MINUTES FROM JUNE 11th 2026
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Beth Holden-Garland, Jenny Li, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Carole White, Julia Nilsen, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Cindy Simon,* Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, Valeria Serna, Kevin Niles, David Card, Fay Vahdani,* Donna Vaccarino, Daphne Gronich, Kaye Steinsapir (partial attendance)/Alley Michaelson,* Darragh Danton* (*voting alternate)
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak, Lee Ann Sanderson, Ben Einbinder, Michael Edlen, Marc Gordonson, Bonnie Burgess, Allison Holdorff, Jim Kirtley, Caroline Nick, Aileen Haugh
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. Quentin Fleming 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 May 28, 2026, were approved.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. June 25, 2026 (LADWP presentation on Palisades water infrastructure; announcement of Election Committee and names of incumbents running for re-election in the Election of PPCC 2026 Area and At-large representatives; last meeting in current officers’ term; thank you to the current officers); July 23, 2026 (first meeting of new officers’ term; announcement of candidates running in the election for PPCC Area and At-large representative). Note: There is one PPCC Board meeting only in each of the months of July and August – on July 23, 2026, and August 13, 2026.
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported as follows:
US Bank balance: $28,662.20
— Accountant expense: $3000 to Jay Foster; the bill was large this year because our assets were over the threshold for simple filing and we were required to file a full Form 9990.
Schwab balance: $370.095.03
— $5,000 grant to Pali High Baseball paid and cleared May 29.
Total both accounts: $398,757.23
At the June 25th meeting, the Treasurer will provide an income and expense statement as of June 1 for the prior period (June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026).
7. General Public Comment.
7.1. Diane Bleak (resident) reiterated her concerns about conditions on Palisades Dr. and rats in the Woodies area of the Highlands. Arus Grigoryan (CD 11 Palisades Deputy) reported that CD 11 was addressing conditions in Area Two.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1.1. Area and At-large Election (Summer 2026) relevant dates and process: Names of incumbents running for re-election announced – June 25, 2026; Members of the Election Committee to oversee the Election announced – June 25, 2026; Notice of Election (information about becoming a candidate) distributed to the public – on or before July 1, 2026; names of candidates running in the election announced – July 23, 2026; campaigning starts – upon close of the July 23rd meeting; candidates forum to take place – August 13, 2026; online voting/ballot submission begins – August 21, 2026 (8 days after the August 13th meeting); deadline for ballot submission – September 4, 2026; names of elected candidates announced – on or before September 10, 2026 (first meeting in September).
8.1.2. Update: Sunset Blvd. Streetscape improvements by Caruso; Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of tree removals and replacements. The President explained that these improvements have been proposed for many years and are supported by PPCC. Many residents attended a recent BPW hearing in support of the improvements; the BPW approved removal of the 9 current street trees which were inappropriate for the location, and replacement with 13 new, appropriate street trees.
8.1.3. Update: New PPCC website status. The President reported that the new website is actively being developed and will feature an interactive calendar on which only trusted organizations may post information about upcoming events.
8.1.4. Reminder: Submit questions for LADWP related to Palisades water infrastructure to the PPCC Infrastructure Committee (link to submit questions on www.pacpalicc.org). Deadline for submission: 11pm on June 22, 2026. The President encouraged residents to submit questions for LADWP.
8.1.5. Reminder: Deadline for incumbents’ written notification to President of intent to run for re-election: one hour before the scheduled start of the June 25th meeting (i.e., by 5pm on 6/25); incumbents who do not timely submit written notification are deemed conclusively not to be running (see Bylaws Attachment A, Sec. 3.D.1-2 (Filing Deadlines; additional requirement for incumbent). The President noted that she has now received written notification from all incumbents, with two Area reps indicating that they will not run again. She will announce the names at the June 25th meeting.
