{"id":13310,"date":"2025-09-26T12:56:21","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T12:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=13310"},"modified":"2026-02-04T13:14:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T13:14:05","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2025-09-11","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2025-09-11\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes — 2025 \/ 09 \/ 11"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 11th 2025<\/h5>\n

Voting Members in Attendance:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Beth Holden Garland, Chris Spitz, Cindy Young, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, \u00a0Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, James Alexakis, Kaye Steinsapir, Richard Blumenberg, Andy Frew, Donna Vaccarino, Courtney Macker, Haldis Toppel<\/p>\n

Non-voting Members and Advisors: <\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Joanna Spak, Lee Anne Sanderson, Daphne Gronich, Michael Edlen, Kevin Niles, Jessica Rogers, David Card<\/p>\n

Immediately before the call to order, a moment of silence was held to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9\/11 attacks on the U.S.<\/em><\/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. \u00a0David Card 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 August 14, 2025, were approved as distributed.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0 Consideration of Agenda & Upcoming Meetings.\u00a0 <\/strong>September 25, 2025<\/u><\/em> (Marvin Braude Trail-Santa Monica Canyon Restoration, update by the County Public Works Dept.; Palisades Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG \/ https:\/\/paliltrg.org\/<\/a>), presentation by Jim Cragg, President; Board vote on proposed Bylaws amendments); October 9, 2025<\/u><\/em>\u00a0 (Guest speaker Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, with update on proposed County Authority for Pacific Palisades; Palisades Recovery Coalition (PRC) update; new PPCC Member Organizational representatives seated).<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report.\u00a0 <\/strong>In the Treasurer\u2019s absence, the President read the Treasurer\u2019s report, as follows: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PPCC-Treasurer.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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

7.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Jill Smith<\/u> (resident) encouraged residents to sign a petition for tax relief for fire victims, specifically calling for the sales tax on rebuilding materials to be waived.<\/p>\n

7.2.\u00a0 John Q. (\u201cJohn Q. Public\u201d)<\/u>, a representative of T-Mobile, explained that he is a point of contact for the community on cell tower issues.\u00a0 His email:\u00a0 johnqpublicaffairs@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7.3.\u00a0 \u201cLefty\u201d Lefkowitz<\/u> (Mandeville Canyon Association vice-president) reported on the upcoming meeting of the state Board of Forestry Zone 0 Committee in Altadena on September 18.\u00a0 He encouraged Palisadians to attend and comment, and that PPRA would be providing more information.\u00a0 Chris Spitz (At-large) noted that PPCC has commented with concerns about the proposed new regulations, has posted the Brentwood HOA\u2019s informational website about Zone 0, and will also try to include information about the upcoming meeting in a Mailchimp bulletin.<\/p>\n

7.4.\u00a0 Bart Young<\/u> (resident) commented on difficulties in getting access to water in the Palisades, and the fact that LADWP is not waiving fees.<\/p>\n

7.5.\u00a0\u00a0 Marjan Rajibi<\/u> (resident) expressed concern about the proposed increase in solid waste fees by the Bureau of Sanitation. Residents should submit comments. [Information can be found at: <\/em>https:\/\/sanitation.lacity.gov\/san\/faces\/home?_adf.ctrl-state=18aoh2ki20_224&_afrLoop=9129016576943656#<\/em><\/a>!]<\/em><\/p>\n

7.6.\u00a0\u00a0 Pamela Fong<\/u> (resident) raised a question about the distance required for front-yard setbacks on Via de la Paz, specifically whether the former prevailing setback and\/or the same setback set forth in the Tract 9300 CC&Rs (40 ft.) is still applicable during the rebuild.\u00a0 She indicated that the Planning Dept. is applying this long setback to rebuilding projects on Via.\u00a0 Chris Spitz (At-large and LUC Chair) indicated that she would be happy to speak with Ms. Fong offline about this topic.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0\u00a0 Reports, Announcements and Concerns. <\/strong><\/p>\n

8.1.1.\u00a0 PPCC Member Organizations update \u2013 new term to begin Oct. 1, 2025, seated Oct. 9, 2025.\u00a0 The new representatives for member organizations will begin their terms in October; the names of the organizational members and representatives for the new term will be provided at the next PPCC meeting.<\/p>\n

8.1.2.\u00a0 2025 \u201cCitizen of the Year\u201d awards update \u2013 event to take place on December 11, 2025.\u00a0 We have secured Spruzzo restaurant as the event venue this year; a $500 deposit has been paid to the restaurant.\u00a0 Appointment of the Selection and Event committees, and information about the process to nominate candidates for the awards, will be announced at the next PPCC meeting.<\/p>\n

