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Return to Index of 2025 Meeting Minutes
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings held via Zoom videoconference and recorded for secretarial purposes only.
Note: No minutes for January meetings: January 9 (meeting canceled due to devastating Palisades Fire); January 23 and February 7 (special meetings/recording only).
MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 13th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Diana Daniele, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, Courtney Macker, Haldis Toppel, James Alexakis, John Evans, Kevin Niles, Hagop Tchakerian
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Daphne Gronich, Dave Card, Michael Edlen, Lee Anne Sanderson, Jessica Rogers, Joanna Spak, Valeria Serna, Ella Nozar
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. Sue Kohl 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 November 14, 2024, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. Upcoming meetings: February 27, 2025 (Topics TBA); March 13, 2025 (Topics TBA).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that the Council’s bank balance is $109,382.18. The large balance reflects a $50,000 donation to PPCC by the California Community Foundation. No conditions were placed on the use of the funds and we may have a discussion at a later date on how the funds should be used.
7. General Public Comment. [Note: the President deferred item 7 to the end of the meeting and called item 11.1 following the Treasurer’s Report.]
7.1. Carl Mellinger (resident; arborist) commented on the need to preserve and protect trees in the Palisades after the fire.
7.2. “Li” (woman representing World Central Kitchen) described the work that the WCK is doing to feed residents and others in the Palisades during the recovery. She noted that the WCK trucks are there first and foremost for residents of the Palisades who have suffered from the fire.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. The President gave a recap of the PPCC special meetings on recovery and the hazardous waste storage at Will Rogers.
8.1.2. The President announced that the Ronald Reagan Post 283 American Legion building will be used as a recovery support center: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PFCSC-flyer.pdf.
8.1.3. The President announced the appointment of a new PPCC committee on the rebuilding of the Palisades. The members are David Schwarz, Quentin Fleming, Lorie Cudzil, Beth Holden-Garland and John Padden. They will collaborate with the Land Use Committee on important issues involving recovery and rebuilding.
8.1.4. The President announced that she has appointed Julia Nilsen as the primary PPCC representative and Kaye Steinsapir as the PPCC alternate to the WRAC Mobility & Transportation Committee.
8.1.5. The President provided details about the Community Gathering of fire-impacted neighbors which will take place on Monday, February 17 from 5-8pm at St. Monica Catholic Community in Santa Monica. This will be an interfaith social gathering and she encouraged everyone to attend.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus – None.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. JoAnna Rodriguez (Area One Representative) reported that residents of the Castellammare area are hoping to get traction on clearing the landslide in the area so that residents can access homes that are still standing, and the Army Corps of Engineers can come in and clear debris from homes that were destroyed.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives
8.4.1. David Card (Palisades Forestry Committee) reported on the status of street trees after the fire and on the need to preserve and protect as many trees as we can. He explained that trees were unnecessarily being removed from burn sites. Some trees that had made it through the fire were taken out by LADWP in areas where they should have remained. Homeowners need to keep watering
https://www.thebrittonfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025.1.16-Trees-Damaged-by-Fire-Guide.pdf
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information for government representatives: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/.
8.5.1. Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades. SLO Espin reported on the status of PCH, which is being shut down constantly as the needs have been changing every hour and minute. He emphasized that anyone visiting the Palisades will need proper ID cards.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park). Ms. Grigoryan spoke at length about the work that CD 11 was doing to support the community during the recovery process. She reported that access passes to get into the Palisades are available at the West Los Angeles Recovery center at 10850 West Pico Blvd. (hours are 9 am to 7 pm, and close slightly earlier on the weekends). They are hoping Phase 1 of clean-up will be done as soon as March 31st.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass —Not present.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik – Not present.
8.5.5. Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) – Not present.
8.5.6. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – Not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons — None.
9. Reports from PPCC Committee.
9.1. Land Use Committee (LUC). LUC Chair Chris Spitz reported briefly that the LUC is excited about the formation of the new rebuild committee and that the two committees will collaborate on recovery and rebuilding. She reminded everyone of the LUC members (herself, Chair; James Alexakis, Steve Cron, Michael Edlen, Howard Robinson, Joanna Spak; Richard Blumenberg (advisor). The LUC is working on many issues, including a possible request to the City with regard to CC&Rs in the Palisades, which may be brought to the Board at the next meeting.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Presentations/Q&A on Wildfire Recovery. [Note: this item was called earlier in the meeting, following the Treasurer’s Report.]
Vahid Khorsand, President, LA City Board of Public Works, attended and gave a presentation on the work of the Public Works Dept., along with Ted Allen, LA City Engineer & designated City Debris Manager, and Julie Allen, LA Sanitation Assistant GM & chair of the Watershed Protection Task Force. Jenny Delwood, Deputy Mayor, was also present and participated in the discussion. The speakers all provided information and answered a wide range of questions by Board and audience members involving the status of infrastructure, power, water, swimming pools, debris removal and the like. The President thanked the speakers for attending and providing important information to the community.
11.2. (As time allows) The Future of PPCC and Pacific Palisades (discussion/possible action re plans / recovery / rebuilding). Time did not allow discussion of recovery / future rebuilding, although prior to adjournment board members raised questions and informally discussed various matters related to current post-fire conditions (no action taken).
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8.01p.m.
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MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 27th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, JoAnna Rodriguez, Diana Daniele, Julia Nilsen, Allison Holdorff, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, Janet Anderson, Courtney Macker, Haldis Toppel, Valeria Serna, John Evans, Kevin Niles, Hagop Tchakerian
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Daphne Gronich, Dave Card, Michael Edlen, Lee Anne Sanderson, Jessica Rogers, Joanna Spak, Ella Nozar
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 February 13, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. Upcoming meetings: March 13, 2025 (MySafeLA: Fire Safe Council); March 27, 2025 (Topics TBA).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that the Council’s bank balance is $109,428.08.
y. General Public Comment. [Note: the President deferred item 7 to the end of the meeting and called item 11.1 following the Treasurer’s Report.]
7.1. Carl Mellinger (resident; arborist) commented on local tree protection after the fire.
7.2. David Schwartz (resident, Area 3) disagreed with the initiative of rebuild restrictions particularly regarding retaining walls, stating that he heard a discussion about this topic on a local What’s App group.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. The President announced that the PPCC Executive Committee has reiterated the longstanding PPCC policy re Density and Public Safety:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PPCC-Policy-Statement-Density-Public-Safety.pdf
8.1.2. The President has appointed Sharon Garrett as 2nd Alternate rep to the WRAC MTC.
8.1.3. The President reported on donations towards Palisades recovery/rebuilding.
8.1.4. The President announced that the Executive Committee has approved preliminary steps to be taken by the Rebuild Committee in connection with a possible survey of community opinion (explained further in item 9.2 below).
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus – None.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. JoAnna Rodriguez (Area 1 Representative) reported on the problems of the compromised hillside near Positano in the Castellammare area, which continues to erode.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area 7 Representative) mentioned that mudflow breached Area 7 and flooded homes and streets for five days, making a huge clean up mess.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives
8.4.1. Haldis Toppel (Theatre Palisades) asked everyone to please support Theatre Palisades Youth with a performance of the Gershwin musical “Crazy for You” at the Paul Revere Middle School theater.
8.4.2. Jessica Rogers (PPRA Alternate) mentioned that trees are being cut in the area. A tree was cut in half on her property by LADWP; there is a need to communicate better as this is changing the landscape of our neighborhoods.
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information for government representatives: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/.
8.5.1. Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades. SLO Espin reported that a new drone pilot program as a mechanism for public safety is being started in the Palisades. However, there is a range issue in that it is limited in being viewed miles away from the LAPD’s station if the drone is too far away for the data to be viewed.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) reported on local water quality, public works at Rustic Canyon, and underground power lines at Temescal Canyon.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass — Not present.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, West-Coastal Deputy, Sup. Lindsey Horvath, reported on Phase 1 clearance in the Palisades and stated that they are making good time in that process.
8.5.5. Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) – Not present.
8.5.6. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – Not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons — None.
9. Reports from PPCC Committee.
9.1. Land Use Committee (LUC). The President read a report from LUC Chair Chris Spitz, who was unable to attend:
“I’m pleased to report that the LUC has been holding regular working meetings to discuss and address land use issues related to the recovery. We are working in collaboration with the important Rebuild Committee, as will be explained following this Committee report.
“The three motions on the agenda tonight are initial recommendations by the LUC to the PPCC board related to recovery and/or rebuilding. More recommended actions should be expected in the coming weeks.
“We hope that the board will agree on the importance of these motions, in particular the first motion involving CC&Rs and retaining walls. We trust that you have all read the proposed statement and request of LADBS that is set forth in the agenda.
‘In brief, the request is an effort to help preserve community character by asking that LADBS notify homeowners who are seeking to rebuild, prior to issuance of permits, of the fact that CC&Rs apply to many properties In the Palisades, and encouraging them to ascertain whether their parcel is subject to CC&Rs. The motion also makes requests related to homes in Tract 9300 that are within the Civic League purview, as well as notices pertaining to applications for permits to build retaining walls, again intended as an attempt to preserve community character.
‘Please note that i personally reached out to HOAs and residents in various areas of the Palisades, including residents in Tract 9300. I received several responses indicating strong support for the motion; no one has told me so far that they oppose the statement and request.”
9.2. Rebuild Committee (RC): Committee Chair David Schwarz reported that the RC is trying to get a survey underway and financed by donations for legitimate community needs to help with the Palisades rebuild.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Presentation & Q&A – The Path to Reconstruction. Marmol-Radziner: Leo Marmol, FAIA, Managing Partner, and Jonathan Schnure, Studio Director. Additional presentation by Steven Somers of Crest Realty. [Note: this item was called earlier in the meeting, following the Treasurer’s Report.]
The presenters gave an extensive and informative presentation on “The Path to Reconstruction” and answered numerous questions. The President thanked them for speaking with PPCC. [Note: see the written version of the presentation at the following link:
11.2. Proposed Motions sponsored by the PPCC LUC.
11.2(a): Motion for Board approval of a statement and request regarding CC&Rs and retaining walls.
The motion was made by the LUC (no second necessary because more than one voting member made the motion). Maryam Zar presented information about the motion and background. During discussion, questions were raised from meeting attendees about the section involving retaining walls. The board passed a motion (by Maryam Zar, second by Quentin Fleming) to desegregate (remove) the section involving retaining walls. A vote on the main motion (support for the Statement re CC&Rs with the retaining walls section removed) was then taken. Result: unanimous vote in support of the Statement (without the retaining walls section). See approved Statement and request in Attachments below.
11.2(b): Motion to support a CW Park motion for a report back on creation of a Climate Resiliency District (originally recommended by the WRAC board). The motion was made by the LUC (no second necessary because more than one voting member made the motion). Maryam Zar presented information about the motion and background. After discussion, a vote was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously. See approved motion in Attachments below.
11.2(c): Motion to support a CW Park motion for a report back on inspection and repair of fire hydrants (originally recommended by the WRAC board). Maryam Zar presented information about the motion and background. After discussion, a vote was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously. See approved motion in Attachments below.
11.3. Proposed Motion sponsored by Maryam Zar and Chris Spitz. Motion to support a CW Park motion for a report back on soils testing and remediation by the City/BOE on parks, parkways and medians in the burn zone in Pacific Palisades. Maryam Zar announced that the motion was being made by herself and Chris Spitz. CD 11 Planning Deputy Sarah Flaherty provided background and information about the motion. After discussion, a vote was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously. See approved motion in Attachments below.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
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ATTACHMENTS:
Item 11.2(a) – Approved Statement and Request:
“PPCC Statement and Request to Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety re CC&Rs – Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions”
“Many homes in Pacific Palisades are subject to recorded Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (“CC&Rs”), which are private agreements tied to the property’s title. These agreements regulate development standards, including structure size and height, setbacks, fence and wall heights, number and types of structures, landscaping, and aesthetic elements to create and preserve the neighborhood’s character.
CC&Rs often impose stricter requirements than local building codes and may include additional aesthetic guidelines.
Since CC&Rs are private agreements, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) has historically not reviewed them during the planning and permitting process to ensure compliance.
However, in light of the Mayor’s and Governor’s executive orders expediting the “like-for-like’ rebuilding process—and the strong support from property owners and elected officials to maintain neighborhood character—Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) requests that LADBS inform all building permit, demolition permit and grading permit applicants in a single-family zone within the 90272 zip code area, as follows:
“Your parcel may be subject to recorded Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), which are private agreements that may impose additional restrictions beyond LADBS approvals. LADBS is not responsible for ensuring compliance with CC&Rs. Applicants are advised to obtain a current title report to determine if CC&Rs apply and to review them with their consultants before commencing construction.”
Moreover, with respect to parcels located in Tract 9300 in Pacific Palisades, we request that LADBS further inform all building permit, demolition permit and grading permit applicants in a single-family zone within Tract 9300 in Pacific Palisades, as follows:
“You are encouraged to contact the Pacific Palisades Civic League and to voluntarily comply with the Civic League Guidelines for development of single-family homes within Tract 9300 in Pacific Palisades. Contact office.ppcl@gmail.com.”
The method of providing such notifications to building permit, demolition permit and grading permit applicants could be to include the above notifications as part of the normal Plan Check Correction Comments issued to applicants, a new separate notification document provided to all building permit, demolition permit or grading permit applicants, or any other method of providing such notification, so long as such notifications are provided to applicants prior to the issuance of any building permit, demolition permit or grading permit.”
Item 11.2(b) – Approved motion: “Pacific Palisades Community Council IPPCC) has been the voice of the Palisades community for 52 years. Although devastated by the catastrophic Palisades Fire, our beloved community is strong and is determined to rise again. PPCC accordingly supports Council File 25-0006-S38, which calls for a report back on creation of a Climate Resilience District for the directly impacted and adjacent areas of the Pacific Palisades Fire, as an important tool to assist in achieving our community’s goal of rebuilding the Palisades.”
Item 11.2(c) – Approved motion: “Pacific Palisades Community Council, a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), supports Council File 25-0172, which calls for a report back on inspection and repair of the City’s network of fire hydrants.”
Item 11.3 – Approved motion: “Pacific Palisades Community Council supports Council File 25-0006-S67, which calls for a report back on a plan to test and remediate the soil at park property, parkways and medians in the burn zone in Pacific Palisades.”
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MINUTES FROM MARCH 13th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Diana Daniele, Robert Trinkkeller, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, Janet Anderson, Jessica Rogers, David Card, James Alexakis, Kaye Steinsapir, Kevin Niles, Hagop Tchakerian
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak, Michael Edlen, Allison Holdorff, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Rick McGeagh, Valeria Serna, Andrew Frew
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Chris Spitz 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 February 27, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. Upcoming meetings: March 27, 2025 (guest speakers: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and possibly LADWP); April 10, 2025 (appointment of Nominating Committee to nominate PPCC officer candidates for the 2025-26 term).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that the Council’s bank balance is $109,351.97. There has not been much activity since the last report. A $2,500 donation was received which will be reflected in the next report.
[Note: the President called item 11.1 following the Treasurer’s Report.]
7. General Public Comment
7.1. Sue Pascoe (resident; CTN editor) requested that PPCC look into a possible waiver by the City of building permit fees; she also noted that the Park Advisory Board will meet next week and stressed that the park should reopen ASAP.
7.2. Jon Brown (resident, Palisades Bowl Mobile Home Park) explained that the Palisades Bowl MHP has formed a new Steering Committee, which has engaged with government officials as the park owner has denied access to the EPA and has refused to allow toxic waste and debris removal. He thanked PPCC for its efforts on the Park’s behalf.
7.3. Joe Hartnett (Alcima resident) advised that his residents’ group has access to new fireproof building materials.
7.4. Don Iselin (Huntington resident) expressed concerns from Huntington residents about the status of ROE forms, about insurance and about security. There is a need for patrols to protect equipment and building materials during the rebuild.
7.5. Austin Worrell (resident) referenced Build Back LA and research into demolition; he noted that residents are concerned about the cost of rebuilding and right of entry into the area. He attended the Malibu Town Hall on build back with coordination on building after the Woolsey Fire.
7.6. Richard Borowsky (retired firefighter) explained that he participated in fighting the Malibu Fire 31 years ago and found that a fire hydrant was dry at that time; this was unacceptable then and is unacceptable now; he stressed that all hydrants must be repaired so that water will be flowing.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. The President announced that Jenny Li has been appointed to the Rebuild Committee.
8.1.2. The President reported on new PPCC representative appointments to the WRAC MTC: Kaye Steinsapir, primary rep; Sharon Garrett, Alternate rep (Julia Nilsen has resigned as primary rep).
8.1.3. The President encouraged everyone to patronize small businesses in the Palisades that are open and/or still operating (whether in person or online), including the Palisades Garden Café and Leslie of Paws & Claws for pet grooming; PPCC’s Youth Advisor Ella Nozar will be compiling a list of small businesses that are open or reopening.
8.1.4. Position letters written since the last PPCC meeting:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PPCC-Letter-re-CCRsF.pdf
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PPCC-Statement-and-Request-re-CCRsF-1.pdf
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PPCC-Letter-Re-Hydrants.pdf
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PPCC-Letter-Re-Soils-Testing.pdf
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PPCC-Letter-Re-CDR-Motion.pdf
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Beth Holden-Garland (Secretary) reported that as we learn of Palisades small businesses that are reopening, this will be posted on PPCC social media. Businesses that are reopening should email PPCC to let us know of their status.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large) announced that President Sue Kohl has been chosen to receive the special “Woman of Impact 2025” award from Mayor Karen Bass. She will be honored by the Mayor at City Hall on March 14. Board members and attendees applauded the honor which is well-deserved.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven) reported that during recent rains, CD 11 and StreetsLA placed K-rails in Santa Monica Canyon to protect against flooding, which fortunately did not occur. Over 400 people visited the Return to the Canyon event on March 1 and Canyon restaurants, including the Golden Bull, Café Defini and Muse are now open.
8.3.3. Karen Ridgley (Area Four) expressed the urgent need to develop an evacuation plan for the Palisades, citing her own and residents’ experiences with extreme congestion while trying to flee the Palisades Fire. She also added that there were cell phone service issues during the event.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives
8.4.1. David Card (Palisades Forestry Committee) explained the color coding on trees during debris removal and provided information on how to protect trees.
[Note: items 9 and 11.2 were called following 8.4.1.]
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information for government representatives: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/.
8.5.1. Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades. SLO Espin reported that PCH has reopened with a soft closure (open to residents and contractors with passes only). He cautioned everyone to drive slowly in the burn zone. He also mentioned the upcoming L.A. Marathon and that streets will be closed until 2 pm.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), reported on several matters, including the lifting of the “Do Not Drink Water” restriction; the establishment of a temporary no parking zone in Castellammare; CD11’s work with Urban Forestry on protecting Palisades trees; the Ad Hoc Committee on LA Fire Recovery (she will let us know when and where the next meeting will take place); and the Councilwoman’s motion for a report on easing the burden on homeowners in the burn zone by waiving building permit fees (motion has passed in council and is awaiting a report back on the feasibility of a waiver). She also noted that all condominium and apartment building owners should submit ROE forms by the March 31st deadline; CD 11 is working to obtain confirmation that ACE will remove debris from multifamily buildings.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass — Not present.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, West-Coastal Deputy, Sup. Lindsey Horvath, advised that the Supervisor has worked with CD 11 on access to the Palisades Bowl Mobile Home Park for debris removal; FEMA and ACE have now obtained access to remove hazardous toxic debris, and they are working to clean up the remainder of the debris. He also reported on the Board of Supervisors’ work on several matters. Including moving LAHSA and other agencies into a single Department within the County. He said they are working on the beach bridge, plan to start mid April and “hope” to have the work complete by mid July. He also mentioned about getting tree waivers at palisadescallcenter@ecc.net. There will also be an audit on LAHSA homelessness services.
8.5.5. Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen), announced that Senator Allen has introduced a number of bills that are pending in the legislature and may help Palisades residents, including a bill (SB 663) to provide a measure of property tax relief.
8.5.6. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) reported on several bills recently introduced in the legislature by Asm. Irwin, including bills dealing with mortgage payment forbearance and Fair Plan insurance issues. He also referenced the status of a proposed PCH Master Plan.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons — None.
9. Reports from PPCC Committee.
9.1. Land Use Committee (LUC). LUC Chair Chris Spitz advised that the Committee has been holding working meetings to discuss land use issues related to the rebuilding. The Committee is now recommending two motions that are on the agenda for board approval (items 11.2(a) and (b) were called during 9.1).
