{"id":6196,"date":"2019-04-12T17:01:38","date_gmt":"2019-04-12T17:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=6196"},"modified":"2019-06-14T12:25:05","modified_gmt":"2019-06-14T12:25:05","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2019-05-23","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2019-05-23\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes – 2019 \/ 05 \/ 23"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

MINUTES FOR MAY 23rd 2019<\/h5>\n

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

Voting Alternates: \u00a0<\/strong>Barbara Kohn, Eric Dugdale, Barbara Marinacci<\/p>\n

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:<\/strong>\u00a0 David Card, Melanie Bouer, Jan Ostendorf, Eli Safaie-Kia, Zennon Ulyate-Crow [following appointment; see item 8.1.5 below]<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 \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. \u00a0<\/strong>Brenda Theveny 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\u00a0<\/em>the minutes of 5\/09\/19 were deemed approved.\u00a0 2) Upcoming Meetings\u00a0<\/em>\u2013 June 13, 2019: (1) candidates forum (if needed) and Board election of PPCC officers for the 2019-2020 term; (2) LAX Landside Modernization Plan update; 3) plans to restore historic buildings at the West LA VA.\u00a0 June 27, 2019: \u00a0Guest speaker Councilmember Mike Bonin; Q&A about matters of community concern. Additional topics to be announced. \u00a0There will be one meeting only in each of the months of July and August (dates to be announced).<\/p>\n

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

6.\u00a0 \u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report<\/strong>. \u00a0Treasurer Richard G. Cohen reported that the Council\u2019s bank balance is $40,982.66. There were no significant transactions since the last report.<\/p>\n

7. \u00a0 \u00a0General Public Comment<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

7.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Elizabeth Lerer (former resident) seeks to protect a house in the Huntington Palisades that was built in 1929.\u00a0 The address is 14924 Camarosa Dr.\u00a0 This will be on the agenda of the July 18 meeting of the Los Angeles Historical [Cultural Heritage] Commission. She distributed flyers. She does not know if the Huntington Palisades Property Owners Corporation has a position.\u00a0 Phillis Dudick (interested person) stated that she is also seeking to protect the house and may organize a community meeting with an architect to present more information.\u00a0 Contact: \u00a0phdphillis@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Daphne Gronich (resident\/past PAPA President and former PPCC Citizen of the Year).\u00a0 PAPA is looking for parade volunteers and donations for the 4th\u00a0\u00a0<\/sup>of July Parade and Fireworks Show\/Concert. Visit www.papa.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7.4. \u00a0 \u00a0Raquel Richter (resident) explained that she and other parents who live in the Polo Fields are very concerned about a sudden change in the admissions policy at Canyon Charter Elementary School, which has resulted in preventing children who live in the Polo Fields from being enrolled in Kindergarten, even though the Polo Fields had for many years been considered part of the assignment area and children from that area had been allowed to enroll on a preferential basis at Canyon School.\u00a0She stated that she and other parents \u2013 some of whom already have children in other grades at the School — had relied on assurances by the Principal that their children would be entitled to preferential enrollment in Kindergarten as per the longstanding policy, but were recently told that the policy had changed and they would now have to enroll at Brentwood Science Magnet or enter into a lottery for Kindergarten enrollment at Canyon School along with other prospective students from outside the School\u2019s assignment area. \u00a0Reza Akef (Area 8 Representative) stated that he will address this issue during his Area report.<\/p>\n

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

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

8.1.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Board Nominations of officer candidates <\/em>\u2013 accepted until 15 minutes before scheduled close of meeting (8:45pm; Bylaws, Art. VII.2). \u00a0The Chair asked the Board if there were any further officer nominations.\u00a0 Barbara Kohn (PPRA Alternate) nominated Haldis Toppel (Area 3 Representative) for President.\u00a0 There were no other nominations. The Chair stated that nominations would remain open until 8:45pm [see item 12 below].<\/em><\/p>\n

8.1.2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>WRAC leadership meeting 5\/15\/19 update. \u00a0<\/em>The Chair and Secretary Chris Spitz attended the May WRAC leadership meeting.\u00a0 A lot of ground was covered.\u00a0 Items of most interest to the PPCC board are: 1) the PPCC-sponsored resolution regarding dockless scooter providers was recommended to all the member-councils; 2) a motion regarding ride-sharing data was also recommended and is on our agenda as a new business item tonight; 3) LADWP will be constructing new underground distribution facilities along Sunset Blvd. to address power outages in the Bel Air and Westwood areas; trenching will begin soon and the work is expected to be completed in 2020.\u00a0 We were told briefly that the reason the Palisades has pole-top rather than underground facilities is because our power lines are almost all above ground and it is too expensive for LADWP to change to an underground system in our area.<\/p>\n

8.1.3.\u00a0 \u00a0 SMCCA annual meeting 5\/14\/19 update. \u00a0<\/em>This was SMCCA\u2019s 73rd annual meeting. \u00a0The Chair attended the meeting and reported that Deputy Fire Chief Armando Hogan briefed attendees on wildfire safety. Councilmember Bonin also attended and answered audience questions, particularly regarding dockless electric scooters.<\/p>\n

