MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 23rd 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Julia Nilsen, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, Rick McGeagh, James Alexakis, David Card, Kevin Niles, Daphne Gronich / Rich Wilken,* Kaye Steinsapir, Courtney Macker, Donna Vaccarino [*Wilken became voting member upon Gronich’s departure before the Board vote on item 9.1.]
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Lee Anne Sanderson, Bonnie Burgess, Cindy Simon, Cameron Pfizenmaier, Alley Michaelson, Jim Kirtley, Harris Smith, Ella Nozar
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Lorie Cudzil 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. The minutes of October 9, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. October 30, 2025 (Special PPCC Meeting: presentation on the Gladstones Redevelopment Project, by LA County Beaches & Harbors and the concessionaire / developer PCH Beach Associates); November 13, 2025 (Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplug Awardees announced; guest speaker Jen Goodlin, Rebuild Paradise Foundation Executive Director); December 11, 2025 (PPCC Awards Gala/Holiday Dinner). Note: PPCC holds one meeting only during the months of November and December; the December meeting is the holiday Awards event.
6. Treasurer’s Report. In the Treasurer reported that our balances are as follows:
US Bank: $119,477.47
Schwab: $458,611.82
TOTAL: $578,089.29
The usual transactions: Zoom & Mailchimp expenses, small donations
Outstanding checks to: NORC $57,500, Village Green $10,817 – have not cleared yet
[Note: Item 11.1 was called following item 6/the Treasurer’s report and before Public Comment below]
7. General Public Comment.
7.1. Kari Weaver (resident / Resilient Palisades / RP board member) noted that RP is sponsoring a letter-drive to oppose the installation of artificial turf in the Field of Dreams at the Recreation Center.
7.2. Vicki Warren (resident / RP advisory board) also reported that RP will participate this Saturday in an event with the U.S. Green Building Council, from 1-4pm at Snapchat headquarters.
7.3. Sue Pascoe (resident / Circling the News editor) explained that as to public safety related to the bridge project, over the years persons have illegally parked along PCH and then were hit by cars trying to cross the highway.
7.4. Bart Young (resident) announced and expressed concern that LADWP will not waive any permit fees for those who lost homes in the fire. He also expressed concern about crime and transients coming over an unsupervised bridge as well e-bikes being allowed, which he felt would bring a another level of crime to the area.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. Appointment of PPCC rep to the WRAC Mobility & Transportation Committee (MTC): Stacey Rosser, resident. The President thanked Ms. Rosser for volunteering to serve as the PPCC rep.
8.1.2. Special PPCC Meeting re Gladstones: This will take place on October 30, 2025; PPCC EC memo to the Palisades community: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gladstones-MemoR.pdf.
8.1.3. Update: The YMCA community picnic held on October 11, 2025, at Simon Meadow – with the Glass Pumpkins sale and Winding Way – was a wonderful event.
8.1.4. [NEW] There will be a Halloween Party on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11-3pm at the Recreation Center.
8.1.5. [NEW] Volunteers are needed to participate in the Temescal Mural “Bubble Bath” on November 15 and 16 (both days). Information on how to sign up is in the PPCC Mailchimp.
8.1.5. [NEW] The Pali LTRG will hold a Seniors Luncheon and information session on October 30, 2025, at the American Legion Post 283, from 12:30 – 3pm. RSVP to info@paliltrg.org.
8.1.6. [NEW] There will be a blood drive on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 8am – 2pm, at the Red Cross headquarters, 1450 11th St. in Santa Monica, sponsored by Sen. Allen and the Red Cross, Santa Monica Chapter.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large Rep) gave an update on the status of the proposed Zone Zero regulations. The Board of Forestry Zone Zero Committee met on October 23 and discussed potential landscaping options for Zone Zero (i.e., the area in the first 5 ft. around homes). A final decision was not reached at the October 23rd meeting, but the most draconian restrictions (opposed by PPCC, Councilwoman Park and the entire Los Angeles City Council; supported by the insurance industry) are expected to be recommended to the full Board of Forestry and announced at the Committee meeting in November. If approved by the Board of Forestry, the new regulations will go into effect in January 2026, impacting
properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven Rep) announced that the Hillside Task Force event (consisting of
LAPD, LAFD, CD11/Councilwoman Park, other agencies, PPTFH and community volunteers) took place on October 22, 2025, at 7 a.m., and was successful. No major encampments were found but several individual camps were cleared out. A resident reported on an encampment in the Palisades Bowl pool area; SLO Brian Espin responded and escorted out the individual who was camping there. Kilbride also stated that some Canyon residents have expressed concerns about the size and impacts of the Canyon Elementary School renovation project.
