{"id":12866,"date":"2024-10-26T14:10:23","date_gmt":"2024-10-26T14:10:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=12866"},"modified":"2024-10-26T14:17:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-26T14:17:00","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2024-10-10","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2024-10-10\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes — 2024 \/ 10 \/ 10"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 10th 2024<\/h5>\n

Voting Members in Attendance:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, Eric Dugdale, Courtney Macker, Haldis Toppel, Kaye Steinsapir, Kevin Niles, Janet Anderson, James Alexakis, Hagop Tchakerian.<\/p>\n

Non-voting Members and Advisors:\u00a0 <\/strong>David Card, Rob Webber, Ella Nozar.\u00a0 The following also attended and became non-voting Alternate Members upon their election (item 9.1 below):\u00a0 Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Michael Edlen, Joanna Spak, Carole White, Robert Trinkkeller,\u00a0 David Schwarz, Alex Hoerner (partial attendance).<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0 Call to Order and Reading of Community Council\u2019s Mission.\u00a0 <\/strong>The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m.\u00a0 Julia Nilsen read the Mission Statement.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/em>Introductions \/ Roll Call.\u00a0 <\/strong>The President called on members in attendance to introduce themselves.<\/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 September 26, 2024, and October 1, 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: October 24, 2024<\/u><\/em> (presentations on Neighborhood Watch and public safety\/crime prevention); November 14, 2024<\/u><\/em> (announcement of PPCC Awardees); December 12, 2024<\/u><\/em> (Awards Gala \/ dinner \u2013 presentation of Citizen of the Year, Golden Sparkplug\/s and optional Pride of the Palisades honors).\u00a0\u00a0 (Note: there is one meeting only in November and December; the Awards event in December replaces the regular business meeting.)<\/em><\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Treasurer reported that the Council\u2019s bank balance is $52,526.70.\u00a0 Donations since the last report:\u00a0 $23.79.\u00a0 Expenses paid since the last report: $10 Zoom.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00a0 General Public Comment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

7.1.\u00a0 John Alle<\/u> (resident) stated that he wanted a discussion about auditing homeless services and about where state funds are going and how the funds are being spent.\u00a0 He expressed more concerns about safety and quality of life with homeless individuals bouncing back and forth from the Palisades to Santa Monica, with no real results. \u00a0He asked for an independent agency to reconcile reporting of where the budgeted money was going.<\/p>\n

7.2.\u00a0 Krishna Thangavelu<\/u> (resident) commented that there is traffic build up unnaturally at the intersection of PCH and Temescal Canyon Road. \u00a0 Some new barriers are causing traffic to back up and making the lines of vehicles waiting to turn longer. \u00a0 She believed that this needs to be studied to make the throughway more efficient, and has concerns that there could be serious implications for public safety in a disaster (like wildfire or earthquake evacuation).<\/p>\n

7.3.\u00a0 Bart Young<\/u> (resident, Castellammare HOC member) thanked PPCC for hosting the Oct. 1 special meeting to discuss the Tramonto slide and for the Board\u2019s support for an independent EIR for the Tramonto development project.\u00a0 He also noted that residents appreciated the support of Caltrans Assistant Division Chief Joon Kang, who attended the special meeting and requested that the entire slide be mitigated for public safety.<\/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\u00a0 The President expressed appreciation and profusely thanked the Ronald Reagan American Legion Palisades Post 283 for graciously permitting PPCC to hold our in-person meeting at the Legion\u2019s hall, and for allowing us to use their \u201cOwl\u201d camera for our hybrid meeting format.\u00a0 She also welcomed the members of Scout Troop 223G, who were present to watch a \u201ccommunity meeting,\u201d which would earn them a Scout\u2019s merit badge.<\/p>\n

8.1.2.\u00a0\u00a0 The President welcomed all the new PPCC Area, At-large and Organizational representatives, and noted that this was the start of PPCC\u2019s fiscal year.<\/p>\n

8.1.3.\u00a0\u00a0 The President announced that there will be an Orientation session for all new representatives on October 16, 2024, 5pm (via Zoom).\u00a0 Any Board members who would like a refresher are welcome to attend.<\/p>\n

