MINUTES FROM May 22nd 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, Courtney Macker, Haldis Toppel, James Alexakis, Richard Blumenberg, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson, Eric Dugdale/Donna Vaccarino* (*respectively, before and after announcement of appointment of new PPHS primary rep; see item 8.4.1 below)
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Allison Holdorff, Carole White, Joanna Spak, Michael Edlen, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Cindy Simon, Alex Hoerner, Rick McGeagh, Kevin Niles, Valeria Serna, Jessica Rogers, David Card, Andy Frew, Ella Nozar
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. Quentin Fleming read the Mission Statement.
[Note: Item 11.1 was called after Item 1 on the agenda.]
2. Introductions / Roll Call. The President introduced the members and called the roll.
3. Certification of Quorum. The President certified quorum.
4. Approval of Minutes. The minutes of May 5, 2025, and May 8, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. June 12, 2025 (candidates forum, if needed, and election of officers for the 2025-26 term; tentative: LADWP presentation). June 26, 2025 (topics to be announced).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that the Council’s bank balance is $770,172.57, with minor expenses incurred of $54 from Mailchimp and $87 from Miracle Data. The second generous donation from the Riviera Country Club of $150,832.80 was received by PPCC, to help in efforts to oversee and improve the Palisades recovery since the fire.
7. General Public Comment:
7.1. Sheila Morovati (resident) shared information about an upcoming “Banners of Hope” project. Banners containing artwork and words of hope from Palisades schoolchildren affected by the Fire will be displayed on 75 light poles along Sunset Blvd. from Brentwood to the Palisades, to help inspire and brighten spirits since the catastrophic fire. She hopes to “bring life and joy to Sunset Blvd.” via the Crayon Connection. She would appreciate help and support from PPCC and the community.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. The President announced that Board member nominations of officer candidates will be accepted until 15 minutes before the scheduled close of the meeting, i.e., by 7:15pm (Bylaws, Art. VII).
8.1.2. Update on grants/donations to PPCC. As reported by the Treasurer, the President noted that we have received the second check from the Riviera Country Club. In the coming weeks, the PPCC Board may be asked to decide on how and where to spend the donated funds.
8.1.3. Update on Zone 0 regulations matter – Board of Forestry Zone 0 Advisory Committee meeting on 5/12/25; PPCC letter sent since the last Board meeting:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PPCC-Letter-re-Zone-0.pdf.
The President referenced the letter sent to the Board of Forestry explaining PPCC’s position on the proposed Zone 0 regulations. We have been advised that the Committee is proceeding to recommend the draconian Zone 0 rules for the first 5 feet surrounding homes in the VHFHSZ: specifically, that nothing can be planted in the ground and only potted plants no higher than 18” may be placed around the home’s perimeter, but not under or near windows. It is unclear whether the Committee will recommend planting only low plants up to 10 feet from homes. There will be later meetings before the rules are finalized and we will attempt to monitor.
8.1.4. LiveAid Concert donations. The President explained that the LiveAid Concert organizers have responded to an inquiry from PPCC as to how LiveAid donations assisted Palisades victims of the Fire. The response can be accessed in a link contained in the Mailchimp email which distributed the agenda for this meeting [https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FireAid-Concert-Donations-Email-1.pdf].
8.1.5. LA fire survivors and first responders family photo shoots. The President announced that Vanity Portrait Studio is hosting free family portraits for those affected by the LA wildfires and for first responders, to take place on Saturday, 5/31 and Sunday, 6/1 at the LA Convention Center. A link with all the information will be contained an upcoming PPCC Mailchimp email.
8.1.6. Palisades 4th of July 5K Run. The President announced that a 5K Run and Kids Fun Run will take place this year, in Venice Beach. A flyer with more information will be distributed in an upcoming PPCC Mailchimp email. There will be a 10% discount on registration, good until May 28.
8.1.7. Change of address. The President reminded everyone that they should check their address for voter registration purposes, so that they can still vote in the 2026 primary election on issues that affect the Palisades.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus – None.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Lorie Cudzil (Area Six Representative) reminded the Board and meeting attendees to please continue to support our brick and mortar restaurants in the Palisades, such as Prima Cantina, Moku Sushi and others which could use our support.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven Representative) mentioned an event on May 31st from 4-7pm at Canyon Square. There will be a DJ and food, and everyone is invited to “come by and stop in.”
