{"id":5712,"date":"2018-12-20T20:07:25","date_gmt":"2018-12-20T20:07:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=5712"},"modified":"2019-04-26T15:10:14","modified_gmt":"2019-04-26T15:10:14","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2019-01-10","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2019-01-10\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes – 2019 \/ 01 \/ 10"},"content":{"rendered":"

Return to Index of 2019 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n

MINUTES FOR JANUARY 10th 2019<\/h5>\n

Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0 <\/strong>George Wolfberg, Peter Culhane, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Sue Kohl, David Kaplan, Rick Mills, Haldis Toppel, Joanna Spak, Steve Cron, Steve Boyers, Richard Blumenberg, Dick Wulliger, Bill Bruns, Duke Ostendorf, Jean Sharp, Ellie Jenkins, Brenda Theveny<\/p>\n

Voting Alternates:\u00a0<\/strong>David Card, Barbara Kohn<\/p>\n

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:<\/strong>\u00a0 Cathi Ruddy, Mary Mueller, Barbara Marinacci, John Padden, David Peterson, Melanie Bouer, Susan Orenstein, Bruce Schwartz, Cathy Russell, Jason Sklar, Miriam Schulman<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Certification of Quorum. \u00a0<\/strong>Chair George Wolfberg called the meeting to order at 7:00pm and certified that a quorum was present.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Reading of Community Council\u2019s Mission. <\/strong>\u00a0David Kaplan read the Council\u2019s Mission.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 \u00a0 Introduction of the Board and Audience<\/strong>.\u00a0 The board and audience were introduced.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 \u00a0 Approval of Minutes & Upcoming Meetings. \u00a0<\/strong>1) Approval of Minutes \u2013 <\/em>the minutes of 11\/08\/18 were approved and 12\/13\/18 were approved as corrected. \u00a02) Upcoming Meetings \u2013 <\/em>January 24, 2019: 1) LAFD Deputy Chief Armando Hogan (fire safety and lessons learned from the Woolsey fire); 2) LAPD Capt. III Vic Davalos (introduction to the community).\u00a0\u00a0 February 14, 2019: 1) PRIDE President and rep to PPCC John Padden (Village beautification\/harmonization plans); other topics to be announced.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 \u00a0 Consideration of Agenda.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Chair announced that item 11.1 will be considered no later than 7:30pm in consideration of the long distances some of the postal representatives have come.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 \u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report. \u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Treasurer Richard Cohen reported that the Council\u2019s bank balance is $41,290.61.\u00a0 The most significant transaction since the last report was renewal of our Directors and Officers Liability Insurance, which renews in March; the cost was $575.<\/p>\n

With respect to the Gala finances, Richard reported that the Gala was a financial success. \u00a0The event was sold out and the program\/tribute book was very successful. \u00a0Numbers are preliminary but it appears that as in previous years the dinner itself was approximately a financial break-even. \u00a0However, the tribute book ads and auction sales brought our preliminary result to an approximate $7,300 excess of revenue over expenses. \u00a0We still have approximately $2,100 of additional ad revenue receivable. \u00a0Expenses of the event were closely controlled and managed. \u00a0We successfully used Ticket Tailor for reservations and ticket sales. \u00a0Thanks are due to Heather Cohen for her assistance. Amazingly the Ticket Tailor program only cost $25.50 for each of two months plus there were unavoidable PayPal fees. \u00a0Kudos to PPCC Chair George Wolfberg, Event Committee Chair Peter Culhane, Secretary Chris Spitz and Awards Selection Committee Chair Sue Kohl, who were involved in myriad aspects of making this a financial success. \u00a0Richard will report at a subsequent meeting on the final numbers once we receive payment for outstanding tribute ads.<\/p>\n

7. \u00a0 \u00a0General Public Comment<\/strong>\u2013 None.<\/strong><\/p>\n

8. \u00a0 \u00a0Reports, Announcements and Concerns<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

