Return to 2024 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n Voting Members in Attendance:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Chris Spitz, Murray Levy, Steve Cron, Haldis Toppel, Karen Ridgley, Rick McGeagh, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden,\u00a0 Barbara Kohn, Genevieve Bostic, Kevin Niles, Valeria Serna, Courtney Macker<\/p>\n Non-voting Members and Advisors:\u00a0 <\/strong>James Alexakis, Richard Blumenberg, Michael Edlen, Mary Mueller, Alan Goldsmith, Daphne Gronich, Cindi Young, Joanna Spak, Ella Nozar<\/p>\n 1.\u00a0\u00a0 Call to Order and Reading of Community Council\u2019s Mission.\u00a0 <\/strong>The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m.\u00a0 Chris Spitz read the Mission Statement.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/em>Introductions \/ Roll Call.\u00a0 <\/strong>The President called the roll of Board members and advisors in attendance.<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0 \u00a0Certification of Quorum.\u00a0 <\/strong>The President certified quorum.<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0\u00a0 Approval of Minutes. \u00a0<\/strong>The minutes of August 8, 2024, were approved as distributed.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0 \u00a0Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings. \u00a0<\/strong>The agenda was as distributed.\u00a0 The President described the upcoming meetings: September 26, 2024<\/u><\/em> (last meeting of the term for current Area, At-large and organizational reps); October 1, 2024<\/u> <\/em>(special PPCC meeting\/Councilwoman Park presentation on the Tramonto Slide and the related development); October 10, 2024<\/u><\/em> (welcome new Area, At-large and organizational reps; election of Alternate Area and At-large reps).<\/p>\n 6.\u00a0\u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report.\u00a0 <\/strong>The President read the report from the Treasurer, who was unable to attend:\u00a0 \u00a0The Council\u2019s bank balance is $53,861.91.\u00a0 Donations since the last report:\u00a0 $71.85.\u00a0 Expenses paid since the last report: $10.00 Zoom; $535.00 Miracle Data (tech services for the election); $54 Mailchimp.<\/p>\n 7.\u00a0\u00a0 General Public Comment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 7.1.\u00a0 \u00a0Krishna Thangavelu<\/u> (resident) expressed the serious concern that she and Tahitian Terrace residents have about the recent absence of LAPD beach detail officers to look for and clear homeless encampments, which are increasing in the bluff areas of the Palisades and pose a risk to public health and safety.\u00a0 She remarked that this is a dangerous condition and that it is critical for the beach detail to be maintained.\u00a0 LAPD Capt. III Richard Gabaldon responded and extensive discussion ensued. (See items 8.5.1 and 8.3.3 below.)<\/em><\/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 \u00a0The President congratulated the following newly elected representatives and noted that the official Election Committee report would be presented later in the meeting (see item 9.1 below):<\/em><\/p>\n Area One:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 JoAnna Rodriguez<\/p>\n Area Two:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Steve Cron<\/p>\n Area Three:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Julia Nilson<\/p>\n Area Four:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Karen Ridgley<\/p>\n Area Five:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kimberly Bloom<\/p>\n Area Six:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lorie Cudzil<\/p>\n Area Seven:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sharon Kilbride<\/p>\n Area Eight:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Andrew Wolfberg<\/p>\n At-large:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chris Spitz<\/p>\n 8.1.2.\u00a0\u00a0 The President appointed the following members of the Three Chairs Committee (committee of three former PPCC Chairs, required under the bylaws, to review candidates for Alternate Area and At-large representative positions and recommend nominees for election by the Board):\u00a0 Maryam Zar, Chair; Randy Young, David Card.\u00a0 She noted that David Card would later explain the Area and At-large Alternates application process (see Item 9.2. below).<\/em><\/p>\n 8.1.3.\u00a0 \u00a0The President congratulated the Palisadians who had participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics: Nick Itkin (Bronze Medal, Fencing\/Individual Foil; Miles Partain (Quarter Finals, Men\u2019s Beach Volleyball); Steve Kerr (Coach, Gold Medal-winning Men\u2019s USA Basketball Team); and also Johnny Hooper (Bronze Medal, Men\u2019s USA Team Water Polo \u2013 name first announced during the meeting).