{"id":13016,"date":"2025-03-14T14:10:44","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T14:10:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=13016"},"modified":"2025-05-26T14:15:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T14:15:53","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2025-02-27","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2025-02-27\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes — 2025 \/ 02 \/ 27"},"content":{"rendered":"

Return to 2025 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n

MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 27th 2025<\/h5>\n

Voting Members in Attendance:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 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<\/p>\n

Non-voting Members and Advisors:\u00a0 <\/strong>Daphne Gronich, Dave Card, Michael Edlen, Lee Anne Sanderson, Jessica Rogers, 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 6:04 p.m.\u00a0 Quentin Fleming read the Mission Statement.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/em>Introductions \/ Roll Call.\u00a0 <\/strong>The President introduced the members and called the roll.<\/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 February 13, 2025, were approved as distributed.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 \u00a0Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.<\/strong>\u00a0 The agenda was as distributed. Upcoming meetings: March 13, 2025<\/u><\/em> (MySafeLA: Fire Safe Council); March 27, 2025<\/u><\/em> (Topics TBA).<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Treasurer reported that the Council\u2019s bank balance is $109,428.08.<\/p>\n

y.\u00a0\u00a0 General Public Comment<\/strong>. [Note:\u00a0 the President deferred item 7 to the end of the meeting and called item 11.1 following the Treasurer\u2019s Report.]<\/em><\/p>\n

7.1.\u00a0 Carl Mellinger<\/u> (resident; arborist) commented on local tree protection after the fire.<\/p>\n

7.2.\u00a0 David Schwartz<\/u> (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\u2019s App group.<\/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. The President announced that the PPCC Executive Committee has reiterated the longstanding PPCC policy re Density and Public Safety:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PPCC-Policy-Statement-Density-Public-Safety.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

8.1.2. The President has appointed Sharon Garrett as 2nd Alternate rep to the WRAC MTC.<\/p>\n

8.1.3. The President reported on donations towards Palisades recovery\/rebuilding.
\n8.1.4. 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). <\/em><\/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 JoAnna Rodriguez (Area 1 Representative) reported on the problems of the compromised hillside near Positano in the Castellammare area, which continues to erode.<\/p>\n

8.3.2.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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

8.4.1.\u00a0 Haldis Toppel (Theatre Palisades) asked everyone to please support Theatre Palisades Youth with a performance of the Gershwin musical \u201cCrazy for You\u201d at the Paul Revere Middle School theater.<\/p>\n

8.4.2.\u00a0 Jessica Rogers (PPRA Alternate) mentioned that trees are being cut in the area.\u00a0 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.<\/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.\u00a0 SLO Espin reported that a new drone pilot program as a mechanism for public safety is being started in the Palisades.\u00a0 However, there is a range issue in that it is limited in being viewed miles away from the LAPD\u2019s station if the drone is too far away for the data to be viewed.<\/p>\n

8.5.2.\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

8.5.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Marian Ensley, West Area Field Deputy, Mayor Karen Bass \u2014 Not present.<\/p>\n

8.5.4.\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/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

8.6.\u00a0\u00a0 From PPCC Advisors<\/u> and Liaisons<\/u> \u2014 None.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0\u00a0 Reports from PPCC Committee.
\n<\/strong>
\n9.1.\u00a0 \u00a0Land Use Committee (LUC)<\/u>.\u00a0 The President read a report from LUC Chair Chris Spitz, who was unable to attend:<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased to report that the LUC has been holding regular working meetings to discuss and address land use issues related to the recovery. \u00a0We are working in collaboration with the important Rebuild Committee, as will be explained following this Committee report.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe three motions on the agenda tonight are initial recommendations by the LUC to the PPCC board related to recovery and\/or rebuilding. \u00a0More recommended actions should be expected in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope that the board will agree on the importance of these motions, in particular the first motion involving CC&Rs and retaining walls. \u00a0We trust that you have all read the proposed statement and request of LADBS that is set forth in the agenda.<\/p>\n

\u2018In 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.<\/p>\n

\u2018Please note that i personally reached out to HOAs and residents in various areas of the Palisades, including residents in Tract 9300. \u00a0I received several responses indicating strong support for the motion; no one has told me so far that they oppose the statement and request.\u201d<\/p>\n

9.2.\u00a0 Rebuild\u00a0 Committee (RC):\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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