8.1.4.\u00a0\u00a0 The President announced the appointment of a new member of the Three Chairs Committee: former PPCC Chair Steve Boyers, replacing Randy Young.\u00a0 The Three Chairs Committee will present their nominees for Area and At-large Alternate positions, for Board election.\u00a0 (See item 9.1 below.)<\/em><\/p>\n

8.1.5.\u00a0\u00a0 The President announced that the new Event Committee Co-Chairs are Beth Holden-Garland, Sue Kohl and Chris Spitz). \u00a0(See also item 9.3 below.)<\/em><\/p>\n

8.1.6.\u00a0\u00a0 The President read the following brief report from CD 11 Deputy Michael Amster, who could not attend the meeting, regarding the special PPCC meeting on October 1: \u201cLast Tuesday, PPCC welcomed Councilwoman Park to discuss the proposed Tramonto\/Revello project. In this meeting, the Councilwoman presented on the basics of the project, where it stands, and the options moving forward. She received a great amount of incredibly insightful input from constituents – including and especially Castellammare homeowners – and answered several questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

8.1.7. \u00a0\u00a0The President explained that we will hear from experts [Cyndi Hench of Westchester and Kathy Morgan of Brentwood] <\/em>on forming Neighborhood Watch groups as well as on public safety\/crime prevention, at our next meeting on October 24, 2024.<\/p>\n

8.1.8.\u00a0\u00a0 The President gave an update on the status of PPCC in-person\/hybrid meetings. \u00a0We will hold another hybrid meeting at the Ronald Reagan American Legion Palisades Post 283 in the Spring (date TBD).<\/p>\n

8.1.9.\u00a0\u00a0 The President noted the PPCC position letter written since the last meeting:\u00a0 Support HR 8340 \u2013\u00a0https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/PPCC-Letter-HR-8340.pdf<\/a>.<\/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 Karen Ridgley (Area Four Representative) thanked neighbors who provided their Ring camera footage in Area 4 to help resident Waldemar Kalinowski who was injured by a hit and run driver in a black BMW about 4-5 months ago. \u00a0 With the donated video footage, Los Angeles detectives were able to string photo images that identified the license plate of the perpetrator. \u00a0 Now with the identified driver, there will be legal action taken to prevent this individual from doing this to others. \u00a0 She thanked SLO Brian Espin who did great work in supporting these efforts as well.<\/p>\n

Karen also brought up the Asilomar bluffs stabilization project and reported that they were still monitoring the western end of construction. \u00a0 Some of the area is leaking and causing water damage and instability. \u00a0It was mentioned that residents should contact the City for an address to get reimbursement for the costs they have incurred.\u00a0 She thanked Chris Spitz (At-large Rep) who had provided a link to the City Attorney webpage on how to submit claims against the City.\u00a0 Andrew Wolfberg (Area Eight Rep) cautioned that there are deadlines to submit claims, and suggested that residents be mindful and perhaps apply quickly.<\/p>\n

8.3.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven Representative) reported briefly on an unstable individual who recently, after attacking several people, also attacked a magician at a young child\u2019s birthday party in Rustic Canyon. The individual is a former resident who has suffered for many years from mental illness. He was arrested and taken into custody.\u00a0 Due to community concerns about safety, she called a special meeting of residents a few days after the event, which CW Park attended via Zoom and SLO Michael Espin attended in-person.\u00a0 They discussed how mental health is an important issue, the fact that everyone should be careful in making contact with persons having issues, and that individuals who could possibly be dangerous should be identified to authorities. (See also item 8.5.1.)<\/em><\/p>\n

8.3.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Chris Spitz (At-large Representative) reported that Lou Kamer, PPCC\u2019s Transportation Advisor, has alerted officials to a serious hazard on the Via de las Olas bluffs, near the pocket park at the corner with Mt. Holyoke:\u00a0 the road is crumbling near the edge of the bluff and the fence is giving way.\u00a0 She will follow-up with officials.<\/p>\n

