MINUTES FROM JUNE 25th 2026
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Beth Holden-Garland, Jenny Li, Chris Spitz, Cindi Young,* Carole White, Julia Nilsen, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, Valeria Serna, Jessica Rogers,* David Card, John Padden, Donna Vaccarino, Rick McGeagh, Daphne Gronich, Alley Michaelson,* Courtney Macker (*voting alternate).
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak, Allison Holdorff, Cindy Simon, Michael Edlen, Warren Jacob, Marc Gordonson, Kim Millimaki-Gory, Darragh Danton, Jim Kirtley, Aileen Haugh
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. Beth Holden-Garland 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 June 11, 2026, were approved.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. July 23, 2026 (first meeting of new officers’ term; announcement of candidates running in the election for PPCC Area and At-large representative); August 13, 2026 (PPCC Area and At-large candidates forum, if necessary; other topics to be announced); Sept. 10, 2026 (announcement of election results). 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 presented an income and expense statement for the prior period [https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-Treasurers-Report-5-31-25-6-1-26.pdf].
Explaining that the statement was required by the bylaws, she showed the document onscreen and went over the numbers in detail. The President noted that the statement would be posted on our website and distributed. The Treasurer thanked the Grants Committee for its careful work. Board members in turn thanked the Treasurer for her outstanding service.
7. General Public Comment – deferred.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
Councilwoman Traci Park entered the meeting before the President’s announcements and gave brief remarks, thanking the President for her outstanding leadership and for their partnership during this incredibly difficult time in the Palisades’ history. The Councilwoman also thanked Allison Holdorff Polhill for her willingness to serve as incoming President and noted that she fully expected to work and partner together with President Holdorff Polhill as she had with President Kohl. The President in turn thanked Councilwoman Park for being an amazing partner in the recovery and for her strong support for Pacific Palisades.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. Area and At-large Election (Summer 2026): announcements and relevant process:
(a) Names of incumbents running for re-election announced. The President announced that all seven incumbents in Areas Three through Eight and the At-large position have notified her that will run for re-election. Two incumbents have advised that they will not be running for re-election: JoAnna Rodriguez, Area One, and Carole White, Area Two. She explained that all seats are open, including those in which the incumbent is running for re-election. The President also reminded incumbents that they must submit candidate statements; instructions about the requirements to become candidates will soon be distributed.
(b) Members of the Election Committee to oversee the Election announced. The President appointed the following members of the Election Committee: Chair Caroline Nick (incoming Secretary); Members Daphne Gronich (incoming Treasurer), Jim Kirtley (Lowe Family YMCA), Valeria Serna (Resilient Palisades) and Kaye Steinsapir (Marquez School).
(c) Further process: The President explained the Election process as follows: Notice of Election (information about becoming a candidate) distributed to the public – on or before July 1, 2026; candidate statements (including from incumbents) – due by 5pm on July 23, 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, if needed – 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. Palisades LTRP.
(a) PPCC Comment Letter submitted 6/12/26:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-Letter-LTRP-Comments.pdf. The President noted that PPCC’s letter commenting on the draft LTRP was submitted.
(b) Update: AECOM – Mayor Bass LTRP Open House 6/22/26. The President gave a brief recap of this well-attended Open House at the Palisades Lutheran Church, in which community members were able to obtain information about the projects proposed in the draft LTRP, to learn about the status of project funding, and to speak directly with government and AECOM staff, ask questions and offer comments about the proposals.
8.1.3. Palisades Needs Funding.
(a) PPCC Letter submitted 6/15/26:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-EC-Letter-Funding-Needs1.pdf. The President noted that the letter explaining the Palisades’ funding needs was submitted.
(b) CW Park letter 6/18/26: https://cd11.lacity.gov/news/letter-governor. The President noted that CW Park also submitted this letter regarding the Palisades’ funding needs.
(c) Response from Mayor/Governor’s office (pending).
8.1.4. Additional Position Letters (since the last meeting):
Permit fee waiver: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-EC-Letter-Permit-Waiver-Ord.pdf
Support AB 1847 – Senate: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-Letter-AB-1847R-Senate.pdf
Extend SBA Funding Deadline:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-Letter-Extension-SBA-Funding-Deadline.pdf
As to the permit fee waiver matter, the President noted that the City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Recovery, chaired by CW Park, will take up the permit fee waiver tomorrow, June 26 at 1pm in City Hall. A link to the agenda was provided to Board members; contact info@pacpalicc.org for more information.
As to AB 1847, Chris Spitz (At-large) noted that this important bill involving mortgage forbearance had passed in the full Assembly and in the Senate Banking Committee; it will next go to the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 30.
