MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 26th 2024
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Beth Holden-Garland, Chris Spitz, Maryam Zar (partial attendance), Murray Levy, Diana Daniele, Haldis Toppel, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Cindy Simon, Andrew Wolfberg, Barbara Kohn, Andy Frew (partial attendance), James Alexakis, Jessica Rogers
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Michael Edlen, Daphne Gronich, Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Rob Weber, Ella Nozar
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. Karen Ridgley read the Mission Statement.
2. Introductions / Roll Call. The President called the roll of Board members and advisors in attendance.
3. Certification of Quorum. The President certified quorum.
4. Approval of Minutes. The minutes of September 12, 2024, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. The President described the upcoming meetings: October 1, 2024 (special PPCC meeting/Councilwoman Park presentation on the Tramonto Slide and the related development; informational only/no action); October 10, 2024 (welcome new Area, At-large and organizational reps; election of Alternate Area and At-large reps – hybrid meeting to be held at the Ronald Reagan American Legion Post 283 hall and via Zoom; see item 8.1.7 below). October 24, 2024 (tentative: Neighborhood Watch and public safety/crime prevention).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The President read the report from the Treasurer, who was unable to attend: The Council’s bank balance is $52,512.91. Donations since the last report: $71.85. Expenses paid since the last report: $1,295.00 Miracle Data (tech services for the election); $54 Mailchimp.
7. General Public Comment.
7.1. Cathy Salser (resident) reported on the Temescal Canyon Rd. Mural Restoration project. The project organizers (she, Kat Kozik and Cindy Simon) are working with Mural Colors to restore the mural. Fundraising is ongoing. The goal is to raise $105,000; $57,646 has already been raised. Supervisor Horvath’s Coastal – West Area Deputy Zac Gaidzik advised that a grant may be available through the Supervisor’s office. Donate at: https://awbwart.donorsupport.co/page/FUNMMUFXKLL.
7.1.2. Dave Card (past Chair/Chair Emeritus) announced that last week, the Palisades Recreation Center hosted the City Recreation & Parks Commission for their monthly meeting. The Commission members were able to see the conditions at the Recreation Center bathrooms, and at the playground, that are ADA non-compliant. He also reported that so many cars were parked in the parking lot, without many people in actual attendance at the park itself.
x8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. The President expressed appreciation and said farewell to the outgoing primary Area and Organizational Representatives (terms ending September 30, 2024): Murray Levy (Area 1); Julie Silliman (Area 7); Cindy Simon (Area 6); Haldis Toppel (Area 3); Genevieve Bostic (YMCA); Gabrielle Gottlieb (Woman’s Club); Aileen Haugh (Garden Club); Alisa Wolfson (Canyon School). The President remarked in each case on their individual contributions to PPCC and the community, noting contributions that each has made in so many important areas. The President also noted the many years that Haldis Toppel had served in various positions on the PPCC Board. She thanked them all so gratefully for their service.
8.1.2. The President announced that the incoming organizational members/representatives (term starting Oct. 1) are as detailed on the list linked in the agenda:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-2025-PPCC-OrganizationsR.pdf. She also noted that there will be an orientation session for new representatives, including new alternates, on October 16 in the late afternoon (time TBD).
8.1.3. The President noted that the Area and At-large Alternates application process is ongoing; the deadline to submit applications is 5pm, October 6, 2024.
8.1.4. The President reiterated that a special PPCC meeting will take place on October 1, 2024, via Zoom at 5:30pm (note the earlier start time): the purpose of the meeting (which was initiated by Councilwoman Park) is for the Councilwoman to provide information on the status of the Tramonto slide and related residential development project. CD 11 Sr. Planning Deputy Jeff Khau and Palisades Field Deputy Michael Amster will also be present to answer questions. The meeting will be informational only; no action will be taken or decisions made at the meeting.
8.1.5. The President announced that the tentative meeting topic at the October 24th PPCC meeting will be Neighborhood Watch and public safety/crime prevention.