9.2. Rebuild Committee (RC): In the absence of the RC Chair, Quentin Fleming reported that the Committee has adopted an important “Statement of Rebuilding Goals and Guiding Principles” to guide its work: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Background-Rebuild-Committee-Statement.pdf.
He and fellow RC member Lorie Cudzil have recruited 20 volunteers to monitor meetings of the City Council Ad Hoc LA Recovery Committee. RC member John Padden announced that the RC is also focusing on public safety during the rebuild.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Presentation and Q&A – MySafe LA: LA Fire Safe Council. [Note: item taken out of order, following the Treasurer’s report/item 6.]
David Barrett and Dante Cornejo of the Fire Safe Council presented an informative slide show about the “My Safe Community Project” and fire safe measures that should be considered as we move forward with rebuilding. Mr. Barrett discussed topics such as providing defensible space, home hardening, and the importance of having a Fire Safe Council. He noted that Cal Fire will soon be considering new designations statewide of areas designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones; it is hoped that Pacific Palisades’ designation will be retained. He acknowledged some lack of funding in the city. He also said the blue circle dots on pavement help mark where hydrants are to the right of the dots.
11.2. Motions sponsored by the PPCC LUC. [Note: item taken out of order, during the LUC report/item 9.1.]
11.2(a): Motion for the PPCC Board to oppose SB 677 (Wiener). The motion was made by the LUC (no second was necessary because more than one voting member made the motion). Chris Spitz presented information about the motion and background. No questions were asked, and after an opportunity for discussion, a vote on the motion was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously. See approved motion language in Attachments below.
11.2(b): Motion regarding Specific Plan notice and enforcement. The motion was made by the LUC (no second was necessary because more than one voting member made the motion). Chris Spitz presented information about the motion and background. A resident noted the need for affordable housing. The President explained that this motion dealt with the Specific Plan only and affordable housing was not the subject of the motion; Chris Spitz also noted that the topic of affordable housing in the Palisades may be considered at some point. Following discussion, a vote was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously. See approved motion language in Attachments below.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:26pm.
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ATTACHMENTS:
Item 11.2(a) – Motion to oppose SB 677 (Wiener)
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) has for 52 years been the voice of Pacific Palisades, the community at the epicenter of the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025 – the most devastating catastrophe ever experienced in Los Angeles. Our experience with wildfires, and the extreme danger posed by limited routes of ingress and egress on our hillside streets during mandatory evacuations, has led PPCC to long oppose any efforts by government, whether directly or indirectly, to increase density in our low-density Palisades residential communities. https://pacpalicc.org/wpcontent/uploads/2025/02/PPCC-Policy-Statement-Density-Public-Safety.pdf.
“The extreme risk to public safety was made evident during the Palisades Fire, when residents under mandatory evacuation were forced to abandon cars and flee for their lives while emergency vehicles were impeded from entering burning areas. Increased density (more housing) will only exacerbate the risk as we continue to face the serious threat of wildfires during the reconstruction of Pacific Palisades and beyond. “PPCC therefore opposes SB 677 (Wiener), which mandates further streamlining and automatic approval of certain permits for increased housing development and places all areas within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), including the entirety of Pacific Palisades, at risk of public safety, by failing to provide for an unconditional exemption for areas within the VHFHSZ.
“PPCC urges our state elected representatives, Senator Ben Allen and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, to vote No on the bill and to support the unconditional exemption of VHFHSZs from any attempt to waive the ordinary review, hearing, and comment process for permits that seek to increase density in these areas. We further request that our City Councilmember Traci Park bring a resolution in City Council forthwith to add opposition to SB 677 to the Council’s state legislative priorities for 2025-26.”
Background: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Wiener-bill-background.pdf
Item 11.2(b) – Motion re Specific Plan notice and enforcement
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) requests that during the reconstruction of Pacific Palisades, all applicants for building permits for multifamily or mixed used developments within the area of the Pacific Palisades Commercial Village and Neighborhoods Specific Plan (Specific Plan) be notified by the Los Angeles Dept. of Building and Safety (LADBS) of the provisions of the Specific Plan. PPCC further requests confirmation by our city officials and relevant agencies, including the Mayor, our Councilwoman, the Dept. of City Planning and LADBS, that the provisions of the Specific Plan will not be waived but will instead be applied and enforced as to all permit applications for multifamily or mixed used developments within the Specific Plan area during the reconstruction of Pacific Palisades.”
Background: According to recent reporting, at least one property owner may seek permission to build a large, multistory/multifamily building within the Palisades Specific Plan area which may violate certain Specific Plan provisions. It is possible that during the community’s reconstruction, other property owners may seek to do the same. PPCC has long supported application and enforcement of the Specific Plan. It is unclear whether the City’s streamlining of permits during reconstruction of the Palisades will include waiver or non-enforcement of Specific Plan provisions. See Specific Plan link at: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/about/community-specific-plans/.
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MINUTES FROM MARCH 27th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Quentin Fleming, Beth Holden-Garland, Chris Spitz, Cindi Young, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Allison Holdorff, Karen Ridgley, Cindy Simon, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, Janet Anderson, Bruce Schwartz, Courtney Macker, Haldis Toppel, James Alexakis, Richard Blumenberg, Hagop Tchakerian
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak, Michael Edlen, Daphne Gronich, Jessica Rogers, Kevin Niles, Ella Nozar, Rob Weber
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Quentin Fleming (Vice-President) read the Mission Statement.
2. Introductions / Roll Call. The Vice-President presided during the meeting in the President’s absence. The Vice-President introduced the members and called the roll.
3. Certification of Quorum. The Vice-President certified quorum.
4. Approval of Minutes. The minutes of March 13, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. Upcoming meetings: April 10, 2025 (appointment of the Nominating Committee to nominate officer candidates for the 2025-26 term); April 20, 2025 (topics to be announced).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Secretary read the Treasurer’s report in the Treasurer’s absence: the Council’s bank balance is $112,325.23, with recent donations of $100 and $500 and no unusual expenses. It has been difficult to track down PPCC mail at the Rancho Park Post Office. She encourages donations to PPCC via PayPal.
[Note: the President called item 11.1 following the Treasurer’s Report, and Item 11.2 following 11.1.]
7. General Public Comment – None.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. The Vice-President announced that the E.C. has sent a letter re hazardous coastal fire debris:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PPCC-Letter-re-Coastal-Debris.pdf
8.1.2. The Vice-President reported on other position letters written since the last PPCC meeting:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PPCC-Letter-Waiver-Fees.pdf
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PPCC-Letter-re-SB-677.pdf
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PPCC-Letter-re-Specific-Plan.pdf
8.1.3. The Vice-President explained that the President Sue Kohl and Area 7 rep Sharon Kilbride attended and represented PPCC at the “Flag Planting in Palisades – Resiliency!” event sponsored by the American Legion Ronald Reagan Post 283, on March 20, 2025.
8.1.4. The Vice-President announced that Mar Vista residents have reported seeing many lost pets in their neighborhoods. Palisadians who lost pets in the fire may wish to search in the Mar Vista area.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus – None.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Sharon Kilbride (Area 7) reported that the new Santa Monica Canyon Alliance has been formed and is dealing with extra traffic on canyon roads from trucks engaged in the rebuilding. Their website is www.the-canyon.org.
8.3.2. Karen Ridgley (Area 4) is concerned about the storage of debris on Temescal Canyon Rd. LTC Nathaniel Weander explained that the Army Corps of Engineers is not storing debris along Temescal Canyon Rd., but instead is temporarily using the roadway to reduce the size of debris into smaller units that can then be placed in trucks and taken away to dumping sites.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives – None.
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information for government representatives: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/.
8.5.1. Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades. SLO Espin spoke about the fact that persons have been seen trespassing in the area and about the need to call 911 when suspicious activity is observed. He noted that the police haven’t seen any burglaries. He also explained the procedures involving the passes and checkpoints for persons entering the area, and about the increased traffic on our streets from trucks and other vehicles used by contractors and utility workers. He cautioned everyone to be mindful and to drive slowly.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), reported on several matters, including the upcoming ROE form deadline (March 31) and the fact that CW Park has visited the Recreation Center and bocce courts area. There are several EV chargers at the library. The Chipotle restaurant on Sunset Blvd. has recently reopened. She encouraged Palisadians to patronize local restaurants and other businesses that have opened. Ms. Grigoryan also spoke about the landslide in Castellammare on Stretto, where BOE is working on debris removal, which has necessitated road closures. She also notified the board about a Public Works project involving concrete repairs at 900 Napoli Drive, in which 1200 sq. feet of concrete panels have been removed. Finally, she advised that the Ad Hoc Committee for LA Recovery, chaired by CW Park, recently approved a motion by CW Park for a report back on testing and remediation of soil in the Palisades’ parks, parkways and medians. She also answered questions about undergrounding of utilities during the rebuilding.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass, greeted the board and reminded everyone of the March 31st deadline to submit ROE forms. She also advised that the Mayor is continuing her fire recovery briefings, which will now take place once a week on Tuesdays at 5pm via Zoom; the Mayor would like feedback from constituents affected by the fires.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, West-Coastal Deputy, Sup. Lindsey Horvath reported on the work of the Supervisor and noted the upcoming ROE deadline. He advised that the Supervisor has introduced a motion to create a new County Dept. of Homelessness which will be taken up soon. The new Dept. will consolidate and centralize homeless services. He also explained that work on the broken bridge over the beach pedestrian trail is expected to start by the end of April.
8.5.5. Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) reported on several bills introduced in the legislature by Sen. Allen, including SB 715, which would ensure that post-disaster recovery, local environmental conditions, and climate change impacts are appropriately considered during regional housing need allocations.
8.5.6. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – Not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons — None.
9. Reports from PPCC Committee.
x9.1. Rebuild Committee (RC): In the absence of the RC Chair, the Vice-President reported that the Committee has been working on a possible survey of community opinion, has formed a subcommittee on public safety which has been discussing possible increased patrols, and has also formed a 20+ group of volunteer monitors to attend meetings of the Ad Hoc Committee for LA Recovery. Several of the volunteers attended and spoke at the Ad Hoc Committee meeting on March 24, which was held at the CD 11 offices on Manchester Blvd. in Westchester.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Presentation and Q&A – LAUSD staff on rebuilding of Palisades public schools. [Note: item taken out of order, following the Treasurer’s report/item 6.] Dr. Debra Bryant, Executive Director of School Operations at LAUSD, introduced LAUSA reps who would provide information on the rebuilding of public schools in the Palisades, including Pali High, Marquez Elementary, Palisades Elementary and Canyon School: Carlos Torres (Director of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety) and Issam Dahdul (Director of Facilities). The speakers provided a Slide Show of the rebuilding stages, and gave extensive information on the rebuild of the schools as well as LAUSD’s efforts to mitigate environmental hazards during the rebuilding. Allison Holdorff (Sr. Advisor and District Director for LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin – and PPCC Area 5 1st Alternate) was also present. The speakers answered numerous questions from the board and audience. See the Slide Show presentation by LAUSD on the PPCC website at Palisades Fire Recovery Presentations: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/palisades-fire-recovery-presentations/. The Vice-President thanked the LAUSD speakers for their presentation.
11.2. Presentation and Q&A – LTC Nathaniel Weander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, on phase 2 debris removal. [Note: item taken out of order, following the Treasurer’s report/item 6 and item 11.1.] Lt. Col. Nathaniel Weander, joined briefly by Col. Eric Swenson, provided information about the work of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) and the status of debris removal. He stressed that the deadline to opt-in to the program is March 31, and explained that folks who opt in by the deadline can later opt out. ACE will not remove retaining walls or swimming pools. He noted that 6,300 properties are eligible for debris removal; to date, 4,397 have opted in, 700+ have opted out, leaving about 1,000 who have still not returned their ROE forms. ACE is working hard to finish debris removal in the Palisades by the end of May, and wants to begin work on PCH debris removal by June 1. There were several questions about eligibility of townhomes, condos, mobile homes and other multifamily units for debris removal by ACE. Col. Swenson explained that this is a decision for FEMA. At this point, FEMA has only authorized debris removal by ACE for single-family homes, and multifamily developments are not eligible. However, he also noted that this issue is being looked at and he believes there will be a new decision in the coming days. He stressed that all owners of units in multi-family developments should still submit completed ROEs by the deadline, and HOAs should do the same. The Vice-President thanked LTC Weander and Col. Swenson for speaking with PPCC.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
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MINUTES FROM APRIL 10th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, Cindi Young (arrived late)/Joanna Spak (until Cindi Young’s arrival), Carol White, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, Rick McGeagh, John Padden, Courtney Macker, Eric Dugdale, David Card, Kaye Steinsapir, James Alexakis, Richard Blumenberg, Andy Frew, Hagop Tchakerian
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak (after Cindi Young’s arrival), Michael Edlen, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Cindy Simon, Jessica Rogers, Barbara Kohn, Kevin Niles, Bruce Schwartz, Rob Weber
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 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 March 27, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. Upcoming meetings: April 24, 2025 (topics to be announced); May 8, 2025 (Nominating Committee to nominate candidates for officers positions, 2025-26 term; nominations from the Board accepted).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that the Council’s bank balance is $113,931.42, with recent regular donations and a donation of $2,000 from the Sonoma & Santa Rosa Fire District.
[Note: Councilwoman Traci Park gave remarks at the beginning of the meeting in connection with item 11.1, Rebuilding the Palisades, which was taken following the Treasurer’s Report; see item 11.1 below]
7. General Public Comment:
7.1. Irv Klein (DePauw resident) relayed his opinion that LAFD let us down during the fire and there is no faith that they will ever protect us; he believes we won’t be able to proceed with the rebuild unless this issue is addressed.
7.2. Diane Bleak (Highlands resident) spoke about CHP vehicles backing into driveways of schools from Las Lomas to Palisades Drive. She also mentioned that street lights are still out in the Highlands area, and asked for help in this part of the community.
7.3. Barbara Bruderlin (President, Malibu-Palisades Chamber of Commerce) announced that 15 businesses are now open in the Palisades Village area and 7 businesses are open in Santa Monica Canyon. Businesses are struggling in the Palisades and Malibu and she encouraged everyone to patronize the businesses that have opened, both brick-and-mortar and online.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. The President announced the members of the Nominating Committee, to nominate candidates for PPCC officers for the 2025-26 term: Lorie Cudzil, Chair; Kimberly Bloom, Steve Cron, JoAnna Rodriguez and Chris Spitz. She described the process required under the Bylaws, including the fact that the Committee will announce its candidates on May 8 and the Board also will have an opportunity to nominate other candidates.
8.1.2. The President reported that she has appointed Jessica Rogers, PPRA Alternate, and Reza Akef, long-time past Area 8 Representative and a Palisades builder, to the PPCC Rebuild Committee.
8.1.3. The President announced again that we have received a donation of $2,000 from the Sonoma & Santa Rosa Fire District. A representative of that organization traveled to the Palisades in order to hand the donation personally to the President. She also related that she has been advised that the Riviera Country Club will donate to PPCC $634,846.50 for fire relief efforts. At future meetings the Board will discuss the best use of the donated funds.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Maryam Zar (Chair Emeritus) – See item 11.1 below.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Kimberly Bloom (Area 5) spoke about an important bill introduced by Sen. Allen, AB 495 (the Eliminate the List bill), which would require insurers to cover the entire cost of replacing household goods lost in the fire without demanding a detailed inventory from the insured. Ms. Bloom remarked that the more the community can attend the Ad Hoc Committee for LA Recovery meetings, the better to comment and voice concerns. She said it is so important for us to show up and be heard. Arus Grigoryan (CD11 Deputy) commented that she believes the next meeting may be on April 21st at 10 am and they are awaiting confirmation
8.3.2. Chris Spitz (At-large) gave an update on a response to PPCC’s and WRAC’s letters requesting that government officials conduct an examination into the misuse of funds to address homelessness. The U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles has now organized a “Homelessness Fraud and Corruption Task Force.” She has written on behalf of the WRAC Homelessness Committee to thank the DOJ and to request a representative to explain the work of the Task Force an upcoming WRAC committee meeting.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives – None.
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information for government representatives: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/.
8.5.1. Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades. SLO Espin mentioned that traffic lights are blinking red to help slow traffic down. CHP is there with a presence trying to keep people moving more slowly in the area. SLO Espin will be out of town for our next meeting, but invited attendees to email him with any concerns.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), updated us on several matters, including the Councilmember’s work with the County Assessor. Ian May, a representative of that office, was on the call and announced a town hall/Disaster Resource Fair to take place on Sunday, April 27th, regarding property tax relief for those impacted by the fires; this event will be in Westchester at the LAPD Police Training Facility. Ms. Grigoryan also spoke about the work of the Bureau of Street Lighting to repair street lights in the Palisades, as well as StreetsLA/Urban Forestry’s efforts to restore and maintain the thousands of trees located in our public right-of-way areas.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass – not present.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, West-Coastal Deputy, Sup. Lindsey Horvath reported on the work of the Supervisor and stressed the upcoming ROE deadline, April 15, 2025. He mentioned her motion (which has now passed in the BOS) to create one Homelessness Dept. in the County that will be overseen by the Supervisors. He also noted that fire debris on Will Rogers State Beach will soon be removed. The Supervisors are focusing on homes on PCH and getting the ROE forms completed quickly, so the government can go in and clean up, and they want to prevent further waste being dumped into the ocean. The Supervisors have been in contact with the Army Corps of Engineers and they are hoping to have this stretch of PCH cleaned up by June 1st. Their office is working to help clean piles of debris from public beaches, and there was a delay getting paperwork so they can take the waste quickly to landfills. They are co-hosting a beach cleanup with Heal the Bay on April 19, from 10 am to 12 pm at Santa Monica Pier.
8.5.5. Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) reported on several bills introduced in the legislature by Sen. Allen, including SB 495 (the “Eliminate the List” bill). She advised that the Senator will be speaking with the Recovery Coalition on April 15.
8.5.6. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – Ryan Valencia, District Director, spoke in Anthony Avila’s absence. He reported on the Assemblymember’s work in the legislature, and expressed appreciation for PPCC’s vote to support AB 238, providing for mortgage payment forbearance to those suffering financial hardship due to the fire. He also noted that Asm. Irwin will hold a “Sidewalk Session” with constituents at the end of May in Malibu (date TBA).
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons — None.
9. Reports from PPCC Committee.
9.1. PPCC Land Use Committee (LUC; Chris Spitz, Chair). Recommendation and introduction of two motions for action by the PPCC Board:
(A) Oppose SB 79 / Support CF 25-0002-19. See attachment for motion text & background.
The LUC Chair introduced and explained the motion on behalf of the LUC. No second was necessary because the motion was made by a committee of more than one voting member. She noted that this was another housing density/streamlining bill from Sen. Wiener that fails to contain an unconditional exemption for the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), which PPCC has consistently opposed. Discussion was called but there was none. A vote was then called; result: unanimous in favor of the motion.
(B) Support AB 238 / Support CF 25-0002-26. See attachment for motion text & background.
The LUC Chair introduced and explained the motion on behalf of the LUC. No second was necessary because the motion was made by a committee of more than one voting member. The LUC Chair noted that this bill was non-controversial and had recently passed in the Assembly unanimously; it is now going to the Senate for a vote. Discussion was called but there was none. A vote was then called; result: unanimous in favor of the motion.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Rebuilding the Palisades [Note: item taken earlier in the meeting, following the Treasurer’s report].
Councilwoman Traci Park attended briefly at the beginning of the meeting and described the work her office is doing to assist with the Palisades’ recovery. She was calling in from Hawaii, on the ground in Lahaina (Maui) with the Governor of Hawaii and with FEMA, to learn and observe how they have dealt with the environmental impact in the aftermath of the fire in Lahaina. The Councilwoman has visited Santa Rosa, Paradise and other communities that have gone through the same and learned best practices in going forward; she has introduced over two dozen motions based on what she has learned from other communities that have experienced the same issues in the aftermath of fires. CW Park remarked that it was great seeing so many familiar faces from the Palisades, and that Palisadians are bringing positive energy back to their circumstance after January 7th.
Maryam Zar then spoke on behalf of the Palisades Recovery Coalition, describing in detail how the Coalition was formed and the work it was doing, including developing an initial plan for recovery. She has been working on the project with a great deal of input and engagement from a brain trust of individuals to discuss Palisades recovery. She mentioned that they have had very little support other than their own ingenuity and resiliency, when discussing what the rebuild might look like. The Coalition has discussed how to safely allow emergency trucks the ability to come into the area, and how to make construction flow work together with materials and man-power accessible locally to get the much-needed builders on the ground. She is working with CD11 Traci Park’s office in sharing the logistics of their discussions. She emphasized that the plan is a beginning effort dealing with logistics, with more work to come. She noted that the Coalition will be meeting next on April 15 at Canyon Square in Santa Monica Canyon, joined by Senator Ben Allen. See the plan at:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PRC-Plan-to-PPCC-FIN.pdf. The meeting was well-attended and numerous questions were asked and answered.