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

11.1.\u00a0 \u00a0Presentation & Q&A \u2013 The Path to Reconstruction<\/u>. Marmol-Radziner: Leo Marmol, FAIA, Managing Partner, and Jonathan Schnure, Studio Director. Additional presentation by Steven Somers of Crest Realty. [Note:\u00a0 this item was called earlier in the meeting, following the Treasurer\u2019s Report.]<\/em><\/p>\n

The presenters gave an extensive and informative presentation on \u201cThe Path to Reconstruction\u201d and answered numerous questions.\u00a0 The President thanked them for speaking with PPCC.\u00a0 [Note: see the written version of the presentation at the following link:<\/em><\/p>\n

https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25-0227_Marmol-Radziner-Path-to-Reconstruction-Presentation-Pacific.pdf<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/p>\n

11.2.\u00a0 \u00a0Proposed Motions sponsored by the PPCC LUC<\/u>.<\/p>\n

11.2(a):\u00a0 Motion for Board approval of a statement and request regarding CC&Rs and retaining walls.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The motion was made by the LUC (no second necessary because more than one voting member made the motion). \u00a0\u00a0Maryam Zar presented information about the motion and background.\u00a0 During discussion, questions were raised from meeting attendees about the section involving retaining walls.\u00a0 The board passed a motion (by Maryam Zar, second by Quentin Fleming) to desegregate (remove) the section involving retaining walls.\u00a0 A vote on the main motion (support for the Statement re CC&Rs with the retaining walls section removed) was then taken.\u00a0 Result<\/u>:\u00a0 unanimous vote in support of the Statement (without the retaining walls section).\u00a0 See approved Statement and request in Attachments below.<\/p>\n

11.2(b):\u00a0 Motion to support a CW Park motion for a report back on creation of a Climate Resiliency District <\/strong>(originally recommended by the WRAC board).\u00a0 The motion was made by the LUC (no second necessary because more than one voting member made the motion).\u00a0\u00a0 Maryam Zar presented information about the motion and background.\u00a0 After discussion, a vote was taken.\u00a0 Result<\/u>:\u00a0 the motion passed unanimously. \u00a0See approved motion in Attachments below.<\/p>\n

11.2(c):\u00a0 Motion to support a CW Park motion for a report back on inspection and repair of fire hydrants <\/strong>(originally recommended by the WRAC board). Maryam Zar presented information about the motion and background. After discussion, a vote was taken.\u00a0 Result<\/u>:\u00a0 the motion passed unanimously.\u00a0 See approved motion in Attachments below.<\/p>\n

11.3.\u00a0 \u00a0Proposed Motion sponsored by Maryam Zar and Chris Spitz. Motion to support a CW Park motion for a report back on soils testing and remediation <\/strong>by the City\/BOE on parks, parkways and medians in the burn zone in Pacific Palisades.\u00a0 Maryam Zar announced that the motion was being made by herself and Chris Spitz.\u00a0 CD 11 Planning Deputy Sarah Flaherty provided background and information about the motion. After discussion, a vote was taken.\u00a0 Result<\/u>:\u00a0 the motion passed unanimously.\u00a0 See approved motion in Attachments below.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0 Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.<\/p>\n

_____________<\/p>\n

ATTACHMENTS:<\/p>\n

Item 11.2(a) \u2013 <\/strong>Approved Statement and Request:<\/p>\n

\u201cPPCC Statement and Request to Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety re CC&Rs – <\/strong>Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMany homes in Pacific Palisades are subject to recorded Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (\u201cCC&Rs\u201d), which are private agreements tied to the property\u2019s 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\u2019s character.<\/p>\n

CC&Rs often impose stricter requirements than local building codes and may include additional aesthetic guidelines.<\/p>\n

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.
\nHowever, in light of the Mayor\u2019s and Governor\u2019s executive orders expediting the \u201clike-for-like\u2019 rebuilding process\u2014and the strong support from property owners and elected officials to maintain neighborhood character\u2014Pacific 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:<\/p>\n

\u201cYour 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.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

\u201cYou 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.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n

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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Item 11.2(b) \u2013 Approved motion: <\/strong>\u201cPacific Palisades Community Council IPPCC) has been the voice of the\u00a0\u00a0 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\u2019s goal of rebuilding the Palisades.\u201d<\/p>\n

Item 11.2(c) \u2013 Approved motion:<\/strong>\u00a0 \u201cPacific 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Item 11.3 \u2013 Approved motion: <\/strong>\u00a0\u201cPacific 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Return to 2025 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Return to 2025 Minutes MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 27th 2025 Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0\u00a0 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 […]<\/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-13016","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13016","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=13016"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13016\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}