The President also explained that since the agenda was sent out, PPCC submitted a position letter to federal officials requesting an extension and expansion of FEMA funding for LA fire survivors. [See:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PPCC-Letter-FEMA-Extension.pdf.] FEMA has now extended individual financial housing assistance for LA fire survivors through July 9, 2027, and has also extended rental assistance for three months, through October 9, 2026. We will include a link to the Governor’s press release about the FEMA extensions in a PPCC Mailchimp. [See: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/06/24/governor-newsom-welcomes-fema-extension-to-help-los-angeles-fire-survivors-continue-recovery/]
8.1.5. LA County Response to PPCC Street Vending Letter:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/County-Response-re-Street-Vending.pdf. The President explained that PPCC received this response from the County Health Department.
8.1.6. Update: New PPCC website status. The President remarked that work on the new website is proceeding and she expects that it will be ready for a preview in mid-summer.
8.1.7. Street repairs update (message from the Mayor’s office). The President explained that repairs are being made to streets in Palisades neighborhoods, prioritized based on severity of damage and needs. She thanked May Sung and other CRCC members who worked with CD 11 and the Mayor’s office to refine and develop the list of streets needing repairs.
8.1.8. [NEW] 4th of July Parade. The President thanked Board members who have volunteered to carry or walk with the PPCC Banner in the Parade: Julia Nilsen, Diana Daniele, Carole White and Quentin Fleming and his son. They will walk in front of cars carrying the 2024 Citizen of the Year and Pride of the Palisades honorees. Additional volunteers to walk in the Parade for PPCC are welcome.
8.1.9. [NEW] Grant to PPCC. The President announced that she has signed an agreement for PPCC to receive a $100,000 grant from the Dept. of Angels for the purpose of funding increased communications and outreach to displaced Palisadians, in order to ensure that they receive critical information to guide their decisions on return and recovery.
8.1.10. President’s end-of-term remarks and thanks. The President gave extensive, heartfelt remarks on her service during this overwhelmingly difficult time in the Palisades’ history. She began by thanking Maryam Zar (outgoing Chair Emeritus), who encouraged her to run for the position, noting that the devastation to our community shortly after she took office was unimaginable at the time. She went on to thank all who helped and supported her along the way: her fellow officers and Executive Committee members; Chris Spitz (At-large Rep who assists with admin); all the other Board members and advisors; our Councilwoman Traci Park; Marian Ensley and all our government representatives; and the entire Palisades community. The President concluded that serving as PPCC President was one of the greatest honors of her life. Board members and meeting attendees in turn expressed heartfelt thanks to the President in the Chat and onscreen during the meeting.
[Note: Item 11.1 was then called out of order following the President’s remarks above; see Item 11.1 below.]
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Quentin Fleming (Vice-President) reported that the PPCC NORC Community Survey follow-up will take place this coming August. NORC staff are now refining the questions; the Survey is expected to launch on August 12 and continue through September, with a written report on the Survey to be completed by the end of November. The Vice-President will continue serving as PPCC’s liaison on the Survey after the current officers’ terms end.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large Rep) advised that she has reported to CD 11, LAPD and LAFD concerns about illegal fireworks being set off in bluffs and canyon areas on or near the 4th of July, as has often occurred in the past; CD 11 Palisades Deputy Arus Grigoryan has responded that her office is working with LAPD and LAFD on a plan to provide security to prevent this dangerous activity from happening.
8.3.2. Lorie Cudzil (Area Six Rep) announced that the City will hold a community webinar to present information about the proposed Palisades Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge project (bridge to cross over PCH from the beach to Potrero Canyon) on July 16 at 5:30pm. A flyer has been sent out and PPCC will provide more information via Mailchimp bulletins. She encouraged community members to mark their calendars and attend the meeting to express their opinions on the project.
8.3.3. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven Rep) provided several updates: 1) there has been a recent increase in criminal activity in Santa Monica Canyon, with five arrests, two burglaries, and one instance of a felony stalker who had been arrested and released but then returned and was arrested again; many of these instances involved mentally ill homeless individuals; 2) conditions at the plant nursery at the bottom of Chautauqua at PCH present a fire hazard risk; the hazardous conditions were noticed during the recent Hillside Task Force sweep of the area, and an LADBS inspector has been notified and will consider a determination that this is a nuisance property; 3) a recent meeting took place at Canyon School with parents and neighbors expressing opinions and concerns about the ongoing construction and extent of landscaping on school grounds; expected project completion: the 4th quarter of 2027.
