{"id":6012,"date":"2019-02-24T15:04:15","date_gmt":"2019-02-24T15:04:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=6012"},"modified":"2019-04-26T15:02:54","modified_gmt":"2019-04-26T15:02:54","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2019-03-14","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2019-03-14\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes – 2019 \/ 03 \/ 14"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

MINUTES FOR MARCH 14th 2019<\/h5>\n

Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0 <\/strong>George Wolfberg, Peter F. Culhane, Richard G. Cohen, Chris Spitz, David Kaplan, Rick Mills, Joanna Spak, Steve Boyers, Alan Goldsmith, Haldis Toppel, Richard Blumenberg, Brenda Theveny, Jean Sharp, Sarah Knauer, Reza Akef, Duke Ostendorf, Bill Bruns<\/p>\n

Voting Alternates:\u00a0<\/strong>Melanie Bouer<\/p>\n

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates: \u00a0<\/strong>David Card, Steve Lantz, Dave Peterson, Susan Orenstein, Bruce Schwartz, Cathy Russell, Jason Sklar, Jan Ostendorf, Eli Safaie-Kia (part of meeting only)<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 \u00a0Certification of Quorum. \u00a0<\/strong>The 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>\u00a0Alan Goldsmith 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 2\/28\/19 were deemed approved. 2) Upcoming Meetings \u2013<\/em>March 28, 2019: Topics: (1) Second Distribution, discussion and vote on bylaws amendments; (2) other topics to be announced.\u00a0 April 11, 2019:\u00a0 Topics: (1) appointment of nominating committee for candidates for officer seats; (2) other topics to be announced.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 \u00a0 Consideration of Agenda.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Chair announced that the agenda is as distributed.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 \u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report<\/strong>. \u00a0Treasurer Richard Cohen reported that the Council\u2019s bank balance is $41,562.\u00a0He also reported that the renewal premium of $965 for our PPCC general liability insurance was paid, the same premium we paid last year. There were no other significant transactions this period.<\/p>\n

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

7.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Pepper Edmiston (resident). \u00a0Wished to speak about gas-powered leaf blowers; deferred to presentation by LAPD Capt. Davalos (item 11.1 below).<\/p>\n

7.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Finn Jones (resident).\u00a0 Expressed concern about Potrero Canyon being fenced off without prior warning. The Chair noted that this is a construction zone and fencing is therefore required by the City.\u00a0Lisa Cahill (CD11 Deputy) explained that she has had discussions with Mr. Jones and will be happy to speak with him again.<\/p>\n

7.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Joyce Chow. \u00a0Announced that the Brentwood-Palisades Film Festival will take place on June 9-10. Visit FilmFestival<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n

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

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

8.1.1. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Zoning Code Workshop 3\/30\/19<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The Chair reminded everyone to save the date for this important event sponsored by PPCC and BCC, which will take place on March 30 at 10:30am at Gilbert Hall, Palisades Charter High School. \u00a0He and Secretary Chris Spitz urged all board members to attend and Area Representatives to provide information about the event to residents and HOAs in their areas.\u00a0Links to Workshop flyers may be found on the PPCC website.<\/p>\n

8.1.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Board Member Opening of Agenda.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Chair again honored the first board members to open the agenda of the last meeting with a special hand-crafted gift from the Wolfberg kitchen:\u00a0a virtual tie — Duke Ostendorf and Rick Mills. Board members are reminded that the agenda may be accessed by clicking on the link and\/or button that is always provided within the message distributing the agenda.<\/p>\n

8.1.3. \u00a0 \u00a0MoveLA Conference Update.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Chair attended the 10th\u00a0<\/span>annual MoveLA summit at the LA Cathedral. These are the people who promoted Measure R and Measure M for transportation improvements.\u00a0Denny Zane is involved.\u00a0 The next big idea is for a four-county Transportation tax covering the entire South Coast Air Quality Management District:\u00a0LA, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.\u00a0 Speakers included air quality guru Mary Nichols as well as Kevin de Leon, Ben Allen and Donald Shoup. The goal is to wipe out the use of diesel fuel which is the biggest polluter we have.\u00a0 Zero emission trucks exist, but the Chair learned after the event that the amortization of new diesel trucks is 18 years.\u00a0 Stand by for more news.<\/p>\n

