MINUTES FROM JULY 25th 2024
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Beth Holden-Garland, Chris Spitz, Murray Levy, Steve Cron, Nancy Niles, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Cindy Simon, Julie Silliman, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, Aileen Haugh, Barbara Kohn, Kevin Niles, Valeria Serna, Courtney Macker
Non-voting Alternates and Advisors: James Alexakis, Michael Edlen, Mary Mueller, Alan Goldsmith, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Betsy Handler, Cindi Young, Joanna Spak
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. President Sue Kohl called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Beth Holden-Garland read the Mission Statement.
2. Introductions / Roll Call. The President introduced the Board and called the roll of voting members present.
3. Certification of Quorum. The President certified quorum.
4. Approval of Minutes. The minutes of June 26, 2024, were approved as corrected.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. August 8, 2024 (a candidates forum will be held due to contested races in Areas 3 and 6; see item 8.1.2 below); September 12, 2024 (announcement of Area and At-large Representative Election results.
6. Treasurer’s Report – No report (Treasurer not in attendance).
7. General Public Comment.
7.1. Lowell Cauffiel (resident) raised concerns about the proliferation of food trucks/vendors in the right-of-way along Sunset Blvd. near Ralph’s, which he believes are not permitted and present a health hazard. It was explained that PPCC has discussed this issue at length in the past, and that in general, such vending is widely-allowed under State and City regulations, although permits from the City and County are required for regulation of health and safety. He was advised that the County Health Dept. should be contacted for health inspections, and that vendors can be cited and fined for violations. Chris Spitz (At-large Representative) indicated that she has researched and reported on these issues at PPCC meetings, and she encouraged Mr. Cauffiel to contact her with any questions.
7.2. Sharon Kilbride (immediate past Co-President of the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness/PPTFH and PPTFH’s LAPD liaison) reported on two recent brush fires believed to have been started by unhoused individuals: a fire along Palisades Drive and another fire in Temescal
Gateway Park (at Simon Meadow, at Sunset Blvd. & Temescal Canyon Road). Sharon also noted that
private security firms have been great in helping with these additional issues in the Palisades.
7.3. Dave Card (immediate past PPCC Chair Emeritus & Pacific Palisades Park Board/PAB member) reported, prior to adjournment, on the recent PAB meeting on July 18th, at which the PAB board considered three designs for a new playground at the Recreation Center (see item 12 below).
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. Beginning-of-term remarks by the President. The President gave opening remarks on her incoming term as President. She explained that she has served on the PPCC for 12 years (including 5 years representing Area 5 and 2 years serving as Vice-President under Maryam Zar), and has seen the leadership of past PPCC Presidents like George Wolfberg, David Card, Chris Spitz and Maryam Zar. She noted that she is fortunate to have a terrific Executive Committee, with Quentin Fleming as VP, Jenny Li as Treasurer, Beth Holden-Garland as Secretary, Maryam Zar as Chair Emeritus, Chris Spitz (At-large) as the elected representative and John Padden (PRIDE) as the organizational representative. She has been inspired by their leadership and promises to do her absolute best on behalf of the community. She thanked the Board for the honor of their trust and hopefully their confidence.
8.1.2. Announcement of candidates in the Area and At-large Representatives Election; see also Election Committee report (Item 9.1 below). The President announced the following candidates running in the Election:
Area One: JoAnna Rodriguez
Area Two: Steve Cron
Area Three: Linda Friar, Joe Layton, Julia Nilsen
Area Four: Karen Ridgley
Area Five: Kimberly Bloom
Area Six: Lorie Cudzil, Barbara Schelbert, David Schwarz
Area Seven: Sharon Kilbride
Area Eight: Andrew Wolfberg
At-large: Chris Spitz
8.1.3. Appointment of PPCC Committees, Liaisons and Advisors (request Board approval of Legal Advisor): https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PPCC-Advisors-etc.-July-2024.pdf. The President announced the committees, liaisons and advisors she has appointed as of July 2024. She noted that additional committees may be appointed going forward. [See all appointees as listed on the document linked above.] She requested the Board’s approval of re-appointment of Rob Weber as PPCC Legal Advisor, as required by the Bylaws. The Board approved his re-appointment.