Next, a representative of Hagerty Consulting, Harrison Newton, attended and provided a slide show which gave general information about Hagerty’s work in the field of emergency management, although non-specific to the conditions in Pacific Palisades. Tracey Philips of Hagerty was expected, but did not attend. Several attendees expressed disappointment that he did not give specifics about Hagerty’s work as it relates to the Palisades. Several questions were asked but Mr. Newton indicated that he would not be able to answer questions at this time.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 pm.
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ATTACHMENT — Item 9.1(A):
Motion text:
See Motions Recommended by the LUC to the PPCC Board – Oppose SB 79 / Support CF 25-0002-19:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/LUC-motions-for-4-10-25.pdf
Background information:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Background-LUC-Motion-SB-79.pdf
Attachment – Item 9.1(B):
Motion text:
See Motions Recommended by the LUC to the PPCC Board – Support AB 238 / Support CF 25-0002-26:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/LUC-motions-for-4-10-25.pdf
Background information:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Background-LUC-Motion-AB-238.pdf
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MINUTES FROM APRIL 24th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Carol White, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, Eric Dugdale, Jessica Rogers, David Card, James Alexakis, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak, Cindi Young, Michael Edlen, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Cindy Simon, Allison Holdorff, Ella Nozar, Rob Weber
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 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 April 10, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. May 8, 2025 (Pali High Ambassador Katelyn Chang – high school student’s perspective on the fire; Evan Hall, Preserving Palisades Architectural Heritage – project to preserve chimneys; Nominating Committee to nominate candidates for officer positions, 2025-26 term); May 22, 2025 (Rick Caruso & Nick Geller – Steadfast LA; Board nominations of officer candidates accepted until 15 minutes before scheduled close of the meeting; Bylaws, Art VII).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that the Council’s bank balance is $619,557.42, including donations recently received as announced by the President, and expenses for Directors & Officers insurance ($971) and Miracle Data ($1,225, tech assistance).
[Note: Items 8.1.1, 11.1 and 11.2 were called after Item 6]
7. General Public Comment:
7.1. Justin Skaggs, who described himself as a “utility consultant,” expressed concerns about LADWP’s planned conversion from overhead to underground power lines.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. The President announced that Chris Spitz (At-large Representative) would introduce a young LAFD firefighter, Ben Sweet. The At-large Representative did so, explaining that she had met him through his mother, and asked him to describe for the Board and attendees what occurred on the night of the Palisades Fire. He provided background about his experience as a rookie firefighter with LAFD Station 10 and explained how he came to be stationed on the roof of Station 69, where he and another young firefighter worked all night to save the Station and an adjacent home and ADU. They were able to do so, despite the fact that they were impeded by the weak water flow. He and the other firefighters were awake for 36 hours working to save structures. Kimberly Bloom (Area 5 Representative) explained that she knows the owners of the home that was saved, who are currently in Ireland, and she thanked Ben profusely for his service and work, as did the President and the At-large Representative. The President also noted that she had spoken with the Station 69 Firefighters and they were also grateful that Ben and other firefighters from Station 10 were able to save the Station.
8.1.2. The President announced that she has appointed Richard Blumenberg to the Rebuild Committee.
8.1.3. Following up on the Treasurer’s report, the President reported on the generous total donation to PPCC of more than $600,000, which includes $507,876 donated to date from the Watanabe family and the balance to come from the Riviera County Club membership. She thanked the donors for their amazing generosity.
8.1.4. The President provided a recap of the event at the American Legion, where the Seattle-based artist Jim Bakker, along with his wife and professional art installer, installed his painting, “Rising From Ashes,” as a gift to the Palisades community. Mr. Bakker appreciated the reception. The painting will remain at the American Legion temporarily, and may then be transferred to the Library or other worthy public space.
8.1.5. EC letter supporting SB 495 (see information for Item 8.1.5 attached below): https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PPCC-EC-Support-SB-495R.pdf
8.1.6. Other letters sent since last meeting – oppose SB 79; support AB 238:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PPCC-Letter-Oppose-SB-79-R.pdf
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PPCC-Letter-Support-AB-238.pdf
8.1.7. The President added that brush clearance notices went out that were wrong; residents should ignore these notices.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Chair Emeritus Maryam Zar gave a detailed report on the work of the Palisades Recovery Coalition, including upcoming meetings and speakers. She also spoke about the Mayor’s State of the City address at City Hall, which she, the President, Larry Vein and Kevin Chin (a Stage 4 cancer survivor who had helped save Sea Ridge homes) attended.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Sharon Kilbride (Area 7 Representative) announced that more unhoused individuals are heading northwards and entering the Palisades since the prior National Guard blockade along the beach path has now opened up. She is very concerned that former “restrictive entry” signs on the Via bluffs were destroyed in the fires; presently nothing is restricting unhoused persons from entering into the bluff areas; she has spoken with the Mayor’s office and Recreation and Parks, and new signs may be implemented and installed. Kilbride also mentioned that a large amount of mustard plant growth is already growing there, which could later become a fire hazard without proper monitoring.
8.3.2. Chris Spitz (At-large) gave an update (along with Mr. Obedoza during Item 11.1), about SB 495 (the “Eliminate the List” bill by Sen. Allen, which PPCC supports, and which has passed in the Insurance Committee in the state Senate, with more hearings to come). She also reported on SB 79 (the newest housing streamlining bill from Sen. Wiener, which PPCC opposes); the bill passed narrowly in the Senate Housing Committee, with more hearings to come.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. David Card (Palisades Forestry Committee) reported on the recent Park Advisory Board meeting, including the announcement that George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon is open and may be accessed via the Frontera gate. He also announced that the state Board of Forestry is considering new “defensible space” regulations which may increase the perimeter around homes in our area where trees or higher vegetation would be banned, possibly to 30 ft. The PFC may be taking a position on the regulations and may confer with the PPCC Executive Committee.
8.5. From Government Offices / Representatives (as available). Contact information for government representatives: https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/.
8.5.1. Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades – not present.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), reminded us of the upcoming special Resources Fair to take place this Sunday, April 27th, at the LA Airport Police Facility in Westchester. She also mentioned the ongoing work of various City agencies in the Palisades area, including the Bureau of Street Lighting, LADBS, the Bureau of Engineering and the Planning Dept., who will have representatives present at the Resource Fair from 9am – 12pm.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass, spoke about the Mayor’s work in advocating state officials for more resources for the Palisades recovery efforts; she also provided information about recent Executive Orders involving a self-certification pilot program and an AI pilot program to help expedite the permit process (EDs 6 and 10).
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, West-Coastal Deputy, Sup. Lindsey Horvath – present but did not speak due to time constraints; he added the following in the chat: https://beaches.lacounty.gov/beach-health/.
8.5.5. Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 – not present.
8.5.6. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons.
8.6.1. Allison Holdorff (Area 5 First Alternate, PPCC Education Advisor and District Director for LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin) reported that Pali High has resumed classes in-person at the old Sears Building in Santa Monica, now renovated to accommodate the students. This is a temporary site until June. Everyone is excited that the Pali High graduation ceremony will take place on June 4th at the Hollywood Bowl.
9. Reports from PPCC Committee.
9.1. PPCC Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). In the absence of the Committee Chair, Member Lorie Cudzil (Area 6 Representative) gave a detailed report on the City Council Ad Hoc Committee for LA Recovery meeting, 4/21/25. See her report at:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Notes-on-Ad-Hoc-Cmtee-Mtg.-4-21-25.pdf.
9.2. Executive & Rebuild Committees. (No report; motion in Item 11.3 postponed to 5/8/25.)
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business. (Note: Items 11.1 and 11.2 were called after Item 6).
11.1. “Scattergood” Station Modernization Project/LADWP representatives: Presentation/Q&A.
Katherine Rubin and Nermina Rucic of LADWP provided detailed information and answered questions about the “Scattergood Hydrogen-Ready” generating station modernization plan. They explained the project and CEQA process and timeline. The projected cost of this project is approximately $750M – $800M. They mentioned that they have been working on community outreach within the area (near Hyperion), and that Councilwoman Traci Park had requested that they come present to us directly, which is why they have joined the PPCC meeting this evening. Chris Spitz (At-large Rep and WRAC Vice-Chair) mentioned that Ms. Rubin and Ms. Rucic also gave a presentation at the April WRAC board meeting. Their outreach locally has been from October 31st to April 7th, and they have created a website online. The presenters can be reached with any questions at scattergood_CEQA@ladwp.com. The President thanked them for their presentation.
11.2. CA Dept. of Insurance/Guest Speaker Rob Obedoza, Outreach Analyst: Presentation/Q&A. Mr. Obedoza gave an extended presentation about issues and questions that frequently arise concerning insurance coverage for losses due to the fires. [See his presentation slides at:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CDI-Presentation-04242025.pdf.] The Board and meeting attendees asked many questions on various specific insurance issues, which Mr. Obedoza answered. Mr. Obedoza explained that if anyone has any issues with insurance and/or non-compliance by insurers, they should please contact his office. The Insurance Dept. wants to be helpful in instances when the insurance companies are not complying with their obligations to consumers. He also discussed Senator Allen’s bill, SB 495, to provide that residents will not have to put together a detailed list of items lost during a disaster; however, it appears the bill may not be retroactive to cover losses from the recent January 7th fire, only those that may happen in the future. The President thanked Mr. Obedoza for his informative presentation.
11.3. Motion for Board Approval of NORC Survey of Community Opinion, by the Executive and Rebuild Committees. The President postponed the motion to the next Board meeting on May 8, 2025, due to time constraints.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.
_____________________
ATTACHMENT – Item 8.1.5:
Background re SB 495:
Bill text/history: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB495
Insurance Commissioner LARA support: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Commissioner-Lara-Support-to-Elimimate-the-List-SB-495.pdf
_________________________
MINUTES FROM May 5th 2025 (Special Meeting)
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Beth Holden-Garland, Chris Spitz, Cindi Young, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Alex Hoerner, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, Eric Dugdale, Jessica Rogers, Haldis Toppel, James Alexakis, Kaye Steinsapir, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson, Richard Blumenberg
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak, Carole White, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Jan Shortz, David Card, Kevin Niles, Andy Frew, Valeria Serna, Ella Nozar
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. Chris Spitz 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.
The President began by expressing the community’s sorrow for the tragic death on May 4 of 19-year-old Palisadian Braun Levi (a Loyola High School senior and tennis star), who was hit by a suspected drunk driver as he was walking along Sepulveda Blvd. in Manhattan Beach, where his family had relocated after losing their home in the fire. All other announcements and reports were deferred.
4. New Business.
4.1. Presentation on Zone 0/Defensible Safe Regulations – David Barrett of MySafeLA.
This well-attended meeting was focused entirely on discussion of the new “Zone 0” defensible space regulations, proposed by an Advisory Committee of the state Board of Forestry. PPCC’s guest speaker – David Barrett, Executive Director of MySafeLA – gave an extensive and informative presentation and answered many questions about the proposed Zone 0 regulations, causes of wildfires, the Board of Forestry’s process in terms of meeting and adopting the regulations, and the work of MySafeLA. He suggested that PPCC should send the proposed letter attached to the agenda, and that we may want to consider providing specific proposals for new regulations. He also announced that MySafeLA will hold a virtual Fire Safe Town Hall on May 15 and will provide a flyer when it becomes available.
4.2. Motion for Board Approval of Proposed PPCC Comment Letter re Zone 0 (by Chris Spitz and Beth Holden-Garland; see attachment below). The motion was introduced by Chris Spitz (At-large Representative), who explained that Board approval was sought for the letter attached in the agenda, and that the deadline to submit comments was noon on May 8. No additional second was necessary because the motion was made by two voting members. During discussion, Donna Vaccarino of the Pacific Palisades Historical Society stated that the Historical Society did not support the letter as written. A vote was then taken. Result: Motion passed (19-1-0).
[A recording of the Zone 0 discussions at the special meeting can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq5JtbQdkR8.]
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm.
___________________
ATTACHMENT – Item 4.2:
Proposed PPCC Comment Letter:
May __, 2025
Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee
California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
Natural Resources Building
15 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814 Via email: PublicComments@bof.ca.gov
Re: Defensible Space Zone 0 and Trees/Vegetation
Dear Committee Members:
This letter offers comments on the April 7, 2025, draft of the Zone 0 regulations proposed to be established under Public Resources Code Section 4291.
Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) has since 1973 been the voice of Pacific Palisades – the community that was devastated by the massive Palisades Fire. Our community is located in an urban wildlands area of Los Angeles, in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, and entirely within the designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).
As we begin the monumental task of rebuilding Pacific Palisades, we recognize the need for sensible, science-based regulations to create a defensible space and in turn prevent the unprecedented devastation experienced in January 2025. We appreciate the work of the Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) in proposing regulations and seeking public input.
We also seek to preserve our beautiful urban forest, to the maximum extent possible and consistent with public safety. Many trees and other landscaping emerged intact from the Palisades Fire; based on experience, we believe much of this vegetation was critical in preventing structure destruction. Community members are very concerned that adoption of the current proposed regulations would effectively result in a barren landscape with little or no protection for homes.
For these reasons, PPCC supports the comments set forth in the following letters submitted to the Advisory Committee: Letter from the Palisades Forestry Committee (PFC)[1] dated April 29, 2025 (PFC Letter); Letter from Dr. Travis Longcore / The Urban Wildlands Group dated April 26, 2025 (Longcore Letter).
We strongly agree with the conclusions expressed in both letters: that AB 3074 demonstrates the legislature’s “intent for a more flexible and balanced approach to vegetation around homes,” and further, that “‘the proposed regulations are inconsistent with that intent, threatening a negative impact ‘with a loss of tree and shrub cover … biodiversity, temperatures, humidity, erosion, water quality, public health outcomes, and loss of personal security.’ In addition, there’s the loss of the natural beauty of our neighborhood gardens and the mental peace they offer. Balance and flexibility, based on science, should be the watchwords.” (original emphasis; PFC Letter, p. 2)
Moreover, we concur with the conclusion of both the PFC and The Urban Wildlands Group that a“one-size-fits-all” approach to the regulations is inappropriate: “An urban area in chaparral vegetation should not be treated the same as a rural setting in a coniferous forest—the strategies to reduce fire risk are not the same and the risks are inherently different.” (Longcore Letter, p. 6). Or, as the PFC explains: “Palisades homes are not country homes in a forest, but rather suburban tracts of houses in close proximity. Zone 0 would eliminate most or all trees and vegetation between homes.” (PFC Letter, p. 2)
PPCC therefore respectfully urges Advisory Committee members to reconsider the current proposed Zone 0 regulations, and in doing so take into account the scientific data that supports retention of healthy, hydrated trees and other vegetation near homes in urban wildlands areas to prevent fire damage.
This letter was approved [unanimously] by the PPCC Board after full discussion at a public special Board meeting on May 5, 2025, in accordance with PPCC’s Bylaws.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Kohl
President
Pacific Palisades Community Council
cc (via email):
Hon. Ben Allen, SD 24
Hon. Jacqui Irwin, AD 42
Hon. Traci Park, CD 11
Background:
PFC Letter:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PFC_Zone_0_letter_4-29-25.pdf
Longcore Letter:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20250426_ZoneZeroPleadCommets.pdf
Links to the BOF/Advisory Committee proposed regulations:
https://calfire-umb05.azurewebsites.net/projects-and-programs/defensible-space-zones-0-1-2/
___________
[1] The PFC began as a committee of PPCC and is now a respected, independent non-profit and an organizational member of the PPCC Board.
_________________________
MINUTES FROM May 8th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, Courtney Macker, David Card, James Alexakis, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Carole White, Diana Daniele, Michael Edlen, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Cindy Simon, Rick McGeagh, Valeria Serna, Jessica Rogers, Ella Nozar
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. Karen Ridgley 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 24, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. May 22, 2025 (Rick Caruso & Nick Geller – Steadfast LA; Board nominations of officer candidates accepted until 15 minutes before scheduled close of the meeting; Bylaws, Art VII). June 12, 2025 (candidates forum, if needed, and election of officers for the 2025-26 term; tentative: LADWP presentation.
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that the Council’s bank balance is $619,481.21, with no activity other than small donations. The second donation from the Riviera Country Club is expected after May 9th.
[Note: Items 10.1, 11.1 and 11.2 were called after Item 6 on the agenda]
7. General Public Comment:
7.1. Ryan Gowhari (owner of Spruzzo) announced that Spruzzo has reopened as of May 1, 2025. He thanked everyone for patronizing the restaurant. He also had questions about restrictions on food trucks parking in the area, which he was advised to speak about with CD 11 Palisades Deputy Arus Grigoryan.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. Update on grants/donations to PPCC. The President noted that she had lunch with Megan Watanabe of the Riviera Country Club. She thanked Ms. Watanabe for the generous donations to PPCC and explained that PPCC would be good stewards of the funds.
8.1.2. Update on Zone 0 regulations matter. The President explained that PPCC has submitted a letter commenting on the regulations. She also noted that there will be a FireSafeLA meeting on May 15, from 7pm-8:30pm via Zoom, where the regulations will be discussed; PPCC will provide information about the meeting via Mailchimp.
8.1.3. Letters sent since last meeting:
Fee waivers: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PPCC-Letter-Waiver-Fees2.pdf
LAPD checkpoints: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PPCC-Letter-re-Checkpoints-LAPD.pdf
8.1.4. Restrictions on entry to the Palisades burn area. The President noted the conditions described in the letter regarding LAPD checkpoints (linked in item 8.1.3), and the need to check all persons entering on foot or on bicycles to make sure they are authorized to enter.
8.1.5. The President announced that the PaliStrong event at the Santa Monica pier was a great party and everyone attending had a wonderful time.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Beth Holden-Garland (Secretary) reminded organizations and individuals that if they want items posted on PacPaliCC’s Instagram and Facebook to please tag in their posts, and/or send them to her. She is happy to get messages out to the community.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Lorie Cudzil (Area 6 Representative) reported that residents whose homes are still standing have concerns about opening up the Palisades to the public. There are also concerns about when the reservoir will be refilled.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area 7 Representative) reported that on May 1 st, she, Sue Pascoe, Arus Grigoryan, Recreation and Parks staff and LAPD officers went into the Via de las Olas bluffs and were able to mark areas and install 5 “restricted entry” signs. She explained that the brush is very overgrown from the recent rains and can provide cover for homeless encampments.
8.3.3. Julia Nilsen (Area 3 Representative) explained that there is bad cell phone coverage in the lower Marquez Knolls. It was explained that AT&T poles have been replaced and Arus Grigoryan is working on this.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. David Card (Palisades Forestry Committee/PFC) announced that the PFC now has a new website, www.palisadesforestry.org, and is working on a list of fire-resistant street trees. The new website has links to resources, and general tree and plant information that can be helpful to the community.
8.4.2. Jessica Rogers (PPRA Alternate) expressed public safety concerns about opening up PCH to the general public. She also mentioned concern about the neighborhoods being dark at night from lack of street lights after the fire, and the risk for crime.
8.4.3. Daphne Gronich (Area 4 2nd Alternate) provided information about the July 4th event this year, sponsored by PAPA, which will take place at the Paul Revere Middle School athletic field in the evening. She also noted that the Palisades July 4th run will take place in Venice, and there will also be a parade in Santa Monica which the Palisades “regular” parade participants can join. She mentioned that Lou Kamer can help coordinate any Palisades parade participants that might want to participate in the Santa Monica parade this year. Also, there will be a drone show in lieu of a fireworks show this year, and she promised that it will be a fun time with food trucks and Palisades bands.
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, explained that California Highway Patrol (CHP) is tasked with crime prevention in the Palisades neighborhoods; that LAPD is assisting only at checkpoints with the National Guard. He also noted that CHP is now doing heavy traffic enforcement and that CHP and LAPD note that vehicles are driving unsafely in Palisades neighborhoods. Regarding the issue of pedestrians entering without passes via the bike path, SLO Espin stated that LAPD doesn’t have the resources to check each person coming in and they don’t have the personnel to monitor the beach path, although the Beach Detail are checking on individuals entering as they are able to do so. He also mentioned that the Palisades doesn’t have as many burglary incidents as there have been upticks in Cheviot Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air, Westwood, and other parts of the Westside.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) spoke about “green drainage signs” and sandbags being placed in certain areas. She also noted that the CD 11 Beautification Team has been picking up trash in the Village. The Bureau of Street Services has made asphalt repairs at the corner of Bienveneda and Via Floresta. The City Council is now engaged in budget discussions. In addition, she mentioned that 311 requests should be made to submit items that the community wants addressed.
