MINUTES FROM APRIL 23rd 2026
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Beth Holden-Garland, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Carole White, Julia Nilsen, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Lorie Cudzil (late arrival), Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, Valeria Serna, Kevin Niles, Jim Kirtley, David Card, Fay Vahdani, Donna Vaccarino, Daphne Gronich, Courtney Macker, Kaye Steinsapir
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak, Bonnie Burgess, Cindy Simon, Ben Einbinder, Michael Edlen, Kim Millimaki-Gorry, James Alexakis, Alley Michaelson, Cameron Pfizenmaier, Harris Smith, Allison Holdorff (partial attendance), Jessica Rogers, Lou Kamer
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. Sharon Kilbride 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 April 9, 2026, were approved.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. May 14, 2026 (Nominating Committee presents nominees for officer positions; Board nominations open; 2nd Distribution and vote on proposed Bylaws amendments). May 28, 2026 (Board nominations of officer candidates close; tentative LADWP presentation on water infrastructure).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The President read a brief Treasurer’s report in the absence of the Treasurer:
US Bank balance: $ 55,667.57
Schwab account: $387,925.92
7. General Public Comment – None. A resident, Gordon Gerson, sought to comment on the bylaws amendments, but was reminded by the President that the 1st Distribution of bylaws amendments was an agenda item and therefore not an item for public comment; full discussion about the amendments will take place at the required 2nd Distribution on May 14.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1.1. Letters re motions passed by the Board on 4/9/26:
15113 Sunset: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PPCC-Letter-15113-Sunset-Blvd.pdf
Density/Evacuation: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PPCC-Letter-Density-Mandates-Evacuation.pdf
8.1.2. PPCC-CD 11 Special Meeting/Town Hall on a potential Disaster Recovery District for the Palisades – date to be announced. The President explained that we are working with CD 11 to hold this special meeting and will let everyone know the date as soon as it is arranged.
8.1.3. City of LA Survey/AECOM Long Term Recovery Plan – participation in the survey encouraged: bit.ly/PacificPalisadesLTRP. The President stressed the importance of participating in the survey.
8.1.4. PPCC Advisory Task Forces (ATFs) – sign up to volunteer at https://www.pali411.com/volunteer. The President reminded everyone that volunteer sign-ups for the ATFs are ongoing.
8.1.5. Community Recovery Coordination Council (CCRC) update. About the CCRC: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Pacific-Palisades-CRCC-.pdf. The President recommended that community members read the detailed information about the CCRC linked in the agenda and posted on the PPCC website homepage.
8.1.6. [New] Community Brush Clearance. The President announced that this important community clean-up of brush in several Palisades neighborhoods will take place on Saturday April 25 from 8am – noon. Contact Team Palisades Block Captains for information on how to volunteer.
8.1.7. [New] Palisades Car Show. The President announced that a special car show will take place in the commercial Village on June 13 from 9am – 3pm, with several Palisades groups supporting. She stated that PPCC will also support this fun event unless there are any Board objections. There were no objections.
8.1.8. [New] Additional Upcoming events. The President announced the following: a Fire Resource Fair at St. Martin of Tours School on Saturday, April 25 from 10am – 2:30pm; an “Infrastructure Straight Talk” meeting with representatives of BOE and other agencies and open Q&A, moderated by Reza Akef, at the Pali LTRG on Sunday, April 26 from 2 – 4pm at the American Legion; a Dog Park Dedication event, sponsored by CD 11, to take place on Temescal Canyon Rd. on May 9 at 9am.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Maryam Zar (Chair Emeritus) reported on upcoming PRC events, including a session with Warren Sutton of LAFD on the brush clearance notices, to take place on Monday, April 27 from 10am – noon.