8.3.3. Lee Ann Sanderson (Area Four 1st Alternate) reported that a State Park Ranger has deployed a drone, with private funding, to monitor conditions in the Los Liones Canyon area, including a bathroom where the water service was out; LADWP has been notified of the bathroom condition. LAPD and SLO Espin have initiated a small drone pilot program in Pacific Palisades, to be used only to monitor reported incidents. All videos will be kept secure at the LAPD station.
8.3.4. Lorie Cudzil (Area Six Rep) advised that several residents along the Potrero Canyon rim have questions as to why portions of the black chain link fence around the park were taken down; they are trying to get answers.
8.3.5. JoAnna Rodriguez (Area One Rep) reported on the recent residents’ meeting with Getty Villa officials; there are new exhibits and activities at the Getty Villa, free and open to all.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Dave Card (PFC) announced that free street trees are available to Palisades residents; visit the PFC website for more information on how to obtain a street tree.
8.4.2. Jim Kirtley (Lowe Family YMCA) noted that the Pumpkin Patch is still open. There will be a Christmas tree lot at Simon Meadow and the Holiday Ho!Ho!Ho! will take place (dates TBD). The Y also plans to host “listening” sessions to learn community opinion on activities or programs the Y should offer (details on the sessions to come).
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/.
8.5.1. Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades, reported that crime was again low in the Palisades. We will now be down to 3 LAPD patrol units, including the beach detail. CHP will still be here, patrolling on PCH and in Palisades neighborhoods. He noted that there were 58 crimes in our area for the period June 14 – October 21, 2025. SLO Espin also reported on the successful Hillside Task Force event the day before, on October 22, and he explained the beneficial use of existing LPR cameras in the apprehension of suspects in recent alleged crimes in our area.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park). The President read from the following report from Ms. Grigoryan, who was unable to attend:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Updates-to-PPCC-from-Arus-Grigoryan.pdf.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Representative, Mayor Karen Bass, suggested that residents who make 311 requests for pothole repairs should send the 311 tickets to her for resolution. She stated that as of the meeting, almost 300 homes have started construction with approximately 1,000 permit applications in process. There is a City dashboard at recovery.lacity.gov, which shows the rebuild numbers. Stay tuned for more info. about the Palisades Library status.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, reported on recent actions taken by the Board of Supervisors (BOS), including approval by the BOS of a $30 million rent relief program. He reiterated that representatives of County Beaches & Harbors and the concessionaire/developer of the Gladstones redevelopment project will attend the Special PPCC Meeting on October 30, 2025, to provide information and answer questions.
8.5.5. Sean Regan, District Representative, Congressman Brad Sherman – not present.
8.5.6. Sophia Liebman, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen), provided information about the Zone Zero regulations and the Board of Forestry Committee process, and about two fire-related bills that passed in the legislature.
8.5.7. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons – None.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees.
9.1. Grants Committee (Quentin Fleming, Chair). Committee recommendations for PPCC grants; motion for Board approval of the following grants from donations that PPCC has received, to:
1) Pacific Palisades Residents Association (PPRA) — $71,000; Committee report:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Grant-Recommend.PPRAR_.pdf
2) Palisades Charter High School (PCHS) — $30,000; Committee report:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Grant-Recommend.PCHS_.pdf
3) The Seed Bomb Project (The SBP) — $3,000; Committee report:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Grant-Recommend.TheSBP.pdf
See also the Conflict of Interest Rules regarding Grants:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Conflict-of-Interest-Rules-Grants.pdf
Chair Fleming briefly introduced the above motions and asked all voting members with conflicts of interest related to the recommended grants to announce any conflicts and recuse themselves, pursuant to the Committee’s Conflict of Interest Rules regarding Grants. The following voting members identified themselves as having a conflict of interest and recused themselves accordingly: PPRA – Courtney Macker, Beth Holden-Garland; PCHS – JoAnna Rodriguez; The SBP – no recusals.
