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MINUTES FOR JANUARY 10th 2008 

Voting Members in Attendance:  Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Kurt Toppel, Paul Glasgall, Janet Turner, Harry Sondheim, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Peter Fisher, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Shirley Haggstrom, Quentin Fleming, Roy Robbins, Andy Frew, Gilbert Dembo, Lorraine Oshins, Jane Steele

Advisors and Alternates:  Mary Cole, Nancy Marsden, Mike Stryer, Haldis Toppel, Karyn Weber, Alex Lehrhoff, Reza Akef

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Mike Stryer read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair [Vice Chair acting in Chair’s absence] called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair [acting Chair] certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Marguerite Perkins Mautner moved and Paul Glasgall seconded that the minutes from the 12/13/07 meeting be adopted. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair [acting Chair] reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that as of December 13, 2007, there is $3928.17 in the checking account; $4800.15 in the savings account; and $11,215.22 in the Smith Barney CD, for a total of $19,943.54.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next business meeting will be held on January 24, 2008.

7.1.2.    No meeting will be held on Feb. 14, 2008.  The Executive Committee will schedule a meeting on Feb. 7 if necessary and if the Library is available. Otherwise, the only February meeting will be on Feb. 28.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.  Whitney Blumenfeld, a new planning deputy, introduced herself.

7.2.2.    Sr. Lead Officer Michael Moore.  Officer Moore reported that crime is down in the Palisades except for the theft of GPS devices, I-Pods and laptops from vehicles. He encouraged people not to leave these items in their cars.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    Stuart Muller announced that (1) the cleanup effort at the Caltrans service yard seems to be working; (2) everyone should fill out the needs assessment survey sent out by the Dep’t of Recreation & Parks; and (3) the Temescal Canyon Local Volunteer Neighborhood Oversight Council has been unable to get information on the improvements being made in the pocket parks.

7.3.2.    Harry Sondheim reported that he has found appropriate additional microphones for Council meetings, pursuant to the motion adopted on 12/13/07. He will proceed to purchase them.

7.3.3.    Richard Cohen encouraged interested people to attend the meeting of the Potrero Canyon Citizens’ Advisory Committee at 7 p.m. on Jan. 16 in the Old Gym, at which there will be discussion and a vote by the Committee on recommended uses of the Canyon.

8.    Reports from Committees.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Temescal Drive Stop Sign Enforcement.

Jack Allen recommended that the Council request our state senator and state assembly member to ask the Attorney General’s office (1) to issue an opinion as to legality of videotape enforcement of stop signs in Temescal Canyon; (2) to seek an injunction preventing any further use of videotape enforcement; and (3) to seek a writ of mandate requiring the refund of all monies collected from videotape enforcement. He further recommended that the Council send a letter to each member of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (“MRCA”) asking for removal of the cameras. These recommendations are based on the view that (1) there is no need for this enforcement from a safety standpoint; (2) the Legislature has to specifically authorize this type of enforcement; (3) the Government Code, pursuant to which MRCA issues administrative citations, does not give the MRCA the authority to cite the registered owner; (4) the Vehicle Code preempts MRCA from adopting and enforcing regulations that are covered by the Vehicle Code; and (5) heavy-handed enforcement is a bad public relations strategy.

On behalf of the MRCA, Joe Edmiston stated that (1) the administrative citations issued after a videotape shows a failure to stop do not carry any criminal penalties and therefore benefit both the MRCA, through the enforcement of stop signs, and the cited person, who does not have to go to traffic court or deal with insurance increases; (2) people wishing to challenge their citations after going through the MRCA administrative hearing process can do so in superior court for a $25 filing fee; (3) the MRCA, after hiring a traffic engineer and with the advice of counsel, has determined that videotaped enforcement is necessary to reduce the risks of accidents and resulting civil liability in Temescal Canyon. Although no fatal accidents have occurred as a result of stop sign violations to date, MRCA believes that the risk of injury is foreseeable and substantial and therefore justifies more vigilant stop-sign enforcement; (4) since the cameras have been installed, the number of people running the stop signs has decreased by 63 percent; (5) the Vehicle Code does not apply to Temescal because, per the community’s wishes, the road is not a full secondary roadway and is therefore not subject to state standards governing such roads; (6) the community should not support scofflaws; and (7) the Attorney General’s office would be unable to issue a formal legal opinion on the videotape enforcement because, as the MRCA’s lawyers, the AG’s office would have a conflict of interest; and (8) he believes that one of the legal opinions on which the MRCA relied in passing the ordinance implementing the videotape enforcement is available at www.mrca.ca.gov. If it is not, he will provide the Board with a copy. The MRCA also relied on a traffic safety study that he will make available.

The issue will be put on a future agenda for further discussion. It was suggested that both Jack Allen and Joe Edmiston set out their views in the Palisadian-Post.

9.2.    Shell Station Alternatives (Mr. & Mrs. Kwak/Larry Turner).

Larry Turner stated that the Kwaks would like community input on the development and modernization of the service station. The Kwaks want to develop the site in some fashion because (1) the Kwaks purchased the service station from Shell in 2006, pursuant to a contract to keep the property as a Shell station for many years or to pay a significant penalty to terminate that obligation; (2) the existing facility is 45 years old and needs a capital investment of $500,000-$1,000,000 to stay competitive; (3) the Village Specific Plan requires the property, zoned C2-1Vl, to be used a gas station; and (4) there is a 20-foot wide non-exclusive assess easement at the back of the property. Options now are to leave the property in its current obsolete state, which does not bring the Kwaks an acceptable return on their investment; to expand to allowable uses, such as a 600 square-foot food mart; or to sell the property, either “as is” or for an alternate use after paying the penalty to Shell.

Suggestions from the Board and audience included: (1) appointment of a committee, which would include representatives from the condominium association bordering the site, to come up with ideas; (2) adding a second story; and (3) redesigning the station to be more modern and unique. Stuart Muller noted that the Union 76 station across the street from the Kwaks’ Shell station has been sold. The Kwaks will meet with interested people to discuss this issue further.

10.    New Business.

11.    General Public Comment.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR JANUARY 24th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance:  Steve Boyers, Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Kurt Toppel, Barbara Kohn, Janet Turner, Robert Baker, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Cathy Russell, Reza Akef, George Wolfberg, Roy Robbins, David Price, Andy Frew, Shirley Haggstrom, Geoff Shelden, Jane Steele, Lorraine Oshins

Advisors and Alternates:  Mary Cole, Nancy Marsden, Mike Stryer, Haldis Toppel, Karyn Weber, Alex Lehrhoff, Julie Kellman, Marie Steckmest

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Richard Cohen read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Andy Frew moved and Reza Akef seconded that the minutes from the 1/10/08 meeting be adopted. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of January 24, 2008, there is $13,007.42 in the checking account; $4,800.25 in the savings account; $11,256.77 in the Smith Barney CD; and a credit with the Post Office of $518.51, for a total of $29,582.95. From the 11,178 newsletters sent out, 300 contributions have been received. Total cost of the newsletter was $6,133.96; contributions to date total $10,975 (including one contribution for $5,000), such that contributions currently exceed costs by $4,841.04.

7.    Reports, Announcements and Concerns.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next business meeting will be held on February 28, 2008. Note that there is no meeting on February 14.

7.1.2.    Name Tags.  Anyone needing a name tag for Council meetings should contact Haldis Toppel at hrtoppel@aol.com.

7.1.3.    Appointment of Greening Advisor.  The Chair appointed Marie Steckmest of Palisades Cares as the Council’s Greening Advisor. The primary goal of Palisades Cares is the greening of the Palisades. Marie reported that Palisades Cares just received a Community Beautification grant of $9,600 to install blue recycling bins in the Palisades next to the existing trash bins.

7.1.4.    Alma Real/Corona del Mar 30 MPH speed limit signs.  Andrea Epstein reported that Councilman Rosendahl’s office has repeatedly requested that the L.A. Department of Transportation remove the 30 mph signs along Corona del Mar-Alma Real, since this higher speed limit is inconsistent with the recent installation of speed humps and stop signs along the street. However, DOT recently conducted a speed study on the street and concluded that, even with the stop signs and speed humps, the critical speed (85th percentile) of cars drive at 32 mph. Because the established speed limit has to be within 5 mph of the critical speed, the speed limit of 30 mph has been retained. This speed zone survey is valid through June 15, 2014. In light of the survey, LAPD can use radar to enforce the speed limit on this street.

7.1.5.    Committee for Sparkplug nominations.  (1) The Citizen of the Year/Golden Sparkplug Awards Dinner is currently scheduled for April 24, although Sue Pascoe will check with the Post re the conflict with Passover [Note: April 24 is now the confirmed date]; (2) the Chair appointed Cathy Russell to chair the committee and will appoint the members soon. Last year the Board recommended that the nominations process be better publicized in future years.

7.1.6.    Sparkplug/Citizen of the Year Event Planning Committee.  Haldis Toppel and Janet Turner will co-chair the event.

7.1.7.    Temescal Stop Sign Enforcement.  The MRCA legal opinion, prepared after the implementation of automated stop sign enforcement, and the traffic engineering study recommending the installation of the signs, have been sent to the Council by Joe Edmiston. Richard Cohen reported that State Senator Kuehl’s transportation deputy, Laurie Newman, told him that some issues regarding stop sign automated enforcement may not have been adequately addressed by the opinion and that they have requested additional information/justification from the MRCA.

7.1.8.    City of L.A. Neighborhood Preparedness Ambassador Program.  The City of Los Angeles will be holding several workshops in April regarding preparation for a natural disaster. This event is free and open to the public and will take place over three consecutive Saturdays, on April 5, April 12 and April 19, 2008, between 9:00am – 1:00pm. Refreshments will be served. Be sure to RSVP as space is limited. Additional information is available at www.lacity.org/epd/epd_nprep.htm or from Mona Curry at the Emergency Preparedness Department, 213-473-9924, or by e-mail at Mona.Curry@lacity.org

7.1.9.    Neighborhood Council Education and Feedback Program re City campaign funding.  The letter regarding this new program and seeking feedback from certified NCs was e-mailed separately to Council members. The Chair noted that the Brentwood City Council has reported some pressure from the city to become a certified Neighborhood Council.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.  Andrea Epstein reported that, effective Feb. 1, Jennifer Rivera will replace her. The Board thanked Andrea for her great job as a field deputy.

In response to a question as to how the PPCC can obtain the plan package for a proposed development when plans are submitted to the Planning for approval, Andrea responded that these packages currently are only provided to certified NCs. The Councilman’s office will follow up to see if they can circulate plans for sites requiring variances or CUPs in the Palisades.

7.2.2.    Sr. Lead Officer Michael Moore – Not present.

Richard Cohen attended the Police Advisory Board meeting and reported that, according to Captain Bill Eaton, 2007 crime levels are down in L.A. and the Palisades, except for the ongoing problem of theft of cell phones, Ipods and similar items from cars. The LAPD strongly recommends that people not leave these items in their cars.

Further, the Huntington Palisades area has had several trespassing and burglary incidents involving a female white suspect, about 5’7”, with graying brown hair and green eyes. The suspect has entered locations that appear either unattended or infrequently used, such as guesthouses, playhouses, homes under construction, etc. The suspect appears to be a transient named “Crazy Mary” who caused similar problems approximately five years ago. She can become violent if confronted. If the suspect is trespassing on your property, call 911 and make sure that a crime report is completed when the officers arrive.

Richard also reported that he was able to see the FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) device in operation when he went on a ride-along with Sergeant David Podesta, and that there was an officer-involved shooting on January 4 at 2 a.m. at Annandale and Sawtelle.

George Wolfberg noted that the West LAPD night commander recently told a caller reporting an incident that there was no “dedicated car” in the Palisades, in contravention of the promise made by the previous West LAPD captain. He suggested that the new captain be invited to a Board meeting to discuss the problem of lack of institutional memory, apparently caused by the frequent changes of station captains.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    Potrero Canyon Community Advisory Committee.  George Wolfberg reported that on January 16, 2008, the PCCAC adopted a plan for trail uses and facilities by a vote of 14-0, with 1 abstention. The plan will now go to the appropriate City departments for consideration.

7.3.2.    FLIR.  Jack Allen announced that he saw a FLIR device on top of a police car in the Palisades and was told that the existing devices are not dedicated to a particular community.

7.3.3.    School Traffic.  Jack Allen reported that in the recent rainy weather, the traffic around the Pali Elementary carpool lane has been impeded by cars left parked, resulting in the principal having to direct traffic. The traffic problem is compounded by a similar dismissal time at the Village School. Jack will come up with a traffic plan for both schools.

7.3.3.    Pacific Palisades Historical Society.  A digital presentation of Palisadian-Post photos of the Palisades in the 1950’s and early 1960’s will be made on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at Theater Palisades. Randy Young and Roger McGrath, retired UCLA history lecturer, will tell the stories behind the photos. For more information visit www.pacificpalisadeshistory.org.

7.3.4.    CVS maintenance/upgrade plans.  Stuart Muller reported his concern that the CVS plans are not progressing in a timely fashion and asked for a report by the CVS Committee on its current efforts. The Committee will report at the next meeting.

7.3.5.    Potential closing of Will Rogers Park.  Kurt Toppel stated that the proposed closing would have a serious impact on the Palisades and should be an agenda item for the Council. The issue will be placed on the March 27 agenda.

8.    Reports from Committees.

9.    Old Business.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    Exclusion from Existing Parking Restrictions in the Huntington.

Karyn Weber stated that the 2-hour parking restrictions on streets right by the park are appreciated by residents but also create parking problems when they have visitors or others staying beyond the 2-hour limit. Resident Kathleen Boltiansky asked the Council to support an exclusion for residents from these restrictions. The proposal is to keep the existing 2-hour limit signs but create a temporary preferential parking district in the immediate area of the park, such that residents could purchase a limited number of parking permits, on a trial basis for one year.

Ms. Boltiansky introduced Brian Gallagher from LADOT, who stated that the 2-hour restrictions were implemented about 20 years ago. About 4-5 years ago, residents sought a permanent and much larger area of permit parking. DOT is now focusing its efforts on alleviating the most severe parking problems within a smaller area. Under this proposal, the still-pending application for the larger permanent preferential parking district would be cancelled if the smaller temporary district is approved by the L.A. City Council, with the idea of renewing and possibly expanding the district if the temporary permits resolve traffic problems. The temporary district would have appropriate signage only on those blocks that petition for signs. For the signs to stay up, at least 50% of residences have to purchase a permit. Residents anywhere in the district (i.e., regardless of whether or not their streets have preferential parking signs) will have the option to purchase three kinds of permits: (1) annual permits costing $22.50 each, with a limit of 3 per household; (2) 4-month visitor permits costing $15 each, with a limit of 2 per household; or (3) 1-day guest permits at a cost of $1.50 each, with no limit per household. To open an account, residents will have to go to 1 of 4 customer service centers, although a consultant has been hired to figure out how to offer permits on-line. He noted that standard preferential parking districts apply to a minimum of 6 blocks, but temporary districts can be less and have fewer requirements.

Stuart Muller moved that the PPCC support the temporary preferential parking district described above, seconded by Barbara Kohn. Jack Allen moved to amend the motion to make the PPCC’s support contingent on the DOT limiting the 2-hour parking restriction to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and allowing 4-hour parking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The amendment was accepted and the motion as amended passed unanimously with 2 abstentions.

10.2.    Northern Trust Golf Tournament – Request to Limit Parking.

Reza Akef reminded the Council that, although the golf tournament has been going on for 82 years, last year was the first time that residents in the Allenford area were ticketed for parking in violation of signs. He has asked NTGT to help find a solution to the problem this year, especially because the no-parking signs have been extended to 8 p.m., and the tournament is even bigger than last year. NTGT has responded by asking the neighbors to bear with it. Reza is asking for Council support in getting NTGT to cooperate in finding the affected neighbors a place to park.

Andrea Epstein reported that parking at Paul Revere may not be a viable option because the gate to the parking area is locked at night, but she will follow up to see if this can be changed. She also pointed out that the NTGT and Councilman Rosendahl’s office are concerned that to allow street parking will mean that tournament visitors will clog the streets and trample lawns.

Suggestions for dealing with the problem included giving the neighbors a form of parking permit, or changing the restrictions to allow at least 2 hours of parking during the day, given that not everyone has long driveways and frequently short stops by visitors and workers are necessary. After taking an informal consensus, the Chair asked for the Councilman’s help in persuading NTGT to come up with a solution. Andrea Epstein will ask NTGT if they will pay the neighbors for the inconvenience. Occasionally, some residents get 2 tickets per household, which are worth about $130, but this is not an official policy. Andrea will also set up a meeting with neighbors, NTGT and the Councilman’s office, and will pass on to the Councilman that the PPCC would like to see the problem mitigated for residents of Pontoon, Beckwith, Brinkley and Nimrod, particularly in light of the amount of money generated for NTGT by the tournament. The Chair authorized Reza Akef to speak for the PPCC on this matter.

11.   General Public Comment.

Lou Delpozzo stated that the PPCC and community members have been encouraged by the City of L.A. to provide input on the financing of city campaigns. He asked that the PPCC authorize a committee for this purpose. He is willing to serve on such a committee. The Chair will contact him to discuss the issue further.

Mary Cole announced that Officer Moore is going to try to be at Bowdoin and Radcliffe every day when Pali High lets out, to discourage teenage misbehavior.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 28th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance:  Steve Boyers, Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Janet Turner, Bill Davis, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Cathy Russell, George Wolfberg, Roy Robbins, Gil Dembo, Shirley Haggstrom, Geoff Shelden, Julie Kellman, Chris Spitz

Advisors and Alternates:  Mary Cole, Nancy Marsden, Mike Stryer, Alex Lehrhoff, Marie Steckmest, Quentin Fleming

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Steve Boyers read the mission statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  George Wolfberg moved and Marguerite Perkins Mautner seconded that the minutes from the 1/24/08 meeting be adopted. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of February 28, 2008, there is $14,332.08 in the checking account; $4,800.25 in the savings account; $11,296.98 in the Smith Barney CD; and a credit with the Post Office of $518.51, for a total of $30,947.82. From the 11,178 newsletters sent out, 372 contributions have been received. Total cost of the newsletter was $6,133.96; contributions to date total $12,400 (including one contribution for $5,000), such that contributions currently exceed costs by $6.266.04.

7.    Reports, Announcements and Concerns.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting is on March 13, 2008.