8.3.4. Kimberly Bloom (Area Five Rep) encouraged Area Five residents to take the Team Palisades survey about security in that area. Similar surveys may also be distributed to residents of other areas.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Dave Card (PFC) noted that the PFC advocates planting more trees at Canyon School.
8.4.2. Daphne Gronich (PAPA) advised participants in the Will Rogers 5K/10K Run to check their registration for the correct Run start time.
8.4.3. Jim Kirtley (Lowe Family YMCA) reminded everyone about the Y’s summer camp for kids, free for fire survivor members, and about the free community BBQ to take place on July 19th at Simon Meadow.
8.4.4. Darragh Danton (Team Palisades) announced that the regular Alphabet Streets Zoom meeting this Monday evening will feature special guests: Laura Blaul from IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety) and Alexis Pelosi from The Resiliency Company. All are invited.
[Note: Items 8.5 – 8.6 were deferred (reports from Government Reps and Advisors); any written reports to be distributed.]
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/ – deferred. The President announced that written reports had been provided before the meeting and distributed to the Board: from Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) and Sophia Liebman, Deputy District Coordinator (Sen. Ben Allen); the reports will also be posted and/or distributed via Mailchimp bulletin. [See: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grigoryan-Update-to-PPCC-6-25-26.pdf, and https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Liebman-PPCC-Update-62526.pdf.]
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons – deferred.
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:
$5,000 to the Lowe Family YMCA (Community BBQ):
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grant-Recommend-Lowe-Family-Y2.pdf
$5,000 to the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA; 4th of July events):
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grant-Recommend-PAPA.pdf
Chair Fleming began by explaining that the Board has to date approved 27 grants recommended by the Grants Committee, totaling $445,000 in funding disbursed by PPCC for fire recovery projects and endeavors. He then took up each new grant recommendation in turn (to the Lowe Family YMCA and PAPA), first asking if any voting board members would be recusing themselves due to a conflict of interest. Daphne Gronich (PAPA) recused herself with respect to the PAPA grant; no other members recused themselves on either of the two grants. Chair Fleming explained each of the proposed grants. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was then taken on each grant. Result: Unanimous approval for the grants to the Lowe Family YMCA and PAPA [Gronich recused as to PAPA].
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Thank You to Outgoing Officers (from Incoming Officers and Board members). [Note: Item 11.1 was called out of order earlier in the evening, after the President’s remarks in item 8.1.10.]
Incoming PPCC officers and current Board members expressed great appreciation for and sincere thanks to all the outgoing officers for their dedicated service to PPCC and the community: Allison Holdorff Polhill (incoming President) and Chris Spitz (At-large Rep) thanked outgoing President Sue Kohl; Chris Spitz thanked outgoing Vice-President Quentin Fleming; Daphne Gronich (PAPA rep and incoming Treasurer) thanked outgoing Treasurer Jenny Li; Lorie Cudzil (Area Six Rep) thanked outgoing Secretary Beth Holden-Garland. The outgoing officers (who also gave thank-you remarks) were presented virtually with commemorative engraved tokens of appreciation (shown onscreen: for the President, a large crystal vase; for the VP, Treasurer and Secretary, standing circular glass plaques).
11.2. LADWP Presentation re Palisades Water Infrastructure. Presentation moderated by Infrastructure Committee Chair (and incoming VP) Reza Akef. LADWP and City staff presenters / meeting attendees: Anselmo Collins, LADWP COO and Senior Assistant General Manager of the Water System (principal presenter); Luis Gutierrez, Sr. Director of Energy and Water, office of Mayor Bass; Milad Taghavi, LADWP Director, Water System Liaison; Christy Holland, LADWP Sr. Public Relations Specialist; and Zoroya Oliver-Griffin, LADWP Chief Resiliency and Emergency Officer. Committee Chair Akef began by advising that the presentation would focus on future LADWP improvements for Pacific Palisades. COO/Asst. GM Collins then showed slides and provided extensive information about Palisades water infrastructure, including the status of water service (via the Westgate Trunk Line, running from Stone Canyon to Pacific Palisades); water pressure concepts; the Santa Inez Reservoir (status of floating cover replacement); fire hydrant status; water quality; water mainline improvement projects; as well as plans for future contingencies, recovery, restoration and rebuilding. [See slides shown onscreen: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LADWP-Water-Presentation-6-25-26.pdf.]. COO/Asst. GM Collins and other LADWP speakers also answered questions from community members. [See the meeting recording at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJfueQjjgl0.] Committee Chair Akef and the President thanked the LADWP representatives for their important presentation to the community.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.