8.4.\u00a0\u00a0 From Organizational Representatives<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.4.1.\u00a0 Haldis Toppel (Theatre Palisades) invited everyone to attend the current production at Pierson Playhouse, \u201ctick, tick . . . Boom!\u201d\u00a0 She encouraged support for Theatre Palisades.<\/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 Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades, reminded citizens to still be vigilant. \u00a0He suggested that residents observe the behavior of others in public areas who might be mentally unstable. \u00a0He advised that if you see a homeless or vagrant individual don\u2019t engage, but instead call PPTFH or 311 (if the individual isn\u2019t violent).\u00a0 Do not call 911 unless the person is acting violently.\u00a0 He mentioned an unstable man who attacked several people in the Palisades, and then went to a child\u2019s birthday party in Rustic Canyon, in which that individual attacked the magician for hire. \u00a0 Again, SLO Espin advised to use our instincts to avoid engaging with these types of people.<\/p>\n

Officer Espin reported that there was a bad accident with a motorcyclist who slid into the center lane and into an oncoming car headed in the right direction on PCH.<\/p>\n

He also mentioned that Pacific Palisades will be receiving a City pilot program at the end of the month, with an unarmed response team who will respond and attempt outreach with homelessness and nonviolent type incidents.<\/p>\n

SLO Espin said he had hoped for more officers, but squad cars are still pulled away in other parts of the City that are experiencing more violent crimes, rather than property crimes.<\/p>\n

8.5.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Michael Amster, Palisades & Brentwood Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) \u2013 Not present.<\/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 Ryan Valencia, (new) District Director, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin); Anthony Avila, Field Representative, was also in attendance via Zoom. \u00a0Ryan introduced himself and spoke about the work of the Assemblymember.\u00a0 He noted that she now has a field office in the Palisades.\u00a0 Asm. Irwin is potentially planning to hold a \u201cSidewalk Session\u201d to meet and greet with Palisades constituents soon (date TBA).\u00a0 Dave Card (PFC) remarked on how helpful the Assemblymember\u2019s office was to the Palisades Forestry Committee in obtaining their 501.C.3 non-profit status, which was so appreciated in their work on planting more trees in our area.\u00a0 Ryan was also asked if the Assemblymember could look into state funding for homelessness, and how we could see less waste in the use of state funds and more results with taxpayers\u2019 money being spent.\u00a0 David Schwarz (new Area Six Alternate) spoke of the possibility of an investigation by the Hoover Commission [now the Little Hoover Commission in California]. <\/em>As to whether a letter from PPCC might have impact, Ryan advised that letters to the state Capitol from organizations like PPCC do get brought up and are meaningful.<\/p>\n

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

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

9.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Three Chairs Committee<\/u> (Maryam Zar, Chair). Presentation of nominees for 1st and 2nd Alternate Area and At-large representative positions; election by the Board. \u00a0Committee Chair Zar announced the nominees for the 1st<\/sup> and 2nd<\/sup> Alternate Area and At-large Representative positions. The nominees in attendance were introduced.\u00a0 The President called for a Board vote on the Alternate nominees.\u00a0 Result:\u00a0 the nominees for 1st<\/sup> and 2nd<\/sup> Alternate Area and At-large Representatives were unanimously elected.\u00a0 The President congratulated and welcomed the new Alternate reps, as follows:<\/p>\n

Area One: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cindi Young \/ Joanna Spak<\/p>\n

Area Two: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Carole White \/ Diana Daniele<\/p>\n

Area Three: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Robert Trinkkeller \/ Joe Layton<\/p>\n

Area Four: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lee Anne Sanderson \/ Daphne Gronich<\/p>\n

Area Five: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sharon Garrett \/ Allison Holdorff<\/p>\n

Are Six: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cindy Simon \/ David Schwarz<\/p>\n

Area Seven:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rick McGeagh \/ Alex Hoerner<\/p>\n

Area Eight: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jan Shortz \/ vacant<\/p>\n

At large:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Michael Edlen \/ Warren Jacob<\/p>\n