8.1.6. [NEW]: PPCC Participation in 4th of July Parade. The President explained that PPCC will participate in the Parade with cars carrying the Citizen of the Year and Pride of the Palisades honorees, as well as Board members marching with a PPCC banner. She invited members to email her if they can participate. Cindy Simon (Area Six 1st Alternate) announced that during the 5K/10K Run that morning, from 8-10am, her family will host complimentary coffee and donuts on Toyopa Dr. Everyone is invited.
8.1.7. [NEW]: LTRG representative to PPCC. The President announced that Jessica Rogers is the new LTRG representative.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Maryam Zar (Chair Emeritus) reported that sign-ups for the 4th of July 5K/10K Run are ongoing, with the PRC assisting in spreading the word.
8.2.2. Jenny Li (Treasurer) announced that there will be a lane closure on westbound Entrada in connection with work being undertaken to shore up the hillside at the top of Entrada. The work and lane closure will take place Monday-Friday weekly from June 22 – August 31.
8.2.3. Beth Holden Garland (Secretary) noted that our Instagram account is only 3 years old but has been very successful, with over 2,500 followers to date.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large Representative) provided a brief legislative update and encouraged participation in advocacy campaigns organized by the CRCC Advocacy ATF, supporting SB 1301 and AB 1847; information can be found at www.pali411.com.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven Representative) reported on the following:
- The westbound traffic lane on Entrada will be closed due to work on shoring up the hillside.
- There are potholes on the road leading to Will Rogers State Park; CD11 has been notified.
- Residents have complaints about new landscaping around the Canyon Charter School construction; a community meeting will be held on June 16 at 6pm in the school auditorium.
- A Hillside Task Force event took place at 7am that morning and was successful, with many participants, including LAPD, CW Park, representatives of CD 11 and the County Supervisor, PPTFH members and outreach workers, and community volunteers. They found 6 abandoned encampments and evidence of fire below the Corona del Mar Bluffs. The encampments and fire evidence were removed. She also noted that the LAPD Beach Detail is doing a great job.
8.3.3. Carole White (Area Two Representative) has met with Josie Tong on emergency preparedness. She has asked for an LAFD station to be installed in the Highlands and is waiting to hear from LAFD.
8.3.4. Andrew Wolfberg (Area Eight Representative) noted the installation of pole top distributing stations on Sunset Blvd. at San Remo & Allenford, with work to take place from June 2026 until April 2027.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. David Card (PFC) advised that PFC members worked with the “Treeams” group at Seven Arrows to plant the back slope of the Woman’s Club with shrubs and trees. The PFC, Rotary Club and other organizations worked last weekend at the pump station at Temescal Canyon Rd. and PCH to clear weeds; they also conducted a workshop on how to make “mycowattles.”
8.4.2. Jim Kirtley (Lowe Family YMCA) reported on the Y’s Summer Day Camps, free for children of fire survivor members; on the start of “free swims” at the Pali High pool (also free for fire survivor members); on the Y’s Teen Advisory Council, which was honored at City Council recently; and on the upcoming Community BBQ at Simon Meadow on July 19.
8.4.3. Donna Vaccarino (PPHS) announced that PPHS has a new series called “Fun Facts,” written by PPHS Board member Patrick Healy, to be published in the Palisadian-Post.
8.4.4. James Alexakis (TCA) explained that TCA will participate with Palisades Beautiful this Saturday on a tree planting in the Palisades. TCA will soon be sending out a newsletter and Temescal Gateway Park will also be opening soon.
8.4.5. Daphne Gronich (PAPA) provided information about the 4th of July Parade and evening celebration taking place in the Palisades this year (Parade in the historic Village starting at 4pm, celebration and Drone show at Pali High starting at 6pm). Visit www.palisades4th.com to learn more.
