unanimously. 5\. Consideration of the Agenda. The Chair considered the Agenda. 6\. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that as of April 14, 2011 there was $2,909.62 in the checking account; $17,983.96 in the Smith Barney CD’s; and $1,780.04 in the Post Office account for a total of $22,673.62. Ted Mackie reported that the recent newsletter resulted in 156 contributions at an average of $31.57 per contribution including a $200 one from Barbara Mandrel. In the past the average contribution was $20 on a requested donation of $15 instead of the current of $25. 7\. Reports, Announcements and Concerns. 7.1. Announcements from the Chair. 7.1.1. The next meeting is the Sparkplugs Dinner on April 28, 2011 and the next business meeting is May 12, 2011. Special thanks to Christy Dennis who reported that 112 reservations are already made for the Sparkplugs Dinner (room for only 150). 7.1.2. Janet Turner appointed the Officers Election Committee: Richard Cohen, as Chair, Marguerite Perkins Mautner and Steve Boyer. The nominations for officers on the Board are due May 12, 2011. The voting will take place in June. Any past or present Board member may run for Chair. Any other position is available for consideration. The election of officers is June 9, 2011. 7.1.3. Janet Turner and Haldis Toppel attended the Budget and Finance Committee hearing on the proposed ACE ordinance. Janet spoke in favor of ACE in principle, but voiced concerns with the enforcement procedures. The Budget and Finance Committee will meet with Jane Usher with suggestions. 7.1.4. Thank You to Christy Dennis - Newsletter and Sparkplug Letter. Janet Turner thanked Christy Dennis for a great newsletter. Christy Dennis thanked Barbara Kohn, Chris Spitz and Haldis Toppel for their input into the Newsletter. A special thanks to Ted Mackie. Janet also gave a special thanks to Christy Dennis for the letter to former Sparkplug winners inviting them to the Dinner. 7.2. Announcements from Governmental Representatives. 7.1.1. Victoria Cross, Department of Water and Power (DWP). Update on Distributing Station 104 (DS 104). The site next to the Marquez School is still being considered. The DS (DS 23) on Sunset (corner of Sunset and Via de la Paz ,) is very overloaded and another site is needed. To meet their requirements, a primary site plus two alternates must be located. All will need an EIR and must meet special requirements such as stability of land, availability, proximity of demand and financial viability. Aesthetics are important. Norma Spak suggested the old nursery site owned by the Getty at the corner of Los Liones and Sunset. Ms. Cross said she would look into it. 7.1.2. Senior Lead Officer Michael Moore. Crime is down in this area. In an incident near CVS Pharmacy, a man walking by a domestic dispute became a victim. The man involved in a domestic dispute bumped into the victim twice with his car. The victim then fled to his car, only to be attacked again and beaten and had to be hospitalized. Michael Moore stated that the LAPD Traffic Division now handles all vehicle related incidents. The victim claims that the detectives on this case are giving him a song and dance about budget problems restraining the investigation. Moore says that at this point, he does not have the detective’s point of view. The video from CVS cameras of the incident had a glitch at the point of the incident and are not viewable. The detectives might have a better copy. The victim is still in the hospital. Janet Turner and Joaquin Macias have an already scheduled meeting with Capt. Brenda Crump and will bring this incident up. A crime report was not filed about 5 kids walking in the Alphabet Streets and hit with an air rifle. The incident was published in the Palisades Post. Also, an incident occurred on Lachman Lane concerning the firing of a gun which later turned out to be an air rifle. An LAPD helicopter and at least seven LAPD ground units responded, as well as all three private patrol services in the area. The 22 year old white male was taken into custody by LAPD.. Barbara Kohn reported that on Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset a man approached a man and his daughter in their car and scared them. Eight to nine people are on the street at that intersection and milling about. Citations are issued and the problem abates for a short time. Police need to see an infraction for an arrest. George Wolfberg reports that there are people hanging out (sleeping) near the stream and at Rustic Canyon Park. 7.2.3. Councilman Rosendahl’s office. Joaquin Macias reported that the Temescal Canyon Pool fund raiser went well. A meeting is scheduled to meet with the Park, Bureau of Engineering and the YMCA to get the numbers to bring the pool up to code. Potrero Canyon is proceeding. A haul route has to be set up with