MINUTES FROM August 14th, 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Diana Daniele, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, John Padden, James Alexakis, Richard Blumenberg, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson, Donna Vaccarino, Jessica Rogers, Haldis Toppel
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Robert Trinkeller, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Allison Holdorff Polhill, Michael Edlen, Andy Frew, David Card, Ella Nozar
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Sharon Kilbride read the Mission Statement.
2. Introductions / Roll Call. The President introduced the members and called the roll.
3. Certification of Quorum. The President certified quorum.
4. Approval of Minutes. The minutes of July 17, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. September 11, 2025 (tentative: presentations by the Friends of the Library and the new Palisades Longterm Recovery Group (LTRG); additional topics to be announced); September 25, 2025 (topics to be announced).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer gave the annual report of PPCC’s income and expenses from May 31, 2024 – June 1, 2025. She indicated that the written report would be posted. She indicated that the additional promised $50,000 donation from FireAid is not included in the report.
[Her report can be seen at https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PPCC-Treasurers-Report-2025.1.pdf.]
7. General Public Comment – None.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. Update on SB 9 status in the Palisades. The President discussed recent positive developments which resulted in the Councilwoman’s, Mayor’s and Governor’s recognition of the danger to the Palisades from additional density created by SB 9 projects, and eventual issuance of the Mayor’s emergency order restricting SB 9 projects in the Palisades burn area. She thanked Councilwoman Traci Park, Mayor Karen Bass, and Governor Gavin Newsom for their strong support of Pacific Palisades.
8.1.2. The President has appointed a new Emergency Preparedness Advisor: Patric Cohen, LAFD Battalion 9 CERT Coordinator. She also thanked former longtime PPCC Advisor K.C. Soll.
8.1.3. Position letters written by EC and/or PPCC since last PPCC meeting:
Support CD Park motion re 41.18:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Letter-Park-Motion-41.18.pdf
Position re Rebuild Authority:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Letter-Rebuild-Authority.pdf
EC Letters re SB 9:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-EC-Letter-SB-9-2025.pdf
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Further-EC-Letter-SB-9-2025.pdf
EC Further Letter re SB 9 (thanks) & SB 79 (request Governor’s assistance):
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PPCC-EC-Letter-Gov.-Newsom-SB-79.pdf
The President confirmed that all the above letters were written and sent.
8.1.4. There will be a CD 11 Beach Clean Up with Heal the Bay at Will Rogers State Beach, Lifeguard Station 6, from 10am-12noon on Saturday.
8.1.5. Palisades Elementary parent leaders have offered an opportunity for PPCC to become a sponsor of the school’s annual Yee Haw Day fundraiser and celebration this fall. The Executive Committee supports PPCC contributing $3,000 to Palisades Elementary for an event sponsorship, which will identify PPCC as a sponsor and allow us to display a large PPCC banner during the event. The President stated that if other Palisades public schools (Pali High, Revere, Marquez or Canyon School) offer similar sponsorship opportunities to PPCC, we will make a contribution in the same amount to each. After the explanation and discussion, she asked for the Board’s opinion as to whether PPCC should make this sponsorship contribution. There were no objections to the contribution.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus – None.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large) reported on SB 79 developments.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area 7) reported that areas of Rustic and Santa Monica Canyons experienced recent blackouts resulting from DWP undergrounding projects going on at Sunset & Chautauqua. She also reported on an incident involving the beach bike path reconstruction at Will Rogers, in which dirty water was sprayed onto bicyclists and pedestrians along the path, by County construction crews using a large spraying machine. A letter was sent to Supervisor Horvath’s office about this disturbing incident and a complaint was filed with the County Public Works construction inspector. Ms. Kilbride met with Pedro Mendoza of the County about the incident; the contractor was put on notice and the equipment was pulled off the beach immediately, not to be used again.
8.3.3. Karen Ridgley (Area 4) thanked those who are supporting SB 749 (Allen) on behalf of the Palisades Bowl mobile home community. There is an online petition to sign to show support.
8.3.4. JoAnna Rodriguez (Area 1) thanked CD 11 Deputy Arus Grigoryan for her help in getting trash and debris removed from the old Jack-in-the-Box site.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Richard Blumenberg (PP Civic League) read an important announcement regarding the Civic
League’s suspension of review of projects in Tract 9300. [View his written announcement at:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PP-Civic-League-Status.pdf.]
8.4.2. Dave Card (PFC) reminded everyone that trees needed to be watered. A list of fire resident trees is on the PFC website.
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/.