8.1.4. Position letter sent since last meeting (supported by the Executive Committee): Support for CF 24-0140-S1 (motion by Park and other CMs for report back on impact of the Grants Pass ruling):
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PPCC-Letter-Grants-Pass-Motion.pdf. The President explained that this letter is consistent with PPCC’s past positions and was approved by the Executive
Committee. It was sent to support Councilwoman Park, who initiated the motion in Council for a
report by the City Attorney on the impact of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in the Grants Pass case on the City’s regulation of encampments.
8.1.5. Request Board approval to continue meeting via Zoom, until further notice (Bylaws, Art. VII.4). The President requested the Board’s approval to continue PPCC meetings via Zoom, until further notice, as required by the Bylaws. A discussion ensued, with Board members mentioning various pros and cons as to meeting virtually vs. meeting in-person. Several members indicated that they favored holding periodic in-person meetings to promote camaraderie. Other members explained that meeting in-person requires a great deal of time and effort with meeting set up, and noted that the Library imposes strict time limitations on meetings in the community room, that Zoom meetings may be more convenient for many community members, and that greater attendance at PPCC online meetings seems to have occurred. The President indicated that although the Board has approved holding Zoom meetings, we can also arrange to hold meetings in-person at the Library, from time-to-time (dates to be determined). The Board agreed to continue holding PPCC meetings via Zoom (with several in-person meeting options as well during the year).
8.1.6. Palisades Branch Library / Friends of the Library 2024 Summer Creative Writing Contest. Link to information and entrance form: https://friendsofpalilibrary.org/contest. The President provided information about the Writing Contest. A link will also be provided on the PPCC website calendar page.
8.1.7. July 29th “Appreciation Night” for residents, at The Draycott. The President provided information about The Draycott’s special residents’ “Appreciation Night” on July 29, 2024, when complimentary canapés and a glass of bubbly will be served to residents from 6-8 p.m. She encouraged PPCC members and Palisadians to go and enjoy the restaurant’s generous offer that evening.
8.1.8. 4th of July Parade update. The President reported that PPCC members and awardees had a great time participating in this year’s parade, including: Citizen of the Year Cindy Kirven, who rode with the President in a convertible driven by Sharon Kilbride; Golden Sparkplug John Dwight and PRIDE representatives David Peterson and Sam Rubin, who rode in a convertible driven by Bruce Schwartz; and Kimberly Bloom and Diana Daniele, who marched behind the PPCC banner. Karen Ridgley added that she was glad to ride in the LAPD “mule” vehicle, with SLO Espin and Captain Gabaldon (an auction item at the 2023 Awards Gala).
8.1.9. Passing of Flo Elfant. The President noted that a letter of condolence has been sent to the family of Flo Elfant, who was a respected community leader and past PPCC Chair, Co-Citizen of the Year with Kit Festa, and Golden Sparkplug awardee. For many years, Flo also created and distributed comprehensive emergency preparedness guides throughout the community. [See Flo’s guides on the PPCC Disaster Readiness page: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/disaster-preparedness/.] The PPCC is grateful for all her past work and advocacy.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Quentin Fleming, Vice-President, remarked that he has been a PPCC member since 2008 and
this is his first time as an officer. He views being Vice-President as a big responsibility and he will do his best. He hopes to make the President’s job “easier” and to take some of the task load off her shoulders.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Cindy Simon (Area Six Representative): Report on status of Temescal Canyon Road mural restoration project. Cathy Salser, artist and Palisades resident since 1968, explained that she was one of the original artists who contributed to the mural artwork. She has been working with Cindy Simon on initiating the project to restore the beautiful mural, and was asked by Cindy to present to the Board. Cathy explained that she has been in touch with Kat Kozik, one of the original artists who worked on the mural. The mural is now 41 years old; the paint is in good shape but in need of restoration. There is a new way of working on the paint and re-adhering it to keep the integrity of the imagery. At Kat Kozik’s recommendation, they are working with “MuralColors” (a business that provides services for mural restoration in an environmentally safe way) and have received bids from two respected artists: River Garza and Mercedes Dorame (whose work is in the rotunda of the Getty Museum). They have until Oct. 8th to make a decision on the bids. They have about $40,000 in pledges for the restoration, which is projected to cost about $100,000. She noted that a fiscal receiver is needed so that donations can be tax deductible, and they are working on finding a suitable entity for that purpose. Cathy also noted that MuralColors will be giving an online presentation on mural restoration on Wednesday, July 31; she will provide a link which we can share with the community.