7.1.2.    Kurt Toppel will be released from the hospital tomorrow.  Everyone sends Kurt their best wishes for a speedy recovery.

7.1.3.    Committee for Sparkplug Nominations.  Andy Frew, George Wolfberg, Nancy Marsden and Jane Steele have agreed to serve on the committee, with Cathy Russell as Chair.

7.1.4.    Sparkplug/Citizen of the Year Event Planning Committee.  Reminder: Sparkplug/Citizen dinner is on April 24.

7.1.5.    Vons’ Request for Specific Plan Exception.  The Chair set out the Council’s position in a letter e-mailed with the agenda.

7.1.6.    “Save Palisades Village Petition” available at www.petitiononline.com/PPPV/.

7.1.7.    Design Review Board Liaison Committee.  The Chair appointed a Design Review Board Liaison Committee to be headed by Stuart Muller. The Committee’s mandate will be determined after deliberation by the Executive Committee and a vote by the Board as a whole.

7.1.8.    Campaign Public Financing.  The Chair will appoint a Committee, with Lou Delpozzo as a participant, to have input on options for public financing.

7.1.9.    Northern Trust Golf Tournament.  Chair congratulated Councilman Rosendahl’s office and NTGT neighbors for effectuating some resolution of the parking issues related to the tournament this year.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office (Jennifer Rivera).

Jack Allen pointed out that (1) the new parking lot on Sunset has one less handicapped spot; and (2) letters sent to adjacent property owners re applications for building permits have the wrong telephone number. Jennifer will report back on these issues.

Street Furniture.  Jennifer reported that the City of Los Angeles has not fulfilled its contract with CBS/Decaux for installation of a certain amount of Street Furniture (bus shelters, kiosks and pillars) with ad placement over a 20-year period. Council District 11 has to find 80 new sites by March 15, five of which she has just been informed are to be located in the Palisades. Gil Dembo stated that a couple of years ago an agreement was reached with CD11 office prohibiting any more Street Furniture installations in the Palisades and that any such installations would violate the Palisades Specific Plan.

The Board voiced its expectation that Councilman Rosendahl’s office and the city will honor the prior agreement. Gil Dembo moved and Richard Cohen seconded the following resolution, which passed unanimously:

Consistent with previous agreements prohibiting additional advertising benches and because the installation of any such additional benches would violate the Pacific Palisades Specific Plan, the PPCC strenuously opposes any installation of additional street furniture or bus shelter advertising in the Palisades.

Gil Dembo asked that CBS/Decaux and the city send representatives to the next meeting if the issue is not put to rest before then.

7.2.2.    Sr. Lead Officer Michael Moore – See below [Item 10.1.1.]

7.2.3.    Updates from Mayor’s Office.  Stephen Cheung presented Mayor’s Budget Survey Results, which are also available at www.lacity.org/mayor. Feedback is welcome. On March 15 the Mayor and Councilman Rosendahl will host a Day of Service; he will circulate information.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    NCDWP Oversight Committee (George Wolfberg).  A committee of certified councils is forming to provide DWP oversight. Representation from the PPCC and other non-certified councils has been requested. Anyone interested in representing the PPCC on this committee should contact George or Steve.

7.3.2.    MRCA photo enforcement.  Richard Cohen reported that Senator Kuehl’s office is not interested in pursuing the legality of the MRCA’s automated stop sign enforcement procedure. Jack Allen reported that he has and will circulate the second legal opinion obtained by the MRCA on the issue and that the opinion was written after the procedure was already initiated.

7.3.3.    PPCC Website.  Ted Mackie asked that everyone check out revised website for the accuracy of their names and phone numbers and pointed out that minutes from the last 7 years are available on the site.

7.3.4.    Need Temporary Secretary.  Susan will be unavailable for at least the March 13 and possibly the March 27 meetings due to surgery and a volunteer is needed to take minutes. Please e-mail Susan if you are available.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1.    Report from CVS Committee.

Paul Glasgall reported that the CVS architect and the Design Review Board were supposed to work together to resolve any differences in CVS’s plans for its site, but that CVS has asked the architect not to move forward with plans until an agreement is reached with the city regarding CVS’s request for a second sign above mural facing Sunset. CVS has taken the position that it should be allowed such a sign because various banks in town have similar signs in violation of DRB and city guidelines, and at the time CVS bought the property there was a large Sav-on sign at that spot. CVS is going to try to negotiate a variance with the city. The CVS Committee will continue to monitor the situation. Stuart Muller reported that the issue will come down to whether or not a legal challenge by CVS will be resisted by the city and/or the DRB and presented several photos of current and past sign violations by local businesses.

9.    Old Business.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    Palisades Drive Safety Issues (Paul Glasgall, Norm Kulla, Mo Blorfroshan, West Traffic Captain Lauer, Officer Chris Smythe, Sergeant David Podesta, Sr., Lead Officer Michael Moore).

Paul Glasgall reported that some safety enhancments have been made to Palisades Drive as a result of the Palisades Highlands Residents’ Ass’n meeting, including restriping of and new reflectors for lanes. A stop sign is to be installed at Palisades Court and Palisades Drive. Mo B. reported that speed feedback signs will be place on both sides of the street at Calvary School and Palisades Drive. Sunset to Palisades Court is a secondary highway; after Palisades Court the speed limit is 35 mph. No traffic controls or speed bumps can be put on a secondary highway where there are no intersections.

Captain Lauer said that LAPD would devote whatever resources it can towards enforcement. She asked the Board to identify streets and times that are key problems requiring peak enforcement, and she committed to put traffic enforcement officers out at those times and places to the extent reasonably possible. She can be reached at 213-473-0220 or via e-mail to nancy.lauer@lapd.lacity.org. Paul Glasgall will follow up with the list. Captain Lauer noted that the majority of traffic collisions occur at major thoroughfares such as Pico and PCH and that resources are limited. She promised to come to future meetings if asked. She also asked the Board and public to call her office when a major collision occurs in the Palisades in order to get correct, reliable information and avoid rumors. Re DUI checkpoints, there will be at least one on PCH this summer.

11.    General Public Comment.

Raymond Yu announced that the 21st L.A. Marathon and bike tour will be held on March 21, 2008, from Universal Studios to downtown. Additional information, including traffic control measures that will be in effect, is available from www.lamarathon.com.

Lou Delpozzo has packets of information concerning public financing of elections available for anyone interested.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR MARCH 13th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance:  Richard Cohen, Ted Mackie, Kurt Toppel, George Wolfberg, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Harry Sondheim, Stuart Muller, Cathy Russell, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Shirley Haggstrom, Dan Clement, Gilbert Dembo, Roy Robbins, Chris Spitz, Alex Lehrhoff

Non-Voting Members in Attendance:  Karyn Weber, Mary Cole, Josh Moscot, Haldis Toppel, Quentin Fleming

1.    Reading of the Community Council’s Mission.  George Wolfberg read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Vice Chair [acting Chair in the Chair’s absence] called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Vice Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Marguerite Perkins Mautner moved and Cathy Russell seconded that the minutes from the 2/28/08 meeting be adopted. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Vice Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of March 13, 2008, there is $19,458.40 in the checking account, $11,233.05 in the CD account, and $518.51 in the post office account, for a total of $31,209.96.

7.    Reports, Announcements and Concerns.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting is on March 27, 2008.

7.1.2.    The Vice Chair reported than a special Executive Committee meeting was held on March 10, 2008 in order to evaluate the policy ramifications of creating a PPCC committee to enforce the Pacific Palisades Specific Plan. It was decided that PPCC is not an enforcement agent. Such a committee would not be in agreement with the PPCC mission statement as a forum for the discussions, representing all members of the community equally. The Executive Committee agreed that PPCC cannot prevent individuals from pursuing enforcement of the Specific Plan. However, those individuals must not use any affiliation with PPCC as basis for or in support of such activities. PPCC believes that merchants in the community need to be informed and educated before any enforcement efforts are initiated and it may provide such information to the community regarding the requirements of the Specific Plan.  Additionally, PPCC may support a specific enforcement issue brought before the Board.

7.1.3.   The Vice Chair reported that PPCC is researching the possible cancellation of its insurance policy.  [Note: subsequent research established that the insurance policy had not been cancelled.]

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Firefighter Recognition.  Councilman Rosendahl recognized the many firefighters who responded to the blaze on January 17, 2008, which started in a vehicle in an underground garage and destroyed three houses. He expressed his appreciation for the quick action of first responder, Fire Station 23, and the 200 other firefighter and support personnel that followed and prevented the potential of a major catastrophe in this densely populated, but isolated community nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. Mr. Rosendahl commended Battalion Chief Patrick (Pat) Butler for coordinating the personnel and equipment from six Westside fire stations (23, 69, 19, 59, 63 and 5). Paul Glasgall, Chairman of the Palisades Highlands’ Presidents Council, also received a commendation for his efforts in coordinating between the Fire Department and the homeowners in the Highlands. The Councilman also expressed his appreciation for the Fire Department’s extended efforts after the fire to clean up and monitor the burnt site.

Battalion Chief Butler thanked Bill Rosendahl for his support of the Fire Department and pointed out that fire response and prevention is a shared responsibility by the community, the Fire Department, and the political entities. But the real glory, Chief Butler remarked, goes to the firefighters who are ready to serve the community day in and day out.

The following received commendations:

Battalion Chief Patrick Butler and Assistant Chief Daniel McCarthy,
FS23 Pacific Palisades Highlands – Captain Steve Varney,
FS69 Palisades – Captain Craig Morrison and Captain James Vels,
FS19 Brentwood – Captain Chris Weinrich,
FS59 West LA – Captain Alicia Welch,
FS63 Venice – Captain Gerald Brown,
FS5 Westchester – Captain Glen Zink and Captain Lance McCloskey.

Rob Gilmer, Michael Lane Villas Homeowners’ Ass’n president, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the many firefighters and shared the story of kindergarten class of many different religious denominations drew a large picture of the fire with the caption: “Thank you, God, for the firefighters”

7.2.2.    Report from the Councilman’s Field Deputy.

Handicap Parking.  Jennifer Rivera stated that she would look into corrective measures to remedy the reduction of handicap parking spots in the newly resurfaced public parking lot on Sunset Boulevard.

Street Furniture.  A renewed effort is under way for CBS/Decaux to install street furniture at three locations in Pacific Palisades. Jennifer Rivera reported that the Councilman’s office will not approve any new sites for the installation of street furniture in Pacific Palisades in response to community opposition. Shirley Haggstrom stated that the street furniture could pose a public safety hazard since it may obstruct the drivers’ visibility.

Sam Rubin of P.R.I.D.E. supported the PPCC position in asking for a written statement on the promise for no more street furniture since the street furniture is in violation of the Specific Plan. He stated that a binding contract is needed to reassure the community that the Specific Plan will be honored, respected and enforced in the future. He explained that Palisades PRIDE and PPCC had previously reached a verbal understanding with the City and CBS/Decaux (previously Viacom) and made a concession on supporting several locations for the bus stop advertising shelters in exchange for the promise of no additional ones. Jennifer Rivera reported that the Councilman’s office will facilitate a meeting to discuss the request for a written statement and that a request for an opinion from the City Attorney’s Office on the legality of such written statement will be pursued. Gil Dembo and Sam Rubin informed the Field Deputy that two of the three sites currently targeted for the installation of additional street furniture were not previously approved, despite statements to the contrary.

In response to the comment that the Pacific Palisades Specific Plans prohibits the signs and advertising on the street furniture, Jennifer Rivera stated that the contract with CBS/Decaux is with the Los Angeles Department of Public Works and that the Charter of Public Works “trumps” the Specific Plan. Sam Rubin did not agree that the Public Works Charter trumps the Specific Plan and requested that the City Attorney provide a written opinion on this matter.

Application for Zone Changes.  City Planning plans to send each Certified Neighborhood Council (“CNC”) a package prepared by applicants for zone changes or adjustments. The department is not asking developers to create this extra package for noncertified Community Councils areas such as Pacific Palisades, Brentwood and East Hollywood. Since it is basically a “no cost” item for the City, George Wolfberg has requested that non-certified Community Councils be included in the distribution of the zoning change notifications. The Councilman sent a letter to the Director of Planning requesting that this policy be changed. This letter has been followed up with a face-to-face meeting with the Planning Director and a change in policy is possible.

Apartments/Condos.  Jack Allen reported via e-mail that an apartment-to-condo conversion located on Sunset Blvd. was requested and that such conversion appeared to require some variances. Harry Sondheim mentioned that he had sent an e-mail to Jennifer Rivera asking that she inform the PPCC of whatever variances are being requested.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1.    Cathy Russell reported that the Sparkplug Nomination Committee has received three nominations and will meet shortly to make the selection.

8.2.    Marguerite Perkins Mautner and Haldis Toppel reported that the Sparkplug Events Committee reviewed the upcoming schedule and deadlines and will meet with the Palisadian-Post within a week to coordinate the event.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Temescal Canyon Stop Sign Photo Enforcement.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) installed photo enforcement at stop signs at two locations: Temescal Canyon and Franklin Canyon. The California State Vehicle Code, which regulates public roads, does not provide for photo enforcement at stop signs, only at signal lights. MRCA argues that it is not covered by the Vehicle Code because its roads are not public roads. Whether the installation and use of the photo enforcement in Temescal Canyon violates the Vehicle Code is a question of increasing concern to the Board and the community. Mike Stryer moved and George Wolfberg seconded the following motion:

“The Pacific Palisades Community Council shall request that the State Attorney General investigate the legality of photo-enforced devices at stop signs, as administered by the MRCA in Temescal Canyon Park and Franklin Canyon.”

The motion passed with 13 in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention.

10.    New Business.

11.     General Public Comment.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR MARCH 27th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance:  Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Barbara Kohn, Janet Turner, Nancy Marsden, Stuart Muller, Harry Sondheim, Cathy Russell, George Wolfberg, Dan Clement, Gil Dembo, Shirley Haggstrom, Andy Frew, Geoff Shelden, Jane Steele, Chris Spitz, Laura Chung (by designation of Paul Glasgall)

Advisors and Alternates:  Mary Cole, Haldis Toppel, Alex Lehrhoff, Marie Steckmest

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Andy Frew read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  Richard Cohen, Vice Chair, chaired the meeting in the absence of the Chair.  The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Vice Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Kurt Toppel moved and Marguerite Perkins Mautner seconded that the minutes from the 3/13/08 meeting be adopted. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Vice Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of March 27, 2008, there is $18,426.15 in the checking account; $11,233.05 in the Smith Barney CD; and a credit with the Post Office of $518.51, for a total of $30,177.71. From the 11,178 newsletters sent out, 400 contributions have been received, with contributions exceeding costs by $6,726.04.

7.    Reports, Announcements and Concerns.

7.1.    Announcements from the Vice-Chair.

7.1.1.    The next business meeting will be held on April 10, 2008.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.
(1) Handicapped parking at new Sunset lot.  Jennifer Rivera reported that the total number of parking spaces at the new Sunset lot was reduced to 25 spots, in order to provide room for the pay station and parking clearance. As a result, the number of handicapped spots at the lot was reduced from three to two, which complies with the legal requirement of 1 handicapped space for every 25 parking spots. The Board will consider Harry Sondheim’s motion to request Councilman Rosendahl to seek another handicapped parking place for this lot at its May 22 meeting;
(2) Condo Conversion at 16100 Sunset.  The developer has requested a variance to reduce the number of required parking spaces from 11 to 6. Jennifer will provide the Board with more information, including the hearing date on the proposed variance;
(3) Street furniture. Gil Dembo attended the L.A. City Council meeting with a Palisades PRIDE representative last week regarding street furniture and has not received a response from the city about the issues that were raised. Jennifer stated that there will be another report to the Public Works Committee and she will keep us informed. In response to a question as to documentation of the agreement that there will be no additional street furniture placed in the Palisades, Gil Dembo stated that there is conflict between the Palisades Specific Plan and the city’s contract with CBS/Decaux but that the contract requires the company to comply with all city ordinances, so the Specific Plan provisions should prevail over the contractual terms;
(4) T-Mobile tower. Jennifer reported that Charmel Lane residents were successful in stopping the proposed TMobile tower. The Councilman’s office was thanked for its help on this issue. Janet Turner asked that a representative from the Councilman’s office be present at TMobile’s appeal;
(5) California Incline. Jennifer will be attending meetings of PCH partners where plans for the California Incline construction project and other projects that may have an impact on PCH will be discussed and coordinated.

The Board and Jennifer Rivera congratulated Marie Steckmest and Palisades Cares on the planned installation of recycling containers in public places in the Palisades (see Item 7.3.1, below). Councilman Rosendahl plans to attend the opening event.

7.2.2.    Sr. Lead Officer Michael Moore – Not present.

Richard Cohen reported from the most recent Community Police Advisory Board meeting that there have been a large number of burglaries in the area, all of which were the consequences of unlocked doors, and three (out of 8) that were “hot prowls,” meaning that someone was home. Most occurred between midnight and 4 a.m. The West LAPD strongly recommends that people keep their doors and windows locked. It was noted that two of the victimized families had left their empty trash cans out for a couple of days.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    Palisades Environmental Evenings/Zero Waste Meeting.  Marie Steckmest announced that (1) Palisades Cares will be putting on series of environmental evenings beginning at 7 p.m. on Wed, April 2, at Palisades Presbyterian (Green Living); April 9 at Calvary Christian School (Sustainable Gardening; and April 30 at Kehillath Israel (Sustainable Eating); (2) the City of L.A. will hold its last meeting on the Zero Waste Program on May 3; (3) the Palisades will kickoff public recycling with the unveiling of the first Palisades public recycling bin at the Chamber’s Health and Environmental fair on April 13 at noon at the Village Green. The recycling bins are made by Canterbury, a Palisades company, will be picked up for free by Chrysalis, and will be locked. It was suggested that plastic bags state that people can recycle them. For more information see www.palisadescares.org.

7.3.2.    Funding of L.A. Political Campaigns (Janet Turner).  Councilman Rosendahl has asked for PPCC input re public funding of campaigns. Input is needed by April 30. Board members are asked to review the booklet (“Funding L.A.’s Political Campaigns”) passed out at the meeting in preparation for the April 10 meeting, when a representative from the California Clean Money Campaign will be here to guide the Board through the various options.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1.    Sparkplug Nomination Committee.  Cathy Russell reported that Sparkplugs will go to Amy Madnick for starting the Palisades arm of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and David Card for the landscaping project at Temescal and PCH, as well as his work in chairing the Potrero Canyon Community Advisory Committee’s Recreation Subcommittee. The Vice Chair thanked the Sparkplug Nomination Committee for its hard work.