8.5.1. Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades – not present.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) reported on several matters: Major Bureau of Engineering (BOE) infrastructure projects on Castellammare Dr., Revello Dr., Enchanted Way and Stretto Way are either complete or will be completed in the next few weeks. Right of entry is needed for other projects to stabilize and fix bulkhead areas. The LA Conservation Corps (LACC) is cleaning up Temescal Canyon Rd. and parkways; they have asked about other Palisades parkway areas that need clean ups. The Bureau of Street Services is making asphalt repairs and assessing Palisades streets to determine where repairs are needed.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Representative, Mayor Karen Bass, reported that she has been in the Palisades all week meeting with AECON and discussing what AECON has done in the first 30 days; she also attended the recent press conference about the YMCA’s reconstruction and restoration.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, described numerous recent actions and County initiatives taken by the Board of Supervisors. He announced that the County has donated $10 million for the YMCA reconstruction. He also reported that the Gladstones project is proceeding and is expected to be heard by the Coastal Commission in the next two months. He assured us that there will be a bus turnaround in the parking lot. He also mentioned the Beach Clean Up at Will Rogers with Heal the Bay on Saturday.
8.5.5. Sean Regan, District Representative, Congressman Brad Sherman – not present.
8.5.6. Sophia Liebman, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen), reported that Cal Parks has been doing brush clearance / fuel modification along trails in the Palisades. The Senator is happy to have support for his bill regarding mobile home parks, SB 749. He will also be setting up insurance town halls and workshops in the coming weeks.
8.5.7. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons.
8.6.1. Allison Holdorff (Education; Senior Advisor to LAUSD member Nick Meloin) noted that today was the first day of school. Mr. Melvoin was pleased to visit Pali High, Palisades Elementary and Marquez Elementary at their temporary locations today. She also referenced the slide deck showing new designs for Pali High’s reconstruction/renovation, which PPCC has distributed to our email list.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees. [Note: Item 9.1 may be called after Item 6 above.]
9.1. Bylaws Committee (Chris Spitz & Maryam Zar, Co-Chairs). Second Distribution of proposed
Bylaws Amendments (Bylaws, Art. XII.2.B). See the following documents distributed concurrently with this meeting agenda via PPCC email and posted on the PPCC website:
1) Committee Report: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bylaws-Cmte-Report-July-2025R.pdf
2) Amendments “Redline”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.2025-RedlineR.pdf
3) Amendments “Clean”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.2025-ClnR1.pdf
Board vote on motions by the Bylaws Committee to adopt proposed Bylaws Amendments (see attached motions (a), (b) and (c) below). Co-Chair Chris Spitz introduced and described each motion in turn; after an opportunity for discussion, a vote was called on each of motions (a), (b) and (c). Result: unanimous in favor of all three motions.
9.2. Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). NORC community survey update. Chair Schwarz reported that NORC will be finalizing revisions to the survey and the survey will be rolled out in phases in the next few weeks.
9.3. Grants Committee (Quentin Fleming, Chair). Update on guidelines for grants/donations. Chair Fleming stated that the Committee has made significant progress and has finalized the Conflict of Interest Rules applicable to the grants process. The Committee has learned that PPCC will be able to make grants to member organizations, as member applicants will be considered and treated equally with all other applicants. Also being finalized: the criteria and eligibility guidelines for grants applications. The documents will be posted soon on the website and in a PPCC Mailchimp email.
9.4. Land Use Committee (LUC / Chris Spitz, Chair). Chair Spitz reported on recent working meeting discussions. CD 11 Planning Director Craig Bullock attended the last meeting to discuss the impact of the Mayor’s order regarding SB 9 and its application by the Planning Dept. with respect to vested projects. We have been pleased to learn that some owners of lots where SB 9 projects were planned in the Alphabet Streets have decided to change the projects from duplexes to ADUs.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
New Business Motions [Note: Items 11.1 and 11.2 called after Item 6 above.]
11.1. WRAC-recommended Motion: Support Heavy Rail Subway Mode of Transportation in Sepulveda Pass (sponsored in PPCC by Chris Spitz and Quentin Fleming). See attached proposed motion text and background information, below. Chris Spitz introduced the motion, noting that a second was not necessary since the motion was made by two voting members. She explained the background for the motion, and reiterated the reasons why the subway mode of transportation should be supported. She noted that an additional WRAC member council had passed the motion, that PPCC’s vote is among those needed to reach majority passage, and that comment on the DEIR is due by August 30. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: unanimous in favor of the motion.
11.2. Motion to Support CW Park Motion / CF 25-0848 : report back on AB 747 compliance / evacuation planning (sponsored by the PPCC LUC). See attached proposed motion text and background information, below. Chris Spitz introduced the motion, noting that a second was not necessary since the motion was made by a committee of more than one voting member. After an explanation of the motion and an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: unanimous in favor of the motion.
New Business Presentations
11.3. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans. SBA Public Information Officer Corey Williams. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans.
Mr. Williams gave a detailed presentation about the process of applying for SBA loans and required qualifications and deadlines. Homeowners may apply in person at the Disaster Recovery Center on Sawtelle in West LA and at the American Legion in the Palisades. He noted the importance of regular communications with case managers in regard to the status of loan applications. He gave his email address for any questions: corey.williams@sba.gov. He also answered numerous questions from audience members. The President thanked Mr. Williams for speaking with us.