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, spoke about the problem with a toxic algae bloom in the ocean; the County is working on strategies to mitigate the problem. He said that Supervisor Horvath secured a donation of $100,000 to Marina Rescue Care for helping wildlife impacted by recent issues from the local beaches. He had no updates on the bike path bridge status.
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.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees.
9.1. Nominating Committee (Chair Lorie Cudzil; members Kimberly Bloom, Steve Cron, JoAnna Rodriguez, Chris Spitz). Announcement of Committee’s candidates for officer positions, 2025-26 term.
Chair Cudzil announced that the Committee is very pleased that all the current officers have agreed to continue in their positions in the next term. Therefore, the Committee’s candidates are as follows:
Sue Kohl, President; Quentin Fleming, Vice-President; Jenny Li, Treasurer; Beth Holden-Garland, Secretary. The President thanked the Committee and announced that Board members can now nominate other candidates for officer positions. No such nominations were made. The President also announced that Board members’ nominations of candidates may be made until 15 minutes before scheduled close of the May 22nd meeting.
10. Old Business. (Note: Item 10.1 below was heard following the Treasurer’s report, Item 6)
10.1. Motion for Board Approval of NORC Survey of Community Opinion, by the Executive and Rebuild Committees. See attached motion text and background information below. The motion was introduced by Rebuild Committee Chair David Schwarz and Vice-President Quentin Fleming. No second was necessary as the motion was made by several voting members. Following summaries by the Committee Chair and Vice-President, and discussion by the Board, a vote was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously.
11. New Business.
11.1. High School Students’ Perspective on the Fire – Katelyn Chang, Pali High Ambassador; Ella Nozar, PPCC Youth Advisor. Katelyn and Ella provided interesting presentations on their experiences after the fire, with Katelyn focusing on students being forced again, after Covid, to return to virtual learning due to the damage to Pali High, and Ella explaining students’ happiness in being able to return to in-person classes when school reopened at the old Sears building in Santa Monica. They said it was good to get out of the “pjs and to get back to school again.” They both indicated it was wonderful to see everyone come together and students were overcome with emotions. Katelyn and Ella are actively involved in doing a fundraiser, called “Raise Pali,” to help other students at the school. The President thanked them both for speaking with PPCC about their experiences.
11.2. Project to Preserve Chimneys of Historic Palisades Homes – Evan Hall, Preserving Palisades Architectural Heritage. See Press Release: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Project-Chimney-.pdf.
Evan Hall of the “House Museum” gave an interesting presentation on the project to preserve chimneys of historic Palisades homes and answered questions from the Board. The President thanked Evan for his presentation.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
_______________
ATTACHMENT – Item 10.1:
Motion text:
“The Board of Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) approves the retention by the Executive Committee, on the recommendation of the PPCC Rebuild Committee, of NORC (formerly known as the National Opinion Research Center), to conduct a professional survey of Palisades community opinion regarding the reconstruction of Pacific Palisades (Survey), pursuant to the NORC Business Plan Proposal to PPCC of March 6, 2025, and further agrees to provisionally commit $50,000 from the funds donated to PPCC by the California Community Fund toward the total cost of the Survey (approximately $172,750); provided that sufficient funds for the balance of the cost of the Survey (approximately $122,750) are also donated or made available to PPCC, to be determined by the Executive Committee.
“The work on the Survey shall be overseen by the Rebuild Committee, which shall report regularly to the Executive Committee and PPCC Board on the status and progress of the Survey.”
Background information:
Summary: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NORC-Executive-Summary.pdf
NORC Proposal: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NORC-Research-Proposal.pdf
NORC Slide Show / Presentation to Rebuild Committee 4/18/25:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pdfhandler.ashx_.pdf
NORC information/website: https://www.norc.org/
“NORC delivers objective nonpartisan insights and analysis decision-makers trust.”
_________________________
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.
_________________________
MINUTES FROM JUNE 12th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Steve Cron, Robert Trinkkeller, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, Courtney Macker, Dave Card, James Alexakis, Richard Blumenberg, Hagop Tchakerian, Kaye Steinsapir, Janet Anderson, Donna Vaccarino
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Allison Holdorff Polhill, Carole White, Joanna Spak, Michael Edlen, Daphne Gronich,, Kevin Niles, Valeria Serna, Andy Frew, Rob Weber, Lou Kamer
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 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 May 22, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. June 26, 2025 (LADWP presentation; other topics to be announced). July 10, 2025 (topics to be announced).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that the Council’s bank balance is $720,821.30, with a few minor donations and expenses incurred of $49,275 (first installment payment to NORC).
[Note: Item 11.2 was called after Item 6 on the agenda.]
7. General Public Comment:
7.1. Sue Pascoe (resident and CTN editor) stated that a man who lived In the Mt. Holyoke bluff area recently committed suicide. She feels that many residents/fire survivors are suffering and in need of direct donations.
7.2. Residents David and Nicole Howard asked about the Mayor’s hiring of a new consulting firm (ACON) for the rebuild, and wanted more information about this. Lee Ann Daly (resident) noted that Team Palisades is having a meeting the next day at 2:30pm with ACON.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. Summer 2025 PPCC meeting dates: July 10, 2025; August 14, 2025 (the Board meets once a month only in July and August; Bylaws, Art. IX.2). The President noted the summer meeting dates.
8.1.2. Vacant PPCC Area Three 2nd Alternate position. Notice and deadline to apply, July 6, 2025: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PPCC-Area-3-Alt.-App.-Notice-2025.pdf. The President invited eligible residents to apply for this position by the July 6th deadline.
8.1.3. Appointment of Three Chairs Committee (to review applications and make nomination to the Board for the Area Three 2nd Alternate position (Bylaws, Art. VIII.1.D). The President announced the following members of the Committee (all former PPCC Chairs/Presidents): Maryam Zar, Chair, Chris Spitz and David Card.
8.1.4. Donations or grants by PPCC – Discussion/Board opinion/decision sought as to procedure for review and decisions on the award of proposed PPCC donations/grants:
(a) Should the Executive Committee or another PPCC committee be formed for this purpose? The President suggested that the Executive Committee should not be tasked with this role and a separate committee should be formed. There were no objections to the President forming a “grants committee” for this purpose.
(b) Should that committee be authorized to set the criteria for review/approval of proposals (keeping in mind the PPCC Mission, per Art.II.1 of the bylaws: “to protect and improve the quality of life in the Pacific Palisades”)? The President suggested that the grants committee should set the criteria for review/possible approval of proposals. There were no objections to the President’s suggestion.
(c) What should be the scope of the committee’s decision-making authority? Should it be:
(i) authorized to make all final decisions on denial and/or approval of proposed donations/grants? The President suggested that the grants committee should not be authorized to make final decisions on approval; final decisions on approval should be made by the Board. There were no objections to the President’s suggestion.
(ii) authorized to deny proposed donations/grants at its discretion, but required to bring to the Board all those that it recommends for approval? The President suggested that this option was most appropriate; the grants committee should be authorized to deny proposed donations/grants at its discretion, but to make recommendations for approval to the Board, which should be the sole decider on approval of all such proposed donations/grants. There were no objections to the President’s suggestion.
(iii) required to bring all recommendations for denial or approval to the Board? The President suggested that she strongly opposed this option; denial of proposed grants/donations should be made by the grants committee and not be made public; recommendations for approval only should be brought to the Board for public discussion. There were no objections to the President’s suggestion.
PPCC’s legal advisor Rob Weber commented that since PPCC’s bylaws do not address the issue of PPCC making grants or donations, a formal Board vote on the rules regarding proposed grants/donations from PPCC should be taken at an upcoming meeting. He noted that decisions on approval should be based on the purpose of the original donation to PPCC, as expressed by the Riviera Foundation. Chris Spitz (At-large Representative) noted that the approval must also be based on PPCC’s Mission as expressed in the bylaws.
8.1.5. Update: Luncheon for Seniors, June 5th at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center. The President invited Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven Representative) to report on the luncheon. Kilbride reported that the event was well-attended and a great success. Sam Lagana served as M.C. and Jimmy Dunne read a poem for the occasion. Arus Grigoryan (CD 11 Palisades Deputy) was present and worked hard throughout the event; the luncheon was much appreciated by everyone who attended.
8.1.6. The President reminded everyone currently living outside of the Palisades in temporary residences to make certain that their voter registration for next year’s election remains their Pacific Palisades address; visit www.lavote.gov/recovery to ensure that your Palisades address is registered for voting purposes.
8.1.7. The President reminded everyone of the Home Hardening Fair at St. Martin of Tours in Brentwood on Saturday, June 14, from 10am – 12pm.
8.1.8. The President gave a 4th of July reminder: PPCC will participate in the Parade that will take place on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. All of PPCC’s 2024 Honorees will ride in the Parade: Cindi Young, Citizen of the Year; Thomas Hathaway, Pride of the Palisades; and Leslie Campbell and Carlos Rodriguez, Golden Sparkplugs. She invited everyone to attend.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus – None.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven Representative) noted the concerns of Santa Monica Canyon residents that LAPD is not carefully checking passes at checkpoints, and some checkpoints are located where not needed.
8.3.2. Lorie Cudzil (Area Six Representative) reported that residents are seeing very heavy traffic on Chautauqua at certain times; they would like the timing of the traffic lights at PCH and Sunset to be readjusted. Lou Kamer (Transportation Advisor) responded that both agencies involved with that intersection (Caltrans and LADOT) are working on getting the timing readjusted.
8.3.3. Kimberly Bloom (Area Five Representative) also reported on residents’ concern about checkpoints and how long they will be in place. She noted that another concern involves mental health and the difficult emotions that continue to be experienced by residents/fire survivors; there are groups that meet regularly in certain areas such as in the Marina, where many residents meet informally at 8am on Mondays at a Marina restaurant for discussion and for support.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Dave Card (Palisades Forestry Committee/PFC) announced that the PFC will also participate in the Santa Monica Parade on July 4th. The PFC recently worked with students of Seven Arrows Elementary School to plant about a dozen trees in Rustic Canyon.
8.4.2. Daphne Gronich (Area Four 2nd Alternate, reporting on behalf of PAPA), provided additional information about the 4th of July events (5K Run/Walk in Venice, Parade in Santa Monica, evening Celebration sponsored by PAPA at the Paul Revere Middle School athletic field). She explained that the evening event is for residents only and will feature food trucks, entertainment, music and a special drone show. More information about how residents may obtain free tickets will be coming soon.
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 were a couple of burglaries on Chautauqua last week. One involved the perpetrator using a “fake” pass from previous work for a construction company. The checkpoints are still holding; he has passed along information to the LAPD Command Post that the officers stationed at the checkpoints need to do a better job of checking passes.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), reported on numerous matters. There will be a “Soul Cycling” event (not sponsored by CD 11) on June 14th, with participants bicycling from Venice to Station 69 in the Palisades. BOE representatives will attend the next PPCC meeting to update us on the status of the “pedestrian trail” from the mouth of Potrero Canyon to Temescal Canyon Rd. CD 11 will host an upcoming townhall with LADWP (date TBA). The City will be repairing the asphalt as well as sidewalks and medians along Sunset Blvd. and Temescal Canyon Rd., where LA Sanitation will also inspect and repair catch basins.
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) noted that he is organizing the Palisades “delegation”/ participants in the 4th of July Parade in Santa Monica. He also reminded everyone of the 5K Run/Walk in Venice and the Celebration evening in the evening at Paul Revere Middle School.
8.6.3. Allison Holdorff Polhill (Education Advisor; PPCC Area Five 1st Alternate; and Senior Advisor to LAUSD member Nick Melvoin) reported that the LAUSD Bond Committee has approved a $603M bond for the rebuild of the three LAUSD schools in the Palisades burn area: the high school and the two elementary schools (Marquez Elementary and Palisades Elementary).
9. Reports from PPCC Committees.
9.1. Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). Update on status of NORC focus groups. Quentin Fleming (Vice-President) reported that about 300 persons responded to the invitation to express interest in joining one of the NORC focus groups. NORC will be randomly selecting participants for the groups which will represent a cross-section of Palisades residents. The focus groups will meet during the week of June 23nd and will inform the questions for the NORC community survey to come at a later date, to be determined).
9.2. Land Use Committee (LUC/Chris Spitz, Chair). LUC update and recommendation for Board action; proposed motion: Request Funding Mechanisms for Bills that Mandate Housing Density and/or Streamlining. See attached motion text and background, below. LUC Chair Chris Spitz explained the motion, which did not require a second as it was made by a committee of more than one voting member. Following discussion, a vote was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Election of PPCC Officers for the 2025-26 term (beginning July 1, 2025; Bylaws, Art. VII.4). Since all candidates for officer positions were uncontested, per motion by Chris Spitz the PPCC officers were elected by enthusiastic acclamation of the Board (Sue Kohl, President; Quentin Fleming, Vice-President; Jenny Li, Treasurer; Beth Holden-Garland, Secretary).
11.2. FireAid Grants Update (FireAid team members Chris Wallace and Lisa Cleri Reale). See: https://www.fireaidla.org/grants. [Note: This Item was called after Item 6 on the agenda; the President announced that due to time constraints this would be a brief presentation and only a few Board members would be called on for questions.]
The President welcomed Mr. Wallace of the LA Clippers and Ms. Reale, who is heading up the FireAid team that is handling donations. They provided a great deal of information about the process and about the FireAid donations to date, explaining how they have been working positively with various Palisades organizations. Ms. Reale thanked Chris Spitz for introducing her to many Pacific Palisades nonprofits with whom she has been able to have direct discussions regarding the application process. They welcomed Palisades nonprofits to apply for FireAid grants in the third round this summer/early fall. Interested persons may contact info@pacpalicc.org for Ms. Reale’s email address (which she also placed in the Chat); she will respond to questions submitted to her via email. She and Mr. Wallace also answered questions at the meeting from a few Board members. The President thanked them for attending and presenting information about FireAid to the Board.
11.3. WRAC-recommended motion (request to postpone the Caltrans project to repave the 405 through the Sepulveda Pass); proposed in PPCC by the Executive Committee. See attached motion text and background, below. Chris Spitz (WRAC Vice-Chair and PPCC E.C. member) explained the motion, which did not require a second as it was made by a committee of more than one voting member. Following discussion, a vote was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
ATTACHMENT – Item 9.2:
LUC Motion Proposed Text:
“The State of California has enacted a series of housing-related bills aimed at increasing residential density
in cities and municipalities statewide, including SB 9, SB 10, and others. While the stated intent of these bills is to address the statewide housing crisis, implementation of these measures often places significant burdens on local government without providing the necessary infrastructure, services, or fiscal support. These mandates frequently override local planning authority, diminish the ability of cities to tailor land use to their unique needs and capacities, and strain existing infrastructure and funding resources.
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) therefore:
“1) requests that our elected state officials take steps to initiate a pause on all enacted legislation that provides for statewide housing density and/or streamlining mandates, unless and until clear funding mechanisms are identified and enacted to accompany the legislation, in order to support the resulting impact on infrastructure, public safety, and municipal services; and
“2) opposes any pending and future legislation that proposes statewide housing density and/or streamlining mandates, unless clear funding mechanisms are identified to accompany any such bills, in order to support the resulting impact on infrastructure, public safety, and municipal services.
“The imposition of increased density — without accompanying state funding or resource allocation — exacerbates existing challenges, particularly in areas vulnerable to wildfire, evacuation constraints, and other environmental or geographic hazards, such as the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, Flood Zones or other environmentally sensitive locations as determined by local governments throughout the state.”
Background:
Explained in body of motion; also see letter from City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, opposing SB 79 (Wiener) on similar grounds; SB 79 is also opposed by PPCC, the League of California Cities and others) https://westsidecouncils.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Microsoft-Word-05.23.2025-SB-79-Opposition-Letter-.docx.pdf.
From the C.A.’s letter: “. . . the bill’s provisions impermissibly impose billions of dollars of costs on Los Angeles and other local jurisdictions, undermine local governance, circumvent local decision-making processes, and impose unintended burdens on communities.”
ATTACHMENT – Item 11.3:
Proposed WRAC-Motion Text:
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC), a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), urgently requests that Caltrans delay the I-405 Pavement Rehabilitation Project (https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-7/district-7-projects/d7-405-repave-project) until after:
“1) All lanes of Pacific Coast Highway are reopened, and “2) All Palisades fire debris removal is complete.”
PPCC believes that this delay is reasonable, given that the project is expected to take four years, and we ask that Caltrans accommodate this important request.
“PPCC further requests that Councilmembers representing WRAC member councils (Park, Yaroslavsky, Hutt and/or Raman) bring a resolution in Council to effectuate this request on behalf of the City.”
Background:
WRAC motion webpage: https://westsidecouncils.com/motion/postpone-caltrans-repaving-project-on-the-405/
Note: Since this motion was considered by the WRAC board, Caltrans has advised community leaders that the repaving project will begin sometime in June (with certain 405 lane closures). Although PCH has now reopened to the public, the area is still characterized by CD 11 as a “construction zone,” with ongoing debris removal; some southbound lanes of PCH are also closed at various times.
_________________________
MINUTES FROM JUNE 26th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Diana Daniele, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, John Padden, James Alexakis, Richard Blumenberg, Hagop Tchakerian, Rick McGeagh, Donna Vaccarino
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Allison Holdorff Polhill, Leeanne Sanderson, Cindy Simon, Joanna Spak, Michael Edlen, Andy Frew, Rob Weber
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. Leeanne Sanderson 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 12, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. July 17, 2025 (Note: date changed from 7/10; tentative: Friends of the Palisades Library update; Three Chairs Committee nomination and Board election of Area Three 2nd Alternate); August 14, 2025 (topics to be announced).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that the Council’s bank balance is $720,863.90, with not much activity this past month other than the monthly Mailchimp expense of $54.00. She is working on opening a separate Schwab money market account to deposit a large portion of the donated funds, to earn more interest on the funds.
[Note: Item 11.1 was called after Item 6 on the agenda.]
7. General Public Comment:
7.1. Paloma Bustos (Policy Associate with Loyola Law School’s Anti-Trafficking Institute) reported on the concerning phenomenon of trafficking among temporary workers after natural disasters, including in the Palisades. She has brought this to the attention of the Ad Hoc Committee on LA Recovery and her institute is working on measures that the City can take to prevent such trafficking.
7.2. Landon Nash of the Cosmic Foundation and Cosmic Builders (company that is building prefab homes with cutting edge technology in the Palisades) announced his Foundation’s initiative to donate one home to a needy Palisades family for every ten homes built and sold by Cosmic in the Palisades. More details about the the process and how to apply will be made available in the coming weeks.
7.3. David Howard (resident) spoke about public safety concerns, specifically his observation that there were no police cars present last weekend compared with the presence in prior weeks.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. The President reported that the July PPCC meeting will be held on July 17, 2025.
8.1.2. Formation of new PPCC committees: a) Grants Committee; b) Bylaws Committee. The President announced the following members of these new committees:
a) Grants Committee: Quentin Fleming, Chair; Janet Anderson, Steve Cron, Lorie Cudzil, Chris Spitz, Andrew Wolfberg, Maryam Zar.
b) Bylaws Committee: Chris Spitz and Maryam Zar, Co-Chairs; James Alexakis, Quentin Fleming, Andrew Wolfberg.
8.1.3. Reminder – 4th of July events: 5K Run/Walk in Venice; Parade in Santa Monica (PPCC to participate); evening Celebration at Paul Revere Middle School, sponsored by PAPA. The President reported on the upcoming events and encouraged everyone’s attendance.
8.1.4. Position letters written since last PPCC meeting – Oppose Legislative Density Mandates w/o Funding Mechanism. The President noted that these letters have all been sent.
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PPCC-Letter-Housing-Density-Legis.-Funding.pdf https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PPCC-Position-Housing-Density-Funding-.pdf
Request to Postpone I-405 Repaving Project: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PPCC-Letter-Postpone-405-Repaving.pdf
8.1.5. LAPD roll call update. The President noted that the roll call calendar for June-July 11 is on the PPCC website home page.