8.2.    Sparkplug/Citizen of Year Event Committee (Janet Turner and Haldis Toppel).  Anyone interested in attending the dinner on April 24 should reserve a ticket as soon as possible by sending a check for $47.50 per person to the Citizen of the Year Banquet, c/o Palisadian-Post, 839 Via de la Paz, P.O. Box 725, PP, 90272 (310-454-1321). The $5.00 increase in ticket prices over last year is directly due to the American Legion’s increased costs.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Palisades Drive – report on speed limit enforcement.

Laura Cheung reported that the Board needs to list those intersections and streets, in addition to Palisades Drive, for which the community would like increased traffic enforcement and at what time of day. The following suggestions were made: (1) Temescal Canyon Road; (2) Sunset between Capri and Amalfi in the late afternoon. Richard Cohen noted that there has been much greater traffic enforcement on Palisades Drive recently and that police can spend more time on the streets if people volunteer to help at the station with deskwork and processing. Susan Nash will coordinate with Paul Glasgall re a letter or e-mail to Nancy Lauer summarizing the community’s enforcement requests.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    Possible Closure of State Parks (Kurt Toppel).

Lucinda Middleman is coordinating a campaign to save our state parks from closure as a result of the Governor’s budget proposal. The County Board of Supervisors and Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association have both passed resolutions opposing any closure or any reduction in lifeguard staffing at state beaches. A hearing on the issue will be held on April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Board and audience members pointed out that (1) the Legislature needs to understand that these are urban parks providing recreation to people all over the city; (2) the Councilman’s office should be provided with the zip codes of park users; (3) better enforcement of parking restrictions on streets near Will Rogers would result in more funding for that park; and (4) petitions opposing park closure are available from savestateparks.org.

The Board unanimously passed the attached resolution.

11.    General Public Comment.  Mary Cole announced that this year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be held for 24 hours beginning at 9 a.m. on April 5 at Paul Revere. If you’re interested in learning more or volunteering, please email Kit Festa at kitfesta@aol.com or contact Joy Festa Schroeder, joyrfl@aol.com or 310.454.0345. For more information visit http://events.cancer.org/rflpacificpalisadesca

12.    Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

ATTACHMENT:  ITEM 10.1 — RESOLUTION OPPOSING STATE PARK CLOSURE

WHEREAS The Governor’s 2008-09 State Budget may result in an unprecedented closing of Will Rogers State Historical Park, Topanga State Park, and other state parks, as well as drastic lifeguard reductions on 16 popular state beaches;

WHEREAS Will Rogers State Historic Park is an historic landmark that was recently renovated to enhance its unique recreational and educational uses and will, by the terms under which it was granted to the State of California, revert to the Will Rogers family if the State does not continue to operate the site as intended,

WHEREAS Topanga State Park is located in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and features spectacular geological formations, 36 miles of trails through open grassland, live oaks, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean,

WHEREAS Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park are our nearest state parks and their closure would directly affect our businesses and families,

WHEREAS Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park are two of the few natural, public recreational and educational sites in proximity to urban Los Angeles County, a region that is experiencing rapid growth and increasing density, congestion, pollution and loss of open space, and

WHEREAS the extensive trail system in these parks is accessible to communities throughout the San Fernando Valley, Malibu and other parts of Los Angeles County and provides hiking, biking, ocean views, breezes and wildlife sighting opportunities that are not available anywhere else, and

WHEREAS school districts throughout Los Angeles County use these parks for educational programs in science and environmental studies, offering urban children a rare opportunity to experience nature firsthand,

WHEREAS lifeguard staffing reductions will endanger public health and safety on California’s state beaches;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pacific Palisades Community Council hereby (1) supports the Save Our State Parks Campaign; (2) opposes any state budget proposal that would result in the closure of, or the sale of any property located in, Will Rogers State Historic Park, Topanga State park or other state parks; and (3) opposes any budget proposal that would result in the reduction of lifeguard staffing on state beaches.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the PACIFC PALISADES COMMUNITY COUNCIL does hereby unanimously adopt this resolution on this the 27th day of March 2008. Copies of this resolution will be transmitted to the Save Our State Parks Campaign, the Governor, and the State Legislature.

Richard G. Cohen Vice-Chair/Acting Chair

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MINUTES FOR APRIL 10th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance:  Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Kurt Toppel, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Janet Turner, Bob Baker, Jack Allen, Cathy Russell, Quentin Fleming, Gil Dembo, Shirley Haggstrom, Andy Frew, Roy Robbins, Geoff Shelden, Julie Kellman, Chris Spitz

Advisors and Alternates:  Mike Stryer, Haldis Toppel, Josh Moscot, Marie Steckmest, Lorraine Oshins, Nancy Marsden, Peter Fisher, Bill Davis

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Misson.  Bill Davis read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  Richard Cohen, Vice Chair, chaired the meeting in Steve Boyers’ absence. The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Vicie Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Kurt Toppel moved and Bill Davis seconded that the minutes from the 3/27/08 meeting be adopted. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Vice Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of April 10, 2008, there is $18,341.15 in the checking account; $11,233.05 in the Smith Barney CD; and a credit with the Post Office of $518.51, for a total of $30,092.71.

7.    Reports, Announcements and Concerns.

7.1.    Announcements from the Vice Chair.

7.1.1.    The next business meeting will be held on May 8, 2008.  The Citizen of the Year/Sparkplug Award Dinner will be held on April 24, 2008.

7.1.2.    Appointment of Committee on Sparkplug Nomination procedures.  The Chair appointed George Wolfberg, Haldis Toppel, Cathy Russel and Ted Mackie to serve on committee to review and suggest any necessary revisions to the Sparkplug Nomination procedures.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.

Jennifer Rivera reported that the Council office is working on coordinating the various construction projects to be done along Pacific Coast Highway and notifying affected and outlying areas. A website is now available (www.pchpartners.org) with project sites, contact information, a timeline, minutes of meetings, and additional information. The California Incline project will begin after the completion of the bluff stabilization, probably late 2009 or early 2010. The repaving of PCH will start in late April, beginning in Malibu and proceeding south by ¼ mile increments. Jennifer stated that various regulations prohibit the work being done around the clock on these projects. The Board again expressed its view that this option should be seriously considered, as well as incentive bonuses for contractors for quicker completion, and again asked the Council office to express its concerns to Caltrans over the proposed signal at 415 Pacific Coast Highway, as more fully set forth in the June 14, 2007 minutes. The Board also encouraged the Council office to work with Senator Kuehl in communicating concerns to Caltrans.

Regarding the proposed condo conversion on Haverford, Jennifer reported that the developer is seeking a permit for a 7th unit in what is now a 6-unit condo building. The existing tenant will not be evicted. No parking variance is being requested.

7.2.2.    Sr. Lead Officer Michael Moore — Not present.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    Save Our State Parks Nancy Marsden passed out copies of the petition in support of the SOSP campaign.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1.    Sparkplug/Citizen of Year Event Committee (Janet Turner and Haldis Toppel).  Dinner tickets for the April 24 Banquet should be bought from the Palisadian-Post as soon as possible by anyone interested.

9.    Old Business.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    Funding of L.A. Political Campaigns.

Janet Turner introduced Trent Lange, President of the California Clean Money Campaign (Trent.Lange@CAclean.org, 888 878 4871), who discussed the problems with campaign spending in L.A. and the possible ways of addressing the issue, as set forth in the California Clean Money Campaign booklet on Funding L.A.’s Political Campaigns, available at www.CAclean.org. The City of L.A. wants feedback from neighborhood councils and community members on the “in-depth” questions in the booklet, including the key questions of whether the city should proceed with a full public funding plan, and why it should or should not do so. Issues raised by the Board and audience included whether or not there would be loopholes in public funding restrictions, how taxpayers would finance the proposals, how candidates would qualify for matching funds, whether or not public funding would result in a broader array of qualified candidates and different viewpoints, and whether or not there would be less mutual consideration of neighborhood needs if candidates used public funding. The general consensus of the Board and audience was that public funding would be a good idea, with some reservations. Trent Lange encouraged the Board and audience to complete the questionnaire provided with the booklet.

11.    General Public Comment.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR MAY 8th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance:  Steve Boyers, Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Mike Stryer, Stuart Muller, Jack Allen, Peter Fisher, Quentin Fleming, Gil Dembo, Shirley Haggstrom, Andy Frew, Roy Robbins, Geoff Shelden, Chris Spitz, Jane Steele, Bob Benton

Advisors and Alternates:  Mary Cole, Alex Lehroff, Quentin Fleming, Karyn Weber

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Stuart Muller read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  George Wolfberg moved and Gil Dembo seconded that the minutes from the 4/10/08 meeting be adopted as modified regarding references to the Vice Chair. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of May 8, 2008, there is $18,024.92 in the checking account; $11,407.27 in the Smith Barney CD; and a credit with the Post Office of $518.51, for a total of $29,950.70.

7.    Announcements.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting is on May 22, 2008.

7.1.2.    Letter re continuing opposition to T-Mobile Tower.  The Chair has sent a letter to the Planning Commission reiterating PPCC’s opposition to T-Mobile’s application for a conditional use permit in connection with the proposed cell phone tower on Charmel Place and requesting that the appeal be denied.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office – No report.

7.2.2.    LAPD report.

Captain Bill Eaton introduced himself (310-444-0710, William.eaton@lapd.lacity.org). He is working closely with Captain Lauer re traffic issues in West L.A. and the Palisades, and they have stepped up traffic enforcement in our area. He urged community members with concerns to contact the West LAPD and reminded people not to leave valuables in their car. Captain Eaton confirmed that the Palisades still has a dedicated police car here at all times except when called out on emergencies.

In response to a question whether loitering laws can be used against homeless people in the tunnel, Captain Eaton said that Officer Moore will work with assistant city attorney Susan Strick to get a legal opinion on whether citations can be issued. Community members concerned about the presence of homeless people in the Palisades should contact Officer Moore (27995@lapd.lacity.org).

Regarding off-leash dogs in Palisades Recreation Center, Captain Eaton again urged anyone concerned about this issue to work with Officer Moore; they will check with city attorney re enforceability of the applicable Municipal Code sections. Sergeant Podesta pointed out that the community is divided on this issue.

In response to a question as to whether regulations on motorcycle noise are enforced, Captain Eaton responded that generally the West Traffic Division is in charge of this type of issue but urged the community to e-mail him if motorcycle noise is an ongoing problem.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

Street Furniture.  Gil Dembo reported that Brentwood Community Council has retained legal counsel on the street furniture issue and that their counsel has opined that Public Works does not have the authority to install street furniture in violation of specific plans or on scenic highways or other environmentally critical areas.

MRCA Photo Enforcement.  Richard Cohen reported that, because the Board was advised that the PPCC could not directly ask the Attorney General for an opinion as to the legality of the MRCA’s videotaped stop sign enforcement procedure, the Board submitted its letter, along with Jack Allen’s excellent memorandum outlining the issues, to Senator Kuehl’s and Assemblywoman Brownley’s offices, asking that they forward the matter to the AG for an official determination. In fact, according to the correspondence, Assemblywoman Brownley’s office submitted the letter and memorandum to MRCA, asking that Joe Edmiston request a formal opinion of the AG on the matter, which he has now done. The matter is apparently in the hands of the AG and Brownley’s office is monitoring the matter for us. The Board’s attempt to precipitate an official review by the AG appears to be succeeding.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1.    Report by Nominating Committee for PPCC Officers.  Marguerite Perkins Mautner reported that she, Harry Sondheim and Shirley Haggstrom have met and have nominated Ted Mackie, Treasurer; Haldis Toppel, Secretary; Susan Nash, Vice Chair; and Richard Cohen, Chair, for 2008-2009. The Chair thanked the Committee for their efforts.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Palisades Drive.  Status of enforcement request (Paul Glasgall) – Moved to next meeting.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    Via Nicolas – Proposed Santa Monica Conservancy Purchase.

Randy Young provided a brief history of the how the Conservancy is funded for property acquisition and other activities (via assessment of property owners living north of Sunset Blvd.) and the restrictions on its purchases. The asking price for this property is $1.5 million; in Randy’s opinion it has little environmental value, as compared to other potential purchases that could be made. The purpose of the purchase would be to protect the view from other Conservancy property, but the question is whether or not the money should be spent on a higher priority parcel. Randy is on the Conservancy’s Advisory Panel and will attempt to get the Conservancy to make a presentation to the Board on the other possible purchases. The Board offered its assistance in getting responses from the Conservancy.

10.2.    Briefing regarding the upgrade of 8 low-flow stormwater diversion projects and construction of the related Coastal Interceptor Sewer required to handle the winter dry weather flows from these projects.

George Wolfberg introduced Andy Flores of the city Bureau of Engineering (213-485-4496, Andy.Flores@lacity.org), Project Manager for these upgrades. Mr. Flores made a powerpoint presentation and updated the Board as follows: The purpose of the projects is to reduce bacteria discharges into the Santa Monica Bay, as required by state law. Total cost is projected to be about $29 million and construction is planned for October 2009-December 2010. Caltrans, CEQA, Coastal and other permits still need to be obtained. Work hours will be limited and construction will be performed only at night. He encouraged the community to provide input. These projects are being coordinated by the PCH Partners task force. (See www.pchpartners.org.)

10.3.    Parking Enforcement/New Meters.

Amir Sedadi, Assistant General Manager LADOT, and Captain Shawn McCormick, LADOT Western Parking Enforcement. Mr. Sedadi is in charge of parking enforcement, parking meters, taxicabs, and related issues in the city. Mr. Sedadi stated that new meter technology now in the Sunset lot will be installed in 15% of the city. This system allows payment by coins, bills, cell phone or credit cards at a central parking station and sends text messages to LADOT when repair is needed. Regarding the problems that are caused on Sunset, in front of the post office, due to illegal parking on the right and the numerous left-turns into the new metered lot, Mr. Sedadi stated that LADOT is considering putting in a left-hand turn lane or a no-left-turn sign. He will follow up in 6-9 weeks.

Captain McCormick spoke about parking enforcement on the Westside. He encouraged people to contact him or the main office with parking concerns. There are two parking enforcement officers in the Palisades on a regular basis, with additional officers responding to calls about parking problems as needed. Captain McCormick confirmed that parking is allowed at failed meters for the posted time but that parking past the posted time can lead to a ticket even at a working meter, i.e., even if you put more coins in. Captain McCormick urged recipients of “gray area” citations, e.g., for parking 19 inches from the curb instead of 18, to contact him with the citing officer’s name, as his department watches for patterns of problems with particular officers.

Several business owners expressed anger over the recent overzealous parking enforcement against delivery trucks. Captain McCormick said that they have received numerous complaints re UPS, FedEx and other trucks blocking traffic and creating safety hazards and that he has been in contact with these companies because of the extent of the problems. However, alleys are no-parking zones under the Vehicle Code, so alley parking is not an option, and the question of where delivery trucks can park is a planning/zoning issue. Captain McCormick stated that the main concern of parking enforcement personnel is safety and the accidents that result from improper parking in red zones, etc.

The Chair asked LADOT to take the concerns expressed by the Board and the community about heavy-handed enforcement into consideration and to communicate the need for a better attitude by parking enforcement officers. Mr. Sedadi is going to take a look at training and enforcement issues to address these concerns and to seek more professionalism. He urged people to report specific parking or related problems with sufficient detail to allow LADOT to respond.

Contact information for parking and traffic concerns:
Amir Sedadi, General Manager, LADOT, 213-972-8422, Amir.Sedadi@lacity.org.
Captain Shawn McCormick, Western Parking Enforcement, 310-312-3504,
53768@lacity.org,
LADOT Western Parking Enforcement, main number: 310-312-3500,
Abandoned cars: 1-800-ABANDON,
Illegally parked cars: Communications Center 213-485-4184 (push #2),
Contesting a parking ticket: see www.ladot.lacity.org,
Broken meters: Call West LA Parking Enforcement OR the number on the meter 3-1-1 (Public Works/Street Services/Other city departments),
Striping and other road-related issues: Mr. Sedadi to provide contact information.

The Chair will send a letter summarizing the community’s concerns regarding parking enforcement and requesting follow-up.

10.4.    Presentation by SHOPP [Shop Pacific Palisades].

Marni Diamond reported on the SHOPP campaign to save the Village from a continued economic slide, by circulating the Save the Palisades Petition,
www.PetitionOnline.com/PPPV/petition.html, and by ongoing meetings with merchants to exchange ideas on how to get people to shop locally and to publicize the issue. SHOPP has approximately 33 members and Councilman Rosendahl’s support, as well as the involvement of local realtors. They are creating welcome gifts for new home buyers (wine donated by Gelson’s, a directory of local merchants, two Theater Palisades tickets and other items.) She asked PPCC to support the goal of helping local merchants and to urge the landlords of empty stores to quickly fill these vacancies.

11.    General Public Comment.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR MAY 22nd 2008

Voting Members in Attendance:  Steve Boyers, Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Kurt Toppel, George Wolfberg, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Harry Sondheim, Stuart Muller, Jack Allen, Gil Dembo, Shirley Haggstrom, Dan Clement, Cathy Russell, Andy Frew, Mary Cole, Chris Spitz, Alex Lehrhoff

Advisors and Alternates:  Mary Cole, Nancy Marsden, Karyn Weber, Haldis Toppel

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  George Wolfberg read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Kurt Toppel moved and Marguerite Perkins Mautner seconded that the minutes from the 5/08/08 meeting be adopted as modified per Stuart Muller’s comments. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of May 22, 2008, there is $17,950.94 in the checking account; $11,352.92 in the Smith Barney CD; and a credit with the Post Office of $518.51, for a total of $29,822.37.

7.    Announcements.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting is on June 12, 2008.

7.1.2.    Elections of Area and At-large Representatives.  (1) Current Area Representatives should e-mail their “Intent to run” to Steve Boyers by June 12; (2) “Candidate Statements” for all interested parties, including incumbents, are due July 10; and (3) the Chair appointed Haldis Toppel to chair the Elections Committee, and Ted Mackie, Mike Stryer, Bill Davis, Jane Steele and Geoff Shelden to serve as members of the committee.