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 has been steady, with theft and burglary numbers slightly dropped since his last report. Specialized LAPD units in the area have stopped suspicious people. SLO Espin will be on vacation, located on Will Rogers State Beach for a week teaching Jr. Lifeguards. Matt Kirk, SLO for Brentwood, will be available to the Palisades in Espin’s absence. He also reported that the Hillside Task Force event was successful, and he thanked Sharon Kilbride and her team. An extensive conversation ensued about multiple thefts at residential construction sites over the past ten days and the long delays in police response.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), updated the Board on several matters: street repairs will begin soon, according to Bureau of Street Services assessments and recommendations; the Posetano and Stretto projects are completed (she showed photos of the extensive work that was done); another street repair project on Bienveneda is ongoing and expected to be completed in 2-3 weeks; work on the Tramonto bulkhead construction will also begin soon; the Hillside Task Force event was successful and she thanked PPTFH and LAPD for organizing the event.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, Deputy Director, Recovery & Community Engagement, Mayor Karen Bass, reported on the Community Care Day event which took place on May 30. She thanked all the participants. There were requests for over 300 free, 5-gallon trees. The City now has a new Recovery Dashboard on the City website, as well as Permit and 311 Dashboards. AECOM and the Mayor will host an open house on May 22 from 6-8pm to provide information about the LTRP. More details will be provided soon.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, West/Metro LA Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, reported on County legislative matters and initiatives, including a new centralized Homelessness Resources page on the BOS website.
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. Allison Holdorff Polhill (Education Advisor and Sr. Counsel to LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin) reported on the wonderful recent graduation and culmination ceremonies: the Palisade High School graduation which took place on the new Pali High field, and the Palisades Elementary culmination which took place in person along Via de la Paz in front of the school building.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees. Committee information: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/committees/.
9.1. Grants Committee (Chair Quentin Fleming). Committee update / grant recommendations for Board approval. Documents relevant to the Grant process:
Conflict of Interest Rules: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Conflict-of-Interest-Rules-Grants.pdf
Application Guidelines: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Guidelines-for-Grants1.pdf
Committee Statement: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PPCC-Grants-Cmtee-Statement.pdf
Recommended grants:
$20,000 to the Pacific Palisades Business Improvement District (BID)
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grant-Recommend-Palisades-BID.pdf
$10,000 to the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness (PPTFH)
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grant-Recommend.-PPTFH-.pdf
$10,000 to Canyon Elementary School
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grant-Recommend-Canyon-Charter.pdf
$10,000 to griefHaven
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grant-Recommend-griefHaven.pdf
$5,000 to Tahitian Terrace Radio
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grant-Recommend.Tahitian-TerraceR.pdf
$5,000 to Firesafe Palisades
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grant-Recommend-Fire-Safe-Palisades.pdf
There were no additional grant recommendations. Chair Fleming took up each grant recommendation in order. As to the proposed BID grant, he explained that Committee Member Kevin Niles had recused himself from the Committee’s consideration and vote on the proposed grant; Chair Fleming then asked if any voting board members now had a conflict of interest and were recusing themselves. Kevin Niles repeated that he was recusing himself with respect to the BID grant; no other members recused themselves. Chair Fleming then explained the proposed grant. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was then taken. Result: Unanimous approval for the BID grant.
The following proposed grants were then taken up in turn: PPTFH, Canyon Elementary, griefHaven and Tahitian Terrace Radio. Sharon Kilbride stated that she was recusing herself from the PPTFH grant. No other members stated that they had a conflict with any of the proposed grants. Chair Fleming explained each of the grants in turn. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was called as to Board approval of each of the grants: Result: unanimous approval for the grants to PPTFH, Canyon Elementary, griefHaven and Tahitian Terrace Radio.
The proposed grant to Firesafe Palisades was then taken up, with no members recusing themselves and Chair Fleming explaining the grant. Reza Akef and several Board members expressed questions about the grant, indicated that they were not familiar with Firesafe Palisades, and stated that more information about this new organization was needed before a vote on this grant should take place. Cindy Simon (Area Six Alternate) then moved to postpone consideration of the grant to Firesafe Palisades until the August PPCC meeting; second by Kimberly Bloom (Area Five Representative). A vote on the motion to postpone was then taken. Result: motion to postpone passed with one abstention (consideration of proposed grant to Firesafe Palisades postponed until the August PPCC meeting).