8.1.6. PFC list of fire-resistant trees – The President noted that this list is also on the website.
8.1.7. Col. Swenson recognition 7/2/25, at the Village Green. The President reported on the event recognizing Colonel Eric Swenson of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to take place on July 2.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Maryam Zar, Chair Emeritus, reported on several events: 1) Colonel Swenson’s recognition will take place on July 2, following with LAPD roll call at 10am that day at the Village Green; 2) there will be a “visioning charette” in the Marquez Knolls area this Saturday from 10am-12pm, with more charettes in other neighborhoods to take place soon; 3) an LAPD “stop-in center” has opened on Sunset Blvd. in the Village area; 4) the Palisades Recovery Coalition is hosting a meeting with C.A. Hydee Feldstein Soto and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath on July 8.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large Representative) reported on several matters: The 405 repaving has begun, with lane closures overnight. PPCC has submitted another letter opposing SB 79 to the Assembly. WRAC has also submitted a letter opposing SB 79. For reasons unknown, the City Council Rules Committee has not scheduled the motion calling for the City to oppose SB 79 for hearing. The state Board of Forestry is going forward with the proposed Zone 0 regulations, despite a great deal of opposition and concern that the regulations are not consistent with scientific data, as PPCC and many others have explained. We understand that the insurance industry is promoting these regulations.
8.3.2. Kimberly Bloom (Area Five Representative) reported on the most recent meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee on LA Recovery, chaired by Councilwoman Traci Park. She noted that LADWP representatives were present and were pressed by the Councilwoman on the status of the Santa Inez Reservoir. DWP reps stated that they hoped to fill the reservoir in the week before the 4th of July.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.8.4.1. Rick McGeagh (PPBA) provided information about progress at the Palisades Recreation Center: LADWP is now out of the building, the new playground is progressing, and the playing fields may be open soon.
8.4.2. Donna Vaccarino (PPHS) spoke about a project by the Los Angeles Conservancy to preserve the architectural heritage of the Palisades.
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 – not present.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), reported that there will be an LADWP online town hall from 5-6:30pm on July 2. In addition, on July 1, the City Council will thank Colonel Swensen of USACE for his service; community members are invited. Councilwoman Park will also attend all 4th of July events.
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. Allison Holdorff (Education) reported that LAUSD has held community meetings on the status of the rebuild of Palisades schools. There will be additional meetings in August and September. Regarding Pali High: Dr. Pam McGee and the Pali High Board have decided that students won’t occupy the Palisades campus until after Thanksgiving. She also provided information about a free 3-day camp for teenage fire survivors, to take place this summer, called “Camp Woodcraft Rangers.”
9. Reports from PPCC Committees.
9.1. Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). Update on status of NORC focus groups. Quentin Fleming (Vice-President) reported that the focus groups are expected to conclude this week, and have been successful in fine-tuning the eventual Community Survey questions. The Survey is expected to be available for everyone to take in late July or early August — more information will be coming soon.
9.2. Land Use Committee (LUC/Chris Spitz, Chair). LUC update. Chris Spitz reported that the LUC met informally and discussed several matters of interest, although no recommendations to the Board were made at this time. (See also her At-large report in item 8.3.1.)
9.3. Three Chairs Committee (Maryam Zar, Chair). Update re vacant Area Three 2nd Alternate seat. Notice: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PPCC-Area-3-Alt.-App.-Notice-2025.pdf. Deadline to apply: July 6, 2025, 5pm.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Pedestrian Trail (aka “Lateral Trail”) Update, LA Bureau of Engineering/BOE (trail to run from the mouth of Potrero Canyon to Temescal Canyon Blvd., per the Coastal Permit for GW Park at Potrero Canyon). See PPCC Letter 8/27/24 (https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PPCC-Letter-Lat-Trail-2024.pdf) and Potrero Canyon-Coastal Access (https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/coastal-access/; entries for 8/27/24 and 8/23/24). Goodwin Wharton of Geosyntech (the project consultant) was present, along with Kristen Ly of BOE. Mr. Wharton provided a slide show and explained the environmental review process to date, which included considering geotechnical and safety considerations and challenges. Ratings based on several factors were assigned to the various alternate Trail routes that are under consideration. Next step: Additional discussions must take place among the involved stakeholders (the City / BOE, Caltrans and the Coastal Commission). Geosyntec has a recommendation for Trail alignment (based on the ratings), but it’s unclear at this point which route will eventually be decided on, whether any might be altered, and/or when construction may actually begin. Mr. Wharton answered numerous questions from Board members and meeting attendees (including concerns about safety, security, fires, homeless camps, slides, bluff instability, cost and timing), and indicated that he and BOE will return to PPCC with further updates in the future.
11.2. Motion re Authority of PPCC Grants Committee (sponsored by the Executive Committee). See attached proposed motion text and background, below. The President asked Chris Spitz (member of the PPCC E.C. and At-large rep) to explain the motion, which did not require a second as it was made by a committee of more than one voting member. Following discussion, a vote was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously.
11.3. WRAC-recommended Motion re Banning E-Bikes from Sidewalks (modified version sponsored in PPCC by the Executive Committee). See attached proposed motion text and background, below. Chris Spitz (WRAC Vice-Chair, PPCC At-large rep and E.C. member) explained the motion, which did not require a second as it was made by a committee of more than one voting member. Following discussion, a vote was taken. Result: the motion passed unanimously.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
ATTACHMENT – Item 11.2:
Motion Proposed Text:
“The PPCC Board approves the following with regard to the authority of the PPCC Grants Committee (committee formed by the PPCC President) and the requirements for approval of grants/donations by PPCC.
“The Grants Committee shall be authorized to:
- Decide on the Committee’s rules pertaining to the process of submitting applications for grants/donations from PPCC;
- Decide on the Committee’s criteria pertaining to eligibility for grants/donations from PPCC;
- Deny applications for grants/donations from PPCC which in the Committee’s discretion do not comply with the Committee’s rules as to the application process and/or criteria for eligibility;
- Recommend Board approval of grants/donations from PPCC.
“The Grants Committee shall not be authorized to approve any applications for grants/donations from PPCC. The PPCC Board shall be the sole decider of approval of grants/donations from PPCC. Approval shall require a vote of at least two-thirds of voting members present.
“All decisions as to eligibility and/or approval of grants/donations from PPCC shall be consistent with: 1) the PPCC Mission (Bylaws, Art.II.1) and 2) the purpose of ‘Palisades Fire Recovery,’ as specified by the California Community Foundation, for the Riviera Community Donation, in its letter to PPCC of April 18, 2025.”
Background:
The PPCC E.C. supports the above motion and believes that it is consistent with the Board consensus opinion reflected during discussion of this subject at the PPCC meeting on June 12, 2025. As discussed, in light of the large Riviera Community Donation to PPCC (from which PPCC may wish to make future donations/grants for fire recovery), and because PPCC’s bylaws contain no provisions addressing grants or donations from PPCC, it is necessary for the Board to approve proposed rules to govern any such grants/donations.
ATTACHMENT – Item 11.3:
Proposed WRAC-Motion Text:
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC), a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), supports banning all classes of e-bicycles (e-bikes) from riding on a sidewalk in the City of Los Angeles, to address serious public safety concerns and reports of rising accidents, injuries and deaths from collisions between e-bikes and pedestrians.
“PPCC also supports enhanced enforcement of age limits for riders of e-bikes, and further supports amendment of LAMC Section 56.15 to accomplish these objectives.”
Background:
WRAC motion webpage: https://westsidecouncils.com/motion/amend-lamc-56-15-no-riding-e-bicycles-on-sidewalks/
Note: the PPCC E.C. proposes a shortened, modified version of the WRAC motion (more appropriate for Pacific Palisades) for consideration by the PPCC Board, with an additional provision calling for enforcement of age-limits for riders of e-bikes.
_________________________
MINUTES FROM JULY 17th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Jenny Li, Beth Holden Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Carole White, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, James Alexakis, Richard Blumenberg, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson, Donna Vaccarino, Courtney Macker, Haldis Toppel (partial attendance) / David Card (upon Toppel departure)
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Leeanne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Allison Holdorff Polhill, Diana Daniele, Michael Edlen, Andy Frew, Rob Weber, Ella Nozar
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 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 June 26, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. The agenda was as distributed. August 14, 2025 (Friends of the Palisades Library; SBA loan presentation); September 11, 2025 (topics to be announced).
[NEW Item 11.3/Councilwoman Traci Park, called prior to Item 6 below.]
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported that the Council’s balance in the Schwab money market account (holding our fire-related donations) is $645,000.88). The balance in our US Bank account is $50,243.10, taking into account a payment of $25,000 to NORC for the survey, which has not yet cleared. There were no other significant transactions. The total of both accounts is $695,243.98.
7. General Public Comment:
7.1. Cindy Kirven (Village Green President) announced an inspiring, proposed public art installation at the Village Green, for which public input will be sought. Information will be made available about a Zoom meeting to preview the installation.
7.2. Kent Newmark (Cosmic Buildings) reminded us about the Cosmic initiative to donate to needy
Palisades families one house for every 10 houses sold, which has now launched. PPCC will assist via Mailchimp in providing Information on how to apply. [https://www.cosmicbuildings.org/]
7.3. Andrea Stone (resident) expressed concern about the number of groups forming in the Palisades to deal with recovery, about the lack of coordination among the groups and about the slow pace of recovery. She also indicated that obtaining information and answers to questions was difficult. She and other meeting attendees were encouraged to sign up for PPCC email bulletins for updates and information.
7.4. Carmel Kadrnka (resident) asked about Supervisor Horvath’s motion in the Board of Supervisors about a Rebuilding Authority, its status, and how it may differ from Senator Allen’s bill.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. Appointment of PPCC Committees, Advisors and Liaisons for the 2025-26 term:
a) List: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Committees-etc.-2025-26.pdf. The President noted that she has reappointed all committees, advisors and liaisons.
b) Board consent to appointment of (i) Legal Advisor and (ii) Youth Advisor. Bylaws Art. V.1.D, XIV.A. 2 .
The President explained that the Bylaws require the Board’s consent to appointment of both the Legal and Youth Advisors. She asked if there were any objections to the re-appointment of Rob Weber as Legal Advisor and Ella Nozar as Youth Advisor. There were no objections; the President therefore deemed these appointments approved by the Board.
8.1.2. 4th of July update. The President summarized the successful events that took place on July 4 this year, with the participation of many Palisadians: first, the 5K run in Venice and parade in Santa Monica, in which several enthusiastic PPCC board members participated and were cheered on by the crowds lining the street: Julia Nilsen, Diane Danielle, Karen Ridgley, Ella Nozar (carrying the PPCC banner); Kaye Steinsapir, marching with the Palisades Recovery Coalition; Sue Kohl & Sharon Kilbride, riding with Cindi Young (last year’s Citizen of the Year) in Kilbride’s convertible VW bug; and last year’s Golden Sparkplugs Leslie Campbell and Carlos Rodriguez, riding in another VW bug! She also described the beautiful evening Celebration at Paul Revere, which included Mayor Bass and Councilwoman Park as special guests, Sam Lagana as M.C., music and a wonderful drone show. The President thanked Matt Rodman (PAPA President) and Daphne Gronich (PAPA Treasurer) for providing a special Celebration for the community during this incredibly difficult year.
8.1.3. CD 11-LADWP 7/2/25 Town Hall update (link to recording on www.pacpalicc.org). The President noted that the DWP Town Hall recording is on the website homepage.
8.1.4. “Palisades Stories” project: https://sites.google.com/view/palisadesstories. The President briefly explained this project (developed by high school seniors and friends Henry Kamer and Max Dorband) and encouraged everyone to visit the website and participate.
8.1.5. Position letter written by EC since last PPCC meeting: support Park motion to restrict disaster tourism bus operations in the Palisades (motion passed unanimously in City Council on 7/2/25): https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PPCC-EC-Letter-Disaster-Bus-TourismR.pdf
Additional position letter sent 6/24/25 re opposition to SB 79 (to the Assembly):
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PPCC-Letter-Oppose-SB-79-Assembly.pdf
The President explained that these letters have been submitted.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus. – None.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large Representative) reported on the status of SB 79 (passed narrowly in the Senate and the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committees; Sen. Allen does not support). She thanked Lori Cudzil who before the last committee meeting had emailed to Assemblymembers a video showing Palisades residents fleeing the Fire on January 7 as well as PPCC’s request for an unconditional exemption for the VHFHSZ, which unfortunately did not seem to impact the vote). Spitz noted that some on social media are questioning why PPCC opposes this bill when we currently don’t have the conditions that would trigger application of the provisions (light rail stops or dedicated bus lanes/bus stops at scheduled intervals of 15 mins.). She explained that we do not yet know what the bus stop or bus lane conditions will be going forward; conditions may change, and it is important to take a position now rather than based on an assumption as to what conditions may exist in the future. The bill is still in the legislative process and must be voted on by the full Assembly and again in the Senate. We will monitor.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven Representative) reported on her visit to the new LADWP Rebuilding Center located at the corner of PCH and Topanga Canyon Blvd. (at the site of the old Malibu Feed Bin). She had a pleasant experience and LADWP representatives responded quickly.
8.3.3. Cindi Young (Area One 1st Alternate) announced that the Castellammare Mesa Owners Association is holding an informative Town Hall, featuring several speakers (including Councilwoman Park and Senator Allen), on July 20th from 11am-2pm at the Santa Monica YMCA. All are invited.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. David Card (Palisades Forestry Committee/PFC) reminded everyone that the Zone 0 regulations are still just a draft (not yet enacted); he advised: do not cut down trees at this time based on a misunderstanding about Zone 0. He reported on PFC’s efforts to understand why the City Urban Forestry Division is apparently cutting down many street trees. He also spoke of private efforts by Tracy Price, the PFC and Valeria Serna, using water trucks to water certain select street and park trees, as well as PFC’s work to save a tree in Palisades Park from the impacts of rebuilding. During his remarks there was mention of the Blue Ribbon Commission’s work and Supervisor Horvath’s public meeting regarding a rebuilding resilience. [Meeting link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsgKsYypmw4.]
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 – not present.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) – not present.
Juan Fregoso (CD 11 District Director) attended in her place and explained that Ms. Grigoryan was on a well-deserved vacation and would return the following week. He reported that his office is working with the Dept. of Recreation & Parks (RAP) on the new playground at the Recreation Center; he will attend the next Park Advisory Board meeting to participate in discussion about this topic.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Representative, Mayor Karen Bass – not present. The President announced that Ms. Ensley has a new position with the Mayor’s office, as Deputy Director of Recovery & Community Engagement. She also announced that Konstantin Hatcher has been appointed as the Mayor’s Senior Director for Community Engagement
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, reported on the Supervisor’s work and explained that her recent motion regarding a possible Rebuilding Authority is an attempt to understand legally what can be done in this regard. There will be no changes in zoning. The goal is to make the rebuilding process faster and easier.
8.5.5. Sean Regan, District Representative, Congressman Brad Sherman – not present.
8.5.6. Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) (see item 11.1 below).
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) was pleased to report that LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin and his wife had their 1st child. The Board congratulated the Melvoins. Also announced: LAUSD community meetings to discuss design of Marquez and Palisades Elementary Schools, respectively on July 23 and July 24 at 6pm via Zoom. In addition, she commended Paul Revere Middle School for successfully hosting the 4th of July Celebration, as well as Revere Counselor Brett Shibata, who worked to provide copies of student photos and school records to fire victims.
8.6.2. Lou Kamer (Transportation) noted that we need updates on various after-action reports from government agencies.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees.
9.1. Three Chairs Committee (Maryam Zar, Chair; Dave Card & Chris Spitz). Report and nomination of Area Three 2nd Alternate; election by the Board. Chair Zar noted that several applications were received from excellent candidates and the decision was difficult. The Committee confered with Area Three Representative Julia Nilson, and after deliberation decided on longtime resident Bonnie Burgess as the Committee’s nominee for the position. Chair Zar introduced Ms. Burgess, who thanked the Committee and spoke briefly about her eagerness to participate on the Council, her long family connection with and residence in Area Three, her experience with the Palisades Fire destruction, and her desire to assist with the community recovery. There were no objections from the Board to the nomination; the President therefore deemed Ms. Burgess elected as Area Three 2nd Alternate.
9.2. Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). Update on NORC community survey. Committee Chair Schwarz reported that the NORC survey was moving apace, with the six focus groups now completed and the survey being drafted. The Committee will review and discuss the draft with NORC. NORC believes it now has contact information (email or text) for about 8,000 of 11,000 residents.
9.3. Grants Committee (Quentin Fleming, Chair). Update re guidelines for grants/donations. ThePresident read the following report from Quentin Fleming (who was away and not able to attend):
“The Grants Committee held its first meeting on Friday 7/11 with all members in attendance. We discovered a potential issue with who is eligible for awards, namely, will PPCC lose its 503(c)3 tax exempt status if it gives grants to member organizations. The committee is pursuing a pro bono legal opinion from law firms that are doing pro bono work for the Palisades. We hope to resolve this issue soon. The committee also brainstormed possible processes for making applications for a grant as well as defining eligibility criteria for awarding grants.”
9.4. Bylaws Committee (Chris Spitz & Maryam Zar, Co-Chairs). Required First Distribution of proposed Bylaws Amendments (second Distribution and Board vote on August 14, 2025; 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 Report: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bylaws-Cmte-Report-July-2025R.pdf
2) Amendments “Redline”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.2025-RedlineR.pdf
3) Amendments “Clean”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.2025-ClnR1.pdf
Co-Chair Spitz briefly explained the proposed Bylaws amendments, noting that this was the 1st required Distribution; she reiterated that there will be a 2nd Distribution, discussion and a Board vote on the amendments on August 14, 2025.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Sen. Ben Allen: Presentation on SB 459 (proposed creation of County “authority” to organize the Palisades’ recovery). Bill text: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB549.
The President welcomed and thanked Sen. Allen for joining us. Sen. Allen explained his original objectives for SB 549 (his bill to establish a Rebuilding Authority for the Palisades) and his recent decision to pause the bill. He noted that he is working closely with Councilwoman Park; he explained the need, if the bill moves forward, for potential amendments, especially pertaining to governance structure; and he assured us that PPCC and the community will be engaged going forward for input. He stressed that a great deal of misinformation has been spread on social media, and emphasized that any such Authority would not have the ability to change zoning for the Palisades.
Following the Senator’s initial remarks, the President introduced a motion sponsored by the Executive Committee, which had been previously distributed to the Board. No second was necessary because the motion was made by more than one voting member. She read aloud the motion text as follows:
“PPCC acknowledges and commends the recommendations and concerns raised in Councilwoman Traci Park’s letter to Senator Allen and Supervisor Horvath of July 8, 2025, regarding the proposed Rebuilding Authority for Pacific Palisades.
“We strongly support the principles of transparency and robust public engagement, and agree that community input and involvement in the governing structure must be an integral part of any path forward. As Councilwoman Park noted, ‘Far more study and direct engagement with Palisades residents is essential before such powers are assigned to the Rebuilding Authority.’
“To that end, we believe it is critical for any proposal for a Rebuilding Authority or District to take into account data forthcoming from the NORC survey commissioned by PPCC, along with recommendations from the PPCC Rebuild Committee and additional community input. Our priority is to ensure the recovery moves forward in a way that is inclusive, informed and responsive to the needs of Palisades residents.”
Following Board discussion on the motion, a vote was taken: the motion above passed unanimously (no objections). Additional discussion and extensive Q&A then ensued with Sen. Allen regarding SB 549 and the proposed Authority going forward. He made clear that our community’s views will guide any next steps with respect to the proposal for a Rebuilding Authority. The Senator was also asked about his position on SB 79, which he indicated he did not support (he clarified the reason for his taking a “No Vote Recorded/NVR” position on the bill in the Senate, explaining that the “NVR” is the equivalent of a No vote). He also introduced his new field representative, Sophia Liebman, who was in attendance. [Recording of the meeting presentations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG28rX05lcQ]
11.2. WRAC-recommended Motions A-C re Homelessness Matters (sponsored in PPCC by Chris Spitz and Sharon Kilbride):
A) Request Mayor to Consent to City Controller’s Audit of Inside Safe.
B) Request Mayor and/or CAO to Disclose Sources of Funding for the Inside Safe Program.
C) Support Council File 20-1376-S5 (Park). See attached motions’ text and background information, below.
Chris Spitz explained each of the motions A-C (no second required because the motions were made by more than one voting member). She noted that the motions were supported by Sharon Kilbride (past Co-President of the Task Force on Homelessness/PPTFH), by Cindi Young (last year’s PPCC Citizen of the Year, current PPTFH Co-President, and PPCC’s primary representative to the WRAC Homelessness Committee/HOC), and by Chris Spitz (WRAC Board and HOC Vice-Chair). Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motions. Result: All of the motions A-C (text in Attachment below) were passed unanimously (with one abstention on motion C).
11.3 [NEW]. Councilwoman Traci Park [called prior to item 6 above].