8.2.2. Beth Holden Garland (Secretary) announced the sad news that a construction worker, Gabriel Romero, died after an unfortunate accident in the Via bluffs. He was a young father who left behind wife and child. A GoFundMe page for donations has been set up. Contact the Secretary for more information. [See https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-gabriels-life-and-legacy]
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large) noted that Area 6 Representative Lorie Cudzil wanted to share information about voter registration but was not yet in attendance. The President explained that the LA City Clerk wishes to present voter registration information to the Palisades community at an upcoming PPCC meeting; we are working on setting a date for this special meeting. The Chair Emeritus stated that the PRC will hold sessions with the LA County Registrar on May 1 and May 15, from 10am – 2pm.
8.3.2. JoAnna Rodriguez (Area One) reported that the Getty Center will be closed for renovations for one year, beginning in March 2027; some programs and artworks will be temporarily moved to the Getty Villa, and we should expect increased traffic in the area during that time; residents appreciate the work being done by the city on bulkhead repairs.
8.3.3. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven) reported on the following: 1) brush along Entrada that was encroaching on the street and was a fire hazard has been removed by the Conservation Corps with the assistance of Arus Grigoryan; 2) residents have noticed apparent homeless individuals sleeping on the tennis courts at the Recreation Center; she advises residents to take pictures (if it is safe to do so) and forward them to PPTFH, which can arrange for Beach Patrol officers to visit the area and address the situation; 3) the homeless encampment debris underneath Gladstones has been cleaned up by Beaches & Harbors; the restaurant manager is working on securing the area so that the problem will not re-occur.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Fay Vahdani (Palibu Chamber of Commerce) announced a Palibu Recovery Expo to take place on Sunday, May 16 from noon – 4pm, at 13575 Civic Center Way in Malibu.
8.4.2. James Alexakis (TCA) announced a special Earth Day family-friendly event at Will Rogers State Historic Park on Saturday, April 25 from 11am – 3pm, at which TCA will be tabling and taking sign-ups for upcoming hikes.
8.4.3. Dave Card (PFC) announced that PFC will be planting trees in connection with the Earth Day event at Will Rogers State Historic Park on April 25. He reiterated the importance of preserving street trees.
8.4.4. Valeria Serna (Resilient Palisades) noted that the organization held a successful Earth Day event at the Village Green last Sunday which was well-attended.
8.4.5. Jim Kirtley (Lowe Family YMCA) will hold a “Brunchin’ with Moms” event on Saturday, May 9 from 10:30am – 1:30 pm in Simon Meadow.
8.4.6. Daphne Gronich (PAPA) noted that volunteers are working on planning the events for the 4th of July, including the Run, the Parade and the evening celebration. More volunteers are encouraged.
8.4.7. Jessica Rogers (PPRA alternate) sought to make a statement about the bylaws amendments but was reminded by the President that item 9.1 on the agenda was the 1st Distribution of the bylaws amendments and discussion about the amendments would not be held at this meeting; full discussion and a vote will take place at the required 2nd Distribution on May 14.
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) for Pacific Palisades – not present.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), reported on the following matters: 1) the fee waivers ordinance (still awaiting final drafting by the C.A.); 2) brush clearance in park areas (Recreation and Parks has a bid out to brush contractors; clearance expected to take place in May along Palisades Dr., Temescal Canyon, Potrero Canyon and bluffs areas); 3) the status of BOE and LADWP projects in Area One previously reported on; 4) a new project involving bulkhead repair on Bienveneda in Area Three; 5) the community clean-up on Saturday (with a thanks to Marian Ensley for arranging to deliver dumpsters to the Palisades ahead of the clean-up); 6) traffic issues with the Metro project in the Sepulveda Pass; and 7) a Dog Park Dedication hosted by CD11 on May 9, at 9am on Temescal Canyon Rd. (all are invited to this initial celebratory event, with actual ribbon-cutting to occur when construction of the dog park is completed).