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Donna Vaccarino (PPHS) explained that as the new PPHS President she has also been appointed the Historical Society’s primary representative to PPCC, replacing Eric Dugdale (who was present).
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/.
8.5.1. Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades, reported that there was a theft at one construction site; the incident involved an individual trying to steal copper wire. Traffic has been slowed down to one lane on PCH, so it will be slow going back and forth. More private security is being added to the area with different firms added regularly. The California Highway Patrol is also helping with some enforcement, so expect delays and congestion from this activity on the streets. John Padden (PRIDE) asked about check points on the map and said that Tahitian Terrace is reporting issues with people coming into the area on bike and foot. Courtney Macker (PPRA) added that there was one theft with an armed suspect on Chautauqua, for which CHP did the report. Karen Ridgley (Area Four Representative) said that she is worried about standing houses being targeted for burglary as there are not many lights or police patrolling the area now.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), reminded everyone that the deadline to opt in or out with the Army Corps of Engineers is coming up so please do so before the deadline passes.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Representative, Mayor Karen Bass – not present.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath – not present.
8.5.5. Sean Regan, District Representative, Congressman Brad Sherman – not present.
8.5.6. Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) – not present.
8.5.7. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons.
8.6.1. Lou Kamer (Transportation Advisor) reminded the community to yield to blinking stop signs that are now in the Palisades. Residents cannot drive like they used to on Chautauqua, Sunset Blvd. and PCH. Drivers need to slow down and take their time to get through the area safely. He also noted that it’s a good idea to prepare a grab bag and have one ready to go in case of any future emergency. He will be helping with the 4th of July Parade to be held in Santa Monica on Main Street (the Palisades’ “Exile on Main Street”) and promised a good time for those who want to participate.
8.6.2. Allison Holdorff Polhill (Education Advisor and PPCC Area Five 1st Alternate) reported on LAUSD’s work involving Palisades schools, which has included relocating all schoolchildren to different schools and classrooms. She also announced that the LAUSD Bond Oversight Committee today authorized a $603M bond for the rebuild of all Palisades LAUSD schools.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees.
9.1. Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). Update on status of NORC survey. Quentin Fleming (Vice-President) reported that the contract with NORC has been signed and a meeting is scheduled next week to begin planning for the focus groups.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Rick Caruso & Nick Geller – Steadfast LA. Presentation/discussion & Q&A.
[Item heard immediately after the Mission Statement was read.]
The President announced that Councilwoman Traci Park was in attendance to introduce our guest speakers. CW Park spoke briefly about her No vote on the City budget, about the opening of PCH and the retention of security checkpoints into the Palisades. She also introduced Rick Caruso and Nick Geller. Mr. Caruso stated that he was more optimistic today than he’s ever been about the recovery process, and that the plans to rebuild the Recreation Center are moving forward every day. Steadfast LA is working with J.J. Reddick on the Recreation Center. He also explained that he has interesting plans for Palisades Village, with construction ongoing. Steadfast LA is also working with LAUSD and the Superintendent of Schools in helping to reopen Palisades elementary schools. They are also spending time on the challenge of undergrounding utilities, and they are putting together a financing plan to share with the City. Other matters that they are working on include: attempting to exempt people from the Mansion Tax; pushing all commercial landowners to get their debris cleared; working with residents to beautify open lots with sunflowers; and working on sidewalk, landscaping and lighting improvements for parts of Sunset Blvd. Steadfast LA is also working on providing prefab homes for those who qualify, such as the elderly or lower income households. After Mr. Caruso left the meeting, extensive Q&A took place with Nick Geller. The President thanked Mr. Caruso and Mr. Geller for their work on behalf of the Palisades community.
11.2. Proposed motion to support “Project Chimney” (by the Executive Committee):
The President announced that the Executive Committee was sponsoring the motion as set forth below. No second was necessary as the motion was made by more than one voting member. Following discussion, which included a clarification that “support” does not mean “monetary support,” a vote was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously.
Motion:
“Based on the presentation by Evan Hall of the House Museum at the PPCC Board meeting on May 8, 2025, and on information provided in the House Museum press release
(https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Project-Chimney-.pdf), PPCC supports ‘Project Chimney’ as a memorial to the 2025 Palisades Fire.”
Motion Background:
May 8th presentation recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=670Y0vBwz-8
Press release: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Project-Chimney-.pdf
At 7:15pm (15 minutes before the scheduled close of the meeting), the President called for Board nominations of officer candidates. There were none.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.