The President welcomed and thanked Councilwoman Park for joining us. The Councilwoman indicated that she was pleased to be able to speak with PPCC and noted that even though the City Council is in recess, she and her staff are still working. She provided extensive details regarding the status of recovery to date, including information about lot clearance, the status of PCH, families returning, reopening of schools, and status of the Recreation Center, park facilities and the Library. She reiterated points made by LADWP at the recent Town Hall, including the fact that they said that the Santa Inez reservoir had been filled, that undergrounding of power lines will occur, that the former proposed DS 104 will not go forward and that a new LADWP support center is now located at the corner of Topanga Canyon Blvd. and PCH. CW Park also spoke about the Rebuilding Authority proposals from Sen. Allen (SB 549) and Supervisor Horvath (motion in the County Board of Supervisors), explaining that she wasn’t satisfied that she had enough information to support the bill. She stated that any effort for a Rebuilding Authority must be community-led and supported. She has sent a letter to Sen. Allen and Supervisor Horvath raising concerns and explaining her position. She also answered questions and listened to concerns expressed during her presentation. These included remarks by a resident that it is difficult for those whose homes survived to live in the Palisades now due to the lack of access to grocery stores, pharmacies and recreation after the fire. Additional comments included mention of a shortfall of what is happening to public land, with remarks that the Bureau of Engineering should look into constructing a fire barrier wall and the state needs to work on brush clearance. We also need clear answers as to whether the Santa Inez reservoir has been filled. The President thanked CW Park for speaking with us. [Recording of the meeting presentations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG28rX05lcQ]
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
ATTACHMENT – Item 11.2 (WRAC-recommended motions regarding homelessness matters):
Motion A Text:
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), urges Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to immediately consent to a full audit of the City’s Inside Safe program by Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia.”
Background:
WRAC motion webpage:
https://westsidecouncils.com/motion/request-mayor-to-consent-to-city-controllers-audit-of-inside-safe/
Motion B Text:
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC), a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), urges Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and/or the City Administrative Officer Matthew Szabo to disclose the full extent of all sources of funding for the City’s Inside Safe program.”
Background:
WRAC motion webpage:
https://westsidecouncils.com/motion/request-mayor-and-cao-to-disclose-sources-of-funding-for-the-inside-safe-program/
Motion C Text:
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC), a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), strongly supports CF 20-1376-S5 (Park), which calls for certain amendments of LAMC Sec. 41.18 and a report back by the City Attorney on the feasibility of amending 41.18 to prohibit encampments as per the Governor’s model ordinance.”
Background:
WRAC motion webpage:
https://westsidecouncils.com/motion/support-cf-20-1376-s5-park/
_________________________
MINUTES FROM AUGUST 14th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Diana Daniele, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, John Padden, James Alexakis, Richard Blumenberg, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson, Donna Vaccarino, Jessica Rogers, Haldis Toppel
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Robert Trinkeller, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Allison Holdorff Polhill, Michael Edlen, Andy Frew, David Card, Ella Nozar
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 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 July 17, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. September 11, 2025 (tentative: presentations by the Friends of the Library and the new Palisades Longterm Recovery Group (LTRG); additional topics to be announced); September 25, 2025 (topics to be announced).
6. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer gave the annual report of PPCC’s income and expenses from May 31, 2024 – June 1, 2025. She indicated that the written report would be posted. She indicated that the additional promised $50,000 donation from FireAid is not included in the report.
[Her report can be seen at https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PPCC-Treasurers-Report-2025.1.pdf.]
7. General Public Comment – None.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. Update on SB 9 status in the Palisades. The President discussed recent positive developments which resulted in the Councilwoman’s, Mayor’s and Governor’s recognition of the danger to the Palisades from additional density created by SB 9 projects, and eventual issuance of the Mayor’s emergency order restricting SB 9 projects in the Palisades burn area. She thanked Councilwoman Traci Park, Mayor Karen Bass, and Governor Gavin Newsom for their strong support of Pacific Palisades.
8.1.2. The President has appointed a new Emergency Preparedness Advisor: Patric Cohen, LAFD Battalion 9 CERT Coordinator. She also thanked former longtime PPCC Advisor K.C. Soll.
8.1.3. Position letters written by EC and/or PPCC since last PPCC meeting:
Support CD Park motion re 41.18:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Letter-Park-Motion-41.18.pdf
Position re Rebuild Authority:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Letter-Rebuild-Authority.pdf
EC Letters re SB 9:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-EC-Letter-SB-9-2025.pdf
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Further-EC-Letter-SB-9-2025.pdf
EC Further Letter re SB 9 (thanks) & SB 79 (request Governor’s assistance):
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PPCC-EC-Letter-Gov.-Newsom-SB-79.pdf
The President confirmed that all the above letters were written and sent.
8.1.4. There will be a CD 11 Beach Clean Up with Heal the Bay at Will Rogers State Beach, Lifeguard Station 6, from 10am-12noon on Saturday.
8.1.5. Palisades Elementary parent leaders have offered an opportunity for PPCC to become a sponsor of the school’s annual Yee Haw Day fundraiser and celebration this fall. The Executive Committee supports PPCC contributing $3,000 to Palisades Elementary for an event sponsorship, which will identify PPCC as a sponsor and allow us to display a large PPCC banner during the event. The President stated that if other Palisades public schools (Pali High, Revere, Marquez or Canyon School) offer similar sponsorship opportunities to PPCC, we will make a contribution in the same amount to each. After the explanation and discussion, she asked for the Board’s opinion as to whether PPCC should make this sponsorship contribution. There were no objections to the contribution.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus – None.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large) reported on SB 79 developments.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area 7) reported that areas of Rustic and Santa Monica Canyons experienced recent blackouts resulting from DWP undergrounding projects going on at Sunset & Chautauqua. She also reported on an incident involving the beach bike path reconstruction at Will Rogers, in which dirty water was sprayed onto bicyclists and pedestrians along the path, by County construction crews using a large spraying machine. A letter was sent to Supervisor Horvath’s office about this disturbing incident and a complaint was filed with the County Public Works construction inspector. Ms. Kilbride met with Pedro Mendoza of the County about the incident; the contractor was put on notice and the equipment was pulled off the beach immediately, not to be used again.
8.3.3. Karen Ridgley (Area 4) thanked those who are supporting SB 749 (Allen) on behalf of the Palisades Bowl mobile home community. There is an online petition to sign to show support.
8.3.4. JoAnna Rodriguez (Area 1) thanked CD 11 Deputy Arus Grigoryan for her help in getting trash and debris removed from the old Jack-in-the-Box site.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Richard Blumenberg (PP Civic League) read an important announcement regarding the Civic
League’s suspension of review of projects in Tract 9300. [View his written announcement at:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PP-Civic-League-Status.pdf.]
8.4.2. Dave Card (PFC) reminded everyone that trees needed to be watered. A list of fire resident trees is on the PFC website.
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 – not present.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) reported on several matters: Major Bureau of Engineering (BOE) infrastructure projects on Castellammare Dr., Revello Dr., Enchanted Way and Stretto Way are either complete or will be completed in the next few weeks. Right of entry is needed for other projects to stabilize and fix bulkhead areas. The LA Conservation Corps (LACC) is cleaning up Temescal Canyon Rd. and parkways; they have asked about other Palisades parkway areas that need clean ups. The Bureau of Street Services is making asphalt repairs and assessing Palisades streets to determine where repairs are needed.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Representative, Mayor Karen Bass, reported that she has been in the Palisades all week meeting with AECON and discussing what AECON has done in the first 30 days; she also attended the recent press conference about the YMCA’s reconstruction and restoration.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, described numerous recent actions and County initiatives taken by the Board of Supervisors. He announced that the County has donated $10 million for the YMCA reconstruction. He also reported that the Gladstones project is proceeding and is expected to be heard by the Coastal Commission in the next two months. He assured us that there will be a bus turnaround in the parking lot. He also mentioned the Beach Clean Up at Will Rogers with Heal the Bay on Saturday.
8.5.5. Sean Regan, District Representative, Congressman Brad Sherman – not present.
8.5.6. Sophia Liebman, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen), reported that Cal Parks has been doing brush clearance / fuel modification along trails in the Palisades. The Senator is happy to have support for his bill regarding mobile home parks, SB 749. He will also be setting up insurance town halls and workshops in the coming weeks.
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 (Education; Senior Advisor to LAUSD member Nick Meloin) noted that today was the first day of school. Mr. Melvoin was pleased to visit Pali High, Palisades Elementary and Marquez Elementary at their temporary locations today. She also referenced the slide deck showing new designs for Pali High’s reconstruction/renovation, which PPCC has distributed to our email list.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees. [Note: Item 9.1 may be called after Item 6 above.]
9.1. Bylaws Committee (Chris Spitz & Maryam Zar, Co-Chairs). Second Distribution of proposed
Bylaws Amendments (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 Report: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bylaws-Cmte-Report-July-2025R.pdf
2) Amendments “Redline”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.2025-RedlineR.pdf
3) Amendments “Clean”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.2025-ClnR1.pdf
Board vote on motions by the Bylaws Committee to adopt proposed Bylaws Amendments (see attached motions (a), (b) and (c) below). Co-Chair Chris Spitz introduced and described each motion in turn; after an opportunity for discussion, a vote was called on each of motions (a), (b) and (c). Result: unanimous in favor of all three motions.
9.2. Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). NORC community survey update. Chair Schwarz reported that NORC will be finalizing revisions to the survey and the survey will be rolled out in phases in the next few weeks.
9.3. Grants Committee (Quentin Fleming, Chair). Update on guidelines for grants/donations. Chair Fleming stated that the Committee has made significant progress and has finalized the Conflict of Interest Rules applicable to the grants process. The Committee has learned that PPCC will be able to make grants to member organizations, as member applicants will be considered and treated equally with all other applicants. Also being finalized: the criteria and eligibility guidelines for grants applications. The documents will be posted soon on the website and in a PPCC Mailchimp email.
9.4. Land Use Committee (LUC / Chris Spitz, Chair). Chair Spitz reported on recent working meeting discussions. CD 11 Planning Director Craig Bullock attended the last meeting to discuss the impact of the Mayor’s order regarding SB 9 and its application by the Planning Dept. with respect to vested projects. We have been pleased to learn that some owners of lots where SB 9 projects were planned in the Alphabet Streets have decided to change the projects from duplexes to ADUs.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
New Business Motions [Note: Items 11.1 and 11.2 called after Item 6 above.]
11.1. WRAC-recommended Motion: Support Heavy Rail Subway Mode of Transportation in Sepulveda Pass (sponsored in PPCC by Chris Spitz and Quentin Fleming). See attached proposed motion text and background information, below. Chris Spitz introduced the motion, noting that a second was not necessary since the motion was made by two voting members. She explained the background for the motion, and reiterated the reasons why the subway mode of transportation should be supported. She noted that an additional WRAC member council had passed the motion, that PPCC’s vote is among those needed to reach majority passage, and that comment on the DEIR is due by August 30. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: unanimous in favor of the motion.
11.2. Motion to Support CW Park Motion / CF 25-0848 : report back on AB 747 compliance / evacuation planning (sponsored by the PPCC LUC). See attached proposed motion text and background information, below. Chris Spitz introduced the motion, noting that a second was not necessary since the motion was made by a committee of more than one voting member. After an explanation of the motion and an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: unanimous in favor of the motion.
New Business Presentations
11.3. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans. SBA Public Information Officer Corey Williams. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans.
Mr. Williams gave a detailed presentation about the process of applying for SBA loans and required qualifications and deadlines. Homeowners may apply in person at the Disaster Recovery Center on Sawtelle in West LA and at the American Legion in the Palisades. He noted the importance of regular communications with case managers in regard to the status of loan applications. He gave his email address for any questions: corey.williams@sba.gov. He also answered numerous questions from audience members. The President thanked Mr. Williams for speaking with us.
11.4. Palisades Street Lighting. Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL) representatives.
Victor Turcios, Senior BSL Engineer, accompanied by BSL Engineer Ansar Mustafa, presented information about BSL’s deployment of solar lights and ongoing assessment of damaged street lights in the Palisades since the fire. They noted that BSL is working with FEMA on reimbursements for needed repairs or replacements. They participated in Q&A with audience members, and also gave their email addresses for any further questions: victor.turcios@lacity.org; ansar.mustafa@lacity.org. The President thanked the Mr. Turcios and Mr. Mustafa for the presentation.
11.5. Palisades Community Renewal Center (PCRC). Non-profit consultant Bob Riddle.
PCRC info: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PCRC-Description-07-07-05.pdf
Riddle bio: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PCRC-Bob-Riddle-Bio.pdf
Mr. Riddle presented information about the founding of the PCRC and the services that the Center will offer to Palisadians recovering from the fire. Programming will include the arts and mental health & wellness. There will be an open house on September 6, 2025. The President thanked him for providing information about the PCRC.
[See a recording of the remarks in items 11.3-11.5 above at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gslNYrUdZho.]
11.6. [New] U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman [Note: item 11.6 called after item 5 above]
The President welcomed Congressman Sherman, who explained that he had met with Councilwoman Traci Park and discussed with her federal earmarks in process for the district. These earmarks include $1 million for a West LA real time crime center; $2 million for fire station improvements; and $1 million for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to do brush clearance. The Congressman will have two town halls in September. Constituents should contact John Alford of his office for help with FEMA and with SBA loans. The President thanked Congressman Sherman for speaking with PPCC.
[See a recording of his remarks at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhIgt5RjiuI.]
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
ATTACHMENTS
Item 9.1 (Bylaws Committee motions to adopt proposed Bylaws amendments):
Motion (a): Delete language calling for two categories of Secretary; replace with language calling for only one Secretary; minor changes to remove references to two Secretaries (Recording & Corresponding). Art. VI.3, III.D, V.2, VII.1, VII.4.E.
Motion (b): Add new Standing Rule 13 (in Appendix C) allowing for the Chair (President) to retain a paid assistant to assist with administrative or technical duties, if requested by the Chair and approved by a majority of the Executive Committee.
Motion (c): Add new Standing Rule 14 (in Appendix C) providing for the Chair’s (President’s) discretionary acceptance of an alternative “In Lieu Statement” from member organizations, for up to two years, instead of the annual requirement to complete a longer “certification” form.
Item 11.1 (WRAC-recommended Motion to Support Heavy Rail Subway Mode of Transportation in the Sepulveda Pass):
Proposed Text:
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), opposes the two proposed Monorail Options (Alternative 1 and Alternative 3) due to their significantly lower ridership projections and lower capacities, and their significantly slower speeds and longer travel times, and supports the proposed underground Heavy Rail subway mode of transportation through the Sepulveda Pass because it will carry significantly more passengers than the proposed Monorail mode of transportation. The Heavy Rail mode of transportation is described in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project, released by Metro on June 2, 2025, in the discussion of Alternatives 4, 5 and 6.”
Background:
Reference: https://www.metro.net/projects/sepulvedacorridor/
Note: Deadline for comment on the project DEIR: August 30, 2025
Key Points: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Key-Points-re-Item-11.1R-1.pdf
WRAC motion webpage:
https:/westsidecouncils.com/motion/request-mayor-to-consent-to-city-controllers-audit-of-inside-safe/
Item 11.2 (Support CW Park motion / CF 25-0848: report back on AB 747 compliance / evacuation planning):
Proposed Text:
“As the community devastated by the unprecedented Palisades Fire, when lives and safety were put at extreme risk due to limited routes of ingress and egress and the disturbing lack of any emergency evacuation plan for our community, Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) strongly supports Council File 25-0848 (Park / Yaroslavsky), calling for 1) a report back on the status of the City’s compliance with AB 747, 2) a list and evaluation of evacuation routes within CD 11, and 3) plans to improve evacuation route infrastructure, signage, traffic control and public education.
“PPCC further calls the City Council’s attention to the urgent need for infrastructure funding to absorb the cost of implementing a mitigation plan, including by developing new egress and egress routes, and calls on the City to proactively and constructively engage with FEMA and OES, by (among other things) expediting completion of the After-Action Reports by the Office of Emergency Management and LAFD, so that those engaged in evacuation planning and disaster response will have the benefit of these findings.”
Background:
Park Motion: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2025/25-0848_misc_07-30-25.pdf
Council File: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=25-0848
LAT Article: https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-07-25/l-a-fire-evacuation-plans-remain-untested
_________________________
MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 11th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Beth Holden Garland, Chris Spitz, Cindy Young, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, James Alexakis, Kaye Steinsapir, Richard Blumenberg, Andy Frew, Donna Vaccarino, Courtney Macker, Haldis Toppel
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Joanna Spak, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Michael Edlen, Kevin Niles, Jessica Rogers, David Card
Immediately before the call to order, a moment of silence was held to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the U.S.
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. David Card 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 August 14, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. September 25, 2025 (Marvin Braude Trail-Santa Monica Canyon Restoration, update by the County Public Works Dept.; Palisades Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG / https://paliltrg.org/), presentation by Jim Cragg, President; Board vote on proposed Bylaws amendments); October 9, 2025 (Guest speaker Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, with update on proposed County Authority for Pacific Palisades; Palisades Recovery Coalition (PRC) update; new PPCC Member Organizational representatives seated).
6. Treasurer’s Report. In the Treasurer’s absence, the President read the Treasurer’s report, as follows: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PPCC-Treasurer.pdf.
7. General Public Comment.
7.1. Jill Smith (resident) encouraged residents to sign a petition for tax relief for fire victims, specifically calling for the sales tax on rebuilding materials to be waived.
7.2. John Q. (“John Q. Public”), a representative of T-Mobile, explained that he is a point of contact for the community on cell tower issues. His email: johnqpublicaffairs@gmail.com.
7.3. “Lefty” Lefkowitz (Mandeville Canyon Association vice-president) reported on the upcoming meeting of the state Board of Forestry Zone 0 Committee in Altadena on September 18. He encouraged Palisadians to attend and comment, and that PPRA would be providing more information. Chris Spitz (At-large) noted that PPCC has commented with concerns about the proposed new regulations, has posted the Brentwood HOA’s informational website about Zone 0, and will also try to include information about the upcoming meeting in a Mailchimp bulletin.
7.4. Bart Young (resident) commented on difficulties in getting access to water in the Palisades, and the fact that LADWP is not waiving fees.
7.5. Marjan Rajibi (resident) expressed concern about the proposed increase in solid waste fees by the Bureau of Sanitation. Residents should submit comments. [Information can be found at: https://sanitation.lacity.gov/san/faces/home?_adf.ctrl-state=18aoh2ki20_224&_afrLoop=9129016576943656#!]
7.6. Pamela Fong (resident) raised a question about the distance required for front-yard setbacks on Via de la Paz, specifically whether the former prevailing setback and/or the same setback set forth in the Tract 9300 CC&Rs (40 ft.) is still applicable during the rebuild. She indicated that the Planning Dept. is applying this long setback to rebuilding projects on Via. Chris Spitz (At-large and LUC Chair) indicated that she would be happy to speak with Ms. Fong offline about this topic.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1.1. PPCC Member Organizations update – new term to begin Oct. 1, 2025, seated Oct. 9, 2025. The new representatives for member organizations will begin their terms in October; the names of the organizational members and representatives for the new term will be provided at the next PPCC meeting.
8.1.2. 2025 “Citizen of the Year” awards update – event to take place on December 11, 2025. We have secured Spruzzo restaurant as the event venue this year; a $500 deposit has been paid to the restaurant. Appointment of the Selection and Event committees, and information about the process to nominate candidates for the awards, will be announced at the next PPCC meeting.
8.1.3. Longtime former Board Member Eric Dugdale/PPHS – In Memoriam. The President expressed our sorrow at learning that Eric Dugdale had passed away. She spoke about his extensive and respected service on the PPCC Board and as President of the Historical Society, and noted that he was an uncle to James Alexakis (TCA President and PPCC Board member).
8.1.4. Bocce Opening Day event at Veterans Gardens, 9/7/25. This was a fun event in which many people participated.
8.1.5. Palisades Elementary Yee Haw Day, 10/18/25 – PPCC contribution/banner display. PPCC has made a sponsorship contribution in the amount of $3,000 (as previously discussed and approved) to the Pali Elementary parent organization, which is producing the annual Yee Haw Day event. PPCC will receive recognition as a sponsor and a large banner with our name and logo will be displayed at the event. Yee Haw Day is a fundraiser for the parent organization, which provides enrichment programs for school students. All are invited to the event, to be held at Brentwood Science Magnet School (temporary school venue for Pali Elementary students).
8.1.6. SB 79 status update. The President asked Chris Spitz to give an update. Ms. Spitz explained that the bill was being voted on in the Assembly as we were holding the PPCC meeting. Throughout the meeting, she gave updates on the status, culminating with news she received that the bill had passed with a narrow vote in favor.