7.1.3.   Appointment of Newsletter Committee.  The Chair appointed Chris Spitz to chair the Newsletter Committee, and Mary Cole, Quentin Fleming and Alex Lehroff to serve as members.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.

Mark Grant of Councilman Rosendhahl’s office introduced Danny Leon, Bureau of Street Services, Superintendent of West Valley area, including Pacific Palisades (contact: danny.leon@lacity.org). Mr. Leon stated that
(1) one pothole truck is assigned to the Palisades area on a regular basis, although sometimes it is called out as needed to other areas;
(2) Resurfacing of 235 miles of streets has been approved for next year, of which 117 miles are in the West Valley zone;
(3) the city will put slurry seal on 400 miles of streets paved 4-5 years ago next year;
(4) the budget for street repair generally puts 80 percent of the funds towards maintenance and 20 percent towards reconstruction, so, in the Palisades and other areas, many streets have been on the repair list for 15-20 years but there is not the manpower or budget to do the repairs. City planning department can require a developer to repair the street in front of a particular property but not the entire block;
(5) concrete streets present special maintenance problems, but the goal is to preserve as many as possible;
(6) Sidewalk repair currently has an 80-year backlog, although under the 50/50 program residents can get sidewalks in front of their homes repaired quickly. The deadline for the 50/50 program this year is June 23. For more information on any of these programs, visit www.lacity.org/BOSS/. For any city services – including possible code violations by contractors or dumpster placement — or requests for information, call 311.

Regarding street sweeping, theoretically all streets are supposed to be swept once per month. On restricted routes BOSS meets the 97 percent frequency requirement, but on regular, nonrestricted streets, sweepers are required to come out 12 times per year but the frequency does not have to be divided into 12 equal segments. There is a conflict between street sweeping and trash pickup in the Palisades, both of which occur on Tuesdays. Haldis Toppel suggested that, in light of this conflict and the resulting ineffectiveness of the sweeping, no sweeping occur at all. Mr. Leon responded that there are no signs in the Palisades prohibiting parking on street cleaning days, so there is always going to be some ineffectiveness. However, some sweeping is necessary because BOSS has to make a diligent effort to sweep local streets in order to get federal sweeping money. He cannot provide the Palisades with a sweeper schedule because it constantly rotates, but he is available for future coordination of street sweeping with trash days.

Re street furniture, Gil Dembo asked as to the City’s position on placement in the Palisades due to conflict with the Palisades Specific Plan. Mr. Grant stated that the burden should be carried by the entire city.

7.2.2.    Sr. Lead Officer Michael Moore – Not present.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    Palisades American Parade Ass’n (Robert/Karyn Weber).  Rob Weber is president of PAPA. He reported that, in order to maintain the 60-year parade tradition, the community needs to pitch in with money and manpower. All of the costs associated with the parade have been going up every year, while donations last year declined, resulting in a $20,000 loss on an $80,000 budget. Out of 10,000 solicitations, about 400 checks were received. PAPA also needs 100 people to volunteer one or two hours of time on parade day, sometime between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. He encouraged everyone to donate money and time. Donations can be mailed to PAPA, P.O. Box 1776, Pacific Palisades 90272, made through Paypal, via www.palisadesparade.com, or at checkout stands at Gelson’s. PAPA will hold a meeting for anyone interested on June 9 at 7 p.m. Call Rob or Karyn at 310 230 7881 for more information. Karyn Weber urged the Board to think of a way to support the parade, e.g., by sponsoring a float.

Rob also noted that fireworks will be shot from the Pali High quad this year, rather than the new football field.

7.3.2.    Heal the Bay.  George Wolfberg reported that HTB issued its Annual Beach Water Quality Report. The full report is available at http://www.healthebay.org/brc/annual/default.asp.  Anyone interested should look at page 66 of the report [the 72nd page of the document], which gives a dry weather rating of “A” for Santa Monica Canyon and “D” for Temescal Canyon storm drain outlet. The drains at Pulgas Canyon and Bel Air Bay Club rated “A+”. Santa Monica Canyon remains “F” during wet season when flow is not yet diverted.

There will be a panel discussion on instant runoff voting on June 2 at City Hall at noon in the tower. Councilman Rosendahl will be part of the panel, which will be hosted by the New America Foundation. Contact George for more information.

7.3.3.    Save our Parks.  Ted Mackie reported that the current state budget no longer provides for state park closure. TCA will continue to monitor the issue.

7.3.4.    Old Occidental site.  Stuart Muller reported that there is a lot of dumping at the site and that he would like it to be a future agenda item.

8.    Reports from Committees.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Handicapped Spaces in Sunset Parking Lot – Harry Sondheim.

The Sunset lot across from the Post Office has 24 spaces, so the City of L.A. takes the position that only one handicapped spot is required and that the better practice is for the city to have generally available spots. Harry asked why the area with posts and lines can’t be made into handicapped spot. The Chair will include this question in his letter to LADOT per the 5/8 minutes and copy Councilman Rosendahl’s office on the letter.

9.2.    Palisades Drive.  Status of enforcement request (Paul Glasgall) — Not present. Moved to next agenda.

9.3.    Street Furniture/Enforcement of Specific Plan.

Possible joint effort with Brentwood Community Council – Gil Dembo reported that BCC has retained counsel to review LA’s policies re street furniture and has found a conflict with LA General Plan for scenic highways. BCC has asked if PPCC wants to contribute funds for additional legal research on the issue, in order to stop the proliferation of street ads in our communities. The City of L.A. has not yet responded to BCC counsel’s letter pointing out problems, including conflicts with communities such as the Palisades that have Specific Plans. The Chair will ask a BCC representative to come to a future meeting to discuss the issue further.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    Pacific Graffiti Solutions.  Yvette Neal, Founder/CEO, 310.204.2749, Yvette@wwwpgs.net – Not present.

10.2.    Proposed Variance/16101 Sunset Blvd. Condo Conversion – Harry Sondheim.

The owner, Malik Corp., wants to convert a 23-unit apartment building into condominiums and seek a variance from the required 11 guest parking places to 6 parking places. The hearing for this variance is set for June 5. The concern is that there is no parking on Sunset on that side of the street, so cars end up parking on Muskingum. Adjacent homeowners are concerned about this parking, as well as overflow synagogue parking. Parking is available on other side of Sunset but that is also insufficient. The question arose as to whether the condo conversion and requested variance would change the amount of existing guest parking; if not, the issue may be whether the community prefers condos or apartments. The Chair and Harry Sondheim will write a letter expressing the Board’s concern and asking the decision on the variance to be kept open for 30 days after the hearing. The Chair will invite a representative from Malik Corp. to a future meeting to explain why it wants the variance.

10.3.    Proposed Changes to Elections Procedure.

Gil Dembo moved and Marguerite Perkins Mautner seconded that the procedures be changed per the proposed revisions attached to the agenda [note:  attachment not incuded/unavailable].  The motion passed unanimously.

10.4.    Chevron Pole Sign – George Wolfberg.

In connection with the remodel of its PCH station, Chevron promised in November of 2006 to come back to the Design Review Board with a plan to redo the pole sign. Instead, last week Chevron put up new sign with new logo and other changes, and now claims that new sign is grandfathered in because pole did not change. Jack Allen opined that sign is not grandfathered and that the Coastal Commission also needs to approve it. George will notify the Coastal Commission and will ask for the issue to be put on a future agenda.

10.5.    Mansionization.

Jack Allen stated although the City Council has passed a mansionization ordinance, that ordinance excludes hillside areas such as Pacific Palisades, and that pressure on the City Council is necessary to get them to deal with mansionization in hillside areas because developers are not complying with the applicable CC&Rs and enforcement is difficult because it requires hiring legal counsel and posting a bond. Property owners can also request to be included in the existing mansionization ordinance. A Planning Dep’t representative will be asked to attend a future meeting to address this issue.

On a related matter regarding construction on Bestor, as set out in an editorial in today’s Palisadian-Post, Kurt Toppel will work on a letter to the Post to bring this issue to attention of the community.

11.    General Public Comment.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR JUNE 12th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance:  Steve Boyers, Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Paul Glasgall, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Janet Turner, Harry Sondheim, Stuart Muller, Jack Allen, Cathy Russell, Gil Dembo, Barbara Kohn, Shirley Haggstrom, Bill Davis, Jacob Correia, Quentin Fleming

Advisors and Alternates:  Nancy Marsden, Laura Chung

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Steve Boyers read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Marguerite Perkins Mautner moved and Gil Dembo seconded that the minutes from the 5/22/08 meeting be adopted. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported by e-mail that as of June 5, 2008, there is $17,906.83 in the checking account; $11,352.92 in the Smith Barney CD; and a credit with the Post Office of $518.51, for a total of $29,778.26.

7.    Announcements.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting is on June 26, 2008.

7.1.2.    Area Representatives’ “Intent to Run” [statements] have been received from all incumbents, except Cathy Russell, who would like to serve as the alternate. Peter Fisher will run for the Area 7 position.

7.1.3.    “Candidate Statements” for all interested parties, including incumbents, are due on July 10.

7.1.4.    Status of PPCC tax return and state filings.  The Chair reported that an accountant has been retained to keep these filings current.

7.1.5.    Letter to LADOT [previously e-mailed to Board].

7.1.6.    Letter re Malik Condo Development/Request for Variance [previously e-mailed to Board].  Harry will report.

7.1.7.    Street Furniture/Enforcement of Specific Plan.  Status report on possible joint effort with Brentwood Community Council. Wendy Rosen of the Brentwood City Council will attend the July 10 meeting to inform the Board of BCC’s efforts to limit installation of street furniture and to discuss a possible joint effort to prevent the city of L.A. from expanding on previously agreed placement.

7.1.8.    Public Financing of Campaigns.  The issue and a proposed resolution will be placed on the June 26 agenda.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.

Jennifer Rivera reported that under the contract with CBS/Decaux, additional street furniture has to be added at 11 sites throughout the city. CBS/Decaux has asked that 5 of those sites be located in Pacific Palisades. The Council office is fighting hard to prevent any sites from being installed in the Palisades, but, due to the likelihood of full blanket approval of submitted sites, the community needs to provide input as to locations that would be the least problematic.

Installation at one site, Sunset and Via de la Paz, was already approved and permitted in 2006, and the bus shelter will be installed in the next few months. CBS/Decaux asked for two additional sites at Swarthmore and Sunset, but the Council office has stated its opposition to this request and has instead suggested as possible alternatives (1) Sunset and Castellammare, and (2) the northeast corner of Sunset and PCH, subject to approval by the PPCC Board. If the Board does not want to approve those sites, Jennifer asked that alternative locations be recommended. Currently the plan is to submit these sites for Pubic Works approval in the next two weeks. The sites in the Palisades will still need approval by the L.A. City Council and Coastal Commission. Jennifer further reported that the City’s ban on additional billboards was held unconstitutional in Metro Lights v. City of L.A. but that decision is on appeal, and the Council office hopes to put off further discussions with CBS/Decaux until the appeal is resolved.

In response to Board concerns that the new proposed sites in Pacific Palisades were picked without Board input, Jennifer responded that she had previously asked the Board to come up with alternative sites but was told that no additional sites were acceptable. The proposed alternatives at Sunset and Castellammare and Sunset and PCH were picked in response to the clearly unacceptable sites picked by CBS/Decaux. Jennifer reiterated that if the Board has alternative proposed sites that would be acceptable, she will take that proposal back to the Council office and CBS/Decaux. Gil Dembo asked that person who negotiates with CBS/Decaux on behalf of City come to a Board meeting and that no further meetings be held on the issue of Palisades locations without a PPCC Board member present. Jennifer will ask a CBS/Decaux representative to come to a meeting. The Chair asked for all reports on the situation to be communicated to Board.

7.2.2.    Sr. Lead Officer Michael Moore – No report.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    Signage.  Stuart Muller reported that City Attorney has suggested that store signs may be protected speech and passed around a 1964 photo of the Village demonstrating how unsightly signage can be. The Board will follow this issue closely.

8.    Reports from Committees.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Palisades Drive – Status of Enforcement Request.

Paul Glasgall reported that he and Laura Cheung met with LAPD Captain Lauer and Officer Smythe and asked that speed-monitoring trailers be put at various sites to measure traffic, to be followed by stepped-up enforcement where appropriate, with the trailers then returned to the same locations to see if the additional enforcement has been effective. The trailer was recently placed at the top, middle and bottom of Palisades Drive, with the following results: Top – 3500 cars per day going an average speed of 38 mph in a 35 mph zone, with a high speed of 73 mph; Middle – 5200 cars going an average of 37 mph; Bottom – 6300 cars going an average of 51 mph in a 45 mph zone, with a high speed of 81 mph. They will report back once the full range of statistics is collected.

9.2.    Malik Condo Conversion.

Harry Sondheim reported that comments on the proposal may be submitted for 30 days from June 5. The original apartments at the location required that ¼ space of guest parking be provided per unit. Condos require ½ space per unit. Malik has indicated that if the conversion is not allowed with the requested parking variance to provide the same amount of guest parking as was done for the units as apartments, it will not proceed with the conversion. A Malik representative is scheduled to come to the June 26 Board meeting.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    Election of 2008-09 Officers.

The Chair appointed Quentin Fleming and Mike Stryer to collect and count the ballots. Quentin Fleming reported the results as follows: Richard Cohen, Chair; Susan Nash, Vice Chair; Haldis Toppel, Secretary; Ted Mackie, Treasurer.

10.2.    LADWP Rate Restructuring Proposal.

Jack Allen reported that under the proposed restructuring, owners of homes in hot parts of the city will pay less than homeowners in the Palisades while Palisades residents will continue to pay increased property and sales taxes and higher real estate prices because the weather here is better. Several Board members agreed that the rates should be determined by supply and demand rather than a desire to create economic justice. Jack Allen then moved that the following resolution be adopted:

“RESOLUTION OF THE PACIFIC PALISADES COMMUNITY COUNCIL IN OPPOSITION TO THE REQUEST BY THE DWP TO RESTRUCTURE ELECTRIC RATES SO THAT RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN HOT ZONES OF THE CITY WILL PAY LOWER RATES THAN OTHER RESIDENTS

1. LADWP is proposing that residents and businesses in certain areas of the City which experience average temperatures in excess of 80F be charged lower electrical rates during the summer months.

2. LADWP is proposing that the City be divided into two zones, Zone 1 which encompasses the Pacific Palisades , Los Angeles west of the Harbor Freeway, and the Harbor Area and Zone 2 which encompasses the San Fernando Valley and East and Central Los Angeles and which will under the LADWP proposal, be entitled to lower rates during the summer months..

3. The rationale behind the proposal is that because residents and businesses in Zone 2 use much more electricity for cooling than do residents and businesses in Zone 1, that they should be entitled to lower rates.

4. When LADWP first proposed this rate restructuring to the City Council it was referred back to the Board of Water and Power Commissioners on December 5, 2007 to:

“Develop a power rate restructuring formula that charges ratepayers throughout the City on an equitable basis regardless of the region of the City that they reside in or conduct business”.

5. In its new proposal LADWP disregarded the instructions from the City Council by not only retaining the different zones but expanding Zone 2 thus increasing the inequities between the regions of the City.

6. The proposed restructuring discriminates against electrical users in Zone 1 in that property owners in Zone 1 generally pay much higher prices for properties than do property owners in Zone 2 and consequently pay higher property taxes, sales taxes, and gasoline taxes because the businesses must pass on the higher costs of owning or renting properties in Zone 1.

7. Thus, residents and businesses in Zone 2 already pay lower taxes which help offset any additional costs of electricity.

8. Lowering costs of electric power in Zone 2 will only encourage residents and businesses to use more electricity which will be harmful to the environment.

THEREFORE, the Pacific Palisades Community Council resolves:

1. To oppose the restructuring of electrical rates that discriminate between areas of the City and to urge the Los Angeles City Council to reject the proposed amendments to Ordinance No.148436 which set different rates for the two proposed zones of the City.

2. The Secretary will transmit a copy of this resolution to the City Council, the City Clerk, Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, and to LADWP.

Dated: June 12, 2008    Signed: Steven R. Boyers, Chair”

Harry Sondheim seconded the motion, which was adopted by a vote of 12 in favor and 4 abstentions.

10.3.    PAPA – Parade Sponsorship.

Susan Nash reported that donations to the July 4 Parade are typically made in $500 increments. Richard Cohen moved that Board pay $500 to PAPA to help offset the costs of providing the cars, lunches and other services to PPCC representatives and PPCC Sparkplugs on July 4, rather than as a sponsorship. Jack Allen seconded the motion. Susan will ask PAPA for an invoice. Motion passed unanimously except for one abstention.

10.4.    Post Office.

Otis Foster, the new Palisades Postmaster, introduced himself. He acknowledged that an overall budget crunch is affecting service but stated that he is available from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (310) 454-3475 to address concerns, except when he is called out to other areas. He will be walking with carriers to assess work efficiency in the next two weeks. He noted that the mail flow into the Palisades is coming earlier now, which in turn means that residents are getting their mail earlier. He is working on getting a “mother box” installed across from Noah’s and getting a drop-off slot in front of the American Legion. He will look into the suggestion that basic postal rates be posted behind windows. Harry Sondheim reported that he has had no regular carrier which has created numerous problems with vacation and other mail. The Chair asked Mr. Foster to return on June 26 for more public feedback.

11.    General Public Comment.  Barbara Marinacci asked that anyone with an idea for the location of a public garden contact her. Her contact information is available from the Secretary.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR JUNE 26th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance:  Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Paul Glasgall, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Janet Turner, Harry Sondheim, Peter Fisher, Stuart Muller, Jack Allen, Gil Dembo, Barbara Kohn, Shirley Haggstrom, Geoff Shelden, Mary Cole, George Wolfberg, Bill Davis, Julie Kellman

Advisors and Alternates:  Nancy Marsden, Laura Chung, Haldis Toppel

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Stuart Muller read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Vice Chair, acting in the absence of the Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Vice Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Harry Sondheim moved and Jack Allen seconded that the minutes from the 6/12/08 meeting be adopted. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Vice Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of June 26, 2008, there is $17,961.83 in the checking account; $11,445.43 in the Smith Barney CD; and a credit with the Post Office of $518.51, for a total of $29,925.77. Harry Sondheim suggested that the money in the checking account be invested in a more profitable way. The Chair and Treasurer will look into this issue.