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Representative, Mayor Karen Bass, provided information about several matters, including the Mayor’s and County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s recent visit to Washington, D.C. They had a successful meeting with the President, in which they advocated for insurance reforms, mortgage forbearance and wildfire recovery funding. She thanked Jim Cragg for providing the Palisades Flag as a gift from the Mayor to the President. Ms. Ensley noted that momentum is building with the federal government. She also reported the good news about the Baywatch” reboot production being in Los Angeles and filming on our local beaches. In addition, she gave an update on street lighting repairs by the Bureau of Street Lighting; spoke about LADWP’s work on Sunset Blvd. to upgrade main lines; noted that the City is providing dumpsters to help with the brush clean-up effort this Saturday; and explained that the City will be picking up any brush debris and “wattles” that are lying in the streets after the rainy season.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath), provided information about some of the Board of Supervisors’ recent actions, measures and programs. The President noted that she recently observed alarming conditions on the beach bike path that she had never seen before: large numbers of “mini-motorcycles” (not motorized bicycles) now using the bike path and presenting a potential public safety hazard. These vehicles may be rented in Venice. Mr. Gaidzik thanked her for providing this information; both his office and CD11 were aware of mini-motorcycles being ridden along the Venice area bike path, and had been looking into possible enforcement measures, but this was the first time he had heard that these vehicles were traveling farther north along the bike bath to Will Rogers State Beach. He expressed concern and indicated he will research and report back.
8.5.5. Sean Regan, District Representative, Congressman Brad Sherman – not present.
8.5.6. Sophia Liebman, 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. Chris Spitz, Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC; Vice-Chair and PPCC rep to WRAC). Volunteer needed to represent PPCC on the WRAC Mobility & Transportation Committee (MTC). Ms. Spitz invited those interested in volunteering for this position to contact her.
8.6.2. Allison Holdorff (Senior Advisor to LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin). The President advised that Ms. Holdorff had to leave the meeting early, but had reported briefly in the Chat [Pali High graduation to take place on June 4 on the field; Revere culmination will be on June 11 at Uni High].
9. Reports from PPCC Committees. Committee information: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/committees/.
9.1. Bylaws Committee (Chris Spitz & Maryam Zar, Co-Chairs). Required First Distribution of proposed Bylaws Amendments (Second Distribution and Board vote on Motions, May 14, 2026; Bylaws, Art. XII.2.B). See the following documents distributed concurrently with this meeting agenda via PPCC email and posted on the PPCC website:
1) Committee Motions: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bylaws-Amendment-Motions-2026R.pdf
2) Committee Report: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bylaws-Cmte-Report-April-May-2026.pdf
3) Organizational Composition: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PPCC-Org.-Composition.pdf
4) Amendments “Redline”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.-May-2026-Redline.pdf
5) Amendments “Clean”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.-May-2026-CLEAN.pdf
The President announced that this was the 1st Distribution of the proposed bylaws amendments recommended by the Bylaws Committee, and explained that we will not be voting or having discussion tonight. The vote will take place at the 2nd Distribution, as required by our bylaws, on May 14. We will have a full discussion at that time, and she asked everyone to please hold comments until then. Anyone who has questions or needs clarity before our May 14th meeting should contact the Committee Co-Chairs.
The President also stated that the Bylaws Committee has been hard at work and did an excellent job with their proposals; she hoped everyone has read or will read the extensive materials that have been prepared for the Board and are included in the agenda and posted on the website. She explained that the members of the Committee would briefly go over the motions that will be made on May 14, beginning with Andrew Wolfberg explaining motion No. 1. The Committee members in turn briefly read and explained each motion, starting with Mr. Wolfberg (No. 1); then Quentin Fleming (Nos. 2 & 3); Chris Spitz (No. 4); Maryam Zar (No. 5); James Alexakis (No. 6); Daphne Gronich (No. 7); Quentin Fleming (No. 8); and Chris Spitz (No. 9).