8.1.7. Position letters written by EC and/or PPCC since last PPCC meeting:
Further Message re SB 79:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Message-to-Legislators-re-SB-79.pdf
EC letter re FireAid:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FireAid-Support1.pdf
Sepulveda Pass Project DEIR letter:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PPCC-Comment-on-STCP-DEIR1.pdf
Letter Supporting CF 25-0848 & Request Expediting Reports:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PPCC-Letter-CF-25-0848-Evacuations-Reports.pdf
The President acknowledged that these letters were all written and submitted.
8.1.8. [New] CVS Grand Opening. CVS will host a grand opening and hold a fun party for the community on September 19, 2025, in the Palisades.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large). See comments under item 8.1.6 above.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven) reported that the entrance gate at the Pali Bowl mobile home park remains unlocked and there are no posted signs restricting entry. This a public safety hazard which allows homeless individuals to enter onto the property and set up encampments with camp fires. She has written again to the owner, Mr. Colby Biggs, urging him to lock the gate and properly secure the site. The LAPD Beach Detail is aware.
8.3.3. Kimberly Bloom (Area Five) attended a recent meeting with AECOM representatives and was impressed with what she learned as to the stages that the company is working on. AECOM will try to arrange a town hall to gather community input on its work.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Haldis Toppel (Theatre Palisades) reminded everyone of the Theatre Palisades production, the Wisdom of Eve, playing at the Blue Door Theatre in Santa Monica. She asked everyone to support Theatre Palisades, which hopes to return to the Palisades although the future is uncertain.
8.4.2. Richard Blumenberg (PP Civic League) reported on a Rebuild Expo to be hosted by the Malibu-Palisades Chamber of Commerce on September 28, from 2-5pm at the Santa Monica Woman’s Club.
8.4.3. David Card (Palisades Forestry Committee/PFC) noted that there are too many instances of folks cutting down healthy trees. He suggested that contractors be asked whether they have a permit to remove a tree, if it is a street tree or a protected tree on private property. He also mentioned the recent theft of 24 pieces of outdoor furniture from his home.
8.4.4. Jessica Rogers (PPRA) spoke about the Board of Forestry’s proposed Zone 0 regulations. The Zone 0 Committee will be meeting in Altadena on September 18. PPRA is spreading the word about the meeting and providing Zone 0 facts through their action campaign.
8.4.5. James Alexakis (TCA) stated that TCA is planning its next annual meeting, with information to come. The Leacock Trail is now open but there are problems with the gate. He thanked everyone in the community who sent condolences in memory of his uncle Eric Dugdale.
8.4.6. Donna Vaccarino (PP Historical Society) spoke about the loss to the Society with the passing of Eric Dugdale. She also mentioned that the Society is tracking the status of the Business Block building. A demolition permit has been pulled but the City Planning Office of Historic Resources has asked for an independent study of the building’s structural safety.
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. SLO Espin reported that crime has been low, but residents still need to be vigilant to deter criminal activity. The City’s contract with private security firms has ended, and CHP will be lessening its footprint. There will be a reduction in officers by the end of the month. The President mentioned that there are many instances of thefts on construction sites and other properties, which apparently are not being reported. She asked everyone to please remind our neighbors to report all thefts, otherwise there is no record. Karen Ridgley (Area Four) asked about speed restrictions on PCH. SLO Espin explained that within the Palisades, from the SM Tunnel to Porto Marina Way, the speed limit is 45 MPH. North of Porto Marina the speed limit is 25 MPH. Copper wire cutting and theft is also ongoing at construction sites. SLO Espin stressed that reports about these thefts should be made to the non-emergency line. In response to a suggestion from Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven), SLO Espin reported that another Hillside Task Force event is planned for November 5 in the Palisades, with more information to come.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) announced that the Bureau of Street Services is inspecting and will be watering street trees. Three hundred and four (304) trees have been identified that require watering. As to the proposed grant to the PFC for street tree watering [item 9.2], this will cover more street trees that the City may not be watering; per David Card, the PFC will work with the City so that there is no duplication.
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. Sophia Liebman, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen). The President read from a written report provided by Ms. Liebman, who was unable to attend the meeting.
[See: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PPCC-update-Allen.pdf.]
8.5.7. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) advised that Asm. Irwin is opposed to SB 79; an NVR was listed for her at the time of his report to the Board, which Chris Spitz noted, and Mr. Avila agreed, is equivalent to a No vote.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons – None.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees.
9.1. Bylaws Committee (Chris Spitz & Maryam Zar, Co-Chairs). First Distribution of proposed Bylaws Amendments (second Distribution and Board vote on September 25, 2025; 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 Report: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Bylaws-Cmte-Report-Sept.-2025-1.pdf
2) Amendments “Redline”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.-Sept.-2025-Redline.pdf
3) Amendments “Clean”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.-Sept.-2025-Clean.pdf
Co-Chair Spitz explained the proposed amendments, noting that this was the required First Distribution; there will be a vote and opportunity for discussion on September 25th. She asked if there were any questions; there were none.
9.2 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) the Palisades Forestry Committee (PFC) — $75,000; 2) The Crayon Collection — $15,000.
Relevant documents – Conflict of Interest Rules regarding Grants:
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 Reports (PFC & Crayon Collection Recommendations):
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Grant-Recommendation-PFC.pdf
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Grant-Recommendation-Crayon-Collection.pdf
Chair Fleming explained the Committee’s recommendations for grants to the PFC and The Crayon Collection. Prior to discussion, the President asked if any voting Board member had a conflict of interest pursuant to the Conflict of Interest Rules which were linked in the agenda and on the website. No one indicated that they had a conflict. After discussion (including comments by David Card, not a voting Board member, on behalf of the applicant PFC), a vote was taken on each proposed grant. Result: unanimous approval of both the PFC and The Crayon Collection grants.
9.3. Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). NORC-PPCC community survey update. Vice-President Quentin Fleming announced that the survey has been rolled out this week on a limited scale via email, with more to come in emails next week.
9.4. Land Use Committee (LUC / Chris Spitz, Chair). Update: discussions with Planning Dept. officials re Palisades multi-family buildings along Sunset Blvd. Chair Spitz explained that the Deputy Director of Planning (Lisa Webber) and senior Planners, along with Craig Bullock (CD 11 Planning Director), attended the last working LUC meeting; they explained that there are no permit applications so far for multi-family building projects along Sunset. It is possible that future applications could be submitted for approval of density bonus projects that may be taller and more dense than former buildings, which would be a concern for the community in terms of impact on emergency evacuations. The Planning Dept. is very aware of our concerns regarding density; staff are in frequent discussions about the Palisades. If these applications do occur, many of them would likely involve projects in the Coastal zone and as such would require a discretionary process and Coastal review, during which our concerns about public safety due to increased density could potentially be raised. The Planning Dept. must follow state law in terms of the approval process for any density bonus projects.
10. Old Business – None.
x11. New Business.
11.1. Friends of the Library Update. PP Library Association President Cameron Pfizenmaier. https://friendsofpalilibrary.org/. Ms. Pfizenmaier attended along with Friends Board Member Carolyn Nick. She presented information about the temporary space for the Library as well as the permanent rebuild project. Regarding the temporary space, Ms. Pfizenmaier explained that the timing is uncertain, but a structure will be installed on tennis courts 7 and 8 of the Recreation Center. There will be two separate spaces inside, one for the Library and one for a Recreation and Parks (RAP) office. The Library space will include a community room. The Friends will share programming details with the community. The permit for the rebuild has not yet been issued and there is no time estimate. The Library will be located on the same site as it was before the Fire. The Bureau of Engineering (BOE) is looking at several architects. They will be asking for community input as to needs. The rebuild will be at 110% of the footprint so that FEMA will cover the cost. The President thanked Ms. Pfizenmaier.
11.2. Current and Future Palisades Infrastructure Projects. Presentation by Los Angeles City Bureau of Engineering (BOE). Patrick Schmitt and Kristen Wong of BOE attended, with Ms. Wong presenting. Ms. Wong explained that they wished to update the community on bulkhead/retaining wall projects on streets in Castellammare and on Bienveneda. She showed slides and explained each of the projects, which involved installation of concrete and steel bulkheads. She did not discuss future BOE projects. A resident, Ivo Venkov, raised concerns about impacts of one of the projects on his property in the Castellammare area. It was suggested that he speak with BOE and/or CD 11 offline about his concerns. The President thanked the BOE representatives for the presentation.
[See a recording of the above two presentations at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-KyqX3Go6c.]
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
_________________________
MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 25th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar,* Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Carole White, Robert Trinkeller, Kimberly Bloom, Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, James Alexakis,* Janet Anderson, Donna Vaccarino, Jessica Rogers, Haldis Toppel (*arrived after vote on Bylaws amendments, Item 9.1 below)
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Michael Edlen, Warren Jacob, Rick McGeagh, David Card
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 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 September 11, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. October 9, 2025 (Guest speaker Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, with update on proposed County Authority for Pacific Palisades; Palisades Recovery Coalition (PRC) update; new PPCC Member Organizational representatives seated); October 23, 2025 (BOE bridge unit; presentations by Team Palisades and Palisades Friends and Newcomers).
6. Treasurer’s Report. In the Treasurer reported that our bank balances are as follows:
US Bank: $ 61,482.68
Schwab: $559,255.50
Total balance: $620,728.28
She also noted that our check for $15,000 to The Crayon Collection has not yet cleared; our check for $75,000 to the PFC has cleared; and we still haven’t received the $50,000 check for the grant from FireAid, which apparently was lost in the mail but has been resent. In addition, we are still paying for the NORC survey; we have not yet been invoiced for payments 3 and 4 and for survey incentives, which could add up to approximately $150,000 in required payments for the survey.
7. General Public Comment.
7.1. Benaz Naiem (Revere parent) commented on the devastation experienced by Paul Revere Middle School students because of the fire and explained the importance of maintaining the school’s programs. She noted that the school will be applying for a grant from PPCC.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1.1. 2025 “Citizen of the Year” awards: Appointment of Selection and Event Committees. The President announced the members of the two Committees as follows: Awards Selection Committee (to review nominations and select the Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplug Awardees): Daphne Gronich (past COTY), Chair; Richard Blumenberg, Karen Ridgley, Chris Spitz (past COTY); Cindi Young (past COTY).
Awards Event Committee (to plan the gala dinner event during which the Awardees will be honored): Lorie Cudzil, Chair; Kimberly Bloom, Beth Holden-Garland, Lee Anne Sanderson.
A notice with information about the Awards nomination process will be distributed in the next day or two. The deadline to submit nominations is October 17, 2025. The event will take place on December 11, 2025, at Spruzzo Restaurant in the Palisades, with more information to come.
8.1.2. PPCC Member Organizations update – new organizational members and reps as of Oct. 1, 2025: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-2026-PPCC-Organizations.pdf. New member orientation session via Zoom, 5pm on September 29, 2025 (interested current Board members are also invited). The President announced that the new members coming on to the Board are listed in the document linked in the agenda. She also announced the orientation session to take place on September 29, 2025; any current members also interested should contact her.
8.1.3. Farewell and thank you to outgoing Board members (organizations rotating off the PPCC Board as of Sept. 30, 2025): Haldis Toppel, Theatre Palisades; John Evans, Village School; Janet Anderson, AYSO; Hagop Tchakerian, Pacific Palisades Rotary Club. The President announced the members who are leaving the Board and thanked them for their service. Haldis Toppel (Theatre Palisades) remarked that it was a pleasure serving on the PPCC Board to represent Theatre Palisades.
8.1.4. Appointment of new PPCC Undergrounding Committee. The President explained the purpose of this important committee: to monitor and study the status of proposed undergrounding of utilities during the rebuild; to interface with LADWP and other relevant government agencies; and to present information, updates and possible recommendations to the PPCC Board as to matters involving undergrounding. She also announced the committee members: Reza Akef, Chair (builder; PPCC Rebuild Committee member; former PPCC Board member); Kimberly Bloom (Area Five Rep), Allison Holdorff (Area Five 2nd Alternate; Team Palisades Block Captain); Kambiz Kamdar (builder; Palisades resident), Justin Skaggs (utilities consultant), May Sung (architect; Team Palisades Block Captain).
8.1.5. SB 79 status update. Position letter written since last PPCC meeting:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PPCC-Letter-Gov.-Veto-SB-79.pdf. The President announced that the letter was submitted and asked Chris Spitz (At-large) to give an update. Spitz reported that both Councilwoman Park and Mayor Bass have also requested the Governor’s veto. As of that evening the Governor hadn’t signed or vetoed the bill. He has until October 12 to do so; if he does neither, the bill will become law.
8.1.6. Zone 0 Regulations update. Position letter written by PPCC since last PPCC meeting:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PPCC-EC-Letter-Zone-0-Cmtee.pdf. The President announced that the letter was submitted and asked Chris Spitz (At-large) to give an update. Spitz reported that the Councilwoman and a group of additional L.A. Councilmembers submitted letters expressing similar concerns about the regulations. The Forestry committee will meet again in the coming months before the regulations are adopted by the end of 2025 and go into effect in January. She does not know whether there will be revisions. Jessica Rogers (PPRA) stated that she attended a subsequent meeting of the Forestry committee, in which it was made clear that the regulations would likely be adopted in their present form.
8.1.7. [New] Vacant PPCC rep position on the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC). PPCC will need to appoint a member (either a primary or alternate PPCC Board member, if possible) to represent PPCC on the WRAC Transportation and Mobility Committee (MTC). The MTC meets once a month, and she encouraged members interested in the position to contact her.
8.1.8. [New] Lowe Family YMCA events. Several events will take place at Simon Meadow in October: October 2 – Pumpkin Patch opens (3pm-6pm M-F; 10am-4pm Sat.-Sun.); October 11 – Glass Pumpkin Sale (10am-4pm, Fri.); October 11 – Fall Community Picnic (12pm-4pm); Oct.18 – T-Ball Returns (through Sat. Nov. 22, for ages 3-6). Contact Jim Kirtley at jimkirtley@ymcala.org for more info.
8.1.9. [New] Tree Planting Event. Palisades Beautiful will plant four trees along Swarthmore Ave. near CVS on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 9am. The public is invited to help celebrate the planting.
8.1.10. [New] United Policy Holders Workshop. This event for fire survivors will take place from 10am-1pm on October 5, 2025, at the American Legion Post 283 on La Cruz Dr. Information and strategies will be given about the contents of insurance claims and home inventories.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus – None.
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Chris Spitz (At-large) noted that she may have comments about matters she’s been involved with during presentations by the Area Six and Area One reps. As Vice-Chair of WRAC, she reiterated that Board members (whether primary or alternate) are invited to volunteer to become the PPCC rep to the WRAC MTC, which meets on the third Wed. evening of each month via Zoom, and deals with regional traffic and transportation issues that many displaced Palisadians are now experiencing. Contact the President or Spitz if you would like to volunteer.
8.3.2. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven) updated the Board on several matters: The Palisades Bowl mobile home park owner has now secured the park and installed warning signage; the Canyon is still experiencing issues with flooding; the tunnel was flooded due to a faulty sump pump; CD 11 Deputy Arus Grigoryan was able to have K rails removed in the area; debris continues to flow into the channel; there is concern about the Canyon School classroom replacement program; the Palisades Forestry Committee is involved with trying to save historic Eucalyptus trees. Kilbride also announced that the Hillside Task Force event will take place again this fall, 7am on October 22nd, at Lifeguard Headquarters on Will Rogers State Beach.
8.3.3. Lorie Cudzil (Area Six) announced a new wellness resource by Team Palisades, with a shareable website on “Wellbeing” [https://wellbeing.teampalisades.org/]. She described the initiative and encouraged everyone to visit the website.
She also reported on a disturbing development that occurred in Area Six, with residents Chris and Jeff Spitz being informed that LAFD would not sign off on their rebuild permit unless they installed at their expense a new fire hydrant within 300 feet of their lot. They were told this is because of a code provision that requires owners/builders of new, voluntary residential development projects to install a fire hydrant, if a hydrant didn’t exist within 300 feet of the proposed project. Cudzil noted that the Spitz’s were shocked by this requirement, as they had been advised that installation of a new hydrant could cost upwards of $500,000; they had never been notified about this requirement before; and if applied it would prevent them from rebuilding and moving back to the Palisades. This rule may also apply to other fire rebuilds in the Palisades even though our rebuilds clearly aren’t voluntary.
The Spitz’s have reached out to the Mayor and Councilwoman Park and staff, who are working to resolve the issue. Cudzil remarked on the extreme irony and unfairness of the situation: their property was destroyed in the fire when hydrants weren’t used or were inoperable, yet now, as suffering homeowners, they are being required to install a hydrant at considerable expense, which would prevent them from rebuilding and returning.
Chris Spitz (At-large) further explained the situation and her distress at this development. She noted that they lived in their home on Friends St. for 34 years before the fire, with a hydrant on the corner of the block; no one had ever told them that another hydrant was needed for safety or any other reason. She stated that she and her husband have had good communications with Marian Ensley and CD 11 staff, who are working on a resolution with LAFD and LADWP as soon as possible. She also stressed that she and her husband have asked for two things. 1) assuming another fire hydrant is needed on their block for public safety, that LADWP install the hydrant; and 2) that LAFD be directed to immediately sign off on the Spitz’s permit without requiring them to install the hydrant. Reza Akef (builder and former Board member) interjected that he was in a recent meeting with officials when this topic came up; he noted that officials are aware and concerned. It is believed that this was a case of bureaucracy — an employee merely “checking the boxes.” Akef is confident that the matter will be resolved soon and that it will be determined that this requirement is inapplicable to Palisades fire rebuilds.
8.3.4. Karen Ridgley (Area Four) announced a Visioning Charette for residents of Palisades bluffs neighborhoods at the PRC’s office on Sunset Blvd, this Saturday, September 27th, 10am-12pm.
8.3.5. JoAnna Rodriguez (Area One) reported that the Coastal Commission will be hearing the application for a Coastal permit for the Gladstones redevelopment project on October 8th in Redondo Beach. Residents had received a notice of the meeting and were concerned because the agenda item stated that “transportation stations” for the Big Blue Bus and Metro buses would be part of the project, raising concerns about possible application of SB 79. Chris Spitz (At-large) wrote to Supervisor Horvath’s staff to inquire about this; Zac Gaidzik (the Supervisor’s Coastal Deputy) replied that his office has alerted Coastal Commission staff that the term “transportation stations” is a misnomer in the agenda which should be changed to reflect that there will instead be “bus turnaround stops,” which would not implicate SB 79. He explained that the plans include a bus turnaround with stops in the parking lot, which the County and the City of Santa Monica maintain will not trigger SB 79. Spitz remarked that PPCC has long supported a bus turnaround at the Gladstones parking lot, for several reasons; she can provide more information about this to anyone interested.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. David Card (Palisades Forestry Committee/PFC) related several warnings and provided information: Do not cut down trees unless you have a permit from the City; PFC is working to plant free street trees, which the City Dept. of Forestry is now providing to residents (contact PFC if you would like a street tree); invasive weeds are sprouting on Potrero Canyon rim properties and are spreading into the Canyon; PFC is working to save historic Eucalyptus trees from being removed in Santa Monica Canyon; PFC thanks PPCC for the recent $75,000 grant to water Palisades street trees; watering of street trees has begun, with water trucks managed and directed by Tracey Price (American Growers) and Valeria Serna (Resilient Palisades).
8.4.2. Donna Vaccarino (PP Historical Society/PPHS) announced that the PPHS awarded the first Manaugh Legacy Scholarship (in honor of past PPHS President Barbara Manaugh) to Cameron Lovitt, who spearheaded a beautification project at Los Liones and Tramonto Dr. – her final Eagle Scout project with Troup 223. Also, PPHS will host a celebratory rededication of Founders Oak Island from January 12-19, 2026.
8.4.3. Reza Akef (Palisades builder, member of the Malibu-Palisades Chamber of Commerce) noted that the Chamber is sponsoring a Palisades Rebuild Expo at the Santa Monica Women’s Club this Sunday, September 28th, from 2-5pm. Homeowners and businesses affected by the fire are invited.