8.1. \u00a0 \u00a0From the Chair<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.1.1. \u00a0 \u00a0PPCC Awards.<\/em>\u00a0 The Chair restated his thanks to all the volunteers who made the PPCC Awards Gala such a great success.\u00a0 Amazing teamwork and effort by all involved.\u00a0 The awardees all have expressed their thanks and the Chair read from a thank you note to the Council received from Dede Vlietstra.\u00a0 The live auction was highly successful, resulting in two dinners for bidders at Fire Station 69, one dinner having already taken place.<\/p>\n

8.1.2. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Wildfire Safety Advisor.<\/em>\u00a0 The Chair announced the appointment of a Wildfire Safety Advisor, Miriam Schulman, who has hit the ground running and is doing a great deal of research into fire issues that should be of concern to Palisades residents.\u00a0 And, we expect a robust discussion.\u00a0 The Chair has also requested a meeting with Mike Bonin, the Chair and our Wildfire Safety Advisor to discuss the Councilmember\u2019s recent motion to form a wildfire emergency response Task Force.<\/p>\n

8.1.3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rollover Accident.<\/em>\u00a0 There was a rollover accident from PCH onto the Temescal Beach Parking Lot on Tuesday evening, seriously injuring a bicycle rider.\u00a0 The Chair asked Caltrans to look into installing robust barriers in places where they do not exist between the Bel Air Bay Club and the Entrada Parking Lot entrance. The Chief of Caltrans Corridor Management immediately replied that they will take a look.<\/p>\n

8.1.4. \u00a0 \u00a0Homeless Count.<\/em>\u00a0 The Chair reminded all of the annual Homeless Count which this year will be held on Wednesday, January 23 from 8pm to midnight with headquarters at the Corpus Christi Church.\u00a0 Signup at www.theycountwillyou.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8.1.5. \u00a0 \u00a0Station 69 Landscape.<\/em>\u00a0 The Chair noted that the Station 69 landscape is looking great and the two pine trees and three sequoias have been nicely trimmed \u2014 well done by Tracy Price, and thanks to Kelly Comras and Lisa Cahill for their support on this.<\/p>\n

8.1.6. \u00a0 \u00a0Zoning Code Workshop<\/em>.\u00a0 The City\u2019s re-write of its Zoning Code is moving apace and Secretary Chris Spitz has partnered with our sister Council in Brentwood to sponsor a briefing and workshop for the board and interested community members on Saturday, March 30, in the Gilbert Hall auditorium at Palisades High School, subject to board concurrence.\u00a0 More details to be provided by Chris Spitz. \u00a0We are pleased that the Re:codeLA Zoning Advisory Committee Co-Chair Sharon Commins along with Principal City Planner Tom Rothmann will be speakers.<\/p>\n

8.2. \u00a0 \u00a0From Officers<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.2.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Chris Spitz (Secretary).\u00a0 Chris summarized her report (previously distributed to the board) on the recent Westside Regional Alliance of Councils Land Use & Planning Committee (WRAC-LUPC) meeting, with updates on ordinances & planning measures we have been following. See:details here.<\/a>\u00a0 She also announced that PPCC proposes to partner with Brentwood Community Council (BCC) to co-host an educational workshop on navigating the revised Los Angeles Zoning Code, to take place on March 30, 2019 at 10:30am in Gilbert Hall at Palisades Charter High School. Sharon Commins (Co-Chair, WRAC-LUPC and Co-Chair, Re:codeLA Zoning Advisory Committee) will explain how to use the new Code, and Tom Rothmann (Principal Planner, Dept. of City Planning) will be present to answer questions. The board concurred with the plan to hold this workshop.<\/p>\n

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

8.3.1. \u00a0 \u00a0David Card (At Large First Alternate).\u00a0 David explained that he is in charge of the upcoming American Legion student Oratorical Contest.\u00a0 The deadline for students to submit applications is Monday.\u00a0 The local contest is on January 27 at Post 283 in the Palisades.\u00a0 The winner locally will go on to compete in the District contest, and then potentially in the Area, the State and the National Finals.\u00a0 The National Finals winner receives an $18,000 scholarship.\u00a0 Each participant will receive $150.\u00a0 The contest is open to students in grades 9-12.<\/p>\n