8.1.4. \u00a0 \u00a0PCH Task Force Meeting Update. <\/em><\/p>\n

The Task Force, which is composed of cities and the county that front on the Highway, from Santa Monica to Ventura, met last Wednesday in Malibu.\u00a0 The Chair attended and described a few highlights: Caltrans is still working on the design for an $8M improvement project for the McClure tunnel: new LED lights, painting and a queue warning system. There is no funding for a much-needed comprehensive study of the Chautauqua to Entrada PCH intersection. Lot 3N continues to be an issue with most drivers going for the first parking lot they see when they emerge from the tunnel; there is inadequate holding space because the ticket-taker\u2019s shack is too close to the Highway. Caltrans wants Santa Monica to run a fiber line to the California Incline so that an extra red-light break can be created to help clear more of the tourists off the Highway and into the lot. As an interim measure, Caltrans will stencil \u201cDo Not Block\u201d on the roadway next to the parking lot entrance. The Chair reached out to Caltrans regarding the inconsistent barriers along PCH where a car went into the Temescal Parking lot a while ago, ending upside down and injuring a cyclist. Caltrans is not sure on whose property the barriers are placed\u2014follow up is needed. The LA County Waterworks has a major water line that is under the old highway\u2014which was covered by the \u201ckiller\u201d slide in the 60\u2019s. The will relocate the buried line beneath the relocated highway, working at night. We don\u2019t know the exact date. Community members may have seen there was a 50\u2019 geyser from a break in this line\u2014so much water flows that the monitoring station did not notice this aberration. Anyone who sees a geyser along the Highway is asked to call it in at their dispatch number, 800. 675.4357 (this number will be put on the PPCC website).\u00a0 The first stage of the new beach pedestrian path from near the Incline to the LA City line at the Entrada parking lot will go to bid next month with construction starting probably in July\u2014a 12-month Santa Monica project. The balance of the project by the County to the Temescal Canyon Parking Lot we hope to see in 2020. Malibu has hired a consultant to develop an evacuation plan. A couple of newly elected Malibu Council members showed up and jumped right in. DMV will be issuing a new \u201cEndless Summer\u201d license plate to help fund surfing for inner-city kids. Finally, Caltrans has a smartphone app called QuickMap which you can use to log in and see freeway cams and other highway information.<\/p>\n

8.1.5. \u00a0 \u00a0Street tree issues. <\/em><\/p>\n

Members may recall Michael Terry\u2019s public comments at our last Board Meeting where he noted that the Bureau of Street Services, Urban Forestry Division, City Plants, and CD 11 all have specifically\u00a0<\/em>requested one of our respected Culture and Aesthetic organizations, Palisades Beautiful, to develop a new set of workable street tree policies in collaboration with<\/em>PPCC\u00a0<\/em>as a means of openly engaging the community in the process \u2013 and that work is under way. PPCC plans to have a robust public discussion to begin this collaboration at our meeting of April 25th<\/span>.<\/p>\n

8.1.6. \u00a0 \u00a0DRB update. <\/em><\/p>\n

In discussing the upcoming Zoning Code Workshop, the Chair recently learned that Brentwood is suffering from the same problems with termed-out members and vacancies as is Pacific Palisades.\u00a0 He and Brentwood Community Council Chair Michelle Bisnoff jointly sent a letter on March 12 to Councilmember Bonin, urging him to fully staff our respective Design Review Boards and appoint qualified new members to fill vacancies as soon as possible. The letter is posted on the PPCC website [DRB Letter<\/a>].<\/p>\n

8.1.7. \u00a0 \u00a0Proposed CUB for new restaurant in the Village.<\/em><\/p>\n

We have been advised that the owner of K Bakery in the Palisades, is opening a new restaurant, \u201cArmav,\u201d on Monument across from the clock-tower building and has applied for a Conditional Use Beverage permit to serve beer and wine.\u00a0 Through her representative (Valerie Sacks, who previously presented to the board on the Chipotle CUB), the owner has offered to present information about the restaurant\u2019s plans to PPCC should the board desire.\u00a0 In response to the Chair\u2019s inquiry no one indicated interest in such a presentation.<\/p>\n