8.1.6. PPCC Awards Nominations and Gala event update; committee appointments. The President explained that the awards nomination process is now underway. A notice will be distributed soon with details about how to nominate individuals for the awards. Deadline for nominations: October 29 [note: date changed shortly after the meeting to 10/26, per the Awards Guidelines; to be announced]. The President has appointed the following Awards Committees:
Awards Selection Committee: Quentin Fleming, Chair; Members Sharon Kilbride (past Citizen of the Year), Karen Ridgley, JoAnna Rodriguez, Chris Spitz (past Citizen of the Year).
Awards Event Committee: Chair to be appointed; Members Kimberly Bloom, Lorie Cudzil, Beth Holden-Garden, Jenny Li (financial matters), Courtney Macker, Julia Nilsen. The Awards event will take place on December 12 (venue TBD).
8.1.7. The President provided an update regarding future hybrid/in-person meetings: She has been looking into the possibility acquiring an “Owl” camera system for future hybrid meetings, to allow for a better audio experience for those attending via Zoom. Kevin Niles of Ronald Reagan American Legion Post 283, which has an Owl system, was kind enough to demonstrate the system recently to her and a few other board members; they saw that the system works well. Ronald Reagan American Legion Post 283 (next to the Post Office) has graciously offered the use of their main meeting room (hall) and Owl system for two hybrid PPCC meetings: our next meeting on October 10, 2024, and another meeting in the spring (date TBD; the Legion hall is only available on second Tuesdays). The President stated that unless the board objected, our October 10th meeting will be held in hybrid format on Zoom and in-person at the Ronald Reagan American Legion Post 283 hall on La Cruz; there were no objections.
8.1.8. The President announced the PPCC position letters written since the last meeting:
Support CW Park Letter: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PPCC-Letter-re-Park-letter-Gov.-orderS.pdf
Homeless Dashboard: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PPCC-letter-homelessdashboardS.pdf
The President noted that Councilwoman Park has thanked us for the letters.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Beth Holden Garland (Secretary) congratulated the PP Historical Society for producing interesting and successful programs, such as the recent program on the history of Route 66, as well as the prior program honoring the Marquez & Reyes family who helped originate Pacific Palisades.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Murray Levy (Area One Rep) thanked SLO Espin and CW Park for the successful effort to remove RV encampments from PCH in the Castellammare area. Regarding the Tramonto slide area, he hopes that PPCC will continue to insist on an environmental study of the proposed residential development; he also thanked PPCC and stated that it has been a great experience working with the Board.
8.3.2. Haldis Toppel (Area Three Rep) commented on the successful Marquez Block Party, in which in the Palibu Chamber of Commerce helped local businesses and vendors support the Block celebration event with food, face painting and entertainment for all who came out to enjoy.
8.3.3. Karen Ridgley (Area Four Rep) reported on the status of the Asilomar Stabilization Project. The project (resurfacing the road on one end) has been paused temporarily while LADWP is working on solving an engineering problem involving leaking “dewatering vaults” under the road. They are trying to get to the issue with DWP and engineering solutions to fix the problems.
8.3.3. Chris Spitz (At-large Rep) related an encounter she had with a group of individuals who had been picking up trash last weekend on the Via bluffs and in Potrero Canyon: the “Hash House Harriers” aka “Hashers Not Trashers” (a hiking and drinking club with chapters around the country and the world). This particular chapter is based in the Valley and goes out on hikes throughout the City to voluntarily pick up trash and clean up scenic areas. They ended up with many bags of trash from their efforts, some of which came from Potrero Canyon. The At-large rep thanked them for their efforts.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Barbara Kohn (PP Historical Society) explained that videos of some of their past programs can be found on their website; they are planning another program in a few months; stay tuned for more information.
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information for government representatives: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/.
8.5.1. Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades.
