{"id":13055,"date":"2025-04-13T01:04:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-13T01:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=13055"},"modified":"2025-05-26T14:10:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T14:10:59","slug":"ppcc-minutes-25-04-24","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-25-04-24\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes — 2025 \/ 04 \/ 24"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

MINUTES FROM APRIL 24th 2025<\/h5>\n

Voting Members in Attendance:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Carol White, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, \u00a0Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg,\u00a0 John Padden, Eric Dugdale, Jessica Rogers, David Card, James Alexakis, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson<\/p>\n

Non-voting Members and Advisors: <\/strong>\u00a0Joanna Spak, Cindi Young, Michael Edlen, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Cindy Simon, Allison Holdorff, Ella Nozar, Rob Weber<\/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 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 April 10, 2025, were approved as distributed.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 \u00a0Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.<\/strong>\u00a0 The agenda was as distributed.\u00a0 May 8, 2025<\/u><\/em> (Pali High Ambassador Katelyn \u00a0Chang \u2013 high school student\u2019s perspective on the fire; Evan Hall, Preserving Palisades Architectural Heritage \u2013 project to preserve chimneys; Nominating Committee to nominate candidates for officer positions, 2025-26 term); May 22, 2025<\/u><\/em> (Rick Caruso & Nick Geller \u2013 Steadfast LA; Board nominations of officer candidates accepted until 15 minutes before scheduled close of the meeting; Bylaws, Art VII).<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Treasurer reported that the Council\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n

[Note:\u00a0 Items 8.1.1, 11.1 and 11.2 were called after Item 6]<\/em><\/p>\n

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

7.1.\u00a0 Justin Skaggs<\/u>, who described himself as a \u201cutility consultant,\u201d expressed concerns about LADWP\u2019s planned conversion from overhead to underground power lines.<\/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 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 They were able to do so, despite the fact that they were impeded by the weak water flow.\u00a0 He and the other firefighters were awake for 36 hours working to save structures.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

8.1.2. \u00a0The President announced that she has appointed Richard Blumenberg to the Rebuild Committee.<\/p>\n

8.1.3.\u00a0 \u00a0Following up on the Treasurer\u2019s 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.\u00a0 She thanked the donors for their amazing generosity.<\/p>\n

8.1.4.\u00a0\u00a0 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, \u201cRising From Ashes,\u201d as a gift to the Palisades community.\u00a0 Mr. Bakker appreciated the reception.\u00a0 The painting will remain at the American Legion temporarily, and may then be transferred to the Library or other worthy public space.<\/p>\n

8.1.5.\u00a0 EC letter supporting SB 495 (see information for Item 8.1.5 attached below): <\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PPCC-EC-Support-SB-495R.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

8.1.6. Other letters sent since last meeting \u2013 oppose SB 79; support AB 238:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PPCC-Letter-Oppose-SB-79-R.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PPCC-Letter-Support-AB-238.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

8.1.7.\u00a0 <\/strong>The President added that brush clearance notices went out that were wrong; residents should ignore these notices.<\/p>\n

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

8.2.1. \u00a0Chair Emeritus Maryam Zar gave a detailed report on the work of the Palisades Recovery Coalition, including upcoming meetings and speakers.\u00a0 She also spoke about the Mayor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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

8.3.1.\u00a0 \u00a0Sharon 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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

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

8.4.1.\u00a0 David Card (Palisades Forestry Committee)\u00a0 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.\u00a0 He also announced that the state Board of Forestry is considering new “defensible space” regulations which may increase the perimeter around homes\u00a0 in our area where trees or higher vegetation would be banned, possibly to 30 ft.\u00a0 The PFC may be taking a position on the regulations and may confer with the PPCC Executive Committee.<\/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 \u2013 not present.<\/p>\n

8.5.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD11 (Councilwoman Traci Park), reminded us of the upcoming special Resources Fair to take place this\u00a0Sunday, April 27th, at the LA Airport Police Facility in Westchester.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

8.5.3.\u00a0\u00a0 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).<\/p>\n

8.5.4.\u00a0\u00a0 Zac Gaidzik, West-Coastal Deputy, Sup. Lindsey Horvath \u2013 present but did not speak due to time constraints; he added the following in the chat:\u00a0 https:\/\/beaches.lacounty.gov\/beach-health\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8.5.5.\u00a0\u00a0 Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 \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>.<\/p>\n

8.6.1.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 This is a temporary site until June.\u00a0 Everyone is excited that the Pali High graduation ceremony will take place on June 4th at the Hollywood Bowl.<\/p>\n

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

9.1.\u00a0\u00a0 PPCC Rebuild Committee<\/u> (David Schwarz, Chair). \u00a0In 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. \u00a0\u00a0See her report at:
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Notes-on-Ad-Hoc-Cmtee-Mtg.-4-21-25.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9.2. Executive & Rebuild Committees<\/u>. (No report; motion in Item 11.3 postponed to 5\/8\/25.)<\/em><\/p>\n

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

11.\u00a0\u00a0 New Business.\u00a0 <\/strong>(Note:\u00a0 Items 11.1 and 11.2 were called after Item 6).<\/em><\/p>\n

11.1.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cScattergood\u201d Station Modernization Project\/LADWP representatives<\/u>: Presentation\/Q&A.<\/p>\n

Katherine Rubin and Nermina Rucic\u00a0 of LADWP provided detailed information and answered questions about the \u201cScattergood Hydrogen-Ready\u201d generating station modernization plan.\u00a0 They explained the project and CEQA process and timeline. The projected cost of this project is approximately $750M – $800M. \u00a0They 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.\u00a0\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Their outreach locally has been from October 31st to April 7th, and they have created a website online.\u00a0\u00a0 The presenters can be reached with any questions at scattergood_CEQA@ladwp.com<\/a>.\u00a0 The President thanked them for their presentation.<\/p>\n

11.2.\u00a0 CA Dept. of Insurance\/Guest Speaker Rob Obedoza, Outreach Analyst<\/u>: 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.\u00a0 [See his presentation slides at:
\n<\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/CDI-Presentation-04242025.pdf<\/em><\/a>.]<\/em>\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0The Insurance Dept. wants to be helpful in instances when the insurance companies are not complying with their obligations to consumers. \u00a0\u00a0He also discussed Senator Allen\u2019s 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.\u00a0 The President thanked Mr. Obedoza for his informative presentation.<\/p>\n

11.3.\u00a0 Motion for Board Approval of NORC Survey of Community Opinion<\/u>, by the Executive and Rebuild Committees. \u00a0The President postponed the motion to the next Board meeting on May 8, 2025, due to time constraints.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0 Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.<\/p>\n

____________________<\/p>\n

ATTACHMENT\u2013 Item 8.1.5: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Background re SB 495:<\/p>\n

Bill text\/history: \u00a0https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB495<\/a><\/p>\n

Insurance Commissioner LARA support: \u00a0https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Commissioner-Lara-Support-to-Elimimate-the-List-SB-495.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting : https:\/\/ktla.com\/news\/california\/california-bill-would-require-insurers-to-pay-full-coverage-without-itemized-lists\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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

Return to 2025 Minutes MINUTES FROM APRIL 24th 2025 Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Maryam Zar, Chris Spitz, JoAnna Rodriguez, Carol White, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, \u00a0Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg,\u00a0 John Padden, Eric Dugdale, Jessica Rogers, David Card, James Alexakis, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson […]<\/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-13055","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13055","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=13055"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13055\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13055"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}