7.    Announcements.

7.1.    Announcements from the Vice Chair (acting in the Chair’s absence).

7.1.1.    The next meeting is on July 10, 2008.

7.1.2.    “Candidate Statements” for all interested parties, including incumbents, are due on July 10.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.

Jennifer Rivera reported that (1) the fireworks permit for the Pali High quad has been approved; (2) re the proposed Chabad pre-school in the Castellammare area, no official application has been made to the city, and access to the proposed school is still being explored. Over-the-counter permits will not be issued unless approved by all city departments and after notification to the community. Shirley Haggstrom stated that simply the existence of a dedicated road does not mean that the actual road exists; (3) a Community Beautification Grant Workshop will be held on September 6, 2008, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Mid-Valley Reg. Library, 16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills, CA 91343. For more information call 213-978-0226; and (4) Jennifer will be leaving the Council office on July 17 to become a legislative deputy for Janice Hahn.

7.2.2.    Sr. Lead Officer Michael Moore – No report.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    GW reported that DWP has taken over the job of checking fire hydrants that need repair but has not yet completed its inspection; anyone knowing of a problem hydrant should let George know.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1.    Sparkplug Procedure Committee.  George Wolfberg reported on the recommended Sparkplug award procedural changes as set out in the attachment to the agenda [not incuded in the minutes]. He moved that the changes be adopted, with minor punctuation amendments made by Harry Sondheim. The motion was seconded by Harry Sondheim. The motion was adopted by a vote of 14 to 3. The Chair thanked the Committee for its work.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Proposed Variance/16101 Sunset Blvd. Condo Conversion.

Sam Malik attended the meeting to address concerns about the guest parking variance in connection with the proposed condo conversion of these units (which, as reported in the minutes from June 12, 2008, require ½ space per unit.) The building has 23 units and was built in 2000, when ¼ unit of guest parking was required. The building has 2 spaces per unit and 6 spaces of guest parking. There is no space for additional parking. He stated that ownership is more beneficial to the community than apartments and that the parking situation will be the same as it is now. Mitch Bermeister, the manager, reported that all of the tenants park in the building, and that parking problems usually occur only when there are events at the synagogue. Harry Sondheim stated that approval of the variance would set a precedent for noncompliant condo parking. Concern was also expressed about reducing the number of available apartments. Harry Sondheim moved that a letter be sent to hearing officer opposing the variance and setting forth the reasons. Jack Allen seconded the motion. Harry and Jack agreed to draft the letter. The motion passed by a vote 12 in favor, 5 against and 1 abstention.

9.2.    Public Financing of Campaigns.

Janet Turner moved that the following resolution be adopted:

“We hereby RESOLVE that the Pacific Palisades Community Council urges that the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor put forth a carefully considered ballot measure that would provide public funding for all campaigns related to Los Angeles City elected offices.” Marguerite Perkins Mautner seconded the motion.

Janet urged the Council to adopt the resolution, stating that very fine candidates could otherwise be prevented from seeking public office. Lou Delpozzo stated that the City Council had asked for a response from the community on the issue, that big money has too much influence on campaigns, and that this would be a miniscule addition to the city budget that would be offset by the savings from lobbying.

Nancy Marsden asked if a letter from PPCC could just suggest exploring the issue. Jack Allen stated that after decades of election watching, he believes that even with public financing, business would continue as usual with no change to election procedure.

The motion failed by a vote of 11 against, 6 in favor and 1 abstention.

9.3.    Street Furniture.

Richard Cohen, Brentwood Community Council President Wendy Rosen and BCC counsel Beverly Grossman Palmer provided background on the street furniture issue as follows: the City of Los Angeles entered into a 20-year contract approximately 6 years ago pursuant to which CBS/Decaux provides bus shelters, kiosks and other furniture on which advertisements are placed and the city is to receive $150 million over the life of the contract. The PPCC has resisted placement of this furniture because it is out of character with the community, unlike the Palisades PRIDE benches, and because the street furniture carries off-site advertising in violation of the Palisades Specific Plan. The city has taken the position that the contract takes precedence over the Specific Plan because the latter only applies to private property, not public rights-of-way. The city’s position is even more problematic because the court in MetroLights LLC v. City of Los Angeles, 488 F. Supp. 2d 927 (C.D. Cal. 2006) held that city’s billboard ban violated the first amendment commercial free speech rights of billboard companies because it excluded the contract with CBS/Decaux and was therefore underinclusive. Now the concern is that if the city does not invoke applicable specific plans that preclude street furniture in particular areas, it may be waiving the right to do so later or in other circumstances. Meanwhile, the PPCC is going to try to find a substitute site for the corner of Sunset and Via de la Paz, which has already been permitted for street furniture in violation of the Specific Plan, as well as two additional sites outside of the Specific Plan areas.

Wendy Rosen stated that when BCC was told they needed to site 15 places for the street furniture, she formed a committee to find alternative sites to avoid setting a precedent that would allow sites that were on a Scenic Highway or protected by the Specific Plan. However, if CBS/Decaux requests a site and that request is rejected by the local City Councilmember’s office, CBS/Decaux can request a site 500 feet away. Further, 75% of the furniture can go where CBS wants it to go. And CBS can seek blanket approval by the City Council of all of its sites, making it hard to get particular sites excluded from the approval. The money from the contract is divided up evenly among the 15 Council Districts, which means that Councilman Rosendahl receives 1/15 of money regardless of the fact that a higher percentage of sites are placed in his district. Legal issues to be considered include the statute of limitations for challenging proposed and existing sites and the question of how to challenge issuance of a ministerial permit. BCC’s counsel is looking into these issues although a decision has not been made as to whether or not to go forward with litigation. BCC asked the PPCC to (1) appoint a committee to locate acceptable Palisades sites for the street furniture, outside of Specific Plan areas and Scenic Highways; (2) appoint a liaison to BCC on legal and other issues; and (3) to provide financial support for the legal research and related issues. No imminent legal action is required unless and until a particular site is about to receive unwanted street furniture.

BCC is a taking 2-prong approach to the problem: (1) getting ready for to seek a temporary restraining order if necessary; and (2) finding alternative sites. BCC is raising money through a “Fight Blight” campaign, initiated with $500 of BCC Funds.

The Vice Chair [Chair-elect] appointed a Street Furniture Committee as follows: Susan Nash (Chair), Steve Boyers, Gil Dembo, Bill Davis, Peter Fisher and Jack Allen. The Committee will seek a substitute site for the Via de la Paz site and will work with BCC on legal issues and efforts to obtain a written agreement from CBS/Decaux that three additional Palisades sites (including the substitute) are all that is or will ever be required under the contract.

Barbara Kohn suggested that the committee provide a large map of areas covered by the Specific Plan in connection with its report to the Board. Jennifer Rivera will coordinate the attendance of a representative from CBS/Decaux at the July 10 meeting. The Vice Chair passed out copies of the Specific Plan, including the maps of the four areas in the Palisades that are covered.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    Post Office Customer Service.

Otis Foster, the new Palisades Postmaster, attended the meeting. Harry Sondheim stated that Mr. Foster had addressed his prior concerns at the June 12 meeting. Re problems in Santa Monica Canyon reported by George Wolfberg, Mr. Foster will contact the area postmaster. Jack Allen gave Mr. Foster a letter stating his concerns. Mr. Foster will respond by July 3. He can be reached at 310-454-3475. Mary Cole, Stuart Muller and Haldis Toppel reported on their positive experiences with their postal carriers. Mr. Foster pointed out that the Post Office offers the same services as FedEx and UPS at less cost to the consumer.

11.    General Public Comment.  Barbara Marinacci stated that the building at 17351 W. Sunset Blvd. is a terrible eyesore. The Chair encouraged her to talk to Councilman Rosendahl’s office about it.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR JULY 10th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance: Executive and Primary:  Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Haldis Toppel, Steve Boyers, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Janet Turner, Harry Sondheim, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Andy Frew, Shirley Haggstrom, Chris Spitz, Geoff Shelden

Alternates:  Quentin Fleming, Peter Fisher, Mary Cole, Thomas Farnham

None-voting Advisors and Alternates:  Kurt Toppel, Patti Post, Mike Stryer, Karyn Weber, Bill Davis

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Susan Nash read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Steve Boyers moved and Harry Sondheim seconded that the minutes from the 6/12/08 meeting be adopted as corrected. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer, although not in attendance, reported that as of July 9 2008, there is $7,161.83 in the checking account; $11,445.43 in the Smith Barney CD(1), and $10,000 in the CD(2); and a credit with the Post Office of $518.51, for a total of $29,125.7.

7.    Announcements.

Outgoing Chair Steve Boyers was honored with a Certificate of Commendation from CD11 Councilman, Bill Rosendahl, presented by District Director, Norman Kulla. Mr. Kulla thanked Steve Boyers for his dedication to the Community and his close working relationship with the Councilman’s Office.

Steve Boyers was also honored with an Appreciation Plaque from the PPCC, presented by incoming Chair, Richard Cohen. Mr. Cohen thanked Steve Boyers for his tireless support of the Community Council and his leadership to protect and enhance the quality of life in the Pacific Palisades.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting is on August 14, 2008. The Chair announced that the meeting on October 9, 2008 will be cancelled due to the Yom Kippur holiday.

7.1.2.    “Candidate Statements” for all interested parties, including incumbents were received.

7.1.3.    The Chair addressed concerns of the Pacific Palisades Community regarding the request for early parole of Earl Henry Down. He was convicted of the 1987 murder of Clinton Heilemann, 15 years old. It was agreed that it is not the role of the Community Council to take a position on the merits of the parole. Individual residents are encouraged to make their positions known to the parole board, if they wish to do so.

7.1.4.    Comments by incoming Chair. In his inaugural address (see attached), incoming Chair, Richard Cohen, expressed his appreciation for the outgoing and incoming members of the executive team for their efforts and support. He elaborated on his expectations for process and conduct of the Board members in and outside of the PPCC Board meetings.

7.1.5.    The Chair appointed or re-appointed several committees and advisors as follows:

Election Committee – Area and At-large Representatives: Haldis Toppel Chair, Jane Steele, Ted Mackie, Geoff Shelden, Mike Stryer, Bill Davis.

Holiday Pot Luck: Marguerite Perkins-Mautner Chair, Mary Cole.

Newsletter: Chris Spitz, Mary Cole, Haldis Toppel Advisor.

Sparkplug/Citizen-of-the-Year Event: Haldis Toppel and Janet Turner Co-Chairs, Mary Cole.

Signs/Banners on fences at high school and YMCA: Harry Sondheim Chair, Jack Allen, Haldis Toppel.

PPCC liaison with the CD11 Youth Council: Alex Lehrhoff.

Special Advisor to the Chair: Kurt Toppel

Transportation Advisor: Patti Post

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.

7.2.2.    LAPD Lead Officer Michael Moore.

Officer Moore reported that car break-ins are on the rise. He urged the public not to leave nothing visible in the car. A recent theft of $10 in coins caused $400 damage to the windshield. Officer Moore also urged the community to establish a dog park as a viable alternative to the off-leash problem at the base ball field. LAPD officers are generally giving warnings to off-leash offenders and are trying to work with the community, rather than to give tickets. Jack Allen voiced concerns over the many BBQ fires in Temescal Canyon and requested that LAPD enforce the no-fires law. Officer Moore explained that Park Rangers had jurisdiction over enforcement but LAPD will intervene when called. Stuart Mueller mentioned that no fires are allowed in Temescal Canyon and signs along the curb will be installed. He suggested that anybody spotting a fire should call LAPD and/or LAFD.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1.    CVS Report. Paul Glasgall reported discussions with CVS management in Rhode Island regarding the status of the proposed refurbishment of their store. CVS is proceeding with its plan to obtain approval for a sign above the mural, facing Sunset Blvd. They will be bringing this matter to the LA Planning Dept. for review. They believe that since a sign was in place at the time of their purchase and that other businesses have similar signs on their structures, it entitles them to the same treatment for their request. Once this matter is finalized CVS will proceed with their plans to redesign and update the store as previously presented to the CVS committee and the Design Review Board. Stuart Muller suggested that the original artist of the mural be asked to recondition it.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    CBS/Decaux Street Furniture.

Guillermo Gonzalez of CBS/Decaux presented his company’s position on the additional installation of Street Furniture in Pacific Palisades which is generally opposed by the community because the associated advertising violates the Specific Plan. Mr. Gonzalez stated that CBS/Decaux plans to install one bus shelter at Sunset and Via de la Paz, plus one Public Amenity Kiosk (PAK) in the village. Mr. Gonzalez stated later that CBS/Decaux will insist on the bus shelter on Sunset and Via de la Paz but is willing to substitute the PAK in the village for two PAKs outside the village. The timeframe for the completion of location decisions and installation is September.

Mr. Gonzalez explained that the PAKs carry advertising on one side and community announcements on the other. CBS/Decaux has a 20 year contract with the City of Los Angeles. The revenues from this contract are split 50% between the City’s General Fund and 50% divided evenly among the 15 Council Districts.

The Chair stated that the Specific Plan clearly forbids off-site advertising in the village. Furthermore, Sunset Blvd. is a declared Scenic Corridor on which advertising is prohibited. Violations of these ordinances by the proposed CBS/Decaux installations will make enforcement in the future increasingly difficult.

Lance Oishi of the City’s Department of Public Works explained that Councilman Rosendahl’s office investigated the applicability of the Specific Plan to the CBS/Decaux contract. The City Attorney has opined that the Specific Plan does not apply to the public right of way. In the hierarchy, the Public Works Department has jurisdiction over the Specific Plan. Signage would have to be behind the public right of way in order to come under the Specific Plan jurisdiction. Jack Allen requested a copy of the detailed City Attorney’s opinion on this matter. Mr. Gonzalez agreed to provide such information. Mr. Oishi explained that if the Palisades remains uncooperative the City Council could give blanket approval to CBS/Decaux to place street furniture at any location, effectively removing the ability by the community to influence the placement.

Jenifer Rivera, representative of Councilman Rosendahl’s office, stated repeatedly that the Councilman had agreed to veto any additional street furniture in the Palisades if this latest request is granted. Sam Rubin voiced doubt over a verbal agreement of this kind, since such an agreement had previously been reached when P.R.I.D.E. had given consent to a prior request for installation of bus shelters. This agreement is effectively being broken with this latest request.

In response to requests from Sam Rubin and Richard Cohen for a written, binding agreement that no more street furniture will be requested or installed in Pacific Palisades in the future if the current request is granted, Jennifer Rivera, Lance Oishi, and Guillermo Gonzales replied at different times that such written agreement would be unlikely but that they would “look into it.” Mr. Oishi added that he could not guarantee that additional requests in the future would not be made.

Acknowledging the possibility of a blanket approval by the City Council if the community continues to resist, the Chair suggested that a committee be formed to investigate alternative sites and whether or not the CBS/Decaux contract trumps the Specific Plan. He suggested that the Council start negotiations rather than taking a “slam the door” approach. The Chair appointed the Street Furniture Committee as follows:

Susan Nash and Peter Fisher, Co-Chair, with Susan Nash’s emphasis on legal matters. Members Gil Dembo, Bill Davis, Jack Allen, Steve Boyers.

Wendy Rosen of the Brentwood Community Council has requested that PPCC participate in the costs to research legal alternatives to the mandated installation of Street Furniture in our communities. Bill Davis of P.R.I.D.E. stated that his organization has already committed $1,000 to the PPCC to help fund the legal effort. Susan Nash made a motion, and Quentin Fleming seconded as follows:

“The PPCC will pursue a dual course with respect to street furniture:

(1) the Street Furniture Committee will consider the sites proposed by CBS/Decaux and will seek possible alternative sites as appropriate; and

(2) the Council will contribute $5000 to the legal research effort initiated by the Brentwood Community Council on the street furniture issue, with $3000 of that amount payable immediately, subject to an acceptable engagement letter to be approved by the Executive Committee.”

The motion passes unanimously.

10.    New Business.

11.    General Public Comment.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

ATTACHMENT: ITEM 7.1.3 — Incoming Chair Richard Cohen Inaugural Address

I would like to thank Steve Boyers, our outgoing Chair, for his great work. I am looking forward to working with him as Chair Emeritus.

I also want to thank Susan Nash for being a great secretary for the past two years. She has done a splendid job.

My great appreciation goes to Ted Mackie who prefers to work quietly in the shadow but who toils tirelessly with the Council’s finances as well as the PPCC website. Today I will take this opportunity to thank Ted in a very public setting.

We are fortunate to have Susan Nash moving from Secretary to Vice Chair. One day she may chair the Council and show us all how it should be done. She makes no promises on that front however, so please be nice to her.

Haldis Toppel is our new secretary. She is certainly a familiar face and it feels like she has already been both Secretary and Chair.

I have already thanked Steve Boyers, our new Chair Emeritus, and am looking forward to benefiting from his experience and wisdom.

I am privileged to work with Haldis and Susan and Ted and Steve. It is a great team.

And now I would like to discuss and review some aspects of process and conduct at the Board meetings and PPCC related business outside of the formal Board meetings. When attending a Council meeting you come with certain expectations:

If you have something to say, you want the chance to say it.

You want the meeting be run in a professional manner, meaning that nobody gets to dominate or “hog” the floor.

Both sides of an issue get the opportunity to be heard.

The discussions keep moving forward and the tone is civil, friendly, and if possible entertaining.

Some of you may be new to the Council or may not have been indoctrinated. So I want to take a minute to review several procedures, some of which are clearly delineated in the Bylaws, some are implied, and some are my preference. It seems worth taking a moment to review these points periodically.

1. Only the officers may distribute email to the entire board or to the general distribution list. This keeps the email to a horrible blizzard, not an overwhelming disaster.

2. If you want to widely distribute an announcement first send it to Pacpalicc@aol.com with a request to forward to the board, everyone on our list, or any other distribution.

3. The Board and the general email lists are not to be used for anything other than PPCC business. The officers will use judgment as to what warrants general distribution.

4. Only the officers and designated persons can speak for the council. Please read the by-laws for details. However, if the board has adopted a resolution, you may present that information in public.

5. Please be aware whether you are a voting or non voting attendee at the meetings and position your name card accordingly. (The dolphin on your name tag faces the audience if you are a voting member) Alternates only vote when the primary representative is absent. The Alternates are encouraged to sit at the table and join in the discussions. Only if there should be an overflow attendance should the alternate yield the seat at the table to a voting member of the Board.