8.1.8. \u00a0 \u00a0LADWP Pole Replacement.<\/em><\/p>\n

As previously discussed, wooden utility poles are being replaced with new steel poles in the area extending from the Highlands to the Encino reservoir. \u00a0The poles will be moved by helicopter and Palisades Dr. will not be used. The project will begin this month. \u00a0An LADWP report on the project is posted on the PPCC website [Pole Replacement<\/a>].<\/p>\n

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

8.2.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Peter Culhane (Vice-Chair) reminded the board that there will be a Fire Preparedness\/Safety community meeting on Tuesday, March 19 at 7pm at Calvary Christian School.\u00a0LAFD Chief Armando Hogan will be there with his staff.\u00a0 All are welcome although the talk will be centered on the Highlands.<\/p>\n

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

8.3.1. \u00a0 \u00a0David Card (1st\u00a0<\/span>Alternate At-Large). Brentwood School student Daniella Wilson recently the won the American Legion Oratorical Contest at the local, district, area and state levels.\u00a0 She will be the California representative at the Nationals this coming April.<\/p>\n

8.3.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Haldis Toppel (Area Three Representative).\u00a0 Street Services followed up after the last PPCC meeting to help with an unsafe street in her area.\u00a0 Construction has begun and she is very grateful.<\/p>\n

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

8.4.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Duke Ostendorf (YMCA).\u00a0 The organization is in the middle of their annual support campaign.\u00a0 He described many ways in which donated funds help the community. \u00a0Please donate to the Y.<\/p>\n

8.4.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Sarah Knauer (Chamber of Commerce). The Chamber is holding an evening mixer at The Draycott on March 26th<\/span>, 5:30-7pm.\u00a0 The sponsor is Dentistry by Design. More information on the Chamber\u2019s website [Mixer<\/a>].<\/p>\n

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

8.5.1. \u00a0 LAPD Capt. Vic Davalos with Officers Maria Gray (Brentwood SLO, filling in for our SLO Moore) and Ryan Basaker (Traffic). See item 11.1 below.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

9.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Bylaws Committee<\/u>\u00a0(Richard G. Cohen, Chair).\u00a0 First Distribution of proposed amendments to the PPCC Bylaws, Bylaws (pertaining primarily to changes & improvements in the elected Representatives\u2019 election process) recommended by the Committee. See 1) Committee Report<\/a> and 2) \u201cRedline\u201d<\/a> plus \u201cClean”<\/a> draft of proposed amendments, distributed concurrently with the meeting agenda via PPCC email and posted on the PPCC website (\u201cAmendments\u201d). Motion by the Bylaws Committee for Board adoption of Amendments (parts A, B and C below). Second Distribution, discussion and votes on motion to take place on 3\/28\/19:<\/p>\n

A. \u00a0 Bylaws Attachment A [voting requirement: majority of members voting (abstentions not counted as votes)].<\/p>\n

B. \u00a0 \u00a0Bylaws [voting requirement: 2\/3 of members present (abstentions counted as \u201cNo\u201d votes)].<\/p>\n

C. \u00a0 \u00a0Appendix C – Standing Rules (addition of SR-11) [voting requirement: majority of members present (abstentions counted as \u201cNo\u201d votes)]<\/p>\n

Committee Chair Richard G. Cohen briefly explained the proposed amendments which will be discussed and voted on with the Second Distribution on March 28.\u00a0 He urged the board to review the materials which are on the PPCC website and distributed with the agenda and he noted that anyone with questions should please contact him, the Chair or the Secretary.<\/p>\n

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

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

11.1. \u00a0 \u00a0LAPD Capt. III Vic Davalos, Commanding Officer, West LA Area\u00a0<\/u>\u2013 Introduction to the community and Q&A.<\/p>\n

The Chair welcomed Capt. Davalos, who explained that he was honored to be here and to have the opportunity to serve the community.\u00a0 He introduced officers who were with him: Officer Maria Gray (Brentwood SLO) and Officer Ryan Basaker (Traffic). Capt. Davalos has been with LAPD for 31 years.\u00a0Prior to coming to West Area he was Captain at the Pacific Division for a year, then went to the Training Division for 3 \u00bd years, and after that to the Recruitment and Employment division.\u00a0 He stated that he is here to work for us.\u00a0Q&A then ensued.<\/p>\n

