{"id":13056,"date":"2025-04-13T01:05:32","date_gmt":"2025-04-13T01:05:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=13056"},"modified":"2025-05-26T14:12:24","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T14:12:24","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2025-05-08","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2025-05-08\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes — 2025 \/ 05 \/ 08"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

MINUTES FROM May 8th 2025<\/h5>\n

Voting Members in Attendance:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, \u00a0Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg,\u00a0 Courtney Macker, David Card, James Alexakis, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson<\/p>\n

Non-voting Members and Advisors: <\/strong>\u00a0Carole White, Diana Daniele, Michael Edlen, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Cindy Simon, Rick McGeagh, Valeria Serna, Jessica Rogers, 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 6:02 p.m.\u00a0 Karen Ridgley 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 24, 2025, were approved as distributed.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 \u00a0Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.<\/strong>\u00a0 The agenda was as distributed.\u00a0 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).\u00a0 June 12, 2025<\/u><\/em> (candidates forum, if needed, and election of officers for the 2025-26 term; tentative:\u00a0 LADWP presentation.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Treasurer reported that the Council\u2019s bank balance is $619,481.21, with no activity other than small donations.\u00a0 The second donation from the Riviera Country Club is expected after May 9th.<\/p>\n

[Note:\u00a0 Items 10.1, 11.1 and 11.2 were called after Item 6 on the agenda]<\/em><\/p>\n

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

7.1.\u00a0 Ryan Gowhari (owner of Spruzzo) announced that Spruzzo has reopened as of May 1, 2025.\u00a0 He thanked everyone for patronizing the restaurant.\u00a0 He also had questions about restrictions on food trucks parking in the area, which he was advised to speak about with CD 11 Palisades Deputy Arus Grigoryan.<\/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 Update on grants\/donations to PPCC.\u00a0 The President noted that she had lunch with Megan Watanabe of the Riviera Country Club.\u00a0 She thanked Ms. Watanabe for the generous donations to PPCC and explained that PPCC would be good stewards of the funds.<\/p>\n

8.1.2. \u00a0Update on Zone 0 regulations matter.\u00a0 The President explained that PPCC has submitted a letter commenting on the regulations.\u00a0 She also noted that there will be a FireSafeLA meeting on May 15, from 7pm-8:30pm via Zoom, where the regulations will be discussed; PPCC will provide information about the meeting via Mailchimp.<\/p>\n

8.1.3.\u00a0 Letters sent since last meeting:<\/p>\n

Fee waivers: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PPCC-Letter-Waiver-Fees2.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

LAPD checkpoints: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PPCC-Letter-re-Checkpoints-LAPD.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

8.1.4.\u00a0 \u00a0Restrictions on entry to the Palisades burn area.\u00a0 The President noted the conditions described in the letter regarding LAPD checkpoints (linked in item 8.1.3), and the need to check all persons entering on foot or on bicycles to make sure they are authorized to enter.<\/p>\n

8.1.5.\u00a0\u00a0 The President announced that the PaliStrong event at the Santa Monica pier was a great party and everyone attending had a wonderful time.<\/p>\n

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

8.2.1.\u00a0 Beth Holden-Garland (Secretary) reminded organizations and individuals that if they want items posted on PacPaliCC\u2019s Instagram and Facebook to please tag in their posts, and\/or send them to her. \u00a0She is happy to get messages out to the community.<\/p>\n

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

8.3.1.\u00a0 Lorie Cudzil (Area 6 Representative) reported that residents whose homes are still standing have concerns about opening up the Palisades to the public.\u00a0 There are also concerns about when the reservoir will be refilled.<\/p>\n

8.3.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Sharon Kilbride (Area 7 Representative) reported that on May 1 st, she, Sue Pascoe, Arus Grigoryan, Recreation and Parks staff and LAPD officers went into the Via de las Olas bluffs and were able to mark areas and install 5 \u201crestricted entry\u201d signs.\u00a0 She explained that the brush is very overgrown from the recent rains and can provide cover for homeless encampments.<\/p>\n

8.3.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Julia Nilsen (Area 3 Representative) explained that there is bad cell phone coverage in the lower Marquez Knolls.\u00a0 It was explained that AT&T poles have been replaced and Arus Grigoryan is working on this.<\/p>\n