6. The Council can only make decisions or act on an item if the item was listed on the agenda and posted 72 hrs. before the meeting. We may make exceptions for items requiring emergency action.

7. Preferably, both sides of an issue will be represented before the Board takes action.

8. PPCC voluntarily operates under the guidelines of the Brown Act but it is voluntary and we are not bound to do so if it unduly interferes with our operations.

9. We are all volunteers. We should be respectful of the fact that no one can devote his or her full time to PPCC duties. The more we spread out the tasks of operating the various aspects of the PPCC business the better off we all will be. Please be ready to volunteer on a committee or task force in addition to your role as representative of your constituents. It will help everyone even the load

10. Please introduce issues that you feel are important to the community. Request the Chair to add the item to the agenda and make arrangements with any opposing or otherwise involved parties to be present at the meeting to present their viewpoints. Submit a short summary (100 words or less) to be included with the agenda. Submit the proposed resolution to the Board in advance of the meeting. If your resolution passes, take the lead in implementing the required actions, such as drafting a letter for the Chair to sign, attending hearings, etc.

11. We should in all instances keep things civil, focus on the issues and avoid personal confrontations, even if we disagree.

At this time I would like to appoint two advisors to assist me in my tasks:

Kurt Toppel has agreed to the position of Special Advisor to the Chair as he was chair emeritus and I will contribute his wisdom at the table. Kurt was instrumental in bringing me into a leadership position on the council. I truly appreciate that

Patti Post has agreed to return to the Council as transportation advisor, as she has for many years.

I would like to thank all of you for giving me your trust and for allowing me to be your Chair. It will be my pleasure to serve you.

With much Appreciation,

Richard Cohen

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MINUTES FOR AUGUST 14th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance: Executive and Primary:  Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Haldis Toppel, Ted Mackie, Steve Boyers, George Wolfberg, Barbara Kohn, Janet Turner, Harry Sondheim, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Andy Frew, Gil Dembo, Shirley Haggstrom, Chris Spitz, Alex Lehrhoff, Jacob Correia

Voting Alternates:  Mary Cole, Peter Fisher

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:  Kurt Toppel, Marie Steckmest, Bill Davis, Mike Stryer, Nancy Marsden

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Mike Stryer read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Steve Boyers moved and Harry Sondheim seconded that the minutes from the 6/12/08 meeting be adopted as corrected. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of August 14, 2008, there is $358.20 in the checking account; $21,519.48 in the Smith Barney CD(1), and $239.62 Post Office deposit, for a total of $22,117.30.

7.    Announcements.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting is on September 11, 2008.  The Chair announced that the meeting on October 9, 2008 will be cancelled due to the Yom Kippur holiday.

7.1.2.    The ballots for the Area Representatives and the At-Large Representative are due on September 4, 2008.

7.1.3.    The Chair appointed Marie Steckmest as the Environmental Advisor.

7.1.4.    The Chair reported on the current status of the West Los Angeles Federal Building.  The plans for the 2 million sq. ft. twin tower federal building have been cancelled due to community objections. The existing building is failing and the federal government is proposing to completely gut and remodel it at an estimated cost of $700 million.. The building is estimated to be in use again by 2017 and will house FBI facilities and the Post Office. The total occupancy will decrease from 1200 to 1000 employees, resulting in fewer trips, thus reducing traffic.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.  Norman Kulla announced that the new Westside representative for the Councilman’s office will be Jessyca Avalos starting September 18, 2008. Jessyca will come from Councilman Richard Alarcon’s Office. Norman Kulla will be the Westside contact until Jessyca Avalos arrives.

7.2.2.    LAPD report from Sgt. David Podesta submitted by Richard Cohen.  In general, crime on the west side of Los Angeles is down, possibly as result of changes in the patrol system and increased patrolling. Home invasions and car break-ins are still a problem. In the vicinity of the Westside Pavilion a number of older women have been robbed.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    LNG. Chris Spitz reported the formation of a Working Group opposing the Los Angeles LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) terminal. The group called “No Way on Ocean Way” will meet on September 4, 2008 and Chris will report on the proceedings at the next PPCC meeting. So far, the LNG project is still in the EIR process (which has been suspended temporarily pending an examination of certain greenhouse gas issues).

7.3.2.    Marie Steckmest reported that the City is increasing its efforts to manage hazardous waste. Containers are available for discarded batteries. The City will pick up hazardous waste for free.

7.3.3.    Variance.  Harry Sondheim reported that the request for a variance was denied for decreased parking space requirements at the condo conversion at 16101 Sunset Boulevard.

7.3.4.    CVS.  Stuart Muller indicated that the original artist of the mural has agreed to re-condition the Clearwater mural and he asked to get the CVS approval now rather than waiting, reasoning that the mural would need to be repainted and maintained no matter where or when the new CVS sign is ultimately installed.

Bill Davis of P.R.I.D.E. reported that his organization has available $1,000 for the repair of the mural and will interact with CVS on this issue.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1.    Newsletter Committee.  Chris Spitz reported that about 10,000 copies of the PPCC newsletter with the ballots for the Area Representatives were mailed successfully. Several procedural issues developed and will be addressed in preparation of next year’s election newsletter.

Haldis Toppel reported that corrections to the mailing list will assure that the newsletters will be delivered to all Palisades addresses and only to those addressed within the Palisades as defined in the PPCC Bylaws. PPCC has purchased this corrected list for multiple uses annually and with the option to renew at the end of the year. This will assure that the same list will be available for future mailings without the need to recreate the corrections.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Street Furniture Committee Report by Susan Nash.

Background: At the July 10 meeting, Guillermo Gonzalez of CBS/Decaux stated that his company wants to place one bus shelter at Sunset and Via de la Paz. In addition, CBS/Decaux wants either one public amenity kiosk in the Palisades Village or 2 kiosks outside of the Village area. He also stated that he will check with his boss as to whether or not the company will guarantee in writing that, if these sites are accepted, no further ones will be sought.

Recommendation: The Street Furniture Committee was unable to come up with any sites that were acceptable to the City and were not in the Specific Plan or on a Scenic Corridor. The Committee recommends that it continue discussions with the City Council office and continue pursuing possible legal remedies and report back to the Community Council as needed.

Status: Councilman Rosendahl’s office needs to site 8 more Street Furniture pieces in CD 11. Of the 3200 pieces under the contract, 130 more are needed, approximately 120 of which are to be placed in CD5.

There is no outstanding permit for a bus shelter at Via de la Paz and Sunset. A permit was issued for the northwest corner (westbound Sunset) but further reviews showed that there is not enough space for a bus shelter on that corner. There is still a small possibility of a Public Access Kiosk (PAK) being installed at that location. No permit has been issued for a bus shelter on eastbound Sunset in front of the Union 76 station.

The Council office is waiting to hear from the PPCC as to the possibility of alternative sites. CD11 is relying on the written opinion by City Attorney’s office that street furniture can be installed in specific plan areas. CD11 has stated that if agreement is not reached for alternative Palisades sites, it is possible that the City Council will issue a blanket approval of street furniture sites, which could result in more sites being installed than are currently being requested. Although the Council office believes that if the Palisades provides alternative sites for CBS/Decaux, there will be no future requests, it is highly unlikely that CBS/Decaux would make that commitment in writing.

Alternatives : Peter Fisher presented the various possible sites for the bus shelter and kiosks considered by the Committee as follows:

A. Possible Bus Shelter sites:
1. PCH, northbound, at Temescal (SW Corner);
2. Sunset at Marquez Ave (NE and/or SE Corners);
3. Sunset at Palisades Drive (NE corner);
4. Sunset at Via de la Paz (SW Corner, in front of Union 76 station).

B. Possible Kiosk locations:
1. Sunset at PCH, NE Corner (Chevron station);
2. PCH at West Channel, near pedestrian underpass (SE Corner);
3. PCH at Entrada, near liquor store (NE Corner)
4. Sunset at Swarthmore, in front of bank (NW Corner)
5. Sunset at Castellamare (NE Corner) (proposed by CBS/Decaux)

The Council Office and BOSS reviewed the above sites and stated that only certain of the above are feasible. However, because all of these sites are in the Specific Plan and/or on a Scenic Corridor, the Committee does not recommend proposing any of them as alternatives for street furniture locations, particularly in light of recent court decisions suggesting that allowing some street furniture in protected areas could make it difficult to enforce sign restrictions in the future.

The Chair stated that PPCC is working on the Street Furniture issue on several fronts and need to be assured that we handle this issue correctly politically. Gil Dembo announced that opposition to the advertising on “wrapped” buildings is mounting. Shirley Haggstrom suggested that PPCC exercise the power PPCC has with the Councilman’s office. Nancy Marsden encouraged the Board to continue to work in concert with Brentwood.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    Bicycle Infrastructure Improvements.

George Wolfberg reported that Metro, formerly the MTA, has voted to place a $40 Billion, 1/2 cent sales tax on the November ballot for transportation infrastructure improvements. Specified improvements include light and heavy rail, freeway work [sound walls included] and bus facilities. The Millennium Trail is part of this plan. The measure ignores the needs of tens of thousands of pedestrians and bicycle riders, a number that is growing daily in light of the energy crisis. George Wolfberg recommended that a percentage of revenue from the proposed LA sales tax, available for unallocated “local return” monies, be applied to needed pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as sidewalk repair, bicycle storage at transit stations, completion of “gaps” in the system of bikeways, bike routes and bike paths, elimination of tire-swallowing grates, completion of bicycle plans and other safety measures. The PPCC is on record as supporting completion of the beach bike path in the Pacific Palisades as well as improvements to increase the safety of bicycle riders and motorists who share use of the Pacific Coast Highway and other major arteries. He suggested that the Community Council adopt a strong policy or motion to extend the use of funds to these improvements. He stated that previously the City Council had jurisdiction, but with the new organization, it is in the hands of the Mayor. Harry Sondheim urged the Council to be specific in what is needed or wanted. The Chair stated that PPCC should stand behind the request to get funding for bike, vehicle and pedestrian safety and to address modality in principle. He instructed George Wolfberg and Transportation Advisor, Patti Post, to draft a letter to the appropriate public official(s).

10.2.    Mansionization.

Jack Allen reported that the Pacific Palisades is excluded from the baseline (flat land) mansionization ordinance and considered “hillside” even though the neighborhood includes a significant amount of flatland. Allen proposed that the Baseline Mansionization Ordinance be amended to include lots located in Hillside areas that are flat with less than 9 ft in 100 ft difference in the elevation and an area is at least 100 acres. Several board members expressed concerns that they needed more information regarding the Baseline Mansionization Ordinance. The mansionization ordinance and its applicability in the Palisades will be further discussed at the next Board meeting on September 11.

11.    General Public Comment.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 11th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance: Executive and Primary:  Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Haldis Toppel, Ted Mackie, George Wolfberg, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Janet Turner, Harry Sondheim, Jack Allen, Andy Frew, Gil Dembo, Shirley Haggstrom, Chris Spitz, Geoff Shelden, Don Clement, Jane Steele

Voting Alternates:  Mary Cole, Thomas Farnham, Alex Lehrhoff

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:  Kurt Toppel, Mike Stryer, Norma Spak, Bill Davis

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Mike Stryer read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  George Wolfberg moved, Jack Allen seconded, that the minutes from the 6/12/08 meeting be adopted as amended. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of August 14, 2008, there is $7,186.20 in the checking account; $21,598.40 in the Smith Barney CD(1), and $239.62 Post Office deposit, for a total of $29,024.22.

7.    Announcements.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting will be on September 25, 2008.

7.1.2.    George Wolfberg received LA Pearls Award.  PPCC At-Large Representative, past Chair and non-stop Community Activist, George Wolfberg, was honored by City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo at the LA Pearls Awards held on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 10 AM at the Pico House in the Olvera Street Plaza downtown. “LA Pearls” Award recipients were chosen based upon their outstanding contributions, either through employment or volunteer activities, to improve the quality of live for all Angelenos and promote a positive and productive image of senior citizens.

7.1.3.    The Chair attended a meeting with certified Neighborhood Councils (NC) and summarized that it was productive and informative.  He reported that NCs were often burdened by the restrictions place up them by being certified and he voiced appreciation of PPCC’s ability to have a cooperative, but independent relationship with the City.

7.1.4.    The Chair encouraged the citizens to volunteer for the upcoming Natioanal Service Day to show pride in their community and make it a better place.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.

Norman Kulla reported that the hearing with the Waldorf school regarding its continued operation is held open. The Council office is clear that the school will be held to its obligation to place a signal light at the agreed upon location on Sunset Boulevard and is asking for a commitment of a timeline. The temporary permit to operate the school will continue to include the traffic light. Richard Cohen stated that PPCC expect the City to uphold its rules, laws, and ordinances.

Mark Antonio Grant from the CD11 Councilman’s Office introduced Cyndi Hench of Westchester, the Chairperson of the CD 11 Emergency Council. She explained that a “what if” emergency scenario has been developed, labeled “The Great Southern California Shake Out.” The purpose of this event is to prepare individuals, businesses, schools, and community organizations like yours, for a large scale earthquake in Southern California. There will be a week full of events, including a regional earthquake drill, International Earthquake Conference, emergency response exercise, and community activities to promote additional preparedness. The drill assumes a 7.8 magnitude earthquake extending for 200 mi along the midsection of the St. Andreas Fault and lasting for 20 minutes. This will result in an estimated $200 billion in damages and other losses, 300,000 buildings destroyed or damaged, 255,000 people displaced, 50,000 injured, and 2,000 dead. The infrastructure will be heavily damaged especially the water system. 133,000 homes will be lost to fire. This scenario can occur at any time. The average length of time between such earthquakes is 150 years, the last one was 300 years ago. During November 13 – 16 State and local agencies will conduct an exercise drill and evaluation starting with a duck and hold drill at 10:00 a.m. on November 13. Depending on where you are at that time, think about how you would reconnect with your family, how you would survive, assuming the scenario outlined above. How we behave at the time of an emergency will determine how well we survive afterwards. All citizens are encouraged to participate in the drill. More information on the ShakeOut is available at www.shakeout.org. George Wolfberg added that it is recommended to be prepared to survive at least seven days without assistance. It was reported that Flo Elfant suggested that community groups organize emergency preparedness classes available from the Fire Department for a minimum of 25 people. For more information on the classes contact Flo at mamaflo@adelphia.net. For further information, contact Mark Grant of Councilmember Rosendahl’s office, 310-568-8772

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    Alex Lehrhoff reported on his attendance of the Eleventh District Youth Council recently founded by Daniel Sobajian, a freshman at Venice high School and resident of the eleventh district.  The purpose of the youth council is for the council to be a liaison between Councilmember Rosendahl and the youth of the district. Other duties include proposing, developing, and implementing programs intended to provide services, skill devolvement, recreational opportunities, and leadership training for the youth of the eleventh district. One essential goal of the council is to develop youth awareness and appreciation for the economic and social diversity of the district.

7.3.2.    Richard Cohen reported on the current status of the proposed operation of a Chabad Pre-School at a vacant lot commonly referred to as 17000 Sunset Boulevard. Haldis Toppel read a summary of a meeting she had with representatives of the Chabad in her role as the President of the Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association:

“On August 28, 2008, I met with Rabbi Zushe Cunin and David Lacy. In the meeting I represented the Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association (MKPOA) but acknowledged that I am also on the Board of PPCC. We discussed the proposed Chabad pre-school for a maximum of 40 children at a site commonly referred to as 17000 Sunset Boulevard. The following issues of interest to the Marquez Knolls residents, schools and businesses were discussed:

Traffic: No Chabad pre-school traffic shall traverse through the area commonly referred to as “Marquez Flats,” which is an area surrounding the Marquez Elementary school and streets between Marquez Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. This area is severely stressed by traffic serving the Marquez Elementary School.

Parking: Sufficient on-site parking shall eliminate the need for street parking in the Marquez Knolls Flats since this area is severely stressed by parking needs for the Marquez Elementary school.

Egress and Ingress: For the safety of the residents of Marquez Knolls (and all other traffic) only right-hand turns in and out of the pre-school grounds shall be allowed

Chabad agreed to items 1 – 3 above in concept. A detailed site plan and traffic plan will determine how these objectives might be achieved. Chabad agreed to commit to school hours from 9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. with minimal after-hour events, such as parent meetings, in order to minimize the impact on traffic congestion. Chabad will focus on students from local Palisadian families so that the additional pre-school will not add traffic to the community at large.”

Haldis Toppel added that Dick Jones of JSM Management, the owners of the property, informed her in a telephone conversation that he is in negotiation with Chabad on a lease agreement, has authorized Chabad to apply for the necessary permits, and has asked Chabad to draft the lease agreement. No lease agreement has been signed at this time.

Richard Cohen asked for an informal agreement by Mr. Jones to not sign a lease with Chabad until a PPCC open forum can be held to hear the community’s concerns. Mr. Jones declined such informal agreement and stated that he will abide by the City’s rules and regulations and the standard permit process. Subsequently, the item was scheduled for the next Board meeting on September 25, 2005.

Norman Kulla explained that the Coastal Commission “Approval In Concept” application is not a permit. Actions by the Coastal Commission, Planning, and Building & Safety are needed to move forward in the permit process.

7.3.3.    George Wolfberg reported that he has volunteered to attend the Mayors’ Budget Day on October 11 and asked for additional volunteers from the Board.  Kurt Toppel will join him for the event.

Susan Nash had no new items to report on the Street Furniture activities.

Chris Spitz announced an upcoming meeting of the opponents of the proposed Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminal off the Los Angeles coast line. An opposition coalition has formed, No Way on Ocean Way, made up of many area reps/associations/etc.

Youth Representative, Jane Steele, announced that she has graduated from High School and is now attending UCLA. She will be unable to attend further PPCC meetings and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to participate on the PPCC Board during the last year.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1. Haldis Toppel, Chair of the Election Committee, presented the results of the election for the Area Representatives. The new term will start on October 1, 2008. The Election Committee members are: Ted Mackie, Mike Stryer, Geoff Shelden, Bill Davis. The following Area Representatives were elected:

Area 1, Barbara Kohn 22 votes
Area 2, Paul Glasgall 53 votes, runner-up Steve Cron 51 votes
Area 3, Janet Turner 27 votes
Area 4, Harry Sondheim 25 votes
Area 5, Jack Allen 23 votes
Area 6, Stuart Muller 21 votes
Area 7, Peter Fisher 10 votes
Area 8, Marguerite Perkins Mautner 13 votes
At-Large, George Wolfberg 66 votes

Haldis Toppel thanked the Election Committee members for their courtesy and effort to make this process a pleasant and rewarding experience for all.