\u00a0\u00a0 She recommended the recent PP Historical Society newsletter article by Patrick Healy, \u201cOlympic Success\u201d: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/PPHS-Article-KerrsOlympics.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n 8.1.4.\u00a0 \u00a0The President reported on the \u201cOpen Forum\u201d meeting about the Pacific Palisades Pedestrian Trail (lateral trail) on 8\/21\/24, and the letter about the trail sent after the meeting:\u00a0 https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PPCC-Letter-Lat-Trail-2024.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n 8.1.5.\u00a0 \u00a0The President reported on two letters sent regarding AB 1082 (regulation of RV parking \/ dwelling) and noted that the bill was ordered to the inactive file and did not pass in the legislature, (although there is a possibility that it may return in the next session). The letters: 8.1.6.\u00a0 The President announced that PPCC will hold a special meeting from 6-7:30pm via Zoom on October 1, 2024, for Councilwoman Traci Park to provide information on the status of the Tramonto Slide and the related residential development project.<\/p>\n 8.1.7.\u00a0 \u00a0Regarding public safety and crime prevention, the President reported: 8.1.8.\u00a0\u00a0 The President announced that the annual Palisades Lutheran Church Oktoberfest 5K run in the El Medio bluffs will take place on Saturday, October 19, from 8 \u2013 11 a.m.\u00a0 The race will begin and end on Janaluska Way; a map of the race route will be distributed.<\/p>\n 8.2.\u00a0\u00a0 From Officers\/Chair Emeritus<\/u> \u2013 None.<\/p>\n 8.3.\u00a0 \u00a0From At-Large and Area Representatives<\/u>.<\/p>\n 8.3.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Murray Levy (Area One Representative) reported that the Equinox gym is reopening and is offering special\u00a0Equinox reduced membership rates\u00a0in connection with the reopening.<\/p>\n 8.3.2.\u00a0 \u00a0Haldis Toppel (Area Three Representative) announced that the Marquez Knolls annual Block Party will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 11am – 3pm on Marquez Ave. near Sunset. She also expressed her appreciation for having been able to serve for many years on PPCC; she is pleased that new young Area representatives are coming on to the Board!\u00a0 Board members in turn thanked Haldis for her service.<\/p>\n 8.3.3.\u00a0 \u00a0Chris Spitz (At-large Representative) noted that she and others have written to Capt. Gabaldon and LAPD officers, raising concerns about maintaining the beach detail, enforcing LAMC 41.18, and reducing the risk of wildfires\u00a0<\/strong>from the influx of homeless individuals and encampments in our bluff and beach areas \u2013 similar to the concerns expressed during Public Comment by Krishna Thangavelu.\u00a0 Sharon Kilbride (past PPTFH co-president) followed up with information about the status of homelessness in the Palisades;\u00a0the increase in numbers of transients and unhoused individuals migrating here and setting up dangerous encampments in the bluffs;\u00a0and the work of\u00a0PPTFH volunteers and the outreach team to offer housing and services and to clear encampments.\u00a0 She reported that in July, PPTFH engaged 53 new unhoused individuals; in August, 82 new individuals were engaged. \u00a0In terms of encampments, recently PPTFH has found and cleared encampments in the Via bluffs area (7 abandoned and 2 live); in the Corona del Mar\/Huntington bluffs area (2 abandoned and 1 live); and along Temescal Canyon Rd. (3 abandoned). \u00a0Evidence of fires in 11 locations was also found and cleared in August.\u00a0 Sharon stressed the\u00a0vital importance of maintaining the LAPD beach detail 7 days a week\u00a0(which she noted had\u00a0been lacking in the past several days due to factors cited by Capt. Gabaldon) — and of\u00a0LAPD providing\u00a0critical backup\u00a0for PPTFH’s efforts, including by enforcing 41.18 and all applicable laws.\u00a0The Board thanked Sharon and all the volunteers for their important work on behalf of the community.<\/p>\n 8.4.\u00a0\u00a0 From Organizational Representatives<\/u>.<\/p>\n 8.4.1.\u00a0 \u00a0Barbara Kohn (PP Historical Society) reported that the Historical Society will present a special lecture on\u00a0<\/strong>Historic Route 66\u00a0at Pierson Playhouse, 7pm on\u00a0September 18, 2024.\u00a0 The event is free and open to all, but she suggested arriving early as parking and seating are limited.<\/p>\n 8.5.