8.3.2. Chris Spitz (At-large Representative) provided an update on the status of sidewalk vending since her report in May 2024 [see https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/At-Large-Report-5-23-24-1.pdf]. She explained that the City has reached a settlement with the plaintiffs in the sidewalk vending lawsuit, which includes completely eliminating the ban on vending near schools. The settlement must still be approved by the City Council and Mayor, which is expected to occur after the Council returns from summer recess in early August. If the settlement is approved, vendors may return to the sidewalk area near the library and schools in the Palisades and elsewhere, subject only to City permitting and County health and safety requirements.
Chris also reported that she and residents had recently alerted City officials to the fact that for several days this month, the vehicle gate below the mouth of Potrero Canyon, leading to the area of the Lateral Trail, has been wide open and unlocked. Recreation and Parks staff eventually closed and secured the gate. These and other ongoing matters concerning Potrero have been posted on PPCC’s Potrero Canyon webpage, which can now be found under the Resources tab at the top of the website. [See: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/potrero-canyon/.]
8.3.3. Karen Ridgley (Area Four Representative) brought up concern in the Asilomar Bluffs area with a fault line that is 5 feet by 30 feet long, which she has been discussing with CD11 Deputy Michael Amster. Sandbagging has been put in place, but youth are moving the bags for recreation; she believes that this is a real concern that the City needs to address before more damage is done to the hillside in Area 4. Specifically, a new curb needs to be installed to protect this area from further erosion with upcoming rains.
8.3.4. Kimberly Bloom (Area Five Representative) mentioned that Area Five constituents are concerned about cars speeding on side streets to circumvent the traffic on Sunset Blvd. Concerned neighbors have asked Kimberly about the possibility of installing speed bumps (or humps) to help alleviate unsafe conditions due to speeding cars. It was discussed that the City (LADOT) addresses speed bumps/humps in a process that takes place only at the beginning of each year. Andrew Wolfberg (Area Eight Representative) said he could be helpful offline to discuss more since he assisted in getting speed humps installed in his area along Allenford Avenue. However, it was expressed that this is a process with several requirements; strong community input and involvement will be needed.
8.3.5. Murray Levy (Area One Representative) expressed concern about more RVs being parked along PCH on the northern end of the Castellammare area. It was discussed that SLO Brian Espin had managed to get two of the three RVs removed, and that some RVs or cars have moved and/or are parking illegally and dangerously on other portions of PCH to the south, near Chautauqua and the Santa Monica border. Members acknowledged that there is a need to keep an eye on and to make sure that signage and enforcement stay active to maintain safety along PCH and nearby neighborhoods.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Valeria Serna (Resilient Palisades) announced that Resilient Palisades will be co-hosting a Zoom webinar on July 28th with a presentation on banning artificial turf. She will provide a link which we can share on the PPCC website calendar.
8.4.2. Dave Card (immediate past Chair Emeritus; President of the Palisades Forestry Committee/PFC – organization that will rotate on the PPCC Board in October as an alternative organizational member) advised that a preliminary rendering of possible community garden at the Recreation Center (potentially to be located between the playground and the Library, in and near the “bowl” area) was presented to the PAB on July 18th and has been made available for viewing on the PPCC website and in a recent PPCC Mailchimp bulletin. He indicated that the concept of a community garden was recommended by the PFC, and is subject to community input and approval, with final design/location and funding still to be determined. Dave has also worked with Valeria Serna (Resilient Palisades) on the project. Board members asked questions and commented on the designs for both of the projects, to which Dave responded. He indicated that an estimate of $1 million to complete the project (if the work were to be done by the City) was suggested at the PAB meeting, although the number could be 1/2 that amount (or even less) if the work were done privately under an MOU with the City. Funds would have to be raised either from the City, from grants, or from private donations. Valeria explained that there was no cost for the preliminary design rendering, which was created on a voluntary basis by an advisor to LAUSD (at the suggestion of Allison Holdorff, advisor to LAUSD board member Nick Melvoin). Valeria noted that the garden would present an educational opportunity for Palisades school students. Decisions would have to be made in the future as to who or what entity would be in charge to oversee the garden, who would be responsible for maintenance, etc. It was also noted that the idea for a community garden was suggested at prior PPCC meetings to detract from illegal teen behavior at the park, which CD11 Deputy Michael Amster affirmed. [See the preliminary rendering on the PPCC website: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PaliPark1.pdf.]
