Recent Meeting Recaps
Scroll down for November 8 and October 25, 2018 recaps

November 8, 2018 Meeting
Pacific Palisades Community Council

                                                      11/08 Meeting Recap 

Highlights of the November 8, 2018 PPCC board meeting: 
The Awards Selection Committee proudly announced the worthy 2018 award honorees:  Co-Citizens of the Year —Jimmy Dunne and Bob Harter; Golden Sparkplugs —John Steadman and Dede Vlietstra;  and last but not least, Pride of the Palisades — Arnie Wishnick.  Their exceptional accomplishments can be read in Awards Honorees Information (also linked in the gold button below). The community is invited to celebrate with the honorees at the December 13 Awards Gala; see theAwards Gala Press Release (also linked in the blue button below).
Yggy Ruiz, Project Manager for the Marvin Braude Beach Trail Gap Closure Project, and other LA County Dept. of Public Works representatives, gave a Power Point presentation and answered questions about plans to construct a continuous beach walk path that will extend from Venice to the Palisades. The proposal calls for closing the current 0.6 mile gap between the Santa Monica border and the Temescal Canyon beach parking lot and widening the existing trail to create two exclusive and separate paths to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. Construction is expected to begin in early 2020. The presentation can be viewed at Beach Walk Path Presentation.
Eric Bruins (CD11 Transportation Deputy) and Steve Lantz (Area Four Alternate and Transportation Director for the South Bay Cities Coalition of Governments) briefed the board on City and regional policies/regulation of dockless electric scooters and bikes.  They explained that Los Angeles and other cities in the South Bay region are attempting to regulate these devices, which are useful but present problems.  Los Angeles has implemented a one year pilot program, in which limits are set on the number of devices and operators will be given permission to grow only after compliance is proven. Scooters are banned from Ocean Front Walk in Venice and on through Santa Monica.  Fees are also being imposed to be used for regulation, enforcement and education.  Cathi Ruddy pointed out that there has been a theft of electricity by people plugging in to charge the devices at the Woman’s Club.  Bottom line:  there are numerous questions which are yet to be answered.
The board passed an amended motion regarding the Marquette St. residential project. The motion calls 1) for the City to seriously consider detailed concerns of the project’s neighbors and for the developer to provide all plans to the community, including sewer and sewer ejector plans; 2) for the City to consider neighbors’ concerns about the appropriateness of the use of lot line adjustments in lieu of a subdivision process, and 3) for the City to determine if the street has been withdrawn from public use, and if so, determine the ramifications.  A position letter will be submitted to the case file and will become part of the record going forward.
Please note:  There are no other PPCC board meetings
in November and no regular board meetings in December.
The 2018 Holiday Dinner & Awards Gala will take place
on December 13, with an abbreviated business meeting
and the evening devoted to presentation of Awards and
celebration with the Honorees!  More details below.
Upcoming Events
TOMORROW, November 10:  Friends of the Palisades Library Holiday Parking Lot Book Sale, 9am-3pm at the Palisades branch library. Support your library and pick up a terrific book at the book sale!  Visit Friends of the Library for more information.

TOMORROW, November 10:  Tennis in the Park, 5pm at Palisades Tennis Center at Palisades Recreation Center.  Features Q&A with tennis pros Gigi Hernandez & Tommy Haas. For details visit Tennis Center.

THIS SUNDAY, November 11:  Veterans Town Hall, hosted by Congressman Ted Lieu, 11:30am at Los Angeles National Cemetery.  Veterans (including Palisades vets) will speak on what their service has meant to them.  For more information contact Janet.turner@mail.house.gov.

THIS SUNDAY, November 11:   Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club 33rd Annual Home Tour & Holiday Boutique, 11 am – 4pm.  Home Tour accessed via shuttles from Pali High; Boutique at the PPWC clubhouse, 901 Haverford.  For more information about how to purchase tickets online visit  Home Tour or The PPWC.

November 14:  Pacific Palisades Design Review Board (DRB) public meeting, 7pm at the WLA Municipal Bldg., 2nd floor hearing room, 1645 S. Corinth Ave., WLA.  For more information contact the assigned City Planner Kenton Trinh at kenton.trinh@lacity.org.

November 19: Palisades Alliance for Seniors meeting, 10:30am in the Palisades branch library.  Topic:  Fall Prevention.  Visit Palisades Alliance for details.
November 22:  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  6th Annual Palisades Turkey Trot, 5K and 10K runs benefitting the Hearts with Hope Foundation.  7:30-11am at Pali High Dolphin Stadium.  For registration and details visit Turkey Trot.

November 25:  Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting at Palisades Village, 7pm in the park. The event is complimentary and open to the public.  For more information visit www.palisadesvillageca.com.

