Meeting Recap of Jan 11, 2018
See also Community Calendar Below
On January 11th at our PPCC board and community meeting, we heard from Captain Gary Walters, Sergeant Danny Eun and Officer Ryan Basaker from LAPD West Traffic Division, on their ongoing efforts to address traffic issues in Pacific Palisades. The conversation had begun last April, following a fatality on Sunset Boulevard and Chautaqua, which involved a gang of motorcycle riders that raised the ire of residents. Since then, LAPD Traffic has focused resources on Palisades enforcement and stayed in close touch with this community, visiting the Community Council more than three times, to address ongoing traffic concerns. They have consistently reported to us that their enforcement strategies have yielded results, and that not only have they cited motorists for infractions, but also impounded motorcycles for various non-compliance. The team of Officers and Sergeants have also been conducting an educational campaign, both for residents to understand the limitations of enforcement, and for riders to comprehend the expectations of the community and the demands of the law. Together, their efforts have had an impact on our roads, and have resulted in fewer traffic infractions and reduced gang motorcycle riding activity. We’d like to thank the West LAPD Traffic team, as well as local residents who have been working with them, for their unyielding efforts to focus attention on a long-standing problem that seemed intractable and for making a difference in this community.
We also heard from Cat Packer, Executive Director from the City Department of Cannabis Regulations (cannabis.lacity.org. The Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) is responsible for administering the Rules and Regulations adopted by the Council for licensed commercial cannabis businesses within the City of Los Angeles. The DCR administers the business application process in conjunction with the Cannabis Regulation Commission, makes determinations related to non-retail cannabis licensing, administers and coordinates the audit and inspection processes for licensed cannabis-related businesses, and enforcing regulatory compliance of licensed businesses engaged in commercial cannabis activity. Ms. Packer informed our board that city regulations are aimed at regulating adults 21 and over use of Cannabis and licensing commercial cannabis activity in a manner that ensures standards laid out by the city are being met. She said the department will issue temporary approvals to applications for licenses of operators already known to the City, and that the department will enforce limits on saturation for retail and manufacturing facilities set by the City. The priorities of the department as related to the roll out of new Cannabis laws are health, education, regulation and enforcement (“HERE”). PPCC pledged to work with the Department to help educate our youth population, and bring our schools into the conversation so parents and residents understand what to expect as new ordinances are adopted. Chris Spitz prepared two documents on draft ordinances that can be seen here: (proposed Cannabis commercial sign & location Ordinances), and officers explained that anyone smoking Cannabis outdoors, in parks, near schools and under the age of 21 is still breaking the law. Residents should call LAPD if they witness such activity. Officer Moore will be on hand at our next meeting to discuss enforcement in greater detail.
During public comment we heard from Albert Mutto. He was formerly a homeless man living in Pacific Palisades. He was noticed by some Palisadians who recognized in him the willingness and ability to work, so they gave him work to do. Among those who assisted him in getting on his feet were Brian Shea and Thomas Hathaway who administer the Pacific Palisades 4th of July 5 & 10K Run. Bert performed well for them and eventually was introduced to Maryam Zar (then Chair of PPTFH, current Chair of PPCC) for help. Bert is now working in Brentwood helping maintain the village and is no longer homeless. He needs to move out of his current sublease by the end of January and would appreciate any leads finding a place close to work. Statements of support from Nancy Freedman (BCC Chair Emeritus) and Doug McCormick (PPTFH President) were read and a call was made to the community to help Bert find housing nearby.
Our next meeting will be on January 25th. Please join us.
We thank everyone who attended the meeting, and all those who follow our work and engage in the process of protecting and preserving this community by giving us their input and participating in the community-wide conversations of important issues that we regularly address.
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