\u00a0 \u00a0 From Government Offices \/ Representatives<\/u> (as available). Contact information for government representatives: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/government-contacts\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n 8.5.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Capt. III Richard Gabaldon, Commanding Officer, LAPD WLA Division, and Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades. \u00a0\u00a0Responding to substantial questions and concerns expressed by residents and Board members — about the absence of beach detail officers, the increasing numbers of homeless encampments, the perceived lack of enforcement\u00a0and public safety risks —\u00a0Capt. Gabaldon\u00a0and\u00a0SLO Espin\u00a0provided information about the status of the beach detail, LAMC\u00a041.18 \/ anti-camping enforcement, and crime in the Palisades.<\/p>\n Capt. Gabaldon stated that he wished to dispel rumors about the beach detail, assuring\u00a0us that\u00a0the detail is still in place\u00a0— although there have been temporary absences (some officers have been away on leave or for required training; others\u00a0were assigned to staff other events in the City;\u00a0two officers were promoted;\u00a0their replacements are in process and are expected soon).<\/p>\n Capt. Gabaldon emphasized that\u00a0LAPD’s goal is always to have\u00a0the beach detail in place with at least one unit of 4 officers, 7 days a week.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>He acknowledged that there has been an influx of\u00a0unhoused individuals and transients migrating to the Palisades from other cities and areas (where stricter anti-camping enforcement may have occurred).\u00a0 He indicated\u00a0that LAPD does enforce LAMC 41.18 (the Los Angeles ordinance that bans camping on sidewalks within 500 ft. of sensitive uses,\u00a0i.e.,<\/em>\u00a0parks, libraries, schools and day care centers).\u00a0 Recognizing the need for protection, Capt. Gabaldon has asked for the Palisades units to be the\u00a0last in line\u00a0<\/em>when officers are called on to staff other City events.\u00a0\u00a0He is also coordinating the quarterly Task Force to inspect and clean up encampments in our bluff and hillside areas in the near future.<\/p>\n SLO Espin additionally provided a crime report, explaining that while Part 1 crime is slightly down, burglaries have increased\u00a0throughout the Westside, which are detailed in his most recent\u00a0Palisades Crime Map.\u00a0 He reported that LAMC 41.18 was recently enforced in\u00a0connection with\u00a0a transient \/ homeless individual who had been camping\u00a0in the public right of way in various locations near Palisades schools and parks (most recently near Sunset & PCH) and frightening passersby; it was found that the individual had an outstanding warrant; he was arrested and taken into custody.<\/p>\n SLO Espin also noted\u00a0that\u00a0security cameras do help in deterring crime.\u00a0 Extensive Q&A ensued about the use of cameras such as the FLOCK and Vigilant types.\u00a0Courtney Macker, Pacific Palisades Residents Association (PPRA) rep, explained\u00a0that PPRA is continuing to support a FLOCK security camera program in Palisades\u00a0neighborhoods. \u00a0Contact courtneymacker@gmail.com<\/a> for more information about the cameras and how to participate in the\u00a0program.<\/p>\n Concerns were also raised about illegal and unsafe parking along PCH near Chautauqua and Channel Rd. (beach side of the highway), particularly by beachgoers on weekends.\u00a0 There is currently only one \u201cNo Parking\u201d sign in the area, although parking is not allowed along that entire stretch of PCH.\u00a0 Questions were asked as to which agency has jurisdiction for enforcement, why illegally parked cars are not being cited, and whether more signs are needed and\/or would be installed.\u00a0 SLO Espin explained that the signs must be visible (in close proximity to parked cars) in order for LAPD traffic officers to issue citations; the one sign is too far away from most parked cars in that stretch of PCH to allow for enforcement. \u00a0CD 11 Deputy Michael Amster stated that Caltrans has advised that the City must apply for a permit to install more signs; he is following up.<\/p>\n 8.5.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Michael Amster, Palisades & Brentwood Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), reported on several matters:<\/p>\n 8.5.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass \u2013 Not present.<\/p>\n 8.5.4.\u00a0\u00a0 Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath \u2013 Not present.<\/p>\n 8.5.5.\u00a0\u00a0 Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) \u2013 Not present.<\/p>\n 8.5.6.\u00a0\u00a0 Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) \u2013 Not present.