Caltrans. Speed signs at 10 locations on Sunset will be set up. These will be permanent and wired, not solar. This is not public yet. Installation is expected this summer. There was a walk around with the DOT (Dept. of Transportation) for the bike racks. DOT does not have to take feedback from the community; they could put bike racks that we didn’t approve, but they won’t. CERT training meeting will be set up in the Palisades. Councilman Rosendahl will support the CCF Ordinance. Rustic Canyon Park has Prop K funds waiting. Project was started 8 years ago and will have bids from sub contractors beginning on Monday for the Baseball field and service road. The traffic signal at Vons is proceeding and the installation of the signal at Sunset and Los Liones is on track. The 815 El Oro property is a vacant lot and an abandoned construction site. It is being cleaned up by the owner. The Board thanked Joaquin for his efforts to get this done. Haldis Toppel stated that the community has asked for action for six years and Joaquin was able to get results in less than six months on the job with Councilman Rosendahl’s office. Joaquin will get temporary parking signs for Will Rogers Park for Easter Sunday. On May 12, 2011 Councilman Rosendahl will attend the Community Council meeting. 8\. Reports from Committees. [None recorded.] 9\. Old Business. [Note: Item 9.1 follows 9.2 out of order.] 9.2. DWP Rate Payer Advocate - Motion to have CCs & NCs participate in the selection process. Jim Rea. Jack Allen moved and George Wolfberg seconds the following motion that calls for Neighborhood and Community Council participation in the selection of the manger of the DWP Office of Accountability (Ratepayer Advocate): "Whereas the City Council must pass an enabling ordinance to determine the method of selecting the managing executive of the DWP Office of Accountability (by whatever title: Executive Director, President, Managing Director, etc.), and; "Whereas the managing executive will be responsible for hiring, firing and managing all staff of the DWP Office of Accountability, including the Ratepayer Advocate, and; "Whereas it is of critical importance that neighborhood input be included in the process of selecting the managing executive; "Therefore, the Pacific Palisades Community Council hereby requests that the Mayor of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles City Council insure that any selection committee impaneled to recommend, select or appoint the managing executive of the DWP Office of Accountability be comprised with at least one third of its members taken from representatives of Neighborhood Councils or Community Councils. "Whereas the citizens of the City of Los Angeles passed Charter Amendment I in the March, 2011 election by a 74.54% margin, the Chair of the Pacific Palisades Community Council shall address a letter to the Mayor of Los Angeles, to the Los Angeles City Council expressing the intent of this motion." THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 9.1. Budget Advocates' White Paper. Guests: Jay Handal, Chair, Neighborhood Council (NC), Budget Advocates Joe Hari, the Mayor’s new representative to the Westside Brenda Anderson, Assoc. Director, Neighborhood & Community Services Julie Butcher- SEIU 721- Coalition of LA Unions was not available Joe Hari, Mayor Villaraigosa’s new representative to the west side, introduced himself to the Community Council. This was his 4th day on the job and he is excited about his new position and being helpful to our community. Jay Handal, Chair, NC Budget Advocates, presented the Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates 2010-2011 white paper with recommendations to decrease the Los Angeles City budget deficit in a time of economic crisis, saving jobs and saving services. This has been adopted by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce as well as other organizations. Jay Handal said that this represents the need for the City to get back to basics. The Neighborhood Budget Advocates are against the Mayor’s proposal to hold back pay to pensions and deferring it until 2014. This is a temporary budget fix and not a solution. Unions will not give up their COLAs unless layoffs are threatened. The budget needs to be based on reality. Handal said that there is no incentive for a department to create any revenue, because it goes into the whole budget. For instance, the Parks don’t get any reward for creating any revenues; all revenues go into the General fund and this encourages departments to become caretakers. Existing revenues need to be collected with a percentage retained by the department who collected it. There also needs to be a reward for creating new revenues. There needs to be an overhaul of the permit system. Handal presented that the City should hire properly qualified commercial