November 26:  PP Civic League meeting, 7:30pm at Community United Methodist Church.  Review of residential projects in Tract 9300.  For more information visit Civic League.

November 30:  1st Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Stroll through the commercial Village.  For more information visit Palisades Chamber.

December 2:  Chanukah Menorah Lighting, Palisades Village on Swarthmore Ave., 5:30pm.  Sponsored by Chabad of the Palisades. Fun for all ages.
December 3:  Palisades Alliance for Seniors meeting, 10:30am, Palisades branch library.  Topic:  Joint Replacement.  Visit Palisades Alliance for details.

December 3:  Temescal Canyon Association (TCA) Annual Meeting, 7pm, Stewart Hall, Temescal Gateway Park. Guest speaker:  Joe Edmiston, Executive Director, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC).  For more information visit TCA.

December 6:  Pacific Palisades Historical Society annual Holiday Party, 6pm, Aldersgate Retreat Center. Palisades historian Randy Young will speak about what it was like to grow up in the Palisades (“Remember When in the Palisades”).  There will be a light buffet dinner.  For more information visit www.palisadeshistory.org.

December 9:  TCA Sunday Hike at the Venice Canals.  Meet at the second Temescal Gateway Park parking lot near the dining hall at 5pm. For more information visit TCA.
December 13: PPCC 2018 Holiday Dinner and Awards Gala at Gladstones Restaurant.  6:30pm reception/cocktails, 7pm dinner and awards presentations, with host Sam Lagana and silent and live auctions!  See theAwards Gala Press Release (also linked in the blue button below).

December 17:   Palisades Alliance for Seniors meeting, 10:30am, Palisades branch library.  Topic:  Personal Memories.  Visit Palisades Alliance for details.

October 25, 2018 Meeting

Pacific Palisades Community Council

10/25 Meeting Recap 

Highlights of the October 25, 2018 PPCC board meeting:
Ileana Wachtel of the Coalition to Preserve LA presented important information about the need to protect the City’s urban tree canopy.  PPCC and our colleagues on the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC) support tree canopy protection. WRAC will be submitting a letter supporting Councilmember Bonin’s motion to enhance the City’s protected tree ordinance; calling for an increase in the Urban Forestry budget in order to support the tree canopy; and requesting extended notice of all proposed removals of street trees and protected trees.  See Motion Background and prior PPCC Letter.
PPCC Chair George Wolfberg announced important Information for residents in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).  All of Pacific Palisades is within the VHFHSZ.  The City Council recently passed a new law to mitigate the occurrence of brush fires in the VHFHSZ.  The law establishes specific safety measures for engaging in brush clearance activities.  Among other things, it prohibits the use of certain cutting blades to clear grass or brush in the VHFHSZ; it requires the presence of safety equipment, such as specific fire extinguishers and safety straps; it prevents brush clearing operations on red flag days; and it imposes strong penalties for violation of the law. The ordinance can be read at Brush Clearance Ordinance.
Tracey Price (American Growers) and LAFD Capt. Bates presented details about a beautiful new landscaping project for our own Fire Station 69.  The plantings will be low maintenance and a special drip irrigation system will be installed.  You can see the plan and renderings on the PPCC website at Plan and Old (current) and New (proposed) renderings.  A fun pancake breakfast/bunch fundraiser for the project and the Station will take place on November 3 at Porta Via.  See belowfor more information about the fundraiser and other opportunities to support the Station.
VPCLC Co-chair Sue Kohl reported that the City Council Transportation Committee has approved the application for a Preferential Parking District (permit parking) for the Alphabet Streets; the matter will soon go to the City Council for final approval. Councilmember Bonin is attempting to expedite the process so that the required signage can be installed on the participating streets as soon as possible.  Sue also explained that while Caruso’s decision to extend complimentary parking to one hour was a welcome step in improving the parking situation, employee and visitor parking on the neighboring residential streets continues to be an issue; the VPCLC has again brought this to Caruso’s attention.
Neighbors opposed to a proposed residential project involving eight new homes on Marquette St. presented concerns about geology, environmental impacts, public safety, sewer connection, building sizes and lot line adjustments.  Status:  the Civic League previously approved the project (its review did not include geotechnical, sewer and/or environmental impacts); a City Planning Dept. hearing was held on the requested entitlements and the hearing officer’s determination is pending (deadline for comments October 29). Pursuant to PPCC Bylaws, for procedural reasons the board could not take action on the matter at the meeting.  The Executive Committee has now submitted a letter seeking an extension of the deadline. See EC Letter.
PPCC will accept Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplug Awards Nominations until 9pm tomorrow, October 27.  See notice below.  The honorees will be announced on November 8 and the awards will be presented at the not-to-be-missed Awards Gala on December 13 at Gladstones.  Stay tuned for more details to come!
Upcoming Events

October 27:  Halloween Spooktacular at Palisades Recreation Center, 3-7pm. $10 entrance fee (cash only) per child, includes spooky trick-or-treat path, pumpkin patch, carnival games, DJ, petting zoo, moon bounces, arts & crafts and more.