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

8.4.1.\u00a0\u00a0 David Card (Palisades Forestry Committee\/PFC) announced that the PFC now has a new website, www.palisadesforestry.org<\/a>, and is working on a list of fire-resistant street trees.\u00a0 The new website has links to resources, and general tree and plant information that can be helpful to the community.<\/p>\n

8.4.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Jessica Rogers (PPRA Alternate) expressed public safety concerns about opening up PCH to the general public.\u00a0 She also mentioned concern about the neighborhoods being dark at night from lack of street lights after the fire, and the risk for crime.<\/p>\n

8.4.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Daphne Gronich (Area 4 2nd Alternate) provided information about the July 4th event this year, sponsored by PAPA, which will take place at the Paul Revere Middle School athletic field in the evening.\u00a0\u00a0 She also noted that the Palisades July 4th run will take place in Venice, and there will also be a parade in Santa Monica which the Palisades \u201cregular\u201d parade participants can join.\u00a0 She mentioned that Lou Kamer can help coordinate any Palisades parade participants that might want to participate in the Santa Monica parade this year. \u00a0Also, there will be a drone show in lieu of a fireworks show this year, and she promised that it will be a fun time with food trucks and Palisades bands.<\/p>\n

8.5.\u00a0\u00a0 From Government Offices \/ Representatives<\/u> (as available). Contact information:\u00a0 https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/government-contacts\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8.5.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Brian Espin, LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), Pacific Palisades, explained that California Highway Patrol (CHP) is tasked with crime prevention in the Palisades neighborhoods; that LAPD is assisting only at checkpoints with the National Guard.\u00a0 He also noted that CHP is now doing heavy traffic enforcement and that CHP and LAPD note that vehicles are driving unsafely in Palisades neighborhoods.\u00a0 Regarding the issue of pedestrians entering without passes via the bike path, SLO Espin stated that LAPD doesn\u2019t have the resources to check each person coming in and they don\u2019t have the personnel to monitor the beach path, although the Beach Detail are checking on individuals entering as they are\u00a0 able to do so.\u00a0 He also mentioned that the Palisades doesn\u2019t have as many burglary incidents as there have been upticks in Cheviot Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air, Westwood, and other parts of the Westside.<\/p>\n

8.5.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) spoke about \u201cgreen drainage signs\u201d and sandbags being placed in certain areas.\u00a0 She also noted that the CD 11 Beautification Team has been picking up trash in the Village.\u00a0 The Bureau of Street Services has made asphalt repairs at the corner of Bienveneda and Via Floresta.\u00a0 The City Council is now engaged in budget discussions.\u00a0 In addition, she mentioned that 311 requests should be made to submit items that the community wants addressed.<\/p>\n

8.5.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Marian Ensley, West Area Representative, Mayor Karen Bass \u2013 not present.<\/p>\n

8.5.4.\u00a0\u00a0 Zac Gaidzik, Coastal & Westside Field Deputy, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, spoke about the problem with a toxic algae bloom in the ocean; the County is working on strategies to mitigate the problem.\u00a0 He said that Supervisor Horvath secured a donation of $100,000 to Marina Rescue Care for helping wildlife impacted by recent issues from the local beaches. He had no updates on the bike path bridge status.<\/p>\n

8.5.5.\u00a0\u00a0 Sean Regan, District Representative, Congressman Brad Sherman \u2013 not present.<\/p>\n

8.5.6.\u00a0\u00a0 Samantha Gallegos, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen) \u2013 not present.<\/p>\n

8.5.7.\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

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

9.1.\u00a0 <\/strong>Nominating Committee (Chair Lorie Cudzil; members Kimberly Bloom, Steve Cron, JoAnna Rodriguez, Chris Spitz).\u00a0 Announcement of Committee\u2019s candidates for officer positions, 2025-26 term.<\/p>\n

Chair Cudzil announced that the Committee is very pleased that all the current officers have agreed to continue in their positions in the next term.\u00a0 Therefore, the Committee\u2019s candidates are as follows:<\/p>\n