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Election of PPCC Officers for the 2026-27 term (beginning July 1, 2026; Bylaws, Art. VII.4): Chair/President: Allison Holdorff Polhill; Vice-Chair/Vice-President: Reza Akef; Treasurer: Daphne Gronich; Secretary: Caroline Nick. The officers may be elected by acclamation (there were no other nominations). The President announced the names of all the officer candidates and called for the Board to elect the new officers by acclamation, since they were uncontested. The Board enthusiastically elected all the officers by acclamation.
11.2. Motions A, B & C re PPCC comments on the draft Palisades Long Term Recovery Plan (LTRP); sponsored by Daphne Gronich and Chris Spitz. Deadline for LTRP comments: June 29, 2026. See the LTRP: https://recovery.lacity.gov/pacific-palisades-long-term-recovery-plan. Motion sponsor Spitz noted that no second was needed as the motions were being brought by two voting board members. She explained that Motion A (subparts i-viii) was recommended by the CRCC, and that Motions A, B and C would be taken up and voted on separately. A vote of at least 2/3 of voting members voting (not counting abstentions) was required for passage of each motion.
A. Adoption of PPCC comments on the LTRP, as recommended by the Community Recovery Coordinating Council (CRCC) and more specifically by the following:
i. PPCC Infrastructure Committee
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-Infrastructure-Response-LTRP-R.pdf
Spitz introduced Infrastructure Committee Chair Reza Akef, who briefly summarized the Committee’s comments. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in support of the comments (motion passed).
ii. PPCC LUC
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-LUC-Comments-LTRP-R.pdf
Motion sponsor and LUC Chair Spitz briefly summarized the Committee’s comments. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in support of the comments (motion passed).
iii. Economic & Business Recovery ATF
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-Econ.Business-ATF-Feedback-LTRP.pdf
Spitz introduced Economic & Business Recovery ATF Co-lead Ann Banning, who briefly summarized the ATF’s comments. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in support of the comments (motion passed).
iv. Evacuation Capabilities ATF
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Evac-ATF-Comments-re-LTRP-6-02-26-1.pdf
Spitz introduced Evacuation Capabilities ATF Co-lead Joe Iacopino, who briefly summarized the ATF’s comments. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in support of the comments (motion passed).
v. Logistics & Traffic ATF
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Logistics-Traffic-ATF-Comments-LTRP.pdf
Spitz introduced Logistics & Traffic ATF Co-lead Joe Iacopino, who briefly summarized the ATF’s comments. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in support of the comments (motion passed).
vi. Standing Homes ATF
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Standing-Homes-ATF-Comments-LTRP.pdf
Spitz introduced Standing Homes ATF Co-lead Elissa Ashwood, who briefly summarized the ATF’s comments. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in support of the comments (motion passed).
vii. Wildfire Resilience ATF
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Wildfire-Resilience-ATF-Comments-LTRP.pdf
Spitz introduced Wildfire Resilience ATF Co-lead Nancy Sussman, who briefly summarized the ATF’s comments. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in support of the comments (motion passed).
viii. CRCC Community Comment (multifamily integration)
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Community-Comment-on-LTRP-Multifamily-.pdf
Spitz introduced the CRCC Community Comment author Roseanne Landay, who briefly summarized the ATF’s comments. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in support of the comments (motion passed).
B. Approval of proposed PPCC letter submitting PPCC comments on the LTRP to Mayor Bass, CW Park and AECOM. Proposed letter – See Attachment below. Spitz introduced and briefly summarized the motion. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in support of the motion (motion passed).
C. Authorization for PPCC Committee Chairs, AFT Co-Leads & Community Comment author to communicate directly with AECOM and City officials, as needed, regarding the LTRP and, with the approval of the PPCC President and/or President-elect, to submit supplemental comments on behalf of PPCC before the LTRP is finalized. Spitz introduced and briefly summarized the motion. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in support of the motion (motion passed).
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:08pm.