October 27:  Fiesta of Fright at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center, 4-8pm.  $5 entrance fee per person, includes haunted house, games, candy, prizes and food truck.

October 27:   Deadline for receipt of 2018 Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplug Awards nominations — 9pm. See further information above.

October 30:  Chamber of Commerce Bob Benton Bash, 5:30-7:30pm at Mastro’s Ocean Club.  Join new Chamber President Bob Benton for an evening of networking with like-minded business professionals. For ticket information visitwww.palisadeschamber.com or contact info@palisadeschamber.com.

October 30:  Special PP Park Advisory Board public meeting, 7pm at Palisades Creation Center, Small Gym. Topic: Presentation and motion for approval of new Veterans’ Garden at the park.

November 3:  Fire Station 69 Pancake Breakfast/Brunch Fundraiser, 8-11am at Porta Via Restaurant on Swarthmore.  This family-friendly event benefits the new landscaping project for the Station and will offer children and adults alike the chance to get behind the wheel of a fire truck, pose for photos with our local heroes and even meet Wilshire the fire dog!  There will also be a silent auction with terrific items up for bidding.  For information about tickets and other opportunities to support Station 69, visit  Station 69 Fundraiser.

November 5:  Palisades Alliance for Seniors meeting, 10:30am in the Palisades branch library. Topic: Medicare Benefits & Rights. Visit Palisades Alliance for details.November 6:  ELECTION DAY!   

November 8:  PPCC board meeting, 7pm at the Palisades branch library.  Topics: 1) announcement of the Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplug honorees; 2) proposed new beach walk path; 3) City & regional policies/regulations re dockless electric scooters & bikes.  NOTE:  There is only one PPCC meeting in November.

November 10:  Tennis in the Park, 5pm at Palisades Tennis Center at Palisades Recreation Center.  Features Q&A with tennis pros Gigi Hernandez & Tommy Haas. For details visit Tennis Center.

November 11:  Veterans Town Hall, hosted by Congressman Ted Lieu, 11:30am at Los Angeles National Cemetery.  Veterans (including vets from the Palisades) will speak on what their service has meant to them.  For more information contact Janet.turner@mail.house.gov.

November 11:   Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club 33rd Annual Home Tour & Holiday Boutique, 11 am – 4pm.  This is the biggest fundraising event of the year.  Home Tour accessed via shuttles from Pali High; Boutique at the PPWC clubhouse, 901 Haverford.  Three beautiful homes, along with a new “tiny home,” will be featured. Be sure to visit the Boutique whether or not you are attending the Tour. For more details and to purchase tickets online visit The PPWC.

November 12:  PP Task Force on Homelessness community meeting, 7pm in the Palisades branch library.  Topic: A Front Door to Success.  In the spirit of Thanksgiving, three formerly homeless local individuals — each of whom has successfully moved from the streets of the Palisades to permanent supportive housing — will share their experiences. All are invited to hear their stories and celebrate their accomplishments.  For more information visit PPTFH.

November 14:  Pacific Palisades Design Review Board (DRB) public meeting, 7pm at the WLA Municipal Bldg., 2nd floor hearing room, 1645 S. Corinth Ave., WLA.  Topic: rooftop equipment proposed by Verizon Wireless for 881 N. Alma Real Drive.  For more information contact the assigned City Planner Kenton Trinh at kenton.trinh@lacity.org.

November 19:  Palisades Alliance for Seniors meeting, 10:30am in the Palisades branch library.  Topic:  Fall Prevention.  Visit Palisades Alliance for details.
November 22:  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  6th Annual Palisades Turkey Trot, 5K and 10K runs benefitting the Hearts with Hope Foundation.  7:30-11am at Pali High Dolphin Stadium.  For registration and details visit Turkey Trot.

November 26:  PP Civic League meeting, 7:30pm at Community United Methodist Church.  Review of residential projects in Tract 9300.  For more information visitCivic League.

November 30: 1st Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Stroll through the entire commercial Village.  A walkable, fun, family and friends experience.  For more information visit Palisades Chamber.
Last Chance — Awards Nominations Deadline Tomorrow!
Don’t forget to submit your nominations of worthy individuals for 2018 Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplug honors!
Deadline for receipt:  
Saturday, October 27 at 9pm.
Visit the Awards Nominations Press Release or click on the gold button below for more information. You may submit nominations via email to info@pacpalicc.org.