Sue Kohl, President; Quentin Fleming, Vice-President; Jenny Li, Treasurer; Beth Holden-Garland, Secretary.\u00a0 The President thanked the Committee and announced that Board members can now nominate other candidates for officer positions.\u00a0 No such nominations were made.\u00a0 The President also announced that Board members\u2019 nominations of candidates may be made until 15 minutes before scheduled close of the May 22nd meeting.<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0 \u00a0Old Business<\/strong>.\u00a0 (Note:\u00a0 Item 10.1 below was heard following the Treasurer\u2019s report, Item 6)<\/em><\/p>\n

10.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Motion for Board Approval of NORC Survey of Community Opinion<\/u>, by the Executive and Rebuild Committees.\u00a0 See attached motion text and background information below. <\/em>The motion was introduced by Rebuild Committee Chair David Schwarz and Vice-President Quentin Fleming.\u00a0 No second was necessary as the motion was made by several voting members.\u00a0 Following summaries by the Committee Chair and Vice-President, and discussion by the Board, a vote was taken.\u00a0 Result<\/u>:\u00a0 the motion passed unanimously.<\/p>\n

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

11.1.\u00a0 High School Students\u2019 Perspective on the Fire<\/u> \u2013 Katelyn Chang, Pali High Ambassador; Ella Nozar, PPCC Youth Advisor.\u00a0 Katelyn and Ella provided interesting presentations on their experiences after the fire, with Katelyn focusing on students being forced again, after Covid, to return to virtual learning due to the damage to Pali High, and Ella explaining students\u2019 happiness in being able to return to in-person classes when school reopened at the old Sears building in Santa Monica. \u00a0They said it was good to get out of the \u201cpjs and to get back to school again.\u201d They both indicated it was wonderful to see everyone come together and students were overcome with emotions.\u00a0 Katelyn and Ella are actively involved in doing a fundraiser, called \u201cRaise Pali,\u201d \u00a0to help other students at the school. The President thanked them both for speaking with PPCC about their experiences.<\/p>\n

11.2.\u00a0 Project to Preserve Chimneys of Historic Palisades Homes<\/u> \u2013 Evan Hall, Preserving Palisades Architectural Heritage.\u00a0 See Press Release: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Project-Chimney-.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Evan Hall of the \u201cHouse Museum\u201d gave an interesting presentation on the project to preserve chimneys of historic Palisades homes and answered questions from the Board.\u00a0 The President thanked Evan for his presentation.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0 Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

___________________<\/p>\n

ATTACHMENT \u2013 Item 10.1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Motion text<\/u>:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Board of Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) approves the retention by the Executive Committee, on the recommendation of the PPCC Rebuild Committee, of NORC (formerly known as the National Opinion Research Center), to conduct a professional survey of Palisades community opinion regarding the reconstruction of Pacific Palisades (Survey), pursuant to the NORC Business Plan Proposal to PPCC of March 6, 2025, and further agrees to provisionally commit $50,000 from the funds donated to PPCC by the California Community Fund toward the total cost of the Survey (approximately $172,750);\u00a0provided that<\/u><\/em>\u00a0sufficient funds for the balance of the cost of the Survey (approximately $122,750) are also donated or made available to PPCC, to be determined by the Executive Committee.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe work on the Survey shall be overseen by the Rebuild Committee, which shall report regularly to the Executive Committee and PPCC Board on the status and progress of the Survey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Background information<\/u>:
\nSummary: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/NORC-Executive-Summary.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

NORC Proposal: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/NORC-Research-Proposal.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

NORC Slide Show \/ Presentation to Rebuild Committee 4\/18\/25:
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pdfhandler.ashx_.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

NORC information\/website: https:\/\/www.norc.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cNORC delivers objective nonpartisan insights and analysis decision-makers trust.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Return to 2025 Minutes MINUTES FROM May 8th 2025 Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Jenny Li, Beth Holden-Garland, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, \u00a0Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg,\u00a0 Courtney Macker, David Card, James Alexakis, Hagop Tchakerian, Janet Anderson Non-voting Members and Advisors: \u00a0Carole White, […]<\/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-13056","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13056","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=13056"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13056\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}