parking lot operators to run the City’s parking facilities for a fee. The city still controls the rates. Jack Allen said this was done in Beverly Hills with Five Star as the operator and the city setting the terms and rates. Richard Cohen said that this happens all the time in high rises. Brenda Anderson said that the CAO and CLA reports were due on April 20th. She said the Mayor wants to work with the advocates and the PMU team will evaluate the suggestions. The Mayor wants to support the suggestions from the advocates, but wants to wait to see what is in the reports. Handal said that the bulk of City Council take what they say seriously and are asking for individual meetings. Handal added that Los Angeles is not attracting new businesses into the city. The tax system is wrong; out of approximately 420,000 businesses about 20-30% don’t report their gross revenue. 10\. New Business. 10.1. Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC) Motion on the stadium and convention center. George Wolfberg moves and Jack Allen seconds that: "Motion on the stadium and convention center. Re the proposed downtown stadium and convention center renovation, WRAC opposes public funding (including interest on infrastructure bonds and forgiveness of loans), supports market-rate leases of city land, supports a full EIR (with no exemptions from appeal), supports maintaining the financial viability of the convention center." Richard Cohen said he had problems with the WRAC motion. We should only take a position on matters that affect our area. We are not hearing both sides of the issue. Redevelopment can be very productive and create jobs and be self funding by generating property taxes. Janet Turner felt that this is a City-wide budget issue and that we would risk losing even more of the already scarce services here if we didn’t take a stand against unnecessary spending. Jack Allen said that this is not a redevelopment project - it’s a giveaway. Another football stadium. Quentin Fleming argued that if it makes economic sense, then you don’t have to ask for public funding. Academia says that recreation is a zero sum game; it redistributes money and does not create anything new. Chris Spitz felt that a full EIR is needed especially to address traffic issues. Barbara Kohn said that we should take a position and let Rosendahl know how we want him to vote. THE MOTION PASSED WITH 3 ABSTENTIONS. [11. General Public Comment.] The next business meeting will be May 12, 2011. George Wolfberg, PCH Taskforce, reported that: The surge project was suppose to go from the Anneberg Beach House to Entrada but will now start at Chautauqua and go the other way. A bicycle bridge will be built. PCH from Chautauqua to Baywatch Beach will have 1 lane closed during the day and 2 lanes closed at night. There is an issue with the paddle dividers on PCH near the mobile home park. They will be adjusted to allow visibility for exiting the park. The left hand turn project for the California Incline (extending the left hand turn lane) is now in the hands of CAL TRANS. The Temescal Park camera stop sign case is going to court. Chris Spitz reported that the LUC met with the Sunset Apartment developers and they have agreed to do a focused EIR. A residence on Puerto del Mar has applied for permits for a large home on bluff with geological issues similar to Sunset Canyon Apartments. [12. Adjournment.] The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

_________________________

[Return to top of page](https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/minutes-from-2011/)

##### **MINUTES FOR MAY 12th 2011**

Voting Members in Attendance: Janet Turner, Haldis Toppel, Richard Cohen, Cathy Russell, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Jennifer Malaret, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, George Wolfberg, Joyce Brunelle, Gilbert Dembo, Richard Wulliger, Mary Cole, Aurelia Friedman Voting Alternates: Clifford Nelson, Janet Anderson Non-voting Advisors and Alternates: Flo Elfant, Norma Spak, Christy Dennis, Jim Rea, Andrew Wolfberg, Quentin Fleming, Schuyler Dietz, Amy Kalp, Barbara Marinacci 1\. Reading of Community Council’s Mission. Jack Allen read the Mission Statement. 2\. Call to Order and Introduction of the Board. Janet Turner called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Introductions of the Board and Special Guests. 3\. Certification of Quorum. The Chair certified that a quorum was present. 4\. Adoption of Minutes. Haldis Toppel moved and Jack Allen seconded that the minutes from April 14, 2011 meeting be adopted. The motion was adopted unanimously. 5\. Consideration of Agenda. The Chair considered the agenda. 