<\/p>\n 8.5.7.\u00a0 \u00a0Allison Holdoff, Senior Advisor, LAUSD Dist. 4 (Member Nick Melvoin) \u2013 Not present.<\/p>\n 8.6.\u00a0\u00a0 From PPCC Advisors<\/u> and Liaisons<\/u>.<\/p>\n 8.6.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Ella Nozar (Youth Advisor) brought to the Board’s attention her concern that there is an increase in the number of\u00a0teens who openly engage in illegal\u00a0smoking and vaping\u00a0in public areas of the Village, near families and young children.\u00a0 This is not permitted on campus at Pali High, and students are asked to maintain appropriate conduct\u00a0in public as representatives of the school.\u00a0 At this point, it’s unclear whether anything effective can be done to prevent this behavior.<\/p>\n 9.\u00a0\u00a0 Reports from PPCC Committees.<\/strong><\/p>\n 9.1.\u00a0 \u00a0Election Committee<\/u> (Maryam Zar, Chair):\u00a0 Report on the PPCC Election of Area and At-large Representatives.\u00a0 PPCC VP and Committee member Quentin Fleming\u00a0explained that 610 ballots were cast in all races; that the Committee members met to confirm the accuracy of the results;\u00a0that the ballots were counted twice in the contested races; and that Ken Kohn of Miracle Data served as tech advisor.\u00a0 The brief report and full report of the results will be posted on the PPCC website.\u00a0 He again congratulated the winners and thanked the outgoing Area reps (serving until 9\/30\/24):\u00a0 Murray Levy (Area 1); Julie Silliman (Area 7), Cindy Simon (Area 6) and Haldis Toppel (Area 3).\u00a0 The newly elected reps\u00a0will take their seats at the PPCC meetings in October and will serve two-year terms (10\/1\/26 through 9\/30\/26).\u00a0 (The brief Election Committee report and full results report are linked here:<\/em><\/p>\n https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2024-brev-election-report.pdf<\/em><\/a> 9.2.\u00a0 \u00a0Three Chairs Committee<\/u> (Maryam Zar, Chair):\u00a0 Report on Alternates Application process. Alternates Application Notice: \u00a0https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/PPCC_Alts._App._Notice_2024.01.pdf<\/a>. \u00a0Past Chair David Card\u00a0provided information about the process, and invited interested and eligible persons to apply — reminding all\u00a0that\u00a0current Alternates must also apply should they wish to continue serving as an\u00a0Alternate rep. \u00a0Details on how to apply to become an\u00a0Alternate Area or At-large rep\u00a0on the PPCC board can be found in the Alternates Application Notice, posted on the website. Deadline to\u00a0submit applications:\u00a0\u00a05pm on October 6, 2024.\u00a0 <\/strong>The 3 Chairs Committee will review the candidates and recommend nominees to the Board, who may elect the Alternates at the October 10th PPCC meeting.<\/p>\n 10.\u00a0 \u00a0Old Business<\/strong> \u2013 None.<\/p>\n 11.\u00a0\u00a0 New Business.<\/strong><\/p>\n 11.1. \u00a0\u00a0Fire Safety Programs Presentation<\/u>:\u00a0 Dante Cornejo, EMT \/ Wildfire Specialist, MySafe:LA.\u00a0 See https:\/\/www.mysafela.org\/<\/a>.\u00a0 (Discussion item only). <\/em>\u00a0Dante Cornejo and\u00a0Gabriel Albarian,\u00a0a volunteer with\u00a0Firewise USA \u00a0(https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/education-and-research\/wildfire\/firewise-usa<\/a> — a program of the National Fire Protection Association), gave an informative presentation on wild fire safety and prevention.<\/p>\n Dante explained\u00a0that MySafe:LA is a non-profit partner of LAFD and the LA Co. Fire Dept.\u00a0He presented a Power Point on the important\u00a0\u201cReady, Set, Go!\u201d program developed by County Fire (https:\/\/fire.lacounty.gov\/rsg\/<\/a>), emphasizing key details of each element of the program, including these three critical steps:\u00a01)\u00a0make a plan;\u00a02)\u00a0harden your home; and 3)\u00a0defend your property.\u00a0 He also advised\u00a0that MySafe:LA does\u00a0free home inspections\u00a0<\/strong>for fire danger, and he encouraged residents to contact him to arrange for an inspection: \u00a0dante.cornejo@mysafela.org<\/a>. \u00a0Gabriel provided additional details about the “Firewise USA” program that may result in potential\u00a0fire insurance savings\u00a0for communities that are designated under the program.\u00a0 (See Homeowner associations and other residents’ groups in the Palisades are strongly encouraged to contact Gabriel for more information on how\u00a0to get started with designating their community or neighborhood under the Firewise USA program.\u00a0 To reach Gabriel, contact Dante (email address linked above).<\/p>\n 11.