He then asked for discussion on any of the recommended grants. The Treasurer noted that she will vote No on the grant to PPRA, as she has privacy concerns related to the potential use of Flock camera recordings. After further opportunity for discussion on the recommended grants, a vote was called on each recommendation. Result: As to the grant to PPRA: Approved, with one No vote and no abstentions. As to the grants to PCHS and The SBP: Approved unanimously (both grants).
9.2. Awards Selection Committee (Daphne Gronich, Chair). Awards nominations update. In Chair Gronich’s absence, Committee member Chris Spitz spoke about the process and noted that many worthy nominations were received, making the Committee’s decision especially difficult. The honorees will be announced on or before the PPCC Board meeting on November 13, 2025.
9.3. Awards Event Committee (Lorie Cudzil, Chair). Awards event update. Chair Cudzil reported that the Event Committee is working hard on preparations for the event, to be held at Spruzzo Restaurant & Bar in the Highlands Plaza on December 11th. The invitation and more details will be coming soon.
9.3. Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). NORC-PPCC community survey update. In Chair Schwarz’s absence, Committee member Quentin Fleming explained that the survey portal was closed on Monday the 20th; NORC is now scrubbing and analyzing the data. We should have the results in about 4-5 weeks.
9.4. Undergrounding Committee (Reza Akef, Chair). Committee update. Chair Akef reported that the Committee has been actively working with LADWP and the Mayor’s office on what they would like to be addressed in the Mayor’s next Emergency Order (EO #9) for the Palisades rebuild, including waivers of various fees such as the “street damage restoration fee,” which should be paid by FEMA. The Committee would also like to know what it will take to restore utilities at no cost. At-large Rep Spitz noted that either the Board or the Executive Committee (in emergency situations) should be consulted to approve requests for items to be included in the Mayor’s EO (any that are not already supported by PPCC), since PPCC ad hoc committees are advisory only and cannot act for the Board when the Board has not taken a position.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Pedestrian Bridge over PCH. Update by the Bureau of Engineering (BOE) Bridge Unit. Representatives of BOE (project manager Sylvia Dhimdas), Jacobs Engineering (Matt Negrete), Arellano Associates (Jason Jackson), and others, presented an update to PPCC on the status of the pedestrian bridge project. They showed a series of slides and answered questions from the Board and community members. They discussed the bridge history and noted that a priority for the bridge has been to provide safe crossing over PCH from the beach to Potrero Canyon. They described three potential bridge designs: 1) a slanted “S” shape; 2) a “corkscrew” shape; and 3) a “paperclip” shape. The Board was reminded that Sen. Allen had previously obtained $11 million in State funding for the bridge project, which amount has been deposited with BOE/the Public Works Dept. and is restricted for use only for this project. The representatives advised that the best estimates at this time to complete the bridge are between $13 – $18 million, depending on inflation; currently, the sources for likely additional required funding are unknown. A concern was expressed about insufficient funding potentially resulting in bridge construction being started but not completed. A preliminary environmental analysis report (PEAR) has been prepared but has not yet been posted to the BOE webpage for the project; in response to a question, it was unclear whether the PEAR will be posted or otherwise made publicly available. Community opinions were also expressed about conditions and infrastructure rebuilding priorities in the aftermath of the disaster; about the need for automatic locks or self-locking gates; and about the need for park rangers or LAPD patrols for security. The representatives explained that the bridge will require a long process and that they would be returning to provide future updates to the community. The President thanked the representatives for updating us on the plans and invited them to return and keep us apprised of new developments as they arise. [See a recording of the presentation at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuD_cDnDRdo; see also the BOE project webpage at: https://engineering.lacity.gov/about-us/major-projects/potrero-canyon-pedestrian-bicycle-bridge-project.]
11.2. Pacific Palisades Friends & Newcomers. Presentation by Anne Wirth Schoenberg. The President welcomed Ms. Schoenberg, who gave an interesting presentation on this longstanding Palisades organization, which was formed in the 1960s and remains active today. She explained that the organization is primarily social in nature, but also conducts some community service. She encouraged everyone to visit their website and sign up for newsletters [https://www.pacificpalisadesnewcomers.com/; see also a recording of the presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM9cn6xAYFo.]
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m