8.3.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Steve Cron (Area Two Representative).\u00a0 Steve reported that he communicated in November with Heather Johnson of the Coastal Commission regarding the Highlands trailhead restroom problem.\u00a0 The PPCC Executive Committee wrote a letter to Ms. Johnson supporting her efforts to address the problem; the Chair announced that the letter will be in the next agenda.\u00a0 Steve also stated that he, Lisa Cahill and Joe Halper have met with fire chiefs to discuss wildfire safety and they will be going out to the Highlands later this month to speak about the fire situation.<\/p>\n

8.4. \u00a0 \u00a0From Organizational Representatives<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.4.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Bill Bruns (Friends of the Library).\u00a0 Bill announced that the Friends made $8,200 from the sale of books at the last parking lot sale.\u00a0 This will be used for new books which go throughout the library system.\u00a0 They will be building a book store, approximately the size of the former Village Books store, in an empty space in the library.\u00a0It has taken two years to get the required permits.<\/p>\n

8.4.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Duke Ostendorf (YMCA).\u00a0 Duke stated that the YMCA appreciates everyone for shopping for holiday trees at the Y\u2019s tree lot.\u00a0 The tree sale was very successful, with only five trees left at the end.\u00a0 He also announced that they will send 130 high school youth to the annual statewide Youth in Government program in Sacramento.\u00a0 The YMCA finished the year in the black, and thanks everyone in the community for their support.<\/p>\n

8.5. \u00a0 \u00a0From Government Offices \/ Representatives<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.5.1.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Council District 11 (Mike Bonin) District Director Krista Phipps \u2013 <\/em>Not in attendance; presentation postponed to January 24 (see item 11.2 below).<\/em><\/p>\n

8.5.2. \u00a0 Janet Turner (District Representative, U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu).\u00a0 Janet announced that Congressman Lieu\u2019s West LA VA Community Roundtable will take place on Wednesday, January 16 from 7-8:30pm at the Brentwood library.\u00a0 The event is open to the public.\u00a0 The annual open house for students interested in attending one of the service academies \u2013 Service Academy Day — will take place on February 16 from 1-4pm;\u00a0 more information to come.\u00a0 Janet also reported that the Congressman has introduced an aggressive greenhouse gases bill, and explained that he is a member of the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees.<\/p>\n

8.5.3.\u00a0 \u00a0Ami Fields-Meyer (West LA Representative, Mayor Garcetti).\u00a0 Ami introduced himself as the Mayor\u2019s new West LA Representative and explained that his job entails all of CD11 and CD5.\u00a0 It is important for him to be in touch with the community as often as possible.\u00a0He has spoken with the Chair, the Secretary and PPTFH President Doug McCormick and appreciates learning about community issues.\u00a0 He praised the Palisades for its work on homelessness.\u00a0 A new Deputy Mayor, Christina Miller, will work on homeless issues.\u00a0Ami also announced that Mayor Garcetti encourages everyone to use the new Shake Alert cellphone app.<\/p>\n

8.6. \u00a0 \u00a0From PPCC Advisors<\/u>\u2013 None.<\/p>\n

9. \u00a0 \u00a0Reports from Committees.<\/strong><\/p>\n

9.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Awards Event Committee<\/u>(Peter Culhane, Chair). \u00a0Peter reported that the Awards Gala was a big success. He thanked all of the Event Committee members individually by name and spoke about their contributions.\u00a0 He also thanked Sam Lagana for expertly serving as our MC and conducting the successful auction, Heather Cohen for her invaluable assistance, Jimmy Dunne for his original video presentation, the Awards Selection Committee, all the honorees and the 135 attendees who were integral in the success of the event.<\/p>\n

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

11. \u00a0 \u00a0New Business<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

11.1. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0US Mail Delivery and Security<\/u>.\u00a0 Briefing by Special Agents Adrian Valdez and Shani Lee, USPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG); Uco Johnson, Pacific Palisades Postmaster; and Stacia Crane, USPS Inspection Service.<\/p>\n