11.4. Palisades Street Lighting. Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL) representatives.
Victor Turcios, Senior BSL Engineer, accompanied by BSL Engineer Ansar Mustafa, presented information about BSL’s deployment of solar lights and ongoing assessment of damaged street lights in the Palisades since the fire. They noted that BSL is working with FEMA on reimbursements for needed repairs or replacements. They participated in Q&A with audience members, and also gave their email addresses for any further questions: victor.turcios@lacity.org; ansar.mustafa@lacity.org. The President thanked the Mr. Turcios and Mr. Mustafa for the presentation.
11.5. Palisades Community Renewal Center (PCRC). Non-profit consultant Bob Riddle.
PCRC info: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PCRC-Description-07-07-05.pdf
Riddle bio: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PCRC-Bob-Riddle-Bio.pdf
Mr. Riddle presented information about the founding of the PCRC and the services that the Center will offer to Palisadians recovering from the fire. Programming will include the arts and mental health & wellness. There will be an open house on September 6, 2025. The President thanked him for providing information about the PCRC.
[See a recording of the remarks in items 11.3-11.5 above at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gslNYrUdZho.]
11.6. [New] U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman [Note: item 11.6 called after item 5 above]
The President welcomed Congressman Sherman, who explained that he had met with Councilwoman Traci Park and discussed with her federal earmarks in process for the district. These earmarks include $1 million for a West LA real time crime center; $2 million for fire station improvements; and $1 million for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to do brush clearance. The Congressman will have two town halls in September. Constituents should contact John Alford of his office for help with FEMA and with SBA loans. The President thanked Congressman Sherman for speaking with PPCC.
[See a recording of his remarks at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhIgt5RjiuI.]
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
ATTACHMENTS
Item 9.1 (Bylaws Committee motions to adopt proposed Bylaws amendments):
Motion (a): Delete language calling for two categories of Secretary; replace with language calling for only one Secretary; minor changes to remove references to two Secretaries (Recording & Corresponding). Art. VI.3, III.D, V.2, VII.1, VII.4.E.
Motion (b): Add new Standing Rule 13 (in Appendix C) allowing for the Chair (President) to retain a paid assistant to assist with administrative or technical duties, if requested by the Chair and approved by a majority of the Executive Committee.
Motion (c): Add new Standing Rule 14 (in Appendix C) providing for the Chair’s (President’s) discretionary acceptance of an alternative “In Lieu Statement” from member organizations, for up to two years, instead of the annual requirement to complete a longer “certification” form.
Item 11.1 (WRAC-recommended Motion to Support Heavy Rail Subway Mode of Transportation in the Sepulveda Pass):
Proposed Text:
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), opposes the two proposed Monorail Options (Alternative 1 and Alternative 3) due to their significantly lower ridership projections and lower capacities, and their significantly slower speeds and longer travel times, and supports the proposed underground Heavy Rail subway mode of transportation through the Sepulveda Pass because it will carry significantly more passengers than the proposed Monorail mode of transportation. The Heavy Rail mode of transportation is described in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project, released by Metro on June 2, 2025, in the discussion of Alternatives 4, 5 and 6.”
Background:
Reference: https://www.metro.net/projects/sepulvedacorridor/
Note: Deadline for comment on the project DEIR: August 30, 2025
Key Points: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Key-Points-re-Item-11.1R-1.pdf
WRAC motion webpage:
https:/westsidecouncils.com/motion/request-mayor-to-consent-to-city-controllers-audit-of-inside-safe/
Item 11.2 (Support CW Park motion / CF 25-0848: report back on AB 747 compliance / evacuation planning):
Proposed Text:
“As the community devastated by the unprecedented Palisades Fire, when lives and safety were put at extreme risk due to limited routes of ingress and egress and the disturbing lack of any emergency evacuation plan for our community, Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) strongly supports Council File 25-0848 (Park / Yaroslavsky), calling for 1) a report back on the status of the City’s compliance with AB 747, 2) a list and evaluation of evacuation routes within CD 11, and 3) plans to improve evacuation route infrastructure, signage, traffic control and public education.
“PPCC further calls the City Council’s attention to the urgent need for infrastructure funding to absorb the cost of implementing a mitigation plan, including by developing new egress and egress routes, and calls on the City to proactively and constructively engage with FEMA and OES, by (among other things) expediting completion of the After-Action Reports by the Office of Emergency Management and LAFD, so that those engaged in evacuation planning and disaster response will have the benefit of these findings.”
Background:
Park Motion: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2025/25-0848_misc_07-30-25.pdf
Council File: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=25-0848
LAT Article: https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-07-25/l-a-fire-evacuation-plans-remain-untested