MINUTES FROM JULY 23rd 2026
Voting Members in Attendance: Reza Akef (presiding in the President’s absence), Daphne Gronich,Caroline Nick, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez/Cindi Young,* Carole White, Julia Nilsen Lombari, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, Valeria Serna, Kevin Niles, Darragh Danton, John Padden, Donna Vaccarino, Rich Wilken, Matthew Rodman (*voting alternate)
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak, Cindy Simon, Michael Edlen, Bonnie Burgess, Lee Anne Sanderson, Warren Jacob, Marc Gordonson, Kim Millimaki-Gory, Cameron Pfizenmaier, Fay Vahdani, Aileen Haugh, Tony Hocking, Beth Holden-Garland, Rob Weber
Vice-President Reza Akef announced that he would preside over the meeting as President Allison Holdorff Polhill was unable to attend.
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. Sue Kohl read the Mission Statement.
2. Introductions / Roll Call. The Presiding Officer introduced the members and called the roll.
3. Certification of Quorum. The Presiding Officer certified quorum.
4. Approval of Minutes. The minutes of June 25, 2026, were approved.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.
Special meeting – July 29, 2026 (City Council TEFRA bond approval/Uplifters Foundation; presentation by CD 11 and Uplifters principals; https://upliftersfoundation.org/; see motion approved 7/1/26: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2026/26–0935_misc_06–24–26.pdf).
Regular meetings – August 13, 2026 (PPCC Area and At-large candidates forum, if necessary; California Dept. of Insurance (CDI) presentation/Q&A); Sept. 10, 2026 (announcement of PPCC Area & At-large election results). Note: There is one PPCC Board meeting only in the month of August.
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer explained that the transition process is ongoing. There have been no payments since the last month other than the automatic Zoom monthly payment. She is reviewing all the books and records and will give a full report at the next meeting.
7. General Public Comment.
7.1. Jill Smith (resident) had concerns and questions for PPCC about the status of the LTRG, as reported in Circling the News. The President advised that the LTRG is separate from PPCC and that she should direct her questions to that organization. Michael Edlen (At-large 1st Alternate and an LTRG board member) noted that the organization is currently active and operating at the Pali Hub.
7.2. Diane Bleak (resident) expressed concerns about 1) a recent robbery of cash at Spruzzo Restaurant, and 2) homeless individuals coming off the beach at Sunset Blvd. & PCH carrying weapons, which she said she observes every morning as she drives to work. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven) noted that the LAPD Beach detail, including Officer Margin, patrol the beach area beginning at 5am several days a week; Ms. Kilbride often does so herself (as PPTFH liaison to LAPD). She is not aware of reports of individuals with weapons and asked what types of weapons were observed. Ms. Bleak stated that she has seen homeless persons with knives. Ms. Kilbride advised that Ms. Bleak should immediately report to the police if she sees knives or other weapons being carried by persons in public.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. President’s “beginning-of-term” remarks (presented by the Vice President as presiding officer in the President’s absence). The President gave heartfelt remarks about becoming PPCC President, about her background with PPCC and the community, about the purpose and important work of the CRCC and ATFS, and about her plans for PPCC going forward, which include more community outreach to promote awareness of and involvement in PPCC’s work. She thanked the Board and all who helped her along the way. She looks forward to working with everyone on the recovery.
8.1.2. Area and At-large Election (Summer 2026). Announcement of names of candidates running in the Election of Area and At-large representatives. The Presiding Officer announced the following candidates:
At-large: Chris Spitz, Richard Fink II
Area One: Bart Young, Martin Hak, Kate Santoro
Area Two: Diane Bleak, Kambiz Kamdar
Area Three: Julia Nilsen Lombari, Elissa Ashwood
Area Four: Karen Ridgley, Rebecca Lobl, Eliana Bernstein
Area Five: Kimberly Bloom, May Sung
Area Six: Lorie Cudzil
Area Seven: Sharon Kilbride
Area Eight: Andrew Wolfberg
8.1.3. Appointment of Committees and Advisors.
(a) Legal and Youth Advisors / Board consent required and requested:
(i) Legal – Rob Weber. The Presiding Officer explained that the President wished to reappoint longtime PPCC Legal Advisor Rob Weber, and that Board consent is required. The Board unanimously consented to the appointment.