Ms. Crane explained that the USPS representatives were there to talk about protection of our mail.\u00a0 She distributed a:\u00a0 handout<\/a>from Postal Inspectors on ways to protect mail.\u00a0She discussed the tips in the handout, which include: give all outgoing mail to a carrier or place it in the slot inside the post office rather than in a mail deposit box; do not put cash in the mail.\u00a0Ms. Crane advised that residents should report all mail theft immediately to the police and then to the Postal Inspectors at (877) 876-2455.\u00a0 She then introduced Pacific Palisades Postmaster Uco Johnson.\u00a0 Mr. Johnson has been with the Postal Service for 20 years.\u00a0He is eager to make sure mail service is done correctly and mail is delivered as early as possible.\u00a0 He is working on improving staffing and service.\u00a0 If anyone has any problems with mail service, ask to speak with him in the Palisades Post Office.\u00a0 If he isn\u2019t there his supervisors will take complaints.\u00a0 Mr. Johnson stressed that USPS takes all issues and mail theft reports seriously. Complaints about missing deliveries and postal employee misconduct are turned over to Postal Inspectors or to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).\u00a0 Mr. Johnson also explained that he is at the Post Office late, until the last carrier gets back.\u00a0 He has fifty-five employees.<\/p>\n

Q&A ensued. There was discussion about criminals putting sticky substances such as fly traps in mail deposit boxes as part of \u201cfishing\u201d schemes to steal mail out of boxes.\u00a0 The speakers explained that this is why it is best to hand mail to a carrier or put in the slot inside the Post Office.\u00a0 USPS tries to deal with this problem and is working on developing devices to prevent workarounds, but it\u2019s not 100% foolproof.\u00a0 Criminals go out and get drug users to steal mail out of mailboxes and swap for drugs; they will steal checks and wash the ink off.\u00a0 Ms. Crane recommended using gel point ink which can\u2019t be washed off on checks being sent in the mail. Some audience members described problems with their mail delivery and expressed concern about suspected postal personnel misconduct. The speakers reassured meeting attendees that postal employees go through background checks and are vetted and trained, but USPS does want to bring employees to justice if it\u2019s ascertained they are acting improperly.\u00a0Investigations take time.\u00a0 Putting a lock on your home mailbox is important, but make sure you don\u2019t prevent the mail carrier from putting mail inside your mailbox. An issue was raised about problems with carriers incorrectly inserting mail in home mailboxes. Mr. Johnson advised that residents contact him about specific instances and he will fix the problem. He can be reached at uco.johnson@usps.gov<\/a>, (310) 464-3475.\u00a0As to why mail sometimes is delivered at different times, Mr. Johnson explained that if a carrier has called in sick, his or her route has to be split up and the other carriers deliver the split after first serving his\/her usual customers.\u00a0 The post office makes Sunday deliveries of Amazon packages only.\u00a0 The last mail pick-up in the Palisades is 5pm. \u00a0Haldis Toppel and Peter Culhane expressed thanks for the good work of USPS carriers and Post Office personnel.<\/p>\n

Janet Turner (District Representative, Congressman Lieu) stated that her office was forwarded a Nextdoor chain with 100 people in the Palisades talking about receiving envelopes or cards that are slit open, with checks, gift cards and\/or cash being taken out.\u00a0 The initiator of the Nextdoor chain stated that he was present and described the problem he experienced with cash being stolen from mail that had been sent to him and the reasons why he suspected this was the work of postal personnel.<\/p>\n

Adrian Valdez, Special Agent with the OIG, next spoke.\u00a0He explained that he was there with Agent Shani Lee to address residents\u2019 concerns about possible misconduct by USPS employees. Mr. Valdez advised that the OIG is the oversight agency for the U.S. Postal Service. \u00a0He emphasized that the OIG\u2019s number one priority is protecting the \u201csanctity and integrity of the seal.\u201d\u00a0 Two criminal codes (18 U.S. Code \u00a7\u00a71701 and 1709) are used to charge postal employees who mishandle mail in any way.\u00a0 The Postal Inspectors identify matters related to misconduct such as \u201cfishing\u201d schemes involving mail deposit boxes, but the OIG focuses on postal employee misconduct alone.\u00a0 They use investigative techniques to identify postal employees who compromise the mail.\u00a0The OIG is a federal agency that investigates and presents cases to the U.S. attorney for prosecution; it also works with local police departments.\u00a0 If you believe your mail is being compromised, call 888-USPS OIG. \u00a0Residents in the audience then gave examples of mail being received that was ripped open.\u00a0 Many people have complained about these problems.\u00a0 Mr. Valdez stated that the OIG is aware, has already made one arrest and is still working on the issue.\u00a0 There were also complaints about customer service issues, which Mr. Valdez explained are referred to postal management.\u00a0 As to what items can be placed in a mailbox, Mr. Valdez stated that this is governed by federal statute:\u00a0 only U.S. mail can go in mailboxes (not Fed Ex or other deliveries).\u00a0 Agent Lee then provided complaint forms, which she advised should be sent to Special Agent Alyse Shelton: ashelton@uspsoig.gov<\/a>, (562) 343-9892.\u00a0 Mr. Valdez also advised that residents who suspect misconduct should preserve evidence such as video footage (e.g., RING, etc.) and receipts for gift cards missing or stolen from mail, and make this material available to the agents to assist in their investigation.<\/p>\n