8.1.3.\u00a0 Longtime former Board Member Eric Dugdale\/PPHS \u2013 In Memoriam.\u00a0 The President expressed our sorrow at learning that Eric Dugdale had passed away.\u00a0 She spoke about his extensive and respected service on the PPCC Board and as President of the Historical Society, and noted that he was an uncle to James Alexakis (TCA President and PPCC Board member).<\/p>\n

8.1.4.\u00a0 Bocce Opening Day event at Veterans Gardens, 9\/7\/25.\u00a0 This was a fun event in which many people participated.<\/p>\n

8.1.5.\u00a0 Palisades Elementary Yee Haw Day, 10\/18\/25 \u2013 PPCC contribution\/banner display. PPCC has made a sponsorship contribution in the amount of $3,000 (as previously discussed and approved) to the Pali Elementary parent organization, which is producing the annual Yee Haw Day event.\u00a0 PPCC will receive recognition as a sponsor and a large banner with our name and logo will be displayed at the event. Yee Haw Day is a fundraiser for the parent organization, which provides enrichment programs for school students.\u00a0 All are invited to the event, to be held at Brentwood Science Magnet School (temporary school venue for Pali Elementary students).<\/p>\n

8.1.6. \u00a0SB 79 status update.\u00a0 The President asked Chris Spitz to give an update.\u00a0 Ms. Spitz explained that the bill was being voted on in the Assembly as we were holding the PPCC meeting.\u00a0 Throughout the meeting, she gave updates on the status, culminating with news she received that the bill had passed with a narrow vote in favor.<\/p>\n

8.1.7.\u00a0 Position letters written by EC and\/or PPCC since last PPCC meeting:
\nFurther Message re SB 79:
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Message-to-Legislators-re-SB-79.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

EC letter re FireAid:
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FireAid-Support1.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Sepulveda Pass Project DEIR letter:
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PPCC-Comment-on-STCP-DEIR1.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Letter Supporting CF 25-0848 & Request Expediting Reports:
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PPCC-Letter-CF-25-0848-Evacuations-Reports.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

The President acknowledged that these letters were all written and submitted.<\/p>\n

8.1.8.\u00a0 [New] CVS Grand Opening.\u00a0 CVS will host a grand opening and hold a fun party for the community on September 19, 2025, in the Palisades.<\/p>\n

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

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

8.3.1.\u00a0 Chris Spitz (At-large).\u00a0 See comments under item 8.1.6 above.<\/em><\/p>\n

8.3.2.\u00a0 Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven) reported that the entrance gate at the Pali Bowl mobile home park remains unlocked and there are no posted signs restricting entry.\u00a0 This a public safety hazard which allows homeless individuals to enter onto the property and set up encampments with camp fires. She has written again to the owner, Mr. Colby Biggs, urging him to lock the gate and properly secure the site.\u00a0 The LAPD Beach Detail is aware.<\/p>\n

8.3.3.\u00a0 Kimberly Bloom (Area Five) attended a recent meeting with AECOM representatives and was impressed with what she learned as to the stages that the company is working on.\u00a0 AECOM will try to arrange a town hall to gather community input on its work.<\/p>\n

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

8.4.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Haldis Toppel (Theatre Palisades) reminded everyone of the Theatre Palisades production, the Wisdom of Eve, playing at the Blue Door Theatre in Santa Monica. She asked everyone to support Theatre Palisades, which hopes to return to the Palisades although the future is uncertain.<\/p>\n

8.4.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Richard Blumenberg (PP Civic League) reported on a Rebuild Expo to be hosted by the Malibu-Palisades Chamber of Commerce on September 28, from 2-5pm at the Santa Monica Woman\u2019s Club.<\/p>\n

8.4.3.\u00a0\u00a0 David Card (Palisades Forestry Committee\/PFC) noted that there are too many instances of folks cutting down healthy trees.\u00a0 He suggested that contractors be asked whether they have a permit to remove a tree, if it is a street tree or a protected tree on private property.\u00a0 He also mentioned the recent theft of 24 pieces of outdoor furniture from his home.<\/p>\n

8.4.4.\u00a0\u00a0 Jessica Rogers (PPRA) spoke about the Board of Forestry\u2019s proposed Zone 0 regulations.\u00a0 The Zone 0 Committee will be meeting in Altadena on September 18.\u00a0 PPRA is spreading the word about the meeting and providing Zone 0 facts through their action campaign.<\/p>\n