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available).
8.5.1. Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades. Officer Espin reported that crime has slightly increased on the Westside. He advised us to keep on the outlook for meandering cars in our neighborhoods, to talk with our neighbors and to look out for one another; residents should make a visible presence in the neighborhood by being out front, walking dogs and staying outside so that potential criminals can see that residents are home and watching their property. Some thieves are now using technology with drones and other camera-type devices. He recommended that the community stay aware and be vigilant. Officer Espin also related that he was in his patrol car recently when he smelled smoke along Simon Meadow; he was able to call LAFD to put out the fire (not known if it was caused by a tossed-away cigarette or had been purposely set by someone). Luckily he was there to call LAFD, and to make sure the fire didn’t take hold and become a bigger neighborhood issue.
8.5.2. Michael Amster, Palisades & Brentwood Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park). Michael reported on various matters, including neighbors’ concern over development at 425 Mount Holyoke. He has passed along the concern to CD11 Sr. Planning Deputy Jeff Khau, to make sure there was a full compliance report with the Department of Building & Safety. He’s been in contact with neighbors along Mt. Holyoke.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass – Not present.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, reported on the recent initiative introduced by Sup. Horvath and initially approved by the Board of Supervisors, to present to voters a proposal to make several changes in County government, including enlarging the number of Supervisors and creating an elected County Executive Officer position. The measure is expected to be on the ballot for voter approval in November 2024.
8.5.5. Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) – to be assigned – Not present.
8.5.6. Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – to be assigned – Not present.
8.5.7. Allison Holdoff, Senior Advisor, LAUSD Dist. 4 (Member Nick Melvoin) – Not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons.
8.6.1. K. C. Soll (Emergency Preparedness) (President to report in K. C. Soll’s absence). The President reported on behalf of K. C. that LAFD CERT training classes will start on September 12 at 6:30pm at Calvary Christian Church on Palisades Drive. The classes will continue on Thursday evenings for 7 weeks. Contact cert.palisades@gmail.com for information on how to sign up.
8.6.2. Chris Spitz (WRAC): Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC) update – deferred.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees.
9.1. Election Committee (Maryam Zar, Chair; Quentin Fleming, PPCC VP and Cmtee member reporting in her absence): Report on upcoming community-wide Election of Area and At-large Representatives. Quentin announced that voting for the PPCC Area and At-large Representatives will take place electronically, that the ballot will be available online at the PPCC website, and that voting will begin on August 16th and end two weeks later, on August 30th. The official vote results will be announced at the PPCC meeting on September 12th. Quentin also explained that campaigning can begin immediately after the Board meeting on the 25th, and that candidates must comply with the PPCC Code of Conduct which has been provided to them. He also gave details about what will be in the ballot, which can be accessed via a “VOTE” button on the PPCC website as of August 16th. A Notice of Ballot Availability will also be distributed before voting begins. Write-in candidates will not be allowed.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business – None.
12. Adjournment. Immediately prior to adjournment, Dave Card commented (as a PAB member) on the alternative playground design options for the Recreation Center, which were discussed at the PAB meeting on July 18th (and were also distributed to the community in PPCC Mailchimp email messages and have been posted on the PPCC website home page, www.pacpalicc.org). He explained that the three design options were preliminary and that further definition of the various elements would be required, but that the consensus of the PAB members at this time (formal vote not yet taken) was that the #1 option was the preferred design, with further refinements to be discussed and questions to be answered about elements of the design. Maryam Zar (also a PAB member) is the PAB point person on the playground renovation and can present more information to PPCC at an upcoming meeting. Karen Ridgley noted her preference and concerns about aspects of the designs; she was advised to send comments to the PAB (email: palisades.pab@gmail.com) (see also item 7.3 above). The President then adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.