11.2.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Council District 11 (Mike Bonin) District Director Krista Phipps<\/u>. Briefing on new proposed City Task Force to improve ways to keep people safe before and during wildfires and other emergencies; Q&A on matters of community concern.<\/p>\n

The Chair explained that Ms. Phipps was unable to attend tonight due to a personal matter; her presentation about the proposed emergency response Task Force will be postponed to the January 24th meeting, when we will have a general discussion about wildfire safety.An abbreviated discussion ensued with residents who had attended the meeting in order to inform Ms. Phipps of their concerns about improper lane turns and traffic problems at the Chautauqua and Temescal Canyon intersections with PCH. \u00a0The Chair apologized for not announcing Ms. Phipps\u2019 absence earlier in the meeting.\u00a0 The Chair and Treasurer Richard Cohen briefly provided information about these intersections, explained that PPCC and the Council District 11 office have long been aware of these traffic issues, and assured residents that PPCC has been working and will continue to work with government officials to address the problems and obtain enforcement.<\/p>\n

11.3.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) Emergency Response Program<\/u>. Presentation by past Pacific Palisades Woman\u2019s Club President and current rep to PPCC Cathi Ruddy.<\/p>\n

Ms. Ruddy stated that she was presenting along with Julie Thomas, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Chapter of the American Red Cross. They would like to spearhead a partnership between the Red Cross and PPCC to promote awareness and participation in the Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) disaster readiness program in the Palisades.\u00a0 She explained that this is a nine-point program for residents of individual neighborhoods to get together and share information for use in an eventual emergency or disaster situation.\u00a0 Cathi passed out written materials on MYN, noting that this is a community-building activity.\u00a0 She is asking for everyone to commit to hosting an event at their home for their block, with 15-20 neighbors.\u00a0 She and Julie Thomas can walk everyone through the program if they wish to participate.\u00a0 Discussion ensued about the best way to get the information to the community. \u00a0Suggestions included Area Representatives and board members reaching out to organized Neighborhood Watches, homeowner associations and other groups.\u00a0 Secretary Chris Spitz suggested that PPCC can help with spreading the word on the PPCC website, on social media and in email messages.\u00a0 In response to questions, Cathi explained that the MYN program is complimentary to Neighborhood Watches and CERT training.\u00a0 She urged all board and community members to participate in setting up MYN neighborhood groups. \u00a0Anyone with questions about MYN can contact Cathi at cbsruddy@aol.com<\/a>and\/or Julie Thomas at julie.thomas@redcross.org<\/a>, 424-203-1102.<\/p>\n

12. \u00a0 \u00a0Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:57pm.<\/p>\n

Return to Index of 2019 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Return to Index of 2019 Minutes MINUTES FOR JANUARY 10th 2019 Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0 George Wolfberg, Peter Culhane, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Sue Kohl, David Kaplan, Rick Mills, Haldis Toppel, Joanna Spak, Steve Cron, Steve Boyers, Richard Blumenberg, Dick Wulliger, Bill Bruns, Duke Ostendorf, Jean Sharp, Ellie Jenkins, Brenda Theveny Voting Alternates:\u00a0David Card, Barbara […]<\/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-5712","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5712","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=5712"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5712\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}