SLO Espin explained that the most recent Crime Map shows 4 burglaries over the past 3 weeks in the Palisades, which is much lower than other areas in the City.
He praised Michael Amster and CD 11 for helping to move RVs/encampments off PCH in the Palisades.
He gave an update on the status of a vacant home on Porto Marina where squatters were believed to have been present. LAPD has checked and no one is there now; windows have been boarded over and doors padlocked by the City General Services Dept.
He spoke about individuals driving around a white Alfa Romero SUV, possibly trying to scam people out of their jewelry. The scam is that these individuals will approach someone (usually an elderly person), ask for directions and then also try to convince the target person to buy jewelry from them. They will try and switch the person’s jewelry with the fake jewelry, trying to confuse them while asking questions and putting the fake jewelry on the target person to try on. He advised everyone to be alert.
Other tips from SLO Espin: Keep your purse and belongings in front of you, rather than hanging, for instance, on the back of a restaurant’s chair. Keep valuables in eyesight. Make sure your garage clicker is secure in your car as people can break in and get access to your home as well. The best form of deterrence is people being visible out on the street and vigilant.
He noted that some of the Citizen alerts aren’t always 100% accurate as Citizen’s info is moderated by A.I. and not the result of investigation and vetting by police officers.
SLO Espin also mentioned that he was able to take the Mayor’s West Area Representative Marian Ensley on a successful LAPD “ride along” in the community.
Jessica Rogers (PPRA) expressed concerns about an individual known as “Minnesota Mike” who has been hanging out in the community, offering to sell drugs and stealing a Christmas lot pole from Simon Meadow. As to incidents involving dangerous individuals or activities: SLO Espin reminded everyone that rather than initially contacting him, we should first call 911 (if an emergency) or 877-ask-lapd (non-emergency hotline), so that the incident is recorded with LAPD (he will get these reports and will follow-up).
8.5.2. Michael Amster, Palisades & Brentwood Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), reported on several matters:
- The Councilwoman is trying to get clarity on enforcement of RV/oversized vehicle parking. She has brought a motion in Council for a confidential report by the City Attorney on the City’s legal capacity to address vehicle dwelling.
- CD 11 was part of the recent operation to remove RVs/encampments along PCH in Pacific Palisades; they will look into the possibility of conducting a similar operation next month, dealing with vehicle dwelling along Palisades Dr.
- He is waiting to hear from Caltrans for an answer as to whether permission will be given to LADOT to install more “no parking” signs along the beachside PCH shoulder near Chautauqua.
- He is looking into installing more “No Entry / No Camping / VHFHSZ” signs in our bluff and park areas.
- He is working on obtaining a resolution as to remedial work on the slipping slope along Entrada Dr. that is now covered by a tarp; the work has not yet been completed by the property owner.
- He is working on a temporary solution to hold up Positano Rd., which is cracking after small asphalt repairs on the road.
- Businesses at Sunset & La Cruz Dr. requested that a bench along Sunset be removed, because it had become an unsafe place used by transients and unhoused individuals to sleep and linger. The bench was removed with the consent of the permit holder (PRIDE).
- He recently spoke about City Government to a Girl Scout troop at St. Matthews School.
- On October 3, the CD 11 Beautification Team will clear trash and overgrown brush along Los Leones Dr.
- Andrew Wolfberg (Area Eight Rep) thanked Michael for his help with traffic on Allenford Ave. and for obtaining repair of a street light that had been out on Allenford.
- Lastly, Michael announced that there will be a community engagement meeting about the Pacific Palisades Dog Park on October 21, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Palisades Library, to discuss the scope of work that is anticipated with the project. The hosts will be CD 11 and the Recreation and Parks Dept. The community is invited; a flyer was shared onscreen and will be distributed.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass – Not present.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, reported on recent legislative efforts by the Board of Supervisors, including authorization to establish a centralized. clearinghouse in the County for homelessness matters, named the Emergency Centralized Response Center (ECRC). He also explained that the Supervisor is working to address RVs/encampments along the unincorporated County stretch of PCH. He commented that housing and services are offered on a weekly basis to those that appear to be unhoused in the RVs; most prefer to stay in their RVs. There are parking rules that should help keep them from parking on PCH during night hours. The beach is closed at night – therefore there is no overnight parking. Their office will be holding an emergency preparedness meeting at the Skirball Center on Saturday, October 5th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with breakfast provided.