Richard Cohen explained that the Area Alternate Representatives are appointed by the Alternate Committee made up of three former PPCC Chairs. He explained the process and appointed the following: George Wolfberg, Chair, Shirley Haggstrom, and Joan Graves

George Wolfberg announced that the appointment procedure and a call for interested parties will be a front page announcment of the Palisadian Post for at least one week.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Baseline Mansionization.

Erick Lopez of the Planning Department presented a summary of the City’s baseline mansionization ordinance and its applicability to the Palisades. The Baseline Mansionization Ordinance implemented the so-called “flatland” Neighborhood Character Study. It does not apply to any property in the Pacific Palisades because the entire Pacific Palisades is defined as Hillside Area despite the fact that a substantial number of properties in the Pacific Palisades are flat properties. Work is in progress to amend the Hillside Ordinance to include Mansionization provisions but it is not expected that the revisions will be adopted before late 2010. In the interim, a proposal is being drafted to incorporate flat areas within the defined Hillside Area into the adopted ordinance. Because there is a strong desire in several neighborhoods in the Pacific Palisades to restrict mansionization, and because there is no logical reason to exclude areas that are flat from utilizing the provisions of the Baseline Mansionization Ordinance, it is proposed that the existing ordinance be amended to include lots in the Hillside Areas that are flat.

The [flatland] Baseline Mansionization Ordinance number 179,883 became effective on June 29, 2008. The ordinance can be found at
www.neighborhoodlink.com/la/smcca/genpage/973746096.html

Erick Lopez suggested that the Palisades consider applying for the baseline (flatland) ordinance even though it is defined as hillside. The intent of the ordinance is to regulate the percentage of buildable square footage such that new construction or remodel is consistent with the neighborhood. The new ordinance amends the square foot regulations in the assigned areas. For additional information Erick Lopez can be reached at Erick.Lopez@lacity.org.

Norman Kulla stated that ordinance was created because the essence of neighborhoods were under attack and people wanted such an ordinance. Some irreconcilable differences have emerged:  property value versus community character.

Thomas Farnham of the Pacific Palisades Civic League is issuing a cautionary note for the applicability of the baseline ordinance for the Palisades. Mr. Farnham circulated a report stating that the Civic League opposes the adoption of the ordinance for Tract 9300 at this time. The full report is available from the Civic League – contact Thomas Farnham at thosfarnham@hotmail.com.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    MRCA.

The Community Council adopted a motion in the past that the Mountain Recreation and Association (MRCA) not take action on acquiring Pacific Palisades property with Benefit Assessment District money until the PPCC had a chance to weigh in.

Paul Edelman, Chief of Natural Resources and Planning, made a presentation detailing the benefits of the purchase of the .33 acre property on Paseo Miramar. He stated that it is available, the price is right and it is adjacent to State Park land with at least four public parking spaces nearby. Several concerns were raised about the suitability of the land as parkland and the instability of the geology.

Randy Young cautioned that few parcels are available, few willing sellers are found. Rather than spend the money on marginal property, hold the money in reserve to a more suitable piece.

Gil Dembo made a motion, Babara Kohn seconded that PPCC take a position for MRCA not to acquire the land: 8 yes, 6 opposed. The motion failed to reach the required 2/3 majority and therefore PPCC will not take a position on the purchase of the property.

10.2.    Fence along PCH.

Barbara Kohn reported that the County erected a fence along the parking lot northwest of Sunset Blvd. (adjacent to Gladstone’s) as part of the $14 million Will Roger Park improvement project. The neighbors object to the industrial chain link fence along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and are asking for a fence that is more environmentally aesthetic and in keeping with the natural environment. The plan did not realize the slope along the beach which requires the fence and it was installed without design consideration. Flora Krisiloff, Westside representative from County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky’s office will coordinate a remedy of the fence design with Barbara Kohn.

11.    General Public Comment.

11.1.    George Wolfberg announced that the liquor store near PCH and Entrada has stopped selling liquor to transients.

11.2.    Jack Allen reported that CD 11 Councilman Bill Rosenberg has opposed the large electronic billboard at the Staple Center.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 25th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance: Executive and Primary:  Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Haldis Toppel, Ted Mackie, George Wolfberg, Barbara Kohn, Janet Turner, Jack Allen, Nancy Marsden, Stuart Muller, Andy Frew, Peter Fisher, Chris Spitz, Gil Dembo, Geoff Shelden, Shirley Haggstrom, Julie Kellman

Voting Alternates:  Sandy Eddy

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:  Kurt Toppel, Bill Davis, Karyn Weber, Alex Lehrhoff, Flo Elfant

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Janet Turner read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Andy Frew moved, Jack Allen seconded, that the minutes from the 9/11/08 meeting be adopted as amended. The motion was adopted unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of September 25, 2008, there is $8.450.20 in the checking account; $21,598.40 in the Smith Barney CD, and $239.62 Post Office deposit, for a total of $30,288.22.

7.    Announcements.

Due to the heightened interest in the Chabad pre-school issue scheduled for this meeting and the expected large turnout from the community, the meeting was temporarily moved from its regular location at the Palisades Library to the Palisades Recreation Center, commonly known as the “old gym.”  The Chair thanked the new Senior Director of Facilities, Erich Haas, for his help and support to make this move possible on short notice.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting will be on October 23, 2008.  The October 9 meeting is cancelled due to Yom Kippur.

7.1.2.    The Chair reported that the Waldorf school has asked to be relieved of the responsibility to install a signal light on Sunset Boulevard even though the school has agreed to do so, and this obligation is included in item 12 of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP). PPCC Guiding Principles call for the City to enforce its rules and regulations and Richard Cohen will write a letter to the City asking that the CUP be enforced. The Board concurred with this action.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office.  Norman Kulla introduced the new CD11 West Los Angeles Field Deputy, Jessyca Avalos, Jessyca.avalos@lacity.org. Norman mentioned that Jessyca is indeed a child of the Palisades since her parents met here.

7.2.2.    Sgt. Podesta reported that crime in the Palisades is down 20% as result of the dedicated patrol car and its presence in the Palisades about 95% of the time.  The car is called out to neighboring communities only during serious emergencies. Sgt. Podesta reported that LAPD is dedicated to traffic enforcement in Pacific Palisades in response to the six deaths along Sunset and Palisades Drive last year. Officer Smythe is assigned to monitor the increased motorcycle activities on Sunset during the night time hours. On Wednesday night last week, 15 motorcycles were observed traveling along Sunset at speeds within 5 miles of the speed limit and within the allowable 90 decibels noise limit. Officer Smythe mentioned that speed and noise is often deceptive when motorcycles travel in large groups. Various members of the audience stated that motorcycles are traveling at much higher speeds when there is no police presence and that the group mentioned by Officer Smythe may have been tipped off. LAPD will continue to monitor these activities. The Chair indicated that he will keep this item on the future agenda.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.1.    Flo Elfant attended a meeting with other Emergency Preparedness Chairpersons on September 20, 2008. Important information was shared on the preparation for the California ShakeOut (see minutes for Sept. 11), an earthquake preparedness exercise to be executed Statewide from November 13 – 16 2008. A neighborhood plan is available from Flo Elfant. She can be reached at mamaflo2007@gmail.com. This item will be scheduled again as a refresher/reminder for October 23, 2008.

7.3.2.    Sandy Eddy reported that a combined Chamber of Commerce/PaliHi fundraiser will be held on October 10, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. to benefit the planned pool. Rose Gilbert, the PaliHi veteran English teacher, who inspired the idea for the pool will be present and has offered to match donations from the business community up to $50,000.

Stuart Muller and Barbara Kohn requested Community Council support in the form of an approval in concept for the application for the Grant which requests funding to clean up, planting, and hardscape of the area in front of Vons (parkway) and if possible the median at PCH and Sunset. Barbara Marinacci is spearheading the application for the Community Beautification Grant. The Group applying for the Grant will be known as Sunset Beach Partners and intends to ask community groups to support the concept such as PRIDE, Palisades Beautiful, Garden Club, etc.  It was agreed by the Board that pending further details as to how the project will be organized and implemented, the PPCC supports in principle the beautification of the Sunset/PCH area.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1.    George Wolfberg, Chair of the Alternate Area Representatives Selection Committee, reported that the procedure for the selection process and the requirements have been published in the Palisadian-Post. Any Alternates wishing to be considered, may submit a written statement tonight at this meeting, or send via US mail or e-mail to PacPaliCC@aol.com and it must be received by September 30, 2008.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Chabad Pre-School.

A pre-school is proposed for a maximum of 40 children at a vacant site commonly referred to as 17000 Sunset Boulevard, located at the west intersection with Marquez Avenue. The school plans to use self-contained, temporary, modular structures approved for use by schools. The modular buildings are fully self-contained for sewage and water discharge. DWP will hook up water to them but no discharge hook ups are needed. There is no grading or digging needed. Ground cover material to limit any mud from rains will be provided as well as new fencing for the play area and to separate the classrooms from the parking lot. Temporary permits to operate at that location until July 2009 have been filed. Neighbors and other members of the community have voiced concerns regarding traffic safety on Sunset Blvd, increased traffic density and parking in the Marquez Flats, noise, geological stability of the former canyon which could affect the mobile home park below the property, and the aesthetics of modular units in an upscale neighborhood and additional traffic into the cul-de-sac of Marquez Place in front of the Pacific Gardens apartments. Chabad parents and administrators are pleading for the opportunity to educate their local children within the community.

Norman Kulla, representing the CD11 City Council Office, explained the permit process for this project and the dual jurisdiction by the City and the California Coastal Commission: The property in question falls within the areas specified in Section 30601, which is known in the City of Los Angeles permit program as the Dual Permit Jurisdiction area. The Coastal Act requires that the development which receives a local coastal development permit also obtain a “dual” coastal development permit from the Coastal Commission. For projects located inland of the areas identified in Section 30601 (Single Permit Jurisdiction), the City of Los Angeles local coastal development permit is the only coastal development permit required.

Norman Kulla introduced representatives from various City Departments involved with the permit process. Daniel Ahadian from City Planning, David Lara from LA Building and Safety, and Hamad Sandoghdar from the LA Transportation Department expanded on the permit process and were present to hear the community concerns.

Daniel Ahadian reported that he had returned plans for the temporary coaches (trailers) to the applicant with requests for corrections but has not heard back from the applicant.

David Lara has received the application but his Department has not given approval at this time.

Hamad Sandoghdar stated that as part of the permit process he has asked the applicant to submit a plan for the loading and unloading of passengers and the traffic plan for right turn in and out of the property in order to make a determination. He has not received such a plan yet.

Janet Turner, PPCC Area 3 Representative and speaking for the residents of the Malibu Village mobile home park, asked David Lara from Building & Safety if any geological consideration had been given to the site before the “Approval in Concept” had been granted, referring to written concerns submitted by Malibu Village residents to the PPCC and published in the agenda for this meeting.

Malibu Village is located below the proposed development of the Jones Family Trust. Before purchasing a lot, each owner must sign an acknowledgment that the 6-acre site is a geologically sensitive landfill. A previous slope failure ruined one home which resulted in a two million dollar lawsuit. For our protection, we request the following studies to assess the impact on our very vulnerable upper slopes: geological, health, safety, and CEQA.

David Lara, City of LA, responded that no geological consideration had been given prior to the granting of the approval.

Janet Turner, PPCC, requested clarification on the application and review process for geological/grading study requirements.

Jack Allen, PPCC, requested that a site plan be made available to the public. He cautioned that any landscaping, requiring irrigation might create geological instability at the site, and endanger the mobile home park below.

LAPD Officer Smythe voiced concerns with potential left turns on Sunset in or out of the property and with the bus stop and turnaround at the Marquez/Sunset intersection. Officer Smythe stated that an accident study uncovered only two accidents near the site last year.

Barry Kurtz, a private traffic consultant, stated that he had done a preliminary traffic review for the school and felt that traffic concerns could be adequately addressed.

Christian Martin, a resident, reported that there is an unreported accident at least every two weeks.

Richard Cohen, PPCC, requested that the City schedule a public hearing on the permitting of the school. Norman Kulla stated that the administrative process may not provide for a hearing but will check into this.

Rabbi Zushe Cunin, the leader of Palisades Chabad, explained the need for the school, and that he is willing to mitigate any inconvenience to the community that the operation of the school might cause. He stated that he and David Lacy have already met with various community leaders on this issue.

David Lacy, advisor to Chabad, stated that in addition to the temporary permit (which is good for two years) a permanent permit has been filed because the process does not allow an application for only a temporary permit. Rabbi Cunin assured the Board that the school will not operate beyond August 31, 2009. The maximum number of students at any given time will be 20, with one morning session and a second afternoon session planned. The operating hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Geoff Shelden, PPCC, suggested yellow plastic center line dividers similar to those used at the Self Realization Fellowship temple to prevent left turns. David Lacy responded that these dividers cannot be considered for the western driveway (It was pointed out that Mr. Jones, the owner of the property, had previously stated that this driveway is not available for use by the school). Mr. Lacy did not address the possibility for use of the dividers at the eastern driveway.

Barbara Kohn, PPCC/PPRA, suggested that the school consider carpooling. She also stated that traffic waiting to enter the premises may under no circumstance back up onto Sunset, as fast moving traffic coming from a blind curve may not be able to respond adequately to vehicles stopped along the roadway.

Denise Kwok, resident, voiced concern that parents in a hurry might not obey the traffic rules against left turns in or out of the property and that a backup of traffic onto Sunset is unavoidable under some circumstances.

John Glasgow, resident, presented a petition with over 150 signatures opposing the proposed school. He provided copies to Norman Kulla and Richard Cohen. Signatures included neighbors on or near Sunset Blvd. or abutting Sunset, long-time residents in the two adjacent apartment buildings and from the mobile home park. John requested that noise be kept down and that no outdoor sound amplification be used. David Lacy and Rabbi Cunin stated that the school never uses amplification of any kind. Mr. Glasgow pointed out that the permit process left only a few months until July 2009 to operate the school at this site, and questioned the intent to operate the school on a temporary basis while investing a great amount of time and expenses for such a short duration. Nancy Marsden, PPCC, echoed the concern. Barry Kurtz, Rabbi Cunin and David Lacy assured the audience that the permit process can be expedited, a traffic study and plan can be done in a short period of time, and opening of the school can be expected soon. David Lacy added that if the approval in concept is granted, the school could get ready to move in tomorrow.

Larry Larsen, owner of Pacific Gardens apartment building to the east of the property, voiced criticism over the absence of visual materials pertaining to the proposed site, such as site plans, maps, picture of the site itself, and the mobile temporary units, etc. He voiced objections to using the cul-de-sac in front of his apartment building for student pickup or drop-off and questioned the intent of the school to make the 17000 Sunset site a temporary location for the school since permanent permits have been filed in addition to the temporary permits currently under discussion.

Rabbi Cunin introduced four speakers who expressed their support for the school:

Speaker One: (name) echoed the desire for visual presentations of the site, the buildings, the plans. She also emphasized that the Chabad always keeps its word and will vacate the site in the Fall as promised. She pleaded that the school is very much needed for the children.

Speaker Two: (name) stated that parents of young children needed the school and were looking forward to a rewarding experience. These parents would follow the traffic rules that will be presented to them and would never put their children at risk. Whatever arrangements Chabad agrees to, it will always keep its word.

Speaker Three: (Sheila Martin sp?) stated that Chabad parents care about their children and would never put them at risk by using unsafe traffic practices. She will help improve the school grounds with murals on the trailers, plants in planters, and any other pleasing additions.

Speaker Four (Todd last name?) is personally concerned about the safety of his child and would never endanger it by using unsafe traffic practices. He is looking forward to having a school for his child.

Janet Turner, PPCC, pointed out that the school will be encountering an uninviting environment in the Marquez Flats if there should be any additional traffic or parking spilling over from the school operation. She emphasized that it is important for the City to enforce its conditions and rules and regulations without exceptions for this project since it has been the experience of Pacific Palisades in the past that school have been given temporary exemption on promises that they failed to fulfill. She pointed at the Renaissance School’s failure to fulfill the conditions of Building & Safety and other use permit issues, the Chabad’s operation in Temescal Canyon where extensions of the initial contract were granted under the threat of a lawsuit, and the most recent issue with the failure of the Waldorf school to install a signal light on Sunset Blvd. as agreed upon. Rabbi Cunin pointed out that the school has always operated within the confines of a contract and when they needed an extension in Temescal Canyon they asked for one and received it. He stated that Chabad would never take anybody to court.

Stuart Muller stated that Chabad has not adhered to established rules and guidelines as evidenced by the long-term use of banners on their building on Sunset in violation of the Specific Plan.

Shirley Haggstrom, PPCC, voiced concern over the willingness of parents in a hurry to adhere to traffic safety rules. She pointed out that the Waldorf school traffic makes illegal u-turns and left turns into the Vons parking lot. She has observed several near misses. Good intentions and regulations do not work to keep drivers from making dangerous moves.

Jack Allen, PPCC, stated that he could not support the location of the school in good conscience for safety reasons. 80% of people will do the right thing and operate with the intent of rules and regulations, 20% will not. This is a dangerous location, with the possibility of left turns and traffic backup. Yellow pole center dividers are needed to enforce the turn restrictions.

Gil Dembo, Flo Elfant, and Karyn Weber pointed out that several lots in the vicinity and along Sunset were eyesores with construction equipment parked on one of them. It was suggested that the development of the lot in questions could be an improvement. Gil Dembo further questioned the legality of using this property as a parking lot.

Karyn Weber, PPCC, stated that there is no objection to schools and small children in general in the community, and that she bought her house near the Palisades Park because it was “child rich.”

Jack Allen made a motion for the PPCC to not approve the permit application for the school on the basis that the safety issues were unmitigatable. The motion failed to get a second.