(ii) Youth – Ella Nozar. The Presiding Officer explained the President wished to reappoint Ella Nozar, PPCC’s Youth Advisor in the last term, and that Board consent is required. The Board unanimously consented to the appointment.
(b) Committees, additional Advisors and Liaisons; see:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp–content/uploads/2026/07/PPCC–Committees–etc.–2026–27–R.pdf.
The Presiding Officer explained that the President has appointed PPCC Committees and additional Advisors and Liaisons, which are listed on the website and in the document linked in the agenda. See attachment below (Item 8.1.3(b)).
8.1.4. Palisades Needs Funding – Government responses; federal funding requests from the County/Supervisor Barger and the City/Mayor Bass. The Presiding Officer explained that PPCC and many individuals and organizations have been fighting for funding for the Palisades’ needs. We were relieved to learn that some funding may have been secured for the library rebuild, but there are follow-up questions about the amount and extent of coverage. PPCC will continue to monitor funding needs and to educate and inform the public on the status of funding for the recovery.
8.1.5. Update: Permit Fee Waivers – Ordinance approved 7/1/26, became effective 7/16/26. The Presiding Officer stated that the permit fee waiver ordinance is now in effect, although LADBS is still working on how it will implement the waivers.
8.1.6. Recap: Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. The Presiding Officer noted that the July 4th events were amazing; he asked Matthew Rodman (PAPA President and rep to PPCC) to give a summary. Mr. Rodman explained that the day was a huge success, with thousands of attendees lining the Parade route and attending the evening celebration and drone show at Pali High. He particularly thanked Daphne Gronich, PAPA Treasurer, for her extraordinary, ongoing efforts in producing the events.
8.1.7. Recap: Pedestrian Bridge meeting 7/16/26. Letter sent 7/20/26 by the Executive Committee: https://pacpalicc.org/wp–content/uploads/2026/07/PPCC–EC–Letter–Potrero–bridge–trail.pdf. The Presiding Officer noted that the letter was sent because many residents had reached out to Executive Committee members expressing dissatisfaction with the webinar format and the fact that they were not called on, and/or that questions posed in the meeting chat, or in advance to City officials by the Area Six and At-large Reps, were not fully answered. Andrew Wolfbeg (Area Eight) asked for an explanation of the emergency on which the letter was based. The Presiding Officer and Chris Spitz (At-large) explained that the letter was not a statement of a position on the bridge project, but instead was a request for information, calling for an open public meeting and an opportunity for more community members to obtain answers to their questions and concerns. Cindy Simon (Area Six 1st Alternate) stated that she saw nothing wrong with the letter.
8.1.8. New organizational representatives: 1) PAPA: Matthew Rodman; 2) Friends of the Palisades Library: Cameron Pfizenmaier. The Presiding officer confirmed that these new representatives have been appointed by their respective organizations, and he welcomed them to the Board.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Both the Presiding Officer and Chair Emeritus Sue Kohl stated that they agreed with and commended the President for her positive beginning-of-term remarks.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large) stated that she was asked to announce that the PRC and other organizations are hosting an “open mic” event with candidates in the November election this coming Sunday in the parking lot behind the PRC headquarters on La Cruz Dr. There will be additional such events on various Sundays in August and September, until the election – visit the PRC website for more details.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven) provided information about the work of the LAPD Beach detail, noting that the officers patrol the beach four days a week and that PPTFH outreach workers are there every day. She explained that not every homeless individual wants housing or the help that is offered.
She also noted problems in the Canyon with three City trash cans that were not being picked-up. Sanitation was contacted and the trash cans were picked-up and emptied.
8.3.3. Kimberly Bloom (Area Five) indicated that she is pleased that the Alphabets Streets are leading in the rebuild; she advised that the Palisades Post has published a map showing all homes that are completed and where permits have been approved.
8.3.4. Andrew Wolfberg (Area Eight) explained that LADWP is undertaking undergrounding of utilities in his neighborhood along Allenford Dr. Work was started on the street on the same day, July 9th, that a notice about the project was given, which was frustrating for residents. He explained that it is important for the construction to be completed by August 9, before the school session begins at Paul Revere. Mr. Wolfberg thanked the Presiding Officer who has been pushing LADWP to complete the work before the school returns.