6\. Treasurer’s Report. Janet Turner reported that as of May 12, 2011, there is $3,965.43 in the checking account; $17,983.96 in the Smith Barney CDs; and $1,780.04 in the Post Office deposit for a total of $ 23, 729.43. So far this year, we have received $8,225 in donations and need $10,000 for the year for operating expense. The donations are tax deductible. 7\. Reports, Announcements and Concerns. 7.1. Announcements from the Chair. 7.1.1. The next meeting is May 26, 2011. Candidates Forum. 7.1.2. The Chair thanked the Park for letting us use the gym for this meeting and the Marquez Knolls Homeowners Association for use and set up of the microphone equipment. 7.1.3. [Officers] Election Committee. Richard Cohen reported that currently the nominations are: Chairman Janet Turner Vice Chairman Haldis Toppel, Barbara Kohn Secretary Jennifer Malaret, Reza Akef Treasurer Ted Mackie Candidates can still be nominated until June 9, 2011, the meeting at which the election is held. [7.2. Announcements from Governmental Representatives \-- None recorded.] 7.3. Announcements from Board Members and Advisors. 7.3.1. Flo Elfant - Emergency Preparedness. Flo Elfant emphasized the importance of being prepared in case of an emergency, especially here in Pacific Palisades. We must be prepared to take care of ourselves with at least 3 days of water and food and basic emergency medical supplies. She has currently run out of information packets but urges us to be there for each other. Information can be obtained online at www.pp90272.org. or e-mail at PacPalisCC@aol.com. 7.3.2. Joyce Brunelle announced the 3rd annual Community EXPO sponsored by Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, May 15th from 10 am to 2pm in the heart of the Village on Anitoch and Swarthmore. This is a great event for the whole family featuring vintage cars and booths. [8. Reports from Committees \-- None recorded.] 9\. Old Business. 9.1. Fire Station 69 cut backs and the City Budget. Jennifer Malaret read the following motion "LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FY2011/2012 DEPLOYMENT PLAN Pacific Palisades Community Council Board Meeting; May 12, 2011 City of Los Angeles, Proposed Implementation of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s FY2011/2012 Deployment Plan for Battalion 9, Fire Station 69 – sponsored by Jennifer Malaret, Haldis Toppel, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall. Upon motion by Jennifer Malaret, seconded by Paul Glasgall, the Council approved the following resolution: WHEREAS, the City of Los Angeles is facing a projected $457 million deficit and the Los Angeles Fire Department (“LAFD”) is proposing permanent cutbacks to Fire Station 69 in the Pacific Palisades that would: Cause the majority of days to have a 33 - 50 percent decrease in manpower whereas the current "rolling brown outs" system affects Station 69 only 9 days a month. Present a permanent reduction in resources and manpower unlike the rolling brown outs. Take away one fire engine completely. Leaves the second fire engine with only one man except on a few red flag days when LAFD would bring back full staffing. There were only 13 Red Flags Days during 2010. Prevent Station 69 from covering a medical call and a fire call at the same time, because the engine is needed to go on each call and there would be only one engine. Provide for a second ambulance that will be on constant call to be sent out to other areas of the city and will reduce the manpower to 6 men at Station 69. Become the only fire station in CD 11 to suffer permanent cutbacks. Be more expensive then the rolling brown out system currently in place. Cause remaining resources to be deployed based on a computer system that uses statistics of low rate calls instead of a high brush fire risk. Put the residents covered by Station 23 in jeopardy because it is a 6-man station and Station 69 is their back up. And whereas Pacific Palisades: Is an isolated geographical area. Has been considered for 46 years an extremely high hazard brush topography area. Has, over the years, grown in the number of homes; many of which are closer to wooded areas, and have had a substantial increase in size of homes that require more fire fighters to meet the needs. Based on the above, plus additional details, facts, history, and reasoning in the attached report... BE IT RESOLVED, that PPCC opposes the proposed Fire Department's FY 2011/2012 deployment plan for Battalion 9, Fire Station 69 that proposes to reduce manpower and resources assigned to Station 69, and demands that the current "rolling brown out" system which would continue to help reduce the LAFD budget and provide more resources to Pacific Palisades remain in place, and will BE IT RESOLVED, that the PPCC urges Councilman Rosendahl, Mayor Villaraigosa and Fire Chief Peaks not to support this unacceptable plan, and PPCC demands that they do everything possible to make sure essential core services are not cut, and