Community Information:
Disaster Readiness Information
Message from the Chair George Wolfberg and Vice-Chair David Card
Dear Community,
Heading back to school and into the season of Santa Ana winds, we not only face increased risk of brush and grass fires, but the next “Big One” (earthquake) continues to get closer. Please visit the PPCC Disaster Readiness page (linked above) for a wealth of information on how to protect against such disasters. Learn, comply, and be safe!
Chair George Wolfberg has appointed Cathi Ruddy, Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club Representative to PPCC, as our Emergency Preparedness Officer (liaison to the City’s Emergency Management Dept.), pursuant to a recent initiative by Mayor Garcetti: Emergency Preparedness Initiative. We thank Cathi for graciously agreeing to take on this important task for the community.
Vice-Chair David Card presided at PPCC’s August 22 meeting in the Chair’s absence. At the meeting, the Three Chairs Committee (Maryam Zar, Chair; Chris Spitz & Richard Cohen) nominated past Vice-Chair Peter F. Culhane for the 2nd Alternate At-large Representative seat; the Board then unanimously elected him to the position. Welcome back to the PPCC Board, Peter!
In addition, our August 22 meeting featured the Board’s consideration of a motion to oppose the mixed-use project proposed for 17346 Sunset Blvd. (old Jack-in-the-Box site) at the proposed height and density. The Board unanimously adopted the motion, which will be forwarded to appropriate public officials. The Board also heard from PRIDE President John Padden and board member Sam Rubin, who provided information about a proposed community “street clock” to be located on the site of US Bank at the corner of Sunset & Swarthmore in the commercial Village. Board members appreciated the presentation and PRIDE will update us on the progress of the proposal.
Finally, the Board engaged in a lively discussion about possible location of a skateboard park in the Palisades. Participants in the discussion included teen resident and skatepark advocate Max Burger; LA Dept. of Recreation & Parks Superintendent Daryll Ford; Palisades Recreation Center Director Erich Haas; Recreation & Park Board Commissioner Joe Halper; Palisades Park Advisory Board Member Bob Benton; and Zachary Gaidzik, West-Metro LA Deputy for County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. Basic skatepark facts were considered, along with numerous factors such as past history in the Palisades, level of current community interest, cost, funding sources, competing park needs and priorities, security, noise and other impacts and the suitability or feasibility of various suggested locations. No position was taken on the matter but important insight was gained for possible future study.
Please click on Meeting Recaps for a more detailed recap of our August 22nd meeting.
PPCC will resume its regular meeting schedule in September (meeting twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month). The September 12th meeting will feature a presentation by the Palisades Forestry Committee on a possible new Urban Forestry Policy for the Palisades (including street tree planting & removal). On September 26, our honored guest speaker will be Kevin James, President of the LA City Board of Public Works Commissioners. Bureau of Sanitation Assistant Director Alex Helou will also provide the latest news about recycling in Los Angeles. On October 10,we will have an updated briefing on the proposed Gladstones Redevelopment Project.
Friendly reminder: Due to a Citywide change in library policy, PPCC meetings at the Palisades Branch Library must now take place from 6pm-7:50pm (all meeting attendees must exit before the 8pm Library close). We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.
Don’t forget to visit the PPCC Calendar for information about upcoming events of interest to Palisadians.
On a personal note, the Chair appreciates everyone’s well-wishes as he deals with recently-arisen medical issues. We both hope to see you around town and at a future meeting!
Best regards,
George Wolfberg
Chair
David Card
Vice-Chair