8.3.5. Lorie Cudzil (Area Six) announced that there have been multiple crimes at construction sites in Area 6, particularly in the Via de las Olas bluffs neighborhood, including theft of copper wire and appliances. One home in the neighborhood was robbed three times. The neighbors are organizing to try and engage a private security patrol and Ms. Cudzil will send out information about this to her Area Six email list.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Valeria Serna (Resilient Palisades) reminded everyone of the Veg Fest which will take place on August 9th from 11am – 2pm at the Village Green.
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, reported that crime in the Palisades has somewhat subsided since the spike in crime a month or two ago. At that time, based on reported crime, LAPD was seeing an average of 8 Part 1 crimes per week. In contrast, only one Part 1 crime has been reported to police in the last reporting period. He explained the differences in crimes according to the Penal Code definitions, focusing on burglary (which involves a structure break-in) and theft (e.g., taking materials from a site that is not secured). He instructed that for burglaries, residents should call the police non-emergency line and wait on hold until an officer answers; officers must then go out to the scene and make a report. For thefts, residents should make a report online. He also explained, as he has before at PPCC meetings, why there is often a discrepancy in time between the crime’s occurrence and its actual reporting. Officer Espin again stressed the importance of reporting all crimes. Lee Anne Sanderson (Area Four 1st Alternate) noted that she has been attending the Community-Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) meetings for many years, and they are helpful and interesting. At the last meeting, Command Central gave a presentation and explained that anyone who needs help with online reporting can call the LAPD non-emergency line for assistance.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) – not present.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, Deputy Director, Recovery & Community Engagement, Mayor Karen Bass – not present.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, West/Metro LA Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, reported on several County legislative matters and initiatives, including measures to assist restaurants, applications for ethics commission appointments, and a push for rebuilding in the County, including the establishment of a Disaster Recovery District for the Santa Monica Mountains. He commended the PPCC President for traveling to Washington, D.C., with a team who advocated for funding needs for both the Palisades and Eaton Fire areas. Darragh Danton (Team Palisades) raised the issue of the number of unpermitted street vendors in the Palisades. Mr. Gaidzik noted that a letter had been sent to PPCC in response to our concerns, explaining that due to new state laws the County has very limited enforcement ability, but still has powers of enforcement over commissary kitchens. The County is therefore focusing on enforcement of rules pertaining to the kitchens that supply individual vendors. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven) asked about County flood control efforts in light of the coming El Nino conditions. He noted that an assessment has been done regarding the flood control channel in Santa Monica Canyon, which he will forward to her. There will also be more outreach in the coming months as to what individual residents can do to protect their properties.
8.5.5. Sean Regan, District Representative, Congressman Brad Sherman – not present.
8.5.6. Sophia Liebman, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) – not present.
8.5.7. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons – None.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees. Committee information: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/committees/.
9.1. Election Committee (Chair Caroline Nick). Committee update. Chair Nick reported on the election process: Campaigning starts – upon close of the July 23rd meeting; candidates forum to take place – August 13, 2026; online voting/ballot submission begins – August 21, 2026 (8 days after the August 13th meeting); deadline for ballot submission – September 4, 2026; names of elected candidates announced – on or before September 10, 2026 (first meeting in September). Chair Nick also explained that the Committee was vetting candidates for eligibility and is preparing for the Candidates Forum on August 13th.
9.2. Grants Committee (Chair Quentin Fleming). Deferred.
9.3. Land Use Committee (LUC/Chair Chris Spitz). Committee update. Chair Spitz reported that the LUC is holding working meetings to address measures that might be possible, from a land use perspective, to encourage the return of our businesses and rebuilding by commercial property owners.
9.4. Infrastructure Committee (IC/Chair Reza Akef). Committee update. Chair Akef announced that the IC is working with LADWP for an updated presentation on water and power in the community. The IC is also monitoring the next phase of street repairs; has requested more LADWP support staff as rebuilding demand increases; and is asking for ways to modernize systems so that finished homes can be connected to power and gas faster.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Motion: PPCC Sign-On to Proposed Coalition Letter (re State funding for environmental testing and remediation); motion recommended by the Dept. of Angels and sponsored by the Executive Committee. Proposed sign-on letter:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lT9zICxiE6lnBvivhYBhsnjVP_Q7aOKr7WDq9QtjnFc/edit?tab=t.0
Background information: LA County Legislative Delegation Letter in Support:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X2qRYxIojteVTAJ53W9pE2_gXuZGlCXv/view
The Presiding Officer introduced the motion, noting that a second was not needed as the motion was made by a committee of more than one voting member. After a brief explanation of the motion and an opportunity for discussion, the vote was called. Result: Unanimous in support of the motion.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.
