MINUTES FROM JULY 29th 2026
Voting Members in Attendance: Allison Holdorff Polhill, Reza Akef, Daphne Gronich, Caroline Nick, Sue Kohl, Chris Spitz, Cindi Young,* Julia Nilsen, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Marc Gordonson,* Valeria Serna, Kevin Niles, David Card, Courtney Macker, Matthew Rodman (*voting alternate)
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak, Bonnie Burgess, Lee Anne Sanderson, Ben Einbinder, Kim Millimaki-Gory, Michael Edlen, Darragh Danton, Aileen Haugh, Rich Wilken
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. Chris Spitz read the Mission Statement.
2. Introductions / Roll Call. The President introduced the members and called the roll.
3. Certification of Quorum. The President certified quorum.
4. Approval of Minutes – deferred to 8/13/26.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. August 13, 2026 (PPCC Area & A-large Candidates Forum to be held); Sept. 10, 2026 (announcement of PPCC Area & At-large election results; expected California Dept. of Insurance presentation/Q&A).
6. Treasurer’s Report – deferred to 8/13/26.
7. General Public Comment.
7.1. Diane Bleak (resident) commented on increasing crime in the Highlands.
7.2. Morgan St. John (resident) raised concerns over what is being done about brush clearance in the Santa Monica Mountains.
7.3. Jill Smith (resident) noted that a crime was believed to have occurred on Whitfield Ave., but a police report may not have been filed. Board members Lee Anne Sanderson and Reza Akef reminded everyone of the need to report crimes to LAPD. Resident Lynn Hylen Miller then explained that the crime occurred at her home, and she intends to file a police report soon.
8 – 9. Reports, Announcements and Concerns and Reports from Committees – deferred to 8/13/26.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Uplifters Foundation TEFRA Bond Approval; Proposal Description/Status – Presentation by CD 11 and Uplifters principals. See https://upliftersfoundation.org/ and motion approved by City Council 7/1/26: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2026/26-0935_misc_06-24-26.pdf. Q&A / Discussion only.
The Chair Emeritus introduced CD 11 Planning Director Craig Bullock and the Uplifters principals, Steven Dietz and Lee West. Mr. Bullock briefly spoke about the process in City Council, apologized that PPCC and the community were not notified in advance about the Councilwoman’s motion regarding this matter, and noted that CD 11 will make an effort going forward to provide earlier notice of actions impacting the Palisades community. The Uplifters principals then gave a presentation, showing slides explaining the TEFRA process and the project goals.
An extensive Q&A then ensued, moderated by the President. The President thanked Mr. Dietz and Mr. West for attending and presenting to the community.
[Presentation recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km1hgRsERoc (including slides shown)]
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 pm.