8.4.5.\u00a0\u00a0 James Alexakis (TCA) stated that TCA is planning its next annual meeting, with information to come.\u00a0 The Leacock Trail is now open but there are problems with the gate.\u00a0 He thanked everyone in the community who sent condolences in memory of his uncle Eric Dugdale.<\/p>\n

8.4.6.\u00a0\u00a0 Donna Vaccarino (PP Historical Society) spoke about the loss to the Society with the passing of Eric Dugdale.\u00a0 She also mentioned that the Society is tracking the status of the Business Block building.\u00a0 A demolition permit has been pulled but the City Planning Office of Historic Resources has asked for an independent study of the building\u2019s structural safety.<\/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.\u00a0 SLO Espin reported that crime has been low, but residents still need to be vigilant to deter criminal activity.\u00a0 The City\u2019s contract with private security firms has ended, and CHP will be lessening its footprint.\u00a0 There will be a reduction in officers by the end of the month.\u00a0 The President mentioned that there are many instances of thefts on construction sites and other properties, which apparently are not being reported.\u00a0 She asked everyone to please remind our neighbors to report all thefts, otherwise there is no record.\u00a0\u00a0 Karen Ridgley (Area Four) asked about speed restrictions on PCH.\u00a0 SLO Espin explained that within the Palisades, from the SM Tunnel to Porto Marina Way, the speed limit is 45 MPH.\u00a0 North of Porto Marina the speed limit is 25 MPH.\u00a0 Copper wire cutting and theft is also ongoing at construction sites.\u00a0 SLO Espin stressed that reports about these thefts should be made to the non-emergency line.\u00a0 In response to a suggestion from Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven), SLO Espin reported that another Hillside Task Force event is planned for November 5 in the Palisades, with more information to come.<\/p>\n

8.5.2.\u00a0\u00a0 Arus Grigoryan, Palisades Field Deputy, CD 11 (Councilwoman Traci Park) announced that the Bureau of Street Services is inspecting and will be watering street trees.\u00a0 Three hundred and four (304) trees have been identified that require watering.\u00a0 As to the proposed grant to the PFC for street tree watering [item 9.2],<\/em> this will cover more street trees that the City may not be watering; per David Card, the PFC will work with the City so that there is no duplication.<\/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 \u2013 not present.<\/p>\n

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

8.5.6.\u00a0\u00a0 Sophia Liebman, Field Representative, SD 24 (Sen. Ben Allen).\u00a0 The President read from a written report provided by Ms. Liebman, who was unable to attend the meeting.
\n[See:\u00a0 <\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PPCC-update-Allen.pdf<\/em><\/a>.]<\/em><\/p>\n

8.5.7.\u00a0\u00a0 Anthony Avila, Field Representative, AD 42 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) advised that Asm. Irwin is opposed to SB 79; an NVR was listed for her at the time of his report to the Board, which Chris Spitz noted, and Mr. Avila agreed, is equivalent to a No vote.<\/p>\n

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

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

9.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Bylaws Committee<\/u> (Chris Spitz & Maryam Zar, Co-Chairs).\u00a0 First Distribution of proposed Bylaws Amendments (second Distribution and Board vote on September 25, 2025; Bylaws, Art. XII.2.B).\u00a0 See the following documents distributed concurrently with this meeting agenda via PPCC email and posted on the PPCC website:
\n1) Committee Report:\u00a0 https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bylaws-Cmte-Report-Sept.-2025-1.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

2) Amendments \u201cRedline\u201d: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.-Sept.-2025-Redline.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

3) Amendments \u201cClean\u201d: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PPCC-Bylaws-Amend.-Sept.-2025-Clean.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Co-Chair Spitz explained the proposed amendments, noting that this was the required First Distribution; there will be a vote and opportunity for discussion on September 25th.\u00a0 She asked if there were any questions; there were none.<\/p>\n

9.2\u00a0 \u00a0 Grants Committee<\/u> (Quentin Fleming, Chair).\u00a0 Committee recommendations for PPCC grants; motion for Board approval of the following grants from donations that PPCC has received to:
\n1) the Palisades Forestry Committee (PFC) — $75,000; 2) The Crayon Collection — $15,000.
\nRelevant documents \u2013 Conflict of Interest Rules regarding Grants:
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Conflict-of-Interest-Rules-Grants.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Application Guidelines: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Guidelines-for-Grants1.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Committee Reports (PFC & Crayon Collection Recommendations):
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grant-Recommendation-PFC.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grant-Recommendation-Crayon-Collection.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Chair Fleming explained the Committee\u2019s recommendations for grants to the PFC and The Crayon Collection.\u00a0 Prior to discussion, the President asked if any voting Board member had a conflict of interest pursuant to the Conflict of Interest Rules which were linked in the agenda and on the website.\u00a0 No one indicated that they had a conflict.\u00a0 After discussion (including comments by David Card, not a voting Board member, on behalf of the applicant PFC), a vote was taken on each proposed grant.\u00a0 Result<\/u>: \u00a0unanimous approval of both the PFC and The Crayon Collection grants.<\/p>\n