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 although crime in down in the Palisades, thefts of building materials and equipment at construction sites are ongoing. Builders/contractors should be told to lock up equipment and materials to avoid theft. He encouraged residents to report crimes.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) – not present, but was represented in her absence by CD 11 Legislative Deputy Sarah Flaherty, who reported on several matters: the status of debris removal and clean-ups in the Palisades; storm drain clearing; the Dog Park (moving forward); Bureau of Street Services assessment of streets (ongoing); and the status of FEMA funding for street repairs and other projects.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Representative, Mayor Karen Bass gave updates on the status of AECOM’s work, on the Mayor’s request for the Governor’s veto of SB 79, and on the remediation of Casa Gateway at the corner of Palisades Dr. and Sunset Blvd., where 68 seniors have now been able to return.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Mountains Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath provided information about the new County After Action Report, which deals with emergency evacuation issues after the Fire, primarily related to Malibu and Sunset Mesa. Additional County After Action Reports will be forthcoming. He also spoke about the Marvin Braude Bike Path restoration, noting that County Public Works representatives would be presenting more information to the Board during the meeting.
8.5.5. Sean Regan, District Representative, Congressman Brad Sherman – not present.
8.5.6. Sophia Liebman, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) explained that the legislative session has ended, with numerous bills having passed that are now on the Governor’s desk for signing. She noted that SB 749 (regarding mobile home parks) unfortunately died in the Appropriations Committee, but Sen. Allen is looking at ways to reintroduce the bill in the next session (in 2026).
8.5.7. Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) – not present.
8.6. From PPCC Advisors and Liaisons – None.
x9. Reports from PPCC Committees.
9.1. Bylaws Committee (Chris Spitz & Maryam Zar, Co-Chairs). Second Distribution and vote on proposed Bylaws Amendments (second Distribution and Board vote on September 25, 2025; Bylaws, Art. XII.2.B). The following documents were distributed concurrently with the meeting agenda via PPCC email and posted on the PPCC website:
1) Committee Report: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Bylaws-Cmte-Report-Sept.-2025-1.pdf
2) Amendments “Redline”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.-Sept.-2025-Redline.pdf
3) Amendments “Clean”: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.-Sept.-2025-Clean.pdf
Board vote on motions by the Bylaws Committee to adopt proposed Bylaws Amendments (see attached motions (a), (b) and (c) below).
Co-Chair Chris Spitz introduced and described each motion in turn, beginning with motion (a) – motion to add the Malibu-Palisades Chamber of Commerce (Palibu) to Appendix A to the Bylaws. The President noted that Ramis Sadrieh, Palibu Chamber Chair (who could not attend tonight’s meeting), advises that the Palibu Chamber is thrilled to be able to return to the PPCC Board. Co-Chair Spitz briefly explained the background of the Chamber’s prior long history with PPCC and their excitement now about returning to the Board. After an opportunity for discussion, Co-Chair Spitz called for a vote on motion (a), noting that the Bylaws require at least 15 votes [2/3 of the entire Board, per PPCC bylaws] to approve adding a new member to the Board. The President then took a roll call vote of individual voting members. Result: 18-0-0; unanimous vote in favor of motion (a). [Note: two voting members arrived after the vote was taken on item 9.1; see the attendees list above.]
Co-Chair Spitz then explained motion (b) – motion to remove Westside Waldorf School and to change the name of the YMCA to Lowe Family YMCA on Appendix A to the bylaws. She also explained motion (c) – motion to add new Standing Rule 15 to Appendix C to the Bylaws – and read aloud the text of motion (c), further explaining why adding this new Standing Rule was needed. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was called on each of motions (b) and (c). Result: unanimous in favor of both motions (b) and (c).
9.2 Grants Committee (Quentin Fleming, Chair). Committee recommendations for PPCC grants; motion for Board approval of the following grants from donations that PPCC has received (see relevant documents and committee reports attached below).
Taking each grant recommendation one by one, Chair Fleming explained the Committee’s recommendations, noting that the Committee held extensive discussions and carefully reviewed each application, and that the Committee strongly supported each recommended grant. Prior to discussion and vote on each grant, he asked all voting members with conflicts of interest to announce any conflicts and recuse themselves, pursuant to the Conflict of Interest Rules regarding Grants:
(a) Palisades Long Term Recovery Group (Pali LTRG) — $17,500. Five voting members with conflicts recused themselves and did not participate in discussion or vote: Lorie Cudzil, John Padden, Jessica Rogers, Carole White, Andrew Wolfberg. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was called. Result: unanimous in favor of the grant (no abstentions).
(b) Lotus Rising LA — $4,000. No voting members identified themselves as having a conflict. Some questions were raised during discussion about the purpose of the grant and the event that the applicant would be holding, what the grant would cover and whether it is needed, to what extent vendors are funding the event, and how the recommended amount was arrived at, which Chair Fleming answered. A vote was then called. Result: unanimous in favor of the grant (with three abstentions).
(c) Friends of Marquez (FOM) — $11,833. No voting members identified themselves as having a conflict (the Marquez rep to PPCC, Kaye Steinsapir, did not attend). Some questions were raised during discussion about the need for and cost of the “pole tent,” and whether the tent would be sturdy and/or permanent, which Chair Fleming answered. A vote was then called. Result: unanimous in favor of the grant (no abstentions).
(d) St. Matthew’s School — $25,000. No voting members identified themselves as having a conflict. Some questions were raised during discussion about how the recommended amount was arrived at, which Chair Fleming answered. A vote was then called. Result: unanimous in favor of the grant (no abstentions).
(e) Pacific Palisades Baseball Association (PPBA) — $50,000. The President stated that she had a conflict of interest but would not vote (her normal practice at meetings). Some questions were raised during discussion about what the grant covered, how the recommended amount was arrived at, and whether artificial turf would be installed, which Chair Fleming answered. More specifically as to artificial turf and what the requested funding would cover: PPBA’s rep to PPCC Rick McGeagh (an alternate/non-voting member) explained that no decision had yet been made on artificial turf vs. grass; PPBA is seeking funding not only to restore the fields but to replace destroyed lawnmowers and maintenance equipment, burned out dugouts and sheds, and destroyed equipment containers and equipment used by many different youth sports teams, including baseball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, and flag football. The grass must be partially restored soon because some sports teams are returning to use the fields this fall. The City Recreation and Parks Dept. does not provide any funding for the fields and related structures / equipment, which are maintained solely by PPBA. A vote was then called. Result: unanimous in favor of the grant (no abstentions).
9.3. Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). NORC-PPCC community survey update. Quentin Fleming explained that the survey went out in a soft launch last week with letters emailed to some residents; the survey is now rolling out via email or texts to the larger community. An individualized link is provided in the letters. Residents are encouraged to take the survey and to check their spam boxes for the emailed letter, which is coming from ppccstudy@norc.org. A link to the PPCC message about the survey is on the website homepage. The President asked any residents who haven’t received the letter to write to her to receive a link to the survey.
9.4. Land Use Committee (LUC / Chris Spitz, Chair). Recommendation and motion for Board to support motion in City Council by Councilwoman Park: Council File 25-1083. [Note: the item and vote on the motion was called in Item 11.3, below.]
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Marvin Braude Bike Trail Repair-Santa Monica Canyon Channel Outlet Restoration, County Public Works Dept. update, by Kerjon Lee and Yggy Ruiz. A slide show was presented, providing interesting information about the damage from historic 2024 storms to the Bike Trail and the Channel outlet and the current status of repairs and restoration. Completion of repairs and required approvals and permits are expected by the end of 2025. The President thanked Mr. Lee and Mr. Ruiz for their presentation.
11.2. Palisades Long Term Recovery Group (Pali LTRG / https://paliltrg.org/), presentation by Jim Cragg.
Mr. Cragg gave an extensive and informative presentation on the formation and work of the new Pali LTRG, which is part of the nationwide “VOAD” network (Voluntary Organizations Assisting in Disasters). He noted that many PPCC members and others on the call are involved with Pali LTRG, which provides wildfire recovery assistance to the community, particularly to vulnerable and/or at-risk residents, including those without insurance and the elderly. The President thanked Mr. Cragg for his important work and for speaking with PPCC.
[See a recording of the above two presentations at https://youtu.be/-Na1-H5eYp8.]
11.3. Motion to Support Council File 25-1083 (Park) / Report Back on Impacts of SB 79. Sponsored by the PPCC LUC (see Item 9.4 above). Chris Spitz, LUC Chair, introduced the motion, read aloud its text, and briefly explained the background. No second was necessary as the motion was made by a committee of more than one voting member. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was taken. Result: Unanimous in favor of the motion.
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Attachments
Item 9.1 (Bylaws Committee motions to adopt proposed Bylaws amendments)
Motion (a): Add the “Malibu-Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce” under the Business & Commerce Category of Appendix A to the Bylaws (Organizations Eligible to Send Representatives) (see proposed addition in Appendix A to Amended Bylaws, p. 20, Redline and Clean Versions linked under item 9.1 above).
Motion (b): Delete the “Westside Waldorf School” under the Education Category; and change the name of the YMCA to the “Lowe Family YMCA” under the Recreation Category, of Appendix A to the Bylaws (Organizations Eligible to Send Representatives) (see proposed deletion and name change in Appendix A to Amended Bylaws, p. 20, Redline and Clean Versions linked under item 9.1 above).
Motion (c): Add new Standing Rule 15 in Appendix C to the Bylaws, providing authority in the Bylaws for PPCC to make grants or donations from funds donated by third parties to PPCC (see text of proposed SR 15 in Appendix C to Amended Bylaws, p. 27, Redline and Clean Versions linked under item 9.1 above).
Item 9.2 (Grants Committee motions for Board approval of grants)
Relevant documents – Conflict of Interest Rules regarding Grants:
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 Recommendation Reports (below and continuing on p. 4):
(a) Pali LTRG: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Grant-Recommendation-PaliLTRG.pdf
(b) Lotus Rising LA: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Grant-Recommendation-Lotus-Rising.pdf
(c) FOM: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Grant-Recommendation-FOM.pdf
(d) St. Matthew’s: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Grant-Recommend.St_.Matthews.pdf
(e) PPBA: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Grant-RecommendationPPBA.pdf
Item 11.3 (Motion to support CF 25-1083 (Park) / Report Back on Impacts of SB 79; sponsored by the LUC)
Motion Text:
“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) strongly opposes SB 7. We have long expressed our crucial concerns about the serious public safety impacts of housing density mandates, such as those in SB 79, on neighborhoods in the Very High Fire Hazard Safety Zone (all of Pacific Palisades). We further oppose all housing density legislation, such as SB 79, that fails to include a clear funding mechanism to support the resulting impact on infrastructure, public safety and municipal services.
“PPCC therefore strongly supports the motion in Council File 25-1083 (Park), which calls for a report back on the impacts of SB 79 on the City of Los Angeles, including an analysis of the costs to update the City’s infrastructure and utility systems to support projected density from SB 79, and a confidential report to City Council on potential legal challenges and bases for cost-recovery from the state.”
Background Information –
Park Motion: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2025/25-1083_misc_09-16-25.pdf
Council File: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=25-1083
PPCC Motion Oppose SB 79:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PPCC-Letter-Oppose-SB-79-R.pdf
PPCC Motion Oppose Density Legislation without Funding Mechanism:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PPCC-Position-Housing-Density-Funding-.pdf
_________________________
MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 9th 2025
Voting Members in Attendance: Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Robert Trinkeller, Kimberly Bloom, Lee Anne Sanderson/Karen Ridgley,* Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, Rick McGeagh, Valeria Serna, David Card, Alley Michaelson, Daphne Gronich, Richard Blumenberg, Courtney Macker (*Sanderson: voting member until later arrival of Ridgley)
Non-voting Members and Advisors: Cindi Young, Michael Edlen, Carole White, Warren Jacob, Fay Vahdani, James Alexakis, Jessica Rogers, Ella Nozar
1. Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Lee Anne Sanderson read the Mission Statement.
[Note: Item 11.1 was called early in the meeting, at the request of the Supervisor, prior to Item 2 below; Item 9.3 was then called after Item 11.1 and before Item 2 below.]
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 September 25, 2025, were approved as distributed.
5. Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. October 23, 2025 (BOE bridge unit; presentation by Palisades Friends & Newcomers); 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: $ 196,406.47
Schwab: $ 458,611.00
Balance: $ 655,017.00
Checks totaling $119,333 are pending (not yet cleared) for: Friends of Marquez $11,833; PPBA $50,000; NORC (bill #3) $57,500. Balance after these checks clear will be: $535,864.
Other activity since last meeting: Deposits: FireAid donation $50,000; other donation $23.79.
Paid bill/grant: Zoom $100; St Matthews: $25,000 (check cleared).
PPCC’s fiscal year 2025 ended September 30; we will be sending the year-end report to our accountant in the next couple of weeks for our tax filing.
7. General Public Comment.
7.1. Diane Bleak (Highlands Resident) alerted us to the amounts of trash and junk along Palisades Dr.
7.2. Jon Brown (resident) is a parent leader at Pali Elementary and noted that a request for funding from PPCC to help the school may be forthcoming; he also reminded us of the upcoming Yee Haw Day event (for which the President noted that PPCC is a sponsor).
7.3. Sue Pascoe (resident/CTN) reminded everyone to visit the YMCA Pumpkin Patch at Simon Meadow.
7.4. Bart Young (resident) asked about what is to be done about the sand bags placed around cleared properties; the President noted that CD 11 Deputy Arus Grigoryan could answer.
8. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
8.1. From the Chair/Presiding Officer.
8.1.1. Oct. 1 – start of PPCC fiscal year and of organizational members’ term (10/1/25 – 9/30/26); welcome new organizational Board members:
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-2026-PPCC-Organizations.pdf. The President welcomed all the new members.
8.1.2. Update: New member orientation session, 9/30/25. The President noted that we had a successful orientation session with the incoming new representatives.
8.1.3. Volunteer needed: PPCC rep to the WRAC Mobility & Transportation Committee (MTC).
The President called on Chris Spitz (PPCC At-large and WRAC Vice-Chair) to explain the position.
Spitz did so, and encouraged volunteers to contact her.
8.1.4. Recent E.C. decision on grant funding. The President explained that the Executive Committee has decided not to disburse funds to Lotus Rising, because the funds were not needed and the request did not meet our guidelines for the award of grants.
8.1.5. Update: Recreation Center Rebuild Community Meeting, 10/7/25. The President announced that hundreds of persons attended this meeting, hosted by the City Dept. of Recreation and Parks and SteadfastLA, and spoke briefly about the meeting discussion.
8.1.6. Update: Gladstones redevelopment project/Coastal permit hearing; EC letter requesting postponement: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PPCC-EC-Letter-Gladstones.pdf.
Additional letter sent 10/7/25 (EC letter requesting waiver of the PSA):
https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PPCC-EC-Letter-PSA-Gladstones.pdf.
The President announced that the Coastal Commission unanimously approved the project at its meeting on October 8. She thanked Maryam Zar and Beth Holden Garland for attending and waiting through the long meeting.
8.1.7. Update: SB 79. The President stated that the Governor has not yet signed or vetoed the bill.
He has until October 12th to do so, and if not, the bill will become law. She thanked the Mayor and Councilwoman Park for requesting that he veto the bill, as has PPCC.
8.1.8. Letter written since last PPCC meeting – Support for CW Park motion/impacts of SB 79: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PPCC-Letter-CF-25-1083-Park.pdf.
8.1.9. [NEW] YMCA Glass Pumpkin Sale and Community Picnic. The President noted that these fun
events will take place on Saturday, October 11, at Simon Meadow in the Palisades.
8.2. From Officers/Chair Emeritus.
8.2.1. Maryam Zar, Chair Emeritus, reported on the City Council Budget Committee hearing on October 7, 2025, regarding permit fee waivers for Palisades rebuilds and a climate resiliency district (CRD) for the Palisades [CF 25-0006-S57 and CF 25-0006-S38].
8.3. From At-Large and Area Representatives.
8.3.1. Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven Rep) reported good news that speed humps have been installed on Entrada Dr. near Canyon Square. The Hillside Task Force event (consisting of LAPD, LAFD, other agencies, PPTFH and community volunteers) will take place on October 22, 2025 at 7 a.m.
8.3.2. Lorie Cudzil (Area Six Rep) noted the good work of Palisades Beautiful in recently planting four new trees along Swarthmore Ave. near CVS.
8.3.3. JoAnna Rodriguez (Area One Rep) stated that a camper is now parked again at the former Jack in the Box site; she will ask for help from Arus Grigoryan.
8.3.4. Lee Anne Sanderson (Area Four 1st Alternate) announced that the City has now declared the Palisades Bowl site (long uncleared of debris by the owner) to be a public nuisance.
8.4. From Organizational Representatives.
8.4.1. Jim Kirtley (Lowe Family YMCA) provided information about the Pumpkin Patch, the Glass Pumpkin Sale and Community Picnic on October 11th, and Cindy Simon’s Winding Way Installation at Simon Meadow. He also announced that the Holiday Ho!Ho!Ho! will take place on December 13 near the Y’s Christmas Tree Lot at Simon Meadow.
8.4.2. Valeria Serna (Resilient Palisades/RP) reported that RP will participate in an event with the U.S. Green Building Council in the spring. There will be a community event on resilience, hosted by RP in November 2025.
8.4.3. Dave Card (Palisades Forestry Committee/PFC) advised that the water trucks are out watering Palisades street trees. The PFC has started planting free street trees in some residential areas.
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 – Not present.
8.5.2. Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) spoke about speed humps being installed on Entrada, about the City’s work clearing storm drains and catch basins, and about the sand bags on private lots, which can be placed on the parkways if no longer in use.
8.5.3. Marian Ensley, West Area Representative, Mayor Karen Bass, gave brief remarks on the recent meeting at the Recreation Center (which Mayor Bass was unable to attend), about recent arrests by LAPD, and about speaking with AECON regarding improvements.
8.5.4. Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath (present only during presentation by Supervisor Horvath, Item 11.1 below).
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 – None.
9. Reports from PPCC Committees.
9.1. Awards Selection Committee (Daphne Gronich, Chair). Reminder: nominations for Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplug Awards due by 5pm on October 17, 2025. Chair Gronich spoke about the process and noted the deadline for submitting nominations.
9.2. Grants Committee (Quentin Fleming, Chair). Committee update; possible recommendation and request for Board approval of grants from donations received by PPCC. Chair Fleming explained that the Committee is recommending a grant of $10,817 to the Palisades Village Green Committee to fund a new Hydration Station at the Palisades Village Green. He stated that a Committee report on the recommendation has been distributed to all Board members and further explained the request [https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Grant-Recommend.VillageGrn.pdf].
He then asked all voting members with conflicts of interest to announce any conflicts and recuse themselves, pursuant to the Committee’s Conflict of Interest Rules regarding Grants. No one identified themselves as having a conflict of interest related to this grant. After an opportunity for discussion, a vote was called. Result: unanimous approval of the recommended grant to the Palisades Village Green Committee.
9.3. Rebuild Committee (David Schwarz, Chair). NORC-PPCC community survey update. [Note: Item called early in the meeting, before Item 2 above). Chair Schwarz explained the importance of the survey, as well as the process and steps taken by NORC to ensure eligibility and improve communication, and he encouraged residents to complete the survey soon. [See link to his full remarks which can be found immediately following the presentation by Supervisor Horvath on this recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTNjx5DaAAc.]
9.4. Undergrounding Committee (Reza Akef, Chair). Committee update. Chair Akef briefly reported that the Committee has been conducting research and speaking with officials on the status of undergrounding public utilities in the Palisades. Going forward, the Committee will share with the Board all relevant information that it receives.
10. Old Business – None.
11. New Business.
11.1. Guest Speaker: Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, with update on proposed County Authority for Pacific Palisades. [Note: Item called early, prior to item 2 above.] The Supervisor presented information and responded to questions and serious concerns about the Coastal Commission’s decision to approve a Coastal permit for the Gladstone’s redevelopment project; about the process involved in reaching this result; about potential impacts of the project; and about whether or not SB 79 will be implicated by the bus turnaround and bus stops/stations in the parking lot. Supervisor Horvath assured us that it is the County’s position that the Gladstones project will not create a “major transit stop” and that SB 79 will not be triggered by what is planned for the project. She also spoke about the status of the proposed County Authority for Los Angeles County fire areas. The President thanked her for speaking with us. [See a recording of her presentation at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTNjx5DaAAc.
11.2. Team Palisades presentation, by Darragh Danton and May Sung. Danton and Sung (leaders/ Block Captains with Team Palisades) presented slides and shared interesting information about the work of this all-volunteer organization – formed to assist with the Palisades’ recovery – and about the many resources available on its website: https://teampalisades.org/. [See a recording of their presentation at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=E93v9OVGV5M&feature=youtu.be.]
12. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
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MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 23rd 2025 (pending)
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Special Meeting October 30th 2025 —
no minutes/recording only
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MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 13th 2025 (pending)
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PPCC HOLIDAY AWARDS GALA DECEMBER 11, 2025 —
BUSINESS MEETING NOT HELD/NO MINUTES
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