In addition, in connection with motion No. 4, Co-Chair Spitz called on three individuals representing the new organizations that have applied to become PPCC members to speak briefly to the Board: Jim Cragg, Pali Long Term Recovery Group; Joe Iacopino, Palisades Recovery Coalition; and Tony Hocking, Team Palisades. Each representative provided information about their respective organization, explained the reasons why they wish to become an organizational member of PPCC, and stated that they were honored to be considered for membership.
9.2. Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC/Cindi Young, Chair). Report on focus group meeting with AECOM. In the absence of both the Committee Chair and member Josie Tong, member Elissa Ashwood gave a brief report, noting that the EPC had a successful meeting with AECOM and explained that more work is needed on preparation for emergencies, communications and evacuation during catastrophes.
9.3. Infrastructure Committee (Reza Akef, Chair). Chair Akef reported on the Committee’s work, including discussions with LADWP officials about the importance of presenting specific information to PPCC on water infrastructure in the Palisades; about a tour of Palisades neighborhoods arranged by Chair Akef with the Board of Water & Power Commissioners, during which the Commissioners were able to see first-hand the conditions in our public rights of way for purposes of undergrounding; and about discussions with the telecoms, who have indicated willingness to participate in undergrounding. He also mentioned the “Infrastructure Straight Talk” discussion that he will moderate, taking place on Sunday and hosted by the LTRG at the American Legion, in which Infrastructure Committee members will participate.
9.4. Land Use Committee (LUC/Chris Spitz, Chair). Committee update. Chair Spitz noted that the LUC will be meeting with AECOM and relevant city agencies for a focus group meeting on April 29th and will report back to the Board. She also noted that Deputy Mayor Randall Winston has advised that Mayor Bass and other city officials will be meeting to discuss PPCC’s recent letter requesting evacuation planning and a pause on issuance of density bonus permits. In addition, the Governor’s regional director has acknowledged receipt of our letter which he has forwarded to the Governor’s team in Sacramento. Finally, the LUC will be holding a working meeting to discuss possible drafting of guidelines for development in our commercial areas.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Every Fire Survivor’s Network – Fire Insurance Survey. Presentation by Joy Chen, Executive Director: https://www.efsurvivors.net/. The President introduced Ms. Chen, who provided and interesting presentation about Every Fire survivor’s Network and the important fire insurance survey. [See the recording at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=VeIV9iWkGtA&feature=youtu.be].
11.2. Motion to Approve Letter re Street Vending Operations – sponsored by Chris Spitz (At-large) and Lorie Cudzil (Area 6). Proposed letter text attached below (also linked here: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Street-Vending-Letter-draft.pdf).
Chris Spitz introduced the motion, stating that the text was as set forth in the agenda. She explained that no second was necessary because the motion was being made by two voting members. She noted that PPCC had discussed regulation of street (sidewalk) vending at several meetings in 2024 and that previous reports about the activities had been shared with Board members. Now, community members have reached out to PPCC expressing concerns about apparent unsafe conditions at operations that have arisen post-Fire and during the rebuild. Lorie Cudzel explained that we do not seek to eliminate street vending in the Palisades (a service that many people enjoy), but we want to ensure that the operations are legal, abide by all regulations and do not pose a public safety hazard, particularly in regard to risks of fire (open flames, no fire extinguishers) and general public health (grease being poured down storm drains, rats being attracted by debris).
During discussion, some Board members indicated that there may be other locations where street vendors are operating in violation of regulations. Ms. Spitz suggested that members let us know about any other specific locations, which we could include in a supplemental communication.
A vote was then taken. Result: unanimous in support of the proposed letter re street vending operations.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
ATTACHMENT – Item 11.2:
Draft proposed letter re street vending operations.
April __, 2026 D R A F T (for PPCC Board approval)
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Environmental Health, Mobile Food Program via email to ehvip@ph.lacounty.gov
Dear Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:
Founded in 1973, Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) is the most broad-based organization in Pacific Palisades – the community that was devastated by the Palisades Fire in 2025 and is now engaging in recovery and rebuilding. Our community’s concern with protection of public health and safety – and in particular, mitigation of ongoing fire hazards – cannot be overstated.