8.5.5. Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) – Not present.
8.5.6. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – Not present.
8.5.7. Allison Holdoff, Senior Advisor, LAUSD Dist. 4 (Member Nick Melvoin) – Not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons.
8.6.1. Ella Nozar (Youth Advisor) reported that she is a member of “Teens Leading Change (TLC)” – a group of teens involved with civic engagement, sponsored by the Palisades Library. TLC will hold a series of meetings at the Library, intended to bridge the gap between seniors and teens in the Palisades. The meetings will involve activities and will be held monthly (dates TBD).
8.6.2. Lou Kamer (Transportation Advisor). The President read from a report by Lou Kamer, who as unable to attend. See: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PCH-Taskforce-Summary-Sept.192024.pdf.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees – None.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. WRAC-Recommended Motion re HR 8340 (sponsored in PPCC by the Executive Committee):
“Pacific Palisades Community Council, a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils, strongly supports the “Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act” (HR 8340 / Sherman) and urges our Councilmembers to submit a resolution in City Council forthwith to add support for HR 8340 to the Council’s federal legislative priorities for 2024-2025.”
See motion background by C. Spitz:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Background-for-PPCC-HR8340.pdf.
The President asked Chris Spitz to introduce the motion, who explained that because this motion was being made by the Executive Committee a second was not needed. She read the motion text and briefly explained the background and purpose of the motion. Board members had no questions and there was no discussion. A vote was then called. Result: Unanimous in favor of the motion.
11.2. WRAC-Recommended Motions re Homelessness (sponsored in PPCC by the Executive Committee).
1) Motion requesting letter from CW Yaroslavsky similar to CW Park’s letter to the Governor re addressing encampments on state lands:
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) supports the letter dated August 5, 2024, from Councilwoman Traci Park to Governor Newsom and Caltrans, requesting that state authorities coordinate with CD 11 in addressing encampments on state property within the district, pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order # N-1-24. PPCC further requests a prompt response, effective action and accountability by state authorities.”
See motion background by C. Spitz:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Background-for-PPCC-2-Homelessness-MotionsR.pdf
The President asked Chris Spitz to introduce the motion, who explained that because this motion was being made by the Executive Committee a second was not needed. Chris read the motion text and explained the background and purpose of the motion. Andrew Wolfberg (Area Eight Rep) asked if there had been occasions in the past when other members of WRAC had supported a PPCC position. She gave the example of our motion to oppose the Bonin motion in 2021 to place homeless housing on Will Rogers State Beach; many inland-area WRAC member councils joined with us to oppose the Bonin motion, although it did not affect them directly. Board members had no other questions and there was no discussion. A vote was then called. Result: Unanimous in favor of the motion.
2) Motion to support the Brentwood CC Resolution regarding policies and actions of the County Board of Supervisors to address homelessness in the County:
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) strongly supports the Resolution approved by Brentwood Community Council on August 14, 2024, regarding the responses, actions and policies of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (BOS) with respect to addressing homelessness in Los Angeles. PPCC further specifically supports the four requests to the BOS set forth in the Resolution.”
See background by C. Spitz:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Background-for-PPCC-2-Homelessness-MotionsR.pdf
The President also asked Chris Spitz to introduce the motion, who again explained that because this motion was being made by the Executive Committee a second was not needed. She read the motion text and explained the background and purpose of the motion. Board members had no questions and there was no discussion. A vote was then called. Result: Unanimous in favor of the motion.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.