Gil Dembo made a motion, seconded by Janet Turner as follows:

“Let it be so moved that the Pacific Palisades Community Council recommends that the permit to operate the Chabad pre-school be contingent upon a complete traffic study and traffic plan approved by DOT, and that this traffic plan also include restrictions already agreed to in concept by Chabad authorities on August, 28, 2008 at a meeting with Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association President, Haldis Toppel. These restrictions which were presented at the Board meeting on September 11 include but are not limited to a restriction of right hand turns only into and out of the location commonly referred to as 17000 Sunset, that a traffic safety officer be assigned to enforce the traffic rules and to assure that parents with children who are walking to the school use the proper cross walk at the light at the Sunset and W. Marquez intersection, that no Chabad pre-school traffic travel through the area referred to as the Marquez Flats (Marquez residents exempt), and that no Chabad pre-school parking be allowed in the Marquez flats. Continued operation of the pre-school shall be contingent upon adherence to the traffic plan. A compliance review by DOT in cooperation with PPCC shall be conducted bi-annually.”

Amendment added to the original motion and accepted: “There shall be no irrigation or other water used to flow into the grounds of the property in order to prevent any adverse impact on the geological stability of the property. All structures and equipment shall be removed from the property by August 31, 2009.”

The motion passed unanimously with 3 abstentions.

10.    New Business.

11.    General Public Comment.

12.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 23rd 2008

Voting Members in Attendance: Executive and Primary:  Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Haldis Toppel, Steve Boyers, George Wolfberg, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Janet Turner, Harry Sondheim, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Peter Fisher, Sandy Eddy, Carl Mellinger, Bill Davis, Gil Dembo, Shirley Haggstrom, Chris Spitz, Kevin Niles, Julie Kellman.

Voting Alternates:  Norma Spak for Barbara Kohn.

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:  Kurt Toppel, Flo Elfant, Christy Dennis, Dan Rosenthal, Mary Cole, Quentin Fleming, Laura Chung.

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Norma Spak read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  George Wolfberg moved, Steve Boyers seconded, that the minutes from the 9/25/08 meeting be adopted. The motion passed unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of October 23, 2008, there is $8710.20 in the checking account; $21,652.98 in the Smith Barney CD(1), and $239.62 Post Office deposit, for a total of $30,602.80.

7.    Announcements.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting will be on November 13, 2008.

7.1.2.    Letters in support of Grant requests for the Sunset Boulevard Triangle and the Edible Garden were submitted.

7.1.3.    Recent activities on the Chabad pre-school project on Sunset Boulevard were discussed.   According to David Lacy the traffic study has been submitted to the City. Building and Safety hopes to have all approvals by mid November. Norman Kulla at the Councilman’s Office is not clear on the process by the Costal Commission. The Coastal Commission may require a full study. The Chabad pre-school is currently operating out of a house on Bestor under a law that permits day care in private homes. Jack Allen, the Area Representative, added that the neighbors are opposing these activities and have contacted Building and Safety to verify the legality of the operation.

7.1.4.    As of October 1, the current Organizational Representatives and Alternates are in office. Haldis Toppel read the current list (see attached). [Note:  attachment not included in minutes.]

7.1.5.    The Chair reported that he met with Assemblywoman, Julia Brownley. The Chair expressed concern that MRCA attorney’s opinion on the legality of the photo traffic enforcement in Temescal Canyon may be flawed.

7.1.6.    The 50th Anniversary annual meeting of PPRA will be held on November 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the Palisades Women’s Club. Key speakers will be Councilman Bill Rosendahl and Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC) Executive Director, Joe Edmiston.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

Sgt. Podesta reported that crime statistics in the Palisades remain unchanged.

The fire on PCH was set intentionally as result of a dispute between transients.

A transient was killed on PCH by walking into traffic. Jack asked what methods LAPD has to get the transients out of this area. LAPD does regular sweep.

Harry Sondheim asked for an update on the late-night motorcycle riders on Sunset Boulevard. LAPD continues to monitor and enforce applicable traffic laws.

It remains unclear whether recent cat deaths are due to coyotes or to animal cruelty.

7.2.3.    Ballona Wetlands.

Marcia Hanscom presented the history of this area near Marina Del Rey. Proposition 12 helped to preserve 600+ acres of this area which once encompassed over 2000 acres of wetlands. A short film showed an impressive variety of local and migratory birds and diverse vegetation that occupy the wetlands. To celebrate the successful acquisition of the expanded wetland properties and to honor the public officials who were instrumental in supporting these efforts, the Ballona Institute is hosting a Gala Dinner on December 2, 2008 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina Del Rey. For more information on this event please contact www.celebrateballona.com.

7.2.4.    Strategic Transportation Plan.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman, Wendy Greuel, Chair of the Transportation Committee, presented a summary of the strategic transportation plan for the City of Los Angeles. She stressed the importance of coordinated private/public development to address the questions on how to solve the ever increasing traffic congestion on Los Angeles streets.

Wendy Greuel has been chair of the City’s Transportation Committee since August 2005. In 2008, Greuel unveiled the city’s first Strategic Transportation Plan since the 1980’s. The plan articulates the City’s transportation vision and goals and includes initiatives and priority projects. The plan includes public transit projects, planning policies, and a strategy for receiving state and federal funding. Greuel and the committee have focused on making surface roads less congested. They have synchronized 75% of traffic signals and have installed 250 new left-hand turn signals, with another 200 planned. They have banned road construction during rush hour and have increased fines for illegally parking during rush hour through the creation of anti-gridlock zones. Greuel also supports a reversible lanes program, which would create additional lanes on the busiest streets during rush hour. Other projects include the extension of the Metro Expo Line, and the Metro Gold Line, the Wilshire-only bus line. The committee got the federal legislation ban lifted for the funding of the “Subway to the Sea.” Wendy Greuel is currently leading the city’s efforts in securing and managing transportation funds from the state’s 2006 Infrastructure bond – Prop. 1B.

7.2.5.    Proposition O – Temescal Canyon Storm Water Project.

Andy Flores of the LA Bureau of Engineering detailed the storm water collection project planned to be installed in Temescal Canyon. This project will be funded with the Clean Water Bond (Prop O) funds approved by voters in November 2004. He summarized the project by pointing out that a one million gallon underground tank will be installed under Temescal Park with all vegetation restored. An access hatch and a small electrical cabinet will be visible. The playground and the toilets near the construction area will be temporarily closed during construction. The playground equipment will be replaced.

This tank is designed to catch the initial run-off which is most contaminated with bacteria and chemicals which are damaging to the environment. This run-off will be diverted to Hyperion for treatment and thus kept out of the Santa Monica Bay. Run-off in excess of the initial one million gallons is considered suitably clean and will be diverted into the storm water system which eventually empties into the bay. More information on the Prop O measure can be found at www.lapropo.org 877 700-3069.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

7.3.2.    Waldorf School.  Richard Cohen reported that the Waldorf School has requested to be allowed to stay open and has requested to get a waiver from a previous agreement to install a traffic light on Sunset Boulevard. PPCC has sent a letter that the City should uphold the prior agreement and condition of temporary occupancy, which included the light and hold the Waldorf School to the standard that they had previously agreed to.

7.3.3.    California Shake Out.  Flo Elfant reminded of the emergency drill scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 13. This will be the largest earthquake preparedness activity in US history. Flo attended a meeting with other Emergency Preparedness Chairpersons on September 20, 2008. Important information was shared on the preparation for the California ShakeOut, an earthquake preparedness exercise to be executed Statewide from November 13 – 16 2008. A neighborhood plan is available from Flo Elfant. She can be reached at mamaflo2007@gmail.com.

7.3.4.    George Wolfberg announced the results of the selection of the Area Alternate Representatives. Jack Allen stated that due to an administrative oversight, the Area 5 Alternate, Nancy Marsden, did not file the required Candidate Statement and was therefore not considered for the position. He requested that her many years of valuable service to the organization be considered and that she be appointed. George Wolfberg made a motion to accept the recommendations of the Alternate Selection Committee unchanged. Stuart Muller seconded. The motion passed 9 to 5 with two abstentions. The Area Alternates for 2008/09 are included in the attached list [note:  attachment not included/unavailable.]

7.3.5.    Richard Cohen reported that the process to nominate and select the Community Service Award recipients is under way.

7.3.6.     Historical Society Event.   Shirley Haggstrom announced that the Pacific Palisades Historical Society will hold the event: “LA’s Intellectual 70’s Subculture” on November 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  Historian Paul Greenstein will take the audience on a trip down memory lane of the intellectual subculture.

7.3.7.    Richard Cohen delivered a report from Transportation Advisor, Patti Post, on the status of the 430 Commuter Express Bus connecting Pacific Palisades with downtown Los Angeles. This bus, once slated to be discontinued, is operating at full capacity, often with standing room only. The PPCC had a significant role in saving the bus and enhancing the ridership. Janet Turner suggested that local school should consider bussing to reduce traffic congestion in town. Harry Sondheim stated that limited parking in town adds to the congestion because drivers have to cruise to find parking spaces.

8.    Old Business.

9.    New Business.

9.1.    Stairway to Dreams.

Rick McGeagh of the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association introduced the plans for a project named “Stairway to Dreams” sponsored by the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association (PPBA). PPBA is reaching out to the Palisades Community to raise funds to construct a stairway from the lower parking lot on Frontera to the baseball fields. This “Stairway to Dreams” will provide a far easier and safer access to the fields. Additional funds that are raised will be utilized for awnings over the grandstands. The initial goal for this campaign is $250,000.00. Rick McGeagh asked for PPCC endorsement and support of this planned project. George Wolfberg moved for PPCC to support the “Stairway to Dreams” project, Stuart Muller seconded. The motion passed unanimously with two abstentions.

10.    General Public Comment.

11.    Adjournment.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 13th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance: Executive and Primary:  Richard Cohen, Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Haldis Toppel, Steve Boyers, George Wolfberg, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Janet Turner, Harry Sondheim, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Bill Davis, Gil Dembo, Shirley Haggstrom, Chris Spitz, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Julie Kellman.

Voting Alternates: Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:  Kurt Toppel, Flo Elfant, Dan Rosenthal, Mary Cole, Laura Chung, Alex Lehrhoff, Daisy Crane.

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Dan Rosendahl read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minute.  Marguerite Perkins Mautner moved, Bill Davis seconded, that the minutes from the 10/23/08 meeting be adopted. The motion passed unanimously.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer reported that as of November 13, 2008, there is $8,081.20 in the checking account; $21,652.98 in the Smith Barney CD(1), and $239.62 Post Office deposit, for a total of $29,973.80.

7.    Announcements.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting will be the annual potluck holiday dinner meeting on December 11, 2008 at the Temescal Canyon Dining Hall starting at 6:00 p.m.

7.1.2.    Citizen concern.  YMCA pool will be filled with dirt prior to public hearing. It was reported that Joe Edmiston had agreed not to fill the pool prior to the hearing on December 1, 2008.

7.1.3.    The Chair appointed the Youth Representative Selection Committee: Chair Marie Steckmest, Peter Fisher, Christy Dennis.  An announcement of the requirement will be published in the Palisadian-Post.

7.1.4.    The application for the Chabad pre=school at 17000 Sunset is before the Coastal Commission. The application process may require several months. Mr. Jones, the owner of the property confirmed that the recent core drilling was independent of the action associated with the Chabad.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl’s office’s (Jessyca Avalos) announcement of the upcoming American Recycle Day.

7.2.2.    Sr. Lead Officer, Michael Moore, reported that the motorcycle activities have slowed down after extensive general traffic enforcement measures have been implemented. The decibel rating on most motorcycles is within allowable limits but the noise is amplified by several cycles riding together. No current regulation addresses this issue. Harry Sondheim pointed out that non-injury accidents go unreported and therefore the amount of accidents on Sunset is under reported. The City’s animal control officer emphasized that the recent cat killings were confirmed coyote killings and not the result of acts of animal cruelty by humans.

7.2.3.    Santa Ynez Reservoir Floating Cover Project.

Paul J. Rugar, P.E.,Project Manager, made a presentation to the Pacific Palisades Community Council regarding the status of the upcoming construction project at Santa Ynez Reservoir. He gave a description of the project scope and discussed the schedule of when construction activity would begin. He was accompanied by Construction Manager Sadru Merchant, his supervisor Anselmo Collins and the Division Head Glenn Singley. Paul J. Rugar, reported that the reservoir will be drained as result of the upgrade and will eventually be covered. He stated that no fire protection will be compromised during that time. All extra cisterns and fire hydrants will be operational. As part of the upgrade, landscaping will be improved around the reservoir. Estimated completion is August 20, 2011. There will be an onsite construction manager, information flyers and instructions will be available to the public. Paul Glasgall confirmed that the project will be in compliance with all previous agreements with the Highland residents.

7.2.4.    Jesse Switzer from Julia Brownley’s Office.

7.2.5.    Norman Kulla stated that CD 11 Councilman, Bill Rosendahl, is in touch with LAFD Chief Bratton to discuss the community opposition to the announced reduction of the Westside police force by 26 officers in order to staff two new police stations in the San Fernando Valley and in Korea Town. Lead Officer Michael Moore stressed that it was important to report all crimes, no matter how trivial they may seem, in order to record crime statistics, which are used for the calculation of officer deployment in the City.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

Waldorf School Update (Richard Cohen).  The Waldorf School has submitted a letter to the City to be released from the requirements to install a traffic light. The community opposes this request and asked the City to uphold the previous agreement.

Community Service Award winners.  Joan Graves, the chair of the Community Service Award Selection Committee (Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Flo Elfant), announced the winners of the 2008 award: George Wolfberg, Mary Cole, Haldis Toppel. The awards will be presented at the December 11 Holiday potluck dinner.

Palisades Cares e-Waste Recycling (Marie Steckmest).

Marquez Elementary School expansion to 6th Grade.  Janet Turner reported that the Marquez Elementary Charter School is considering expanding the school to include the 6th Grade and potentially the 7th and 8th Grade. This would add traffic and parking congestion to the neighborhood. Janet will attend a meeting with the school to address these issues.

Flo Elfant reported that the earthquake drill was very successful.  The Governor sprung it upon the State employees at 5:00 a.m. that morning. All went well.

8.     Reports from Committees.

8.1.    Marguerite Perkins Mautner requested a list of food items for the Potluck dinner in December.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    LNG Terminal – Sponsor: Barbara Kohn.

Laura Doll and Michael Hinrichs from Woodside, the potential builders of the LNG plant, gave an in-depth presentation of the merits and safety of the proposed plant. Tom Ford (Executive Director for the “Bay Keeper”) and Diane Moss, representing an opposing group of individuals “ No Way On Ocean Way” presented the dangers, risks, and adverse impacts of such a plant. The Board then discussed the pros and cons of the items presented by both sides and felt that the project deserves a review of the full study conducted by the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) expected to be completed during 2009. Marguerite Perkins Mautner made a motion for the Board to defer taking a position on the LNG plant until the EIR is published. Gil Dembo seconded. The motion passed with 2 opposing, and 1 abstention.

10.    New Business.

10.1.    Pruning of Eucalyptus trees – Sponsored by Harry Sondheim in response to several tree failures in the Palisades.

Residents of the area are concerned about the trimming of eucalyptus trees in Pacific Palisades, the subject of a recent article in the Palisades Post. A branch from such a tree broke off and smashed the windshield of a car. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the incident. Ron Lorenzen, Acting Chief Forester of the LA Urban Forestry, explained that the City operates on a 13.6 year pruning cycle due to budgetary restrictions. The need for pruning is about 3-5 years for high-maintenance trees such as Eucalyptus. A resident can get a permit from the City and pay for trimming by a private party. Harry Sondheim suggested that the City implement a 50/50 tree trimming program similar to the 50/50 side walk repair program where the home owner pays 50% of the cost to the City and the City crews perform the trimming.

10.2.    PaliHi Student and Visitor Parking in Surrounding Neighborhoods.

Stuart Muller and Dan Rosendahl discussed the parking congestion in the neighborhood adjacent to Temescal Canyon caused by excessive student parking. A residential parking permit process is being considered which requires the approval of a large percentage of the affected neighbors. Richard Cohen suggested that the Palisades High school administration might be approached to regulate student parking off-campus.

11.     General Public Comment.

12.    Adjournment.  [Note:  adjournment time not recorded.]

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MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 11th 2008

Voting Members in Attendance: Executive and Primary:  Susan Nash, Ted Mackie, Haldis Toppel, George Wolfberg, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Janet Turner, Daisy Crane, Stuart Muller, Peter Fisher, Sandy Eddy, Bill Davis, Gil Dembo, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, Julie Kellman

Voting Alternates: Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:  Kurt Toppel, Flo Elfant, Mary Cole, Alex Lehrhoff, Christy Dennis, Ron Dean, Mary Cole, Alex Lehrhoff, Katie Takajian, Elizabeth Volpicelli, Patti Post, Dan Rosenthal

1.    Reading of Community Council’s Mission.  Susan Nash read the Mission Statement.

2.    Call to Order.  Susan Nash called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

3.    Certification of Quorum.  The Chair certified that a quorum was present.

4.    Adoption of Minutes.  Adoption of the November minutes was deferred to the January meeting.

5.    Consideration of Agenda.  The Chair reviewed the agenda.

6.    Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer’s report was deferred until the January meeting.

7.    Announcements.

7.1.    Announcements from the Chair.

7.1.1.    The next meeting will be on January 8, 2009 at the Palisades Library.

7.1.2.    Thank You.  The Chair thanked Marguerite Perkins Mautner and Mary Cole for their hard word in putting together this year’s potluck. Marguerite announced that the room is already reserved for next year’s potluck.

7.1.3.    Thank you gift.  The Chair thanked Joyce Whitehead for her consistently great work in coordinating the annual potluck with the PPCC and presented her with a thank-you gift.

7.2.    Announcements from Governmental Representatives.

7.2.1.    Councilman Rosendahl bestowed the recipients of the Community Service Award, George Wolfberg, Mary Cole, and Haldis Toppel, with a City of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation amid generous accolades.

7.3.    Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.

8.    Reports from Committees.

8.1.    Appointment of the 2009 Youth Representative. Susan Nash announced the appointment of the 2009 PPCC Youth Representatives: Julie Kellman – Primary, Alex Lehrhoff 1st Alternate, Elizabeth Volpicelli 2nd Alternate, and Katie Takajian 3rd Alternate. She thanked the selection committee for their time and valuable efforts: Chair Marie Steckmest, Christy Dennis, and Peter Fisher.

9.    Old Business.

9.1.    Community Service Award.  Susan Nash announced the 2008 Community Service Award winners and presented them with the PPCC awards following a summary of their achievements: Mary Cole, Haldis Toppel, George Wolfberg .

10.    New Business.

11.    General Public Comment.

12.    Adjournment at 8:30.

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