Pepper Edmiston (resident) provided information about the detrimental effects of gas-powered leaf blowers and air pollution and expressed serious concern over lack of enforcement.\u00a0 Response: Capt. Davalos wants to talk to his officers.\u00a0He believes in teamwork and wants to give his absolute best to this issue. He indicated he believes the Bureau of Street Services may have primary responsibility for this issue, but that LAPD will provide officers for enforcement.\u00a0 He briefly discussed how the Administrative Code Enforcement (ACE) program might be used.<\/p>\n

Richard Cohen (Treasurer) is a member of the WLA Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) and asked about statistics and trends in crime in Pacific Palisades.\u00a0 Capt. Davalos:\u00a0 His officers can speak to the exact numbers, but in doing his research before coming to WLA he learned that the area was at the bottom of statistics for violent crime and property crime.\u00a0 Today, we are no. 1 in reduction of violent crime, no. 9 in reduction of property crime and no. 7 in overall reduction of part one crime. Palisades statistics are even better as related to all of WLA.\u00a0 He understands it\u2019s not all about the numbers. LAPD can use the community\u2019s help.\u00a0Often burglars will go through a glass window or French door in the back yard or use patio furniture or trashcans to get to a second story window or door.\u00a0 Residents should try to make it harder for burglars to get into their homes, by not leaving ladders out and securing homes. Regarding car thefts: do not leave computers, phones or other valuable items visible.\u00a0 Do not leave key fobs in cars.\u00a0 There were four auto thefts in WLA hillsides and the common denominator was a key fob left in car.<\/p>\n

Richard Cohen:\u00a0Pacific Palisades is geographically isolated and we are very far from the WLA police station.\u00a0 We need a police car in the Palisades because otherwise we have horrible response times.\u00a0 Ten years ago, the Police Chief and every WLA Captain since has promised to send out a car 24\/7 to the Palisades that would be the last to be called out of the Palisades in the event of an emergency elsewhere.\u00a0 Can the Captain make the same promise? Capt. Davalos replied that he is publicly repeating that promise and is saying \u201cyes\u201d to 24\/7 police car coverage in the Palisades.<\/p>\n

A resident of the Via bluffs neighborhood stated that the community is concerned because four homes were burglarized back to back in the bluffs neighborhood on December 20. \u00a0She asked how a Neighborhood Watch group can be formed. Capt. Davalos replied that he was made aware of that situation.\u00a0 LA County Sheriffs were following a group doing the same thing throughout the County.\u00a0An arrest was made.\u00a0 He explained that there is a problem with home video: \u00a0it\u2019s hard to tell if the suspect was a female or male, their ethnicity, etc.\u00a0 LAPD is monitoring these types of crimes and working with other agencies as well.\u00a0 He will start looking at Nextdoor.<\/p>\n

Officer Gray:\u00a0 Discussed formation of Neighborhood Watch groups.\u00a0 (For details on the LAPD Neighborhood Watch Program, navigate to the LAPD.online website<\/a>.) Such a group can be created informally via social media.\u00a0 Burglary home trends are decreasing.\u00a0 The Palisades is now doing well in terms of burglaries but residents should still be vigilant.\u00a0 Palisades burglaries are down 70% and overall theft is down, but grand theft auto is up a bit due to key fobs being left in cars.\u00a0 Violent crime in the Palisades is virtually non-existent.<\/p>\n

David Card (At-large 1st\u00a0<\/span>Alternate):\u00a0 Does LAPD have plans to deal with presidential candidates who will be coming to our area?\u00a0 Capt. Davalos:\u00a0 He has experience with this and discussion is starting, but LAPD is at the mercy of federal protection for candidates.<\/p>\n

Alan Goldsmith (At-large Representative) asked about pickpockets or distraction crimes which he has seen in parking lots such as in the Marina.\u00a0 Capt. Davalos is not aware of those in the Palisades. His advice:\u00a0be aware of surroundings when out in public, don\u2019t walk or drive using cell phones, etc.<\/p>\n