PPCC respectfully requests your involvement in investigating all “pop-up street vendors” who are now operating within our community’s boundaries and have been observed not in compliance with the County of Los Angeles health and safety standards. Licensed brick and mortar food services are required to have hot potable water to wash and clean utensils, windscreens to prevent flies from entering food, restrooms for staff to use and wash their hands, etc. The stakeholders in this community are equally concerned that all street vendors be in similar compliance and properly permitted and inspected by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
We bring to your attention at least three street vendor locations within our Pacific Palisades neighborhoods that we ask you to investigate and take appropriate enforcement action as needed for any and all violations of health and safety standards:
- 15120 Sunset Blvd.(in the commercial Village)
- Upper Marquez Ave. & Sunset Blvd.
- Marquez Pl. & Sunset Blvd.
These street vendors appear to operate daily from morning until late afternoon. Some of the specific problems observed by stakeholders are the following:
– the operation at the Marquez Pl. location is positioned adjacent to an open field containing brush and weeds, increasing fire risk. Additionally, neither of the Marquez locations appear to have fire extinguishers present.
– Open-flame cooking utilizing both charcoal and propane equipment on public sidewalks, directly adjacent to parked vehicles and pedestrian traffic
– Lack of a compliant handwashing station (no dedicated sink with running potable water, soap, and paper towels)
– Food storage and preparation occurring within personal vehicles rather than approved facilities
– Raw meat being stored and handled in plastic bags at ambient outdoor temperatures without proper refrigeration or temperature control
– Food items, including sauces or marinades, being stored in repurposed non-foodservice containers (e.g., one-gallon vinegar jugs), raising sanitation and contamination concerns
– Use of non-commercial containers and equipment not designed for safe food service operations
– Cooking grease washed down the storm drain at the Sunset Blvd. location.
These conditions present a clear risk of cross-contamination, foodborne illness, fire hazard and general public safety concerns.
PPCC acknowledges that street vendors provide a service that is enjoyed by workers and other visitors to the community during the ongoing rebuild of Pacific Palisades. Public health and safety, however, must come first.
Aside from proper food handling, food temperature controls, hygiene and fire hazard, we are also concerned that our sidewalks remain free of obstruction from carts and tents, as per L.A. Municipal Code Sec. 56.12. Additionally, local, licensed eateries are concerned that these unpermitted street vendors are affecting their revenue, as well as a loss of sales tax collection that should be remitted to the California State Board of Equalization to help pay for vital city services.
Accordingly, out of serious concern for the health and safety of our community, we respectfully request immediate attention by the County Health Dept.’s Environmental Health division to inspection and enforcement of pop-up street vendors in the Pacific Palisades community.
Via copy of this letter to County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Mayor Karen Bass, Councilwoman Traci Park, Los Angeles City Fire Dept. (LAFD) Chief Jaime Moore and County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, we also bring these health and safety risks to their attention and request coordinated action by the City and County to effectively address the substantial fire hazards posed by pop-up street vending operations in Pacific Palisades.
This request was [unanimously] approved by the PPCC Board at its regularly scheduled public meeting on April 23, 2026.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated prompt response.
Sincerely,
Sue Kohl, President
Christina Spitz, At-large Representative
Lorie Cudzil, Area 6 Representative
Pacific Palisades Community Council
cc:
Hon. Lindsey Horvath, LA County Supervisor, District 3 via email: thirddistrict@bos. lacounty.go
Hon. Karen Bass, Mayor, City of Los Angeles via email: karen.bass@lacity.org
Hon. Traci Park, LA City Councilwoman, District 11 via email: traci.park@lacity.org
Jaime Moore, Chief, LAFD via email: jaime.moore@lacity.org
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director, LA County Dept. of Public Health via email: media@ph.lacounty.gov