ATTACHMENT – Item 8.1.3(b):
PPCC Committees, Liaisons and Advisors — July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Committees:
Executive Committee:
Allison Holdorff Polhill, President (Committee Chair)
Reza Akef, Vice-President
Daphne Gronich, Treasurer
Caroline Nick, Secretary
Sue Kohl, Chair Emeritus
Chris Spitz, At-large Representative (elected rep seat)
Jim Kirtley, Lowe Family YMCA/Recreation Representative (organizational rep seat)
Election Committee (Elected Representatives Election, 2027):
Caroline Nick, Secretary (Committee Chair)
Daphne Gronich, Treasurer
Jim Kirtley, Lowe Family YMCA/Recreation Alternate
Valeria Serna, Resilient Palisades/Environment Representative
Kaye Steinsapir, Marquez Elementary/Education Representative Allison Holdorff Polhill, President (ex officio/non-voting)
Grants Committee:
Quentin Fleming, PPCC VP (2024-26) & NORC Survey Advisor (Committee Chair)
Janet Anderson, past PPCC member (AYSO/Recreation representative)
Lorie Cudzil, Area Six Representative
Sue Kohl, Chair Emeritus
Kevin Niles, American Legion/Civic Orgs. Representative
Chris Spitz, At-large Representative
Andrew Wolfberg, Area Eight Representative
Allison Holdorff Polhill, President (ex officio non-voting)
Infrastructure Committee (IC):
Reza Akef, Vice-President (Committee Chair)
Kimberly Bloom, Area 5 Representative
David Card, PFC / Service Clubs representative
May Sung, AIA, architect & Team Palisades
Hank Wright, Area 3 resident
Allison Holdorff Polhill, President (ex officio/non-voting)
Land Use Committee (LUC):
Chris Spitz, At-Large Representative (Committee Chair)
Reza Akef, Vice-President
James Alexakis, TCA/Environment Alternate
Michael Edlen, At-large 1st Alternate
Howard Robinson, past PPCC LUC Chair & retired planning consultant
Joanna Spak, Area One 1st Alternate
Maryam Zar, PPCC Chair Emeritus (2024-26), Palibu Chamber CEO
Allison Holdorff Polhill, President (ex officio/non-voting)
Committee of Three Chairs (Alternates Nomination, 2026): Membership pending (September 2026)
Awards Selection Committee (PPCC Awards, 2026): Membership pending (September-October 2025)
Awards Event Committee (PPCC Awards Event, 2026): Membership pending (September-October 2026)
Nominating Committee (Officers Election, 2027):
Membership pending (April 2027)
Liaisons:
Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC) www.westsidecouncils.com
WRAC Board representatives:
Primary – Chris Spitz (WRAC Vice-Chair, PPCC At-large Representative)
Alternate – Reza Akef (PPCC Vice-President)
WRAC Committee representatives:
Homelessness (HOC): Primary – Cindi Young (PPTFH President, PPCC Area One Representative);
Alternate – Chris Spitz (HOC Vice-Chair, PPCC At-large Representative)
Mobility & Transportation (MTC): Primary – Monica Loya-Clarke (CRCC Logistics & Traffic ATF)
Advisors:
Appointed with consent of the Board:
Legal Counsel
Rob Weber (PPCC Legal Counsel 2018-26) (Board approval 7/23/26)
Youth
Ella Nozar (PPCC Youth Advisor 2024-26) (Board approval 7/23/26)
Appointed at the President’s discretion:
Ethics & Transparency
Nina Madok, Communications ATF Co-Lead; CRCC member
NORC Survey
Quentin Fleming, PPCC VP (2024-26); former PPCC Rebuild Committee member
Rebuilding
May Sung, PPCC Infrastructure Committee; CRCC member
Technology
Tony Hocking, Recovery Financing ATF Co-Lead; CRCC member
Transportation
Lou Kamer, CRCC member
Social Media
Beth Holden Garland, PPCC Secretary (2024-26); former PPCC Rebuild Committee member
CRCC & ATFs:
The CRCC and ATFs are re-appointed – as listed on https://www.pali411.com/.