ATTACHMENT: Item 11.2.B
Proposed PPCC letter – comments on the LTRP:
[PPCC Logo]
D R A F T (for PPCC Board approval)
June __, 2026
Hon. Karen Bass, Mayor, City of Los Angeles
Hon. Traci Park, Councilwoman, CD 11
Susan Ambrosini, AICP, Principal, Planning & Urbanism, AECOM
Via email to all addressees
Re: Draft Pacific Palisades Long Term Recovery Plan (LTRP) – Comments submitted by
Pacific Palisades Community Council
Dear Mayor Bass, Councilwoman Park and Ms. Ambrosini:
As you know, Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC), founded in 1973, 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. PPCC has long been known as the voice of Pacific Palisades.
On the recommendation of the Palisades Community Recovery Coordination Council (CRCC) and the participating PPCC Committees and Advisory Task Forces (ATFs), PPCC approves the following comments on the draft LTRP:
PPCC Infrastructure Committee:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-Infrastructure-Response-LTRP-R.pdf
PPCC Land Use Committee:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-LUC-Comments-LTRP-R.pdf
Economics & Business Recovery ATF:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Econ.-Business-ATF-Feedback-on-LTRP.pdf
Evacuation Capabilities ATF:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Evac-ATF-Comments-re-LTRP-6-02-26-1.pdf
Logistics & Traffic Management ATF:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Logistics-Traffic-ATF-Comments-LTRP.pdf
Standing Homes ATF:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Standing-Homes-ATF-Comments-LTRP.pdf
Wildfire Resilience ATF:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Wildfire-Resilience-ATF-Comments-LTRP.pdf
CRCC Community Comment (multifamily integration):
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Community-Comment-on-LTRP-Multifamily-.pdf
The above-recommended comments are now adopted by PPCC and submitted as its comments on the draft LTRP.
PPCC further requests that AECOM 1) respond within two weeks to this letter and advise as to whether it will incorporate any of the above comments in the LTRP, and if not, why not; and 2) provide a further revised draft to the community for input prior to finalizing the LTRP.
This letter is submitted pursuant to motions [unanimously] passed after full discussion at the regularly scheduled, public PPCC Board meeting on June 11, 2026. You are encouraged to contact the Chairs and/or Co-Leads of each of the above Committees and ATFs, as well as the CRCC Community Comment author should you have questions or require more information about the comments.
PPCC appreciates that the draft LTRP represents a significant effort to address the devastation of the Palisades Fire. We thank AECOM and City officials in advance for seriously considering these comments, and look forward to the anticipated incorporation of our significant concerns and requests in the final LTRP.
Sincerely,
Sue Kohl, President
Pacific Palisades Community Council
cc (via email): Randall Winston, Deputy Mayor for Infrastructure; Marian Ensley, Deputy Director, Recovery & Community Engagement (office of Mayor Bass); Kevin Brunke, Sr. Legislative Deputy, CD11; Sarah Flaherty, Legislative Deputy, CD11; Arus Grigoryan, Pacific Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11; PPCC Committee Chairs, ATF Co-Leads and CRCC Community Comment author (information below)
Attached for convenience: copies of the Committee, ATF and Community Comment documents linked above
Contact information – PPCC Committees, ATFs and CRCC Community Comment:
Committee Chairs:
Reza Akef/Infrastructure ppccinfrastructure@gmail.com
Chris Spitz/Land Use (LUC) info@pacpalicc.org
ATF Co-Leads:
Ann Banning/Economic & Business Recovery economic-leads@pali411.com
Joe Iacopino & Kathrin Werner/Evacuation Capabilities evacuation-leads@pali411.com
Joe Iacopino & Peter Partain/Logistics & Traffic Management ogisticstraffic-leads@pali411.com
Elissa Ashwood & Robert Gold/Standing Homes standinghomes-leads@pali411.com
Beth Preminger & Nancy Sussman/Wildfire Resilience resilience-leads@pali411.com
Roseanne Landay/CRCC Community Comment mlanday@yahoo.com
More information about the CRCC and ATFs: https://www.pali411.com/
End Attachment