9.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Rebuild Committee<\/u> (David Schwarz, Chair).\u00a0 NORC-PPCC community survey update.\u00a0 Vice-President Quentin Fleming announced that the survey has been rolled out this week on a limited scale via email, with more to come in emails next week.<\/p>\n

9.4.\u00a0\u00a0 Land Use Committee<\/u> (LUC \/ Chris Spitz, Chair).\u00a0 Update: discussions with Planning Dept. officials re Palisades multi-family buildings along Sunset Blvd.\u00a0 Chair Spitz explained that the Deputy Director of Planning (Lisa Webber) and senior Planners, along with Craig Bullock (CD 11 Planning Director), attended the last working LUC meeting; they explained that there are no permit applications so far for multi-family building projects along Sunset.\u00a0 It is possible that future applications could be submitted for approval of density bonus projects that may be taller and more dense than former buildings, which would be a concern for the community in terms of impact on emergency evacuations.\u00a0 The Planning Dept. is very aware of our concerns regarding density; staff are in frequent discussions about the Palisades.\u00a0 If these applications do occur, many of them would likely involve projects in the Coastal zone and as such would require a discretionary process and Coastal review, during which our concerns about public safety due to increased density could potentially be raised.\u00a0 The Planning Dept. must follow state law in terms of the approval process for any density bonus projects.<\/p>\n

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

x11.\u00a0\u00a0 New Business. <\/strong><\/p>\n

11.1.\u00a0\u00a0 Friends of the Library Update<\/u>.\u00a0 PP Library Association President Cameron Pfizenmaier.\u00a0 https:\/\/friendsofpalilibrary.org\/<\/a>.\u00a0 Ms. Pfizenmaier attended along with Friends Board Member Carolyn Nick.\u00a0 She presented information about the temporary space for the Library as well as the permanent rebuild project.\u00a0 Regarding the temporary space, Ms. Pfizenmaier explained that the timing is uncertain, but a structure will be installed on tennis courts 7 and 8 of the Recreation Center.\u00a0 There will be two separate spaces inside, one for the Library and one for a Recreation and Parks (RAP) office.\u00a0 The Library space will include a community room.\u00a0 The Friends will share programming details with the community.\u00a0 The permit for the rebuild has not yet been issued\u00a0 and there is no time estimate.\u00a0 The Library will be located on the same site as it was before the Fire.\u00a0 The Bureau of Engineering (BOE) is looking at several architects.\u00a0 They will be asking for community input as to needs.\u00a0 The rebuild will be at 110% of the footprint so that FEMA will cover the cost.\u00a0 The President thanked Ms. Pfizenmaier.<\/p>\n

11.2.\u00a0 Current and Future Palisades Infrastructure Projects<\/u>.\u00a0 Presentation by Los Angeles City Bureau of Engineering (BOE).\u00a0 Patrick Schmitt and Kristen Wong of BOE attended, with Ms. Wong presenting.\u00a0 Ms. Wong explained that they wished to update the community on bulkhead\/retaining wall projects on streets in Castellammare and on Bienveneda.\u00a0 She showed slides and explained each of the projects, which involved installation of concrete and steel bulkheads.\u00a0 She did not discuss future BOE projects.\u00a0 A resident, Ivo Venkov, raised concerns about impacts of one of the projects on his property in the Castellammare area.\u00a0 It was suggested that he speak with BOE and\/or CD 11 offline about his concerns.\u00a0 The President thanked the BOE representatives for the presentation.<\/p>\n

[See a recording of the above two presentations at: <\/em>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2-KyqX3Go6c<\/em><\/a>.]<\/em><\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0 Adjournment.<\/strong>\u00a0 The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m.<\/p>\n

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

Return to 2025 Minutes MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 11th 2025 Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0\u00a0 Sue Kohl, Quentin Fleming, Beth Holden Garland, Chris Spitz, Cindy Young, Steve Cron, Julia Nilsen, Kimberly Bloom, \u00a0Karen Ridgley, Lorie Cudzil, Sharon Kilbride, Andrew Wolfberg, John Padden, James Alexakis, Kaye Steinsapir, Richard Blumenberg, Andy Frew, Donna Vaccarino, Courtney Macker, Haldis Toppel Non-voting […]<\/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-13310","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13310","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=13310"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13310\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13310"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}