also to designate LAFD as a priority for any unused General Fund monies." DISCUSSION. Fire Department addresses the proposed cutbacks at Station 69 - Donald Frazeur, Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations LAFD and Trevor Richmond, Planning Section Commander. Representing the proposed cutbacks of Station 69, they presented a Power Point Presentation that stated to reduce risk 1. Brush clearance would be enforced and 2. Improve liaisons with other units in the City would compensated for the proposed cutbacks for Station 69. The LAFD needs to reduce its budget by 36% and reduce personnel. They believe that this is the best plan for the City. Brownouts were introduced in 2008. The Fire Chief was directed to do a structural change and this meant they had to look at the business model. They purchased an optimizing software program, ADAM, for optimizing locations and types of services needed. This help to eliminate redundant deployments and reduce response time. Currently Station 69 has 12 firefighters and is fully staffed 18 out of 27days. The Modified Closure Plan (MCP) has had a saving of $41 million. The savings needs to be $53 million. Station 69 has Advance Life Force calls (paramedics) so that every call that goes out the door is paramedic related. The response times will almost be identical to current ones (under the MCP). No fire stations in the City are closing. A Ready Reserve Rescue will be used to augment services and will be at Station 69 fully equipped. In addition to the paramedics, the ready reserve engines will be at Station 69 without the personnel unless needed in an emergency. For further information go to www.lafd.org. Firefighters Union representative Frank Lima, Captain of Station 69, and Tim Curry, retired Assistant Chief and Fire Commissioner presented a Power Point presentation to not alter Station 69 Deployment. According to the new deployment plan, Station 69 would lose 50% of its fire fighting capability. The station will not have trucks small enough to respond to some of the Palisades community. Other districts are not losing one fire engine. They are proposing a permanent reduction in firefighters. The ADAM looks at the number of runs (quantity) rather than the quality of calls. Medical and fire calls now have back up units in the station. The population is growing and the number of additional firefighters needed is not keeping up with the growth in population. QUESTIONS. How long to get staffing on reserve engines? Will be staff the night before in anticipation; such as in Red Flag days How does the Councilman feel? Joaquim on behalf of Rosendahl - If he had to vote today, he would vote no on this proposal. If cuts are made, when would we have restored service? The cuts will be permanent. According to Matt Szabo, the Mayor’s deputy, this plan was a response to the City’s fiscal condition. 70% of every budget is for the fire and police. It is impossible to balance the budget without considering the police and fire. We cannot afford the fire department. Jennifer Malaret moved and Paul Glasgall seconded the motion. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 9.2. City Budget - How to find money for the LAFD. Councilmember Rosendahl's office - John Gregory. Ray Ciranna, Assistant City Administrative Officer (second in command at the CAO’s office). Available for questions and clarification of NCBA – Jay Handal, Chairman, NC Budget Advocates and Daniel Wiseman, Secretary, NC Budget Advocates. Jennifer Malaret read the second motion which follows: "LOS ANGELES CITY BUDGET AS IT PERTAINS TO THE LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT’S FY 2011/2012 DEPLOYMENT PLAN Pacific Palisades Community Council Board Meeting; May 12, 2011 Sponsored by Jennifer Malaret, George Wolfberg, Jack Allen. Upon motion by _____________, seconded by __________ the Council approved the following resolution: WHEREAS, the City of Los Angeles is facing a projected $457 million deficit. WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates have made numerous suggestions for balancing the budget so that the City's core essential services can be fully funded, in support of which the Pacific Palisades Community Council (“PPCC”) attaches it’s report. WHEREAS, the PPCC believes that the LAFD’s FY2011/2012 Deployment Plan (the “LAFD Plan”) results in permanent reductions of fire fighting services and, as a result, puts the public safety of Los Angeles citizens at an increased risk. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the PPCC requests the City Council and LAFD Fire Chief do all in their power not to capitulate to demands by the Mayor to cut the budget for essential core services that affect public safety such as, and including, the LAFD. Relative to the LAFD Plan, the PPCC demands that the City Council and the Mayor: