{"id":12537,"date":"2024-05-11T15:22:20","date_gmt":"2024-05-11T15:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=12537"},"modified":"2024-05-24T13:56:42","modified_gmt":"2024-05-24T13:56:42","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2024-05-09","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2024-05-09\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes — 2024 \/ 05 \/ 09"},"content":{"rendered":"

Return to 2024 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n

MINUTES FROM MAY 9th 2024<\/h5>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0 Call to Order and Reading of Community Council\u2019s Mission.\u00a0 <\/strong>The President called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM.\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl read the PPCC Mission Statement.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>Roll Call of Board Members and Certification of Quorum.
\n<\/strong>The President certified quorum.<\/p>\n

Voting members present: \u00a0Maryam Zar, Sue Kohl, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Dave Card, Murray Levy, Steve Cron, Nancy Niles, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Quentin Fleming, Rick McGeagh, Andrew Wolfberg, Chris Spitz, John Padden, Aileen Haugh, Kevin Niles, Valeria Serna, Courtney Macker<\/p>\n

Non-voting members present: \u00a0Joanna Spak, Cindi Young, Michael Edlen, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Betsy Handler, James Alexakis, Jessica Rogers<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0 Introduction of attendees.\u00a0 <\/strong>Michaela Fritzche, CA for Safer Communities, provided information and answered questions about the status of the effort to place on the November ballot the \u201cHomelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act,\u201d which would make targeted reforms to Proposition 47.\u00a0 For more information and to support the effort, visit https:\/\/casafecommunities.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0 Approval of Minutes. <\/strong>The draft minutes of April 25, 2024, were approved as corrected.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Presiding Officer indicated that the agenda was as distributed and provided the following information about upcoming PPCC meetings:<\/p>\n

May 23, 2024: In-person (hybrid) meeting at the Palisades Branch Library and online, with a presentation by Doug McAllister, VP of External Affairs (CA) from Frontier, regarding fiber optic lines and the cycling out of copper land lines in our community.
\n<\/strong>
\n6.\u00a0\u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Treasurer reported that PPCC\u2019s bank balance is $48,022.01, with the regular monthly Mailchimp expense paid ($54) and a couple of PayPal donations received since the last meeting. The President also announced that a payment will be made to PAPA (approved by the Executive Committee) in the amount of $750.\u00a0 This is the annual payment that PPCC regularly makes for our participation in the 4th of July Parade (toward use of a truck or other vehicle to carry the 2024 Awards Honorees who are invited to ride in the Parade). We will also march with the PPCC 50th Anniversary Banner (Board members are welcome to participate).<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00a0 General Public Comment<\/strong> \u2013 None.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0\u00a0 Reports, Announcements and Concerns. <\/strong><\/p>\n

8.1.\u00a0\u00a0 From the Chair\/Presiding Officer<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.1.1.\u00a0 The President reported on discussions with LAPD regarding new problem spots in the Palisades. She reiterated that work is continuing on funding sources, which include a generous donation from one of PPCC\u2019s board members, Michael Edlen, and may include CD 11 discretionary funds, to support additional police presence and\/or security measures in problem areas.<\/p>\n

8.1.2.\u00a0 The President noted that the Area One Rep will update us on the Tramonto Slide and PCH lane closure during Area reports [see item 8.3.1, report from Murray Levy].<\/em><\/p>\n

8.1.3. The President has followed-up with Supervisor Horvath\u2019s Deputy Zac Gaidzik regarding sweeping the sand that accumulated on the Marvin Braude Beach Bicycle Path.<\/p>\n

8.1.4.\u00a0 [Items misnumbered on the agenda; no item 8.1.4]<\/em><\/p>\n

8.1.5.\u00a0 The President announced that City officials are working on a possible evacuation drill for the Palisades.<\/p>\n

8.1.6.\u00a0 The President is drafting a letter to be sent regarding geological problem spots throughout the Palisades. [See also item 8.5.2, report from CD 11 Deputy Michael Amster.]<\/em><\/p>\n

8.1.7.\u00a0 A letter was recently sent regarding proposed Potrero Canyon rim construction 351 Alma Real Dr. (per past position and EC affirmation):\u00a0 https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/PPCC-letter-re-351-Alma-Real.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8.2.\u00a0\u00a0 From the Officers\/Chair Emeritus<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.2.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Vice-President Sue Kohl reported on the problem of teens shooting air guns or BB guns near the Village Green at Sunset & Swathmore.\u00a0 She also noted that there were reports that day on the \u201cCitizen app\u201d of gun shots at Bowdoin and Temescal Canyon Rd.\u00a0 SLO Brian Espin explained that teens have been shooting \u201cOrbi\u201d guns (legal\/non-lethal \u201cgel ball blaster\u201d game guns) in various areas of the Palisades. \u00a0Businesses have engaged private security in the privately-owned portions of the parking lot near Chase Bank, which has helped to curb this nuisance activity to some extent. SLO Espin had not seen a report about any actual gun shots in the Palisades, and he noted that the Citizen app is not always reliable or accurate.<\/p>\n

8.2.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Treasurer Jenny LI \u2013 See Treasurer\u2019s report, item 6 above.<\/p>\n

8.2.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Secretary Beth Holden-Garden announced that she attended the recent Historical Society meeting at which the late Ernest Marquez and Sharon Kilbride (descendants of Pascual Marquez, recipient of the original land grant for the \u201cRancho Boca de Santa Monica\u201d area) were commended.\u00a0 She noted that Randy Young gave an excellent presentation on Palisades history, including the history of Santa Monica Canyon, and that donations are being taken for repair of the Marquez Family Cemetery, a designated historical site which was damaged in recent storms.<\/p>\n

8.2.4.\u00a0\u00a0 Chair Emeritus David Card reported on three matters:\u00a0 1) the letter to the hearing officer regarding 351 Alma Real and PPCC\u2019s support for the ZI Bulletin guidelines for Potrero Canyon rim construction; 2) ongoing efforts to ascertain who was responsible for the severe pruning of the street tree on Sunset Blvd. near Pearl Dragon, as well as the installation of bricks and artificial turf around the tree wells in the public right of way (PROW) in that location; John Padden, PRIDE rep, also noted that PRIDE will look into the PROW installations in that area and whether or not they were permitted; and 3) recent potentially toxic chemical herbicide spraying in Potrero Canyon by a landscape subcontractor to kill weeds in the park, without advance notice to the public. The spraying killed large portions of brush and other landscaping and may have been harmful to park visitors and\/or wildlife; Valeria Serna, Resilient Palisades rep, noted her concerns about the use of the herbicide \u201cCheetah Pro,\u201d and believes that it has been banned for use in California; the President and\/or Chair Emeritus will follow up with Recreation & Parks (RAP) and the Bureau of Engineering (BOE) to obtain answers as to why this chemical herbicide was used and whether it was authorized.\u00a0 [See also item 8.5.2, report from CD 11 Deputy Michael Amster.]<\/em><\/p>\n

8.3.\u00a0 \u00a0From At-Large and Area Representatives<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.3.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Murray Levy, Area One Rep, announced that the City Council PLUM committee hearing of the Castellammare\/Tramonto development project (the Tramonto project) was postponed to May 21 [this was at the request of CD 11; see item 8.5.2, report from CD 11 Deputy Michael Amster]<\/em>.\u00a0 Murray gave an extensive Power Point presentation on the recent Tramonto slide which has resulted in closure of one lane on PCH, as well as damage to other roadways in the Castellammare area, and again explained why he and other residents are extremely concerned about public safety and oppose the Tramonto project.\u00a0 The President announced that in light of recent developments with this major slide \u2013 including official acknowledgement of the active slide, which is within the City\u2019s jurisdiction, and the need for the City to remediate the unstable conditions before the PCH lane closure can effectively be addressed by Caltrans \u2013 she will convene a special PPCC Board meeting on May 16 to discuss the Tramonto project and the slide conditions (in advance of the May 21 PLUM meeting), and to see if the Board wishes to take a new or enhanced position on the Tramonto project.\u00a0 She noted that the Executive Committee has approved of this action and she has discussed this as well with Steve Cron (past PPCC Land Use Committee Chair \/ current LUC member) and Chris Spitz (current PPCC LUC Chair).\u00a0 She will invite project opponents from the Castellammare area as well as the developer to attend. LUC Chair Spitz stated that she supported such a meeting but also believed that a strong letter could be sent now, based on PPCC\u2019s express position, highlighting the need for an independent EIR focusing on geologic instability in light recent developments with the slide. The President also noted that our Community Plan contains language providing for limitations on hillside construction. An agenda for the special May 16 meeting will be distributed in advance.<\/p>\n

8.3.2.\u00a0 Karen Ridgley, Area Four Rep, explained that she has four questions for Michael Amster, involving 1) dangerous\/unsafe activity involving use of an old concrete slab placed in the Asilomar bluff cul de sac area ; 2) extensive overgrown brush in the bluff park area; 3) a dead tree in the bluff park area; and 4) Tahitian Terrace residents\u2019 request that a walkway be created along PCH for improved coastal access.\u00a0 Michael Amster provided responses [see remarks in item 8.5.2 below]. <\/em><\/p>\n

8.3.3.\u00a0 Kimberly Bloom, Area Five Rep, announced that the annual Fire Service Day open house will take place at LAFD Station 69 from 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 11.\u00a0 There will be an In-N-Out truck courtesy of an Area Five resident\u2019s law firm.\u00a0 Look for notices posted on social media.<\/p>\n

8.3.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Chris Spitz, At-large Rep, did not have an At-large report, but noted that on May 20, the WRAC board will host Congressman Ted Lieu as guest speaker at its board meeting.\u00a0 WRAC board meetings are open to the public and all interested persons are invited; for information about the meeting visit www.westsidecouncils.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8.4.\u00a0\u00a0 From Organizational Representatives<\/u> \u2013 None.<\/p>\n

8.5.\u00a0\u00a0 From Government Offices \/ Representatives<\/u> (as available).<\/p>\n

8.5.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Brian Espin, Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), mentioned that there were 4 or 5 recent burglaries in the Palisades.\u00a0\u00a0He emphasized that residents should be mindful of back windows, and possibly give thought to installing security film.\u00a0\u00a0These occurrences are still happening via criminals coming in through the back windows of residences, 2nd story windows and doors.\u00a0\u00a0 Do not leave ladders outside and available to access.\u00a0 He cautioned residents to continue to implement measures to deter criminals and to be aware of \u201ctheft by trickery\u201d (phone call scams).\u00a0 He also discussed ways to prevent theft of catalytic converters.<\/p>\n

Regarding the tagging in Potrero Canyon, SLO Espin reached out to a law enforcement colleague in Ventura County who said the monikers used here were not the same as those used by Thousand Oaks gangs.\u00a0 SLO Espin now believes that local teen \u201ccrews\u201d rather than gangs are doing the tagging.\u00a0 Jessica Rogers (PPRA alternate) stated that she took a photo of PCH bollards that had been tagged, which seemed to show the same moniker as those in the Canyon; she will forward the photo to SLO Espin.<\/p>\n

A few questions were also asked about a new vending stand positioned on the sidewalk adjacent to the 76 station on Sunset in the Village, which apparently sells political-related merchandise (not food).\u00a0 SLO Espin has cited the vendor for not having a city permit, but enforcement is otherwise limited.\u00a0 Discussion ensued about the state and city laws pertaining to sidewalk vending, which in general favor vending. Chris Spitz noted that the City’s rules require a 5 ft. setback for pedestrian passage. She is also attempting to get clarification about the applicable city restrictions. [See also item 8.5.2, report from CD 11 Michael Amster.]<\/em><\/p>\n

8.5.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Michael Amster, CD11 (CM Traci Park) Field Deputy, Pacific Palisades & Brentwood, reported on several matters.\u00a0 First, he announced that the Councilwoman has brought a resolution in City Council to designate six specific areas of CD 11 as \u201cSpecial Enforcement Zones\u201d where homeless camping is prohibited under LAMC sec. 41.18, including George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon.\u00a0 If the resolution passes in Council, additional signage will then be placed around the park notifying the public of the 41.18 prohibition.\u00a0 He noted that CM Park has used the \u201cInside Safe\u201d program to clear a large encampment under the 10 Freeway on Centinela at Pico Blvd. in West Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

Michael recently attended a meeting of the Upper Riviera Homeowners Association, which was focused on homelessness and public safety.<\/p>\n

He also spoke about the rules pertaining to sidewalk vending in Los Angeles, explaining that the City of<\/p>\n

LA requires permits and regulates the location (placement) of vending stands and carts in the public right of way, whereas the County Public Health Dept. has sole authority over health concerns involving the handling of food.<\/p>\n

Regarding the herbicide spraying in in Potrero Canyon [see item 8.2.3],<\/em> Michael noted that he has read a label for the herbicide \u201cCheetah Pro,\u201d which said that it is banned for use on certain crops (i.e.,<\/em> it may not be completely banned); he will attempt to get clarification about this issue and will reach out to RAP and\/or BOE.<\/p>\n

As to the questions posed by Area Four Rep Karen Ridgley [in item 8.3.4]:<\/em>\u00a0 Michael will contact RAP to see what can be done to address the concrete slab in the cul de sac area and the overgrown brush and dead tree problems (since these are located in the City park area of the Asilomar bluffs).\u00a0 Regarding the Tahitian Terrace request for a walkway along PCH to allow for better coastal access, he noted that this area on PCH is under the jurisdiction of Caltrans (the state), but he will see if he can connect with Caltrans on the issue.<\/p>\n

Jenny Li (Treasurer) asked if anything could be done about a portion of Entrada Rd. in Santa Monica Canyon \u2013 where dirt and debris from the adjacent hillside has slipped down to the public right of way \u2013 to clear the area and prevent further slippage; it is unclear whether a sidewalk exists in that location that is now covered by existing debris and\/or if it could be cleared.\u00a0 Michael noted that the hillside may be private property, but he will look into what might be done about the problem.\u00a0 The President will discuss with Jenny whether to add this issue to the list of geologic problem spots that will be included in the letter being drafted [item 8.1.6].<\/em><\/p>\n

Michael Amster also acknowledged that the PLUM hearing of the Tramonto project had been postponed at the request of CD 11.\u00a0 He did not indicate the reason, i.e.,<\/em> whether this was because of the landslide and PCH lane closure.<\/p>\n

8.5.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Allison Holdoff, Senior Advisor, LAUSD Dist. 4 Board Member, Nick Melvoin \u2013 Not present.<\/p>\n

8.5.4. \u00a0\u00a0Radmehr Nowroozi, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) Field Representative, Palisades, Brentwood, Westwood and Westside \u2013 Not present.<\/p>\n

8.5.5.\u00a0\u00a0 Skylar Payab, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) Field Deputy, Pacific Palisades & Brentwood \u2013 Not present.<\/p>\n

8.5.6.\u00a0\u00a0 Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass \u2013 Not present.<\/p>\n

8.5.7.\u00a0\u00a0 Zac Gaidzik, Coastal and Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath \u2013 Not present.<\/p>\n

8.6.\u00a0\u00a0 From PPCC Advisors and WRAC Representatives<\/u> \u2013 None.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0\u00a0 Reports from PPCC Committees.<\/strong><\/p>\n

9.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Nominating Committee Report (Steve Cron: Committee Chair; Lee Anne Sanderson, Mary Mueller, Andrew Wolfberg, Quentin Fleming:\u00a0 Members; Danielle Samulon: Committee advisor and Board Parliamentarian\/non-voting).<\/p>\n

The Nominating Committee nominated the following candidates for PPCC officers for the 2024-25 PPCC term (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025):\u00a0 Sue Kohl, President; Quentin Fleming, Vice-President; Jenny Li, Treasurer; Beth Holden Garland, Recording Secretary. \u00a0The Committee Chair noted that Quentin Fleming left the meeting as soon as discussions included reference to the possibility that he might be considered for nomination, and he was not present during discussion about nominations for Vice-President and did not participate in any further Committee deliberations.<\/p>\n

The President thanked the Committee for their efforts and announced that other nominations from the Board (including those who wish to self-nominate) can be made up to 15 minutes before the scheduled close of the second regular Board meeting in May (May 23, 2024). The scheduled close of PPCC meetings is 8pm, therefore nominations for officer roles will be accepted until 7:45PM at the 2nd May meeting of PPCC.<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0 \u00a0Old Business<\/strong> \u2013 None.<\/p>\n

11.\u00a0\u00a0 New Business <\/strong>\u2013 None.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0 Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 PM.<\/p>\n

Return to 2024 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Return to 2024 Minutes MINUTES FROM MAY 9th 2024 1.\u00a0\u00a0 Call to Order and Reading of Community Council\u2019s Mission.\u00a0 The President called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM.\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl read the PPCC Mission Statement. 2.\u00a0\u00a0 Roll Call of Board Members and Certification of Quorum. The President certified quorum. Voting members present: \u00a0Maryam Zar, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"full-width-page-template.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12537","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12537"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12537\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}