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Motion re RV Parking on State Land\/along PCH<\/u>: \u00a0Support the 8\/5\/24 letter from CW Park to the Governor and Caltrans, requesting that the state address encampments on state land in CD 11, including RVs along PCH; request prompt response, effective action and accountability by state authorities (sponsors Chris Spitz and Maryam Zar).\u00a0 See proposed motion text & background at: \u201c\u00a0Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) strongly supports the letter dated August 5, 2024, from Councilwoman Traci Park to Governor Newsom and Caltrans, requesting that state authorities coordinate with CD 11 in addressing encampments on state property within the district, pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order # N-1-24 \u2013 in particular the RV encampments along PCH in Pacific Palisades, as identified in the letter, which form a substantial risk to public health, safety and welfare.\u00a0 PPCC further requests a prompt response, effective action and accountability by state authorities.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n 11.3.\u00a0 \u00a0Motion Requesting Central Homeless Reporting Dashboard<\/u>:\u00a0 Request that the City of LA establish a new central Homeless Reporting Dashboard, mirroring the Culver City Homeless Reporting Dashboard, that is clear, open, honest, transparent and accessible (sponsors Chris Spitz and Maryam Zar).\u00a0 See proposed motion text & background at: Motion text:\u201cPacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) urges the City of Los Angeles to promptly establish a new central Homeless Reporting Dashboard on the City’s website, mirroring the Culver City Homeless Reporting Dashboard, that is clear, open, honest, transparent and easily accessible by the public.\u00a0 PPCC further requests that Councilwoman Park take appropriate action to effectuate establishment of such a new central Homeless Reporting Dashboard in Los Angeles.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\nTo City & State Officials:\u00a0 \u00a0https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PPCC-Letter-AB-1082-F.pdf<\/a>.
\nTo the Governor:\u00a0 \u00a0https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/AB1082-Letter-to-Governor-PDF.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\na)\u00a0 Public meetings on crime prevention were recently held in Brentwood, and Crime Prevention Tips were distributed to the community.\u00a0 Brentwood CC and Brentwood HOA have graciously shared the tips with PPCC, which are adapted for the Palisades community and posted on PPCC\u2019s website:\u00a0 https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Crime-Prevention-Tips.pdf<\/a>.
\nb)\u00a0 A possible presentation and discussion on public safety \/ crime prevention (specifically, Neighborhood Watch) is being planned tentatively for the October 24, 2024, PPCC meeting.<\/p>\n\n
\n<\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2024-election-full-stat-Report-1.pdf<\/em><\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/em>https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/Education-and-Research\/Wildfire\/Firewise-USA\/Firewise-Insurance-Discounts-for-California-Residents<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em> \u00a0 In order to be so-designated, a community must consist of anywhere between 8 and 2,500 homes; must undergo an on-site assessment by a fire official to determine resiliency conditions; and must create a 3-year plan on how to increase resiliency.<\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Motions-proposed-for-PPCC-9-12-1.pdf<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0 The President explained that this motion was being made by two voting Board members, Chris Spitz and Maryam Zar, and therefore a second was not needed. \u00a0She asked Chris Spitz to introduce the motion.\u00a0 Chris read the motion text (below) and explained the background and purpose of the motion.\u00a0 Board members had no questions and there was no discussion.\u00a0 A vote was then called.\u00a0 Result<\/u>: Unanimous in favor of the motion. \u00a0Motion text:<\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Motions-proposed-for-PPCC-9-12-1.pdf<\/a>.\u00a0 The President explained again that because this motion was being made by two voting Board members, Chris Spitz and Maryam Zar, a second was not needed.\u00a0 She asked Chris Spitz to introduce the motion.\u00a0 Chris read the motion text (below) and explained the background and purpose of the motion.\u00a0 Board members had no questions and there was no discussion.\u00a0 A vote was then called.\u00a0 Result<\/u>: Unanimous in favor of the motion.<\/p>\n