Rick Mills (Area Four Representative):\u00a0 Is there a plan for LAPD to use the police kiosk in Palisade Village?\u00a0 Capt. Davalos:\u00a0 LAPD has had officers posted there but they are not there very long.\u00a0 The necessary equipment is not in the kiosk, but he thinks it does have value in terms of interaction with the community.\u00a0 He can try to have officers spend more time there.<\/p>\n

Sue Kohl (Area Five Representative):\u00a0 She has seen officers in the kiosk.\u00a0 She asked what was being done about the Wednesday night Ruthless Ryders; is this still on the radar for police?\u00a0 Officer Basaker:\u00a0 They are aware of the ongoing problem which will probably continue.\u00a0 He personally worked this for some time as part of a street racing task force which covers the whole West Bureau (a large area, from Normandie in central LA to Sunset & PCH in the Palisades).\u00a0 Four motor offices have to cover the entire area.\u00a0 The Motor Sergeant in charge is Sgt. James Tameo, who can be reached at 33087@lapd.online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Haldis Toppel (Area Three Representative):\u00a0 It is important to report crimes, no matter how trivial.\u00a0 She asked the Captain to speak about C-PAB, which she also attends.\u00a0Capt. Davalos\u00a0 described how attendees at C-PAB meetings work to discuss and resolve issues that come up.<\/p>\n

Jan Ostendorf (Area Four 2nd Alternate) asked whether it was possible for an officer to be assigned to the area 24\/7 to intervene in terms of motorcyclists.\u00a0 This led to a general discussion with Officer Basaker about the dangers and problems in dealing with the motorcycle gangs.\u00a0 Capt. Davalos likes technology and suggested LAPD needs to use technology to the best advantage whenever it can do so.\u00a0 He is split on whether drones should be used.\u00a0 The Chair reported that the Michigan highway patrol successfully uses drones for traffic incidents.\u00a0 Capt. Davalos stated he would look into LAPD using drones.\u00a0 One possible idea is to have a major police presence and show of force prior to one or more motorcycle runs as a deterrent.\u00a0 Officer Baskar indicated they had success when the task force came out and worked the motorcyclists hard. Richard Cohen suggested that they do this again in May.\u00a0 Alan Goldsmith:\u00a0 Can the Captain pull in motorcycle officers from other areas to make a big impression?\u00a0Capt. Davalos: He can request this, with the cooperation of the captain of another LAPD traffic unit, for a task force in May.<\/p>\n

Reza Akef (Area Eight Representative): \u00a0Several residents of the Polo Fields have donated funds towards the installation of \u201cFlock\u201d security cameras.\u00a0 They have set up a schematic of six cameras to be installed in parkways that would monitor the neighborhood streets. \u00a0They would like to implement this but are not getting cooperation from Public Works, which has not dealt with this issue before.\u00a0 Is there anything that LAPD can do to help facilitate these installations?\u00a0Officer Gray:\u00a0 The best pressure would be through City Council.\u00a0 Capt. Davalos: He supports the residents in this endeavor.<\/p>\n

11.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Motion to oppose video ads on taxicabs and for-hire vehicles\u00a0<\/u>\u2013 recommended by the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC) for consideration by member councils. Motion sponsored in PPCC by Chris Spitz, who read the motion as follows:<\/p>\n

\u201cPacific Palisades Community Council opposes legalization of video advertisements mounted on taxicabs and for-hire vehicles (including services such as Lyft and Uber); and supports the motion by Councilmember Blumenfield to change Taxicab Rule 415(c), as set forth in Council File 19-0104.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Second by Richard Cohen.\u00a0 Following an explanation of the motion and discussion, a Board vote was taken.\u00a0Vote: unanimous in favor of the motion.<\/p>\n

12. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:34 pm.<\/p>\n

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

Return to Index of 2019 Minutes MINUTES FOR MARCH 14th 2019 Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0 George Wolfberg, Peter F. Culhane, Richard G. Cohen, Chris Spitz, David Kaplan, Rick Mills, Joanna Spak, Steve Boyers, Alan Goldsmith, Haldis Toppel, Richard Blumenberg, Brenda Theveny, Jean Sharp, Sarah Knauer, Reza Akef, Duke Ostendorf, Bill Bruns Voting Alternates:\u00a0Melanie Bouer 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-6012","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6012","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=6012"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6012\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}