9.2. \u00a0\u00a0Awards Selection Committee<\/u> (Quentin Fleming, Chair). Awards Nominations process update.\u00a0 Committee Chair Fleming announced that nominations for Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplug honors are coming in and will be accepted until 8pm on October 26, 2024. For details see the Awards Nominations Notice posted on the PPCC website.<\/p>\n

9.3. \u00a0\u00a0Awards Event Committee<\/u> (Co-Chairs Kohl, Holden-Garland, Spitz). \u00a0Awards Gala event update. The President reported that the committee members have met and begun planning for the event.\u00a0 Various potential venues are being considered; stay tuned for more event details to be announced at our upcoming meetings.<\/p>\n

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

11.\u00a0\u00a0 New Business.<\/strong><\/p>\n

11.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Motion to Support CF 24-1128 (Hernandez)<\/u> \/ request for report-back re abandoned\/incomplete construction sites (co-sponsors Chris Spitz and Maryam Zar).<\/p>\n

Motion text:<\/p>\n

\u201cPacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) believes that there is a clear need for oversight and accountability for negligent property owners and developers who allow construction sites to remain incomplete and\/or abandoned for extended time periods.\u00a0 PPCC therefore supports CF 24-1128 (Hernandez), which calls for a report back by LADBS on consequences and solutions to the problem of abandoned \/ incomplete construction sites, which pose a risk of fire and other hazards and are a threat to public safety and welfare.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>See motion background: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BackgroundUnfinishedConstruction.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The President asked Chris Spitz to introduce the motion, who explained that because this motion was being made by two voting members, it has been made and seconded.\u00a0 She read the motion text and briefly explained the background and purpose of the motion.\u00a0 Discussion ensued, with several Board and audience members mentioning numerous properties in the Palisades that had been abandoned or had incomplete construction for many years, noting that these conditions are hazardous, leading to squatters and potential fires or other public safety risks.\u00a0 Kelly Schandel (resident) brought photos and spoke about an abandoned project in Castellammare (previously brought to the Board\u2019s attention by past Area One Representative Murray Schwartz) that has incomplete for more than a decade, with no enforcement.\u00a0 A vote on the motion was then called.\u00a0 Result<\/u>: Unanimous in favor of the motion.<\/p>\n

11.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Motion for Investigation of Funds Used for Homelessness<\/u> (co-sponsors Chris Spitz, Maryam Zar and Sharon Kilbride).<\/p>\n

Motion text:
\n\u201cPacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) urges (1)\u00a0 the federal government to intervene and conduct a federal investigation into the use by the city of Los Angeles, the county of Los Angeles, the state of California and all city, county and state agencies of federal funds received to address homelessness; (2) the state government to investigate the use of state funds for such purpose; (3) the county government to investigate the use of county funds for such purpose; and (4) the city government to investigate the use of city funds for such purpose, due to the mismanagement and non-accountability of taxpayer dollars being squandered while leaving a humanitarian crisis on our streets.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>“PPCC further calls upon our city Councilmembers to communicate this request with the relevant respective federal, state, county and city authorities, including our U.S. Senators, Congressmembers, the U.S. Attorney General and Dept. of Justice; our Governor, state Senators, Assemblymembers and state Attorney General; our county Supervisors and District Attorney; and our Mayor and City Attorney.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>See motion background: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Background-PPCC-Funds-Homelessness.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The President asked Chris Spitz to introduce the motion, who explained that because this motion was being made by three voting members, it has been made and seconded.\u00a0 Chris read the motion text and explained the background and purpose of the motion.\u00a0 Discussion ensued, with Board members commenting on the lack of accountability by government officials in terms of addressing the homelessness crisis.\u00a0 A vote was then called. \u00a0Result<\/u>: Unanimous in favor of the motion.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0 Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.<\/p>\n

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

Return to 2024 Minutes MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 10th 2024 Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Karen Ridgley, Kimberly Bloom, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, Eric Dugdale, Courtney Macker, Haldis Toppel, Kaye Steinsapir, Kevin Niles, Janet Anderson, James Alexakis, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"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-12866","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12866","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\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12866"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12866\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}