8.1.4.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Minor bylaws corrections approved by the Executive Committee (Bylaws, SR-8).<\/em>\u00a0 In the process of reformatting and posting the amended Bylaws on the website, the Bylaws Committee saw that two minor corrections were needed:\u00a0 adding quotes around the word \u201cPPCC\u201d in the Definitions section and adding the term \u201calternate organizational representative\u201d that had been inadvertently omitted in another section.\u00a0 The Executive Committee unanimously agreed and these minor corrections have been made pursuant to Standing Rule 8 of the Bylaws.<\/p>\n

8.1.5.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Approval of third PPCC Youth Advisor.\u00a0 <\/em>The Chair introduced Pali High sophomore Zennon Ulyate-Crow, who has applied to become a third PPCC Youth Advisor. \u00a0Zennon comes to us with the strong recommendation of both of our other Youth Advisors, Eli Safaie-Kia and Sharla Steinman.\u00a0 The Chair and Secretary had the pleasure of meeting with Zennon recently.\u00a0 He is a 5th generation Californian who is very active and interested in governmental affairs and policy matters.\u00a0 He has worked with Metro and the bus companies on bus scheduling matters, is a member of Abundant Housing LA and supports SB 50.\u00a0The Chair and Secretary have spoken with Zennon about this and do not believe there will be any conflict with his duties as a PPCC Youth Advisor. \u00a0Zennon was then appointed as the third PPCC Youth Advisor, with the approval of the Board [Bylaws Art. XIV].<\/em><\/p>\n

8.1.6.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>\u00a0Resolution re Dockless Mobility Device Providers update. \u00a0See PPCC Position Letter<\/a>. \u00a0<\/em>LADOT community meetings on June 11 (WLA) and June 12 (Venice). \u00a0See Dockless Flyer<\/a>. \u00a0<\/em>In response to our position letter sent to City Council members, we have been told that Councilmember Koretz is drafting a resolution in turn to be submitted to City Council. WRAC leadership has also recommended the PPCC resolution to all 14 member councils; we are following up.\u00a0 The Secretaryand Steve Boyers (Area 7 Representative) hope to attend one of the LADOT community meetings scheduled for June.We also learned last Friday about AB 1112 (Friedman – Burbank). \u00a0This bill would greatly limit the City’s ability to obtain data from scooter companies.\u00a0It is expected to go to a floor vote in the Assembly soon. \u00a0PPCC has submitted a letter to Assemblymember Bloom opposing the bill:\u00a0 AB 1112 Letter<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em>Councilmember Bonin has also introduced a resolution in City Council to oppose the bill. \u00a0We will monitor developments.\u00a0 The Chair and Secretary also submitted a letter to the Editor of the Post, which was published in today’s paper.\u00a0 The letter explains PPCC’s position on the dockless scooter matter:\u00a0We are not “at war” with all scooters as a recent Post headline suggested; we simply want to see the City enact appropriate \u00a0rules to prevent permits from being issued to providers who refuse to cooperate with police by providing identifying information about users to law enforcement in situations such as the hit-and-run incident that recently occurred in the Palisades.\u00a0 The Chair was also interviewed today at the scene by an investigative reporter for Channel 4 (KNBC); he was told the interview will be broadcast sometime next week.<\/p>\n

8.1.7. \u00a0 \u00a0LAPD Basic Patrol Car Area Boundary Study. \u00a0<\/em>Take the LAPD Survey (data may be used to increase patrol car presence in our neighborhoods). \u00a0Questions and answers will be used to determine how we can increase patrol car presence in our neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

8.1.8.\u00a0 \u00a0 Parking Meter Revenue Return Pilot Program update (use of funds for streetscape projects in the BID area). \u00a0<\/em>We are still awaiting an update on program details from the City as to the required process.\u00a0 We expect to work with the BID in the coming weeks to facilitate application for these funds and the necessary public hearing, which may take place at a future PPCC meeting.\u00a0Stay tuned for more details to come.<\/p>\n

8.1.9. \u00a0 \u00a0PPCC Position Letter re Developer Contributions. <\/em>\u00a0A letter was recently submitted to City Council regarding our position in support of Councilmember Ryu\u2019s motion to restrict developer contributions to City officials:\u00a0 Developer Contributions Letter<\/a><\/em>.\u00a0The motion passed in City Council on Wednesday May 22, 2019.<\/p>\n

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

8.2.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Chris Spitz (Secretary) gave an update on SB 50 (Wiener).\u00a0 As has been widely-reported, SB 50– the highly controversial do-over of Sen. Wiener\u2019s failed bill from last year, SB 827, that would effectively \u201cup-zone\u201d large swaths of LA and which PPCC and the City of LA strongly oppose — was held in suspense by the Senate Appropriations Committee and designated as a two year bill, which means it will not be brought to a vote in the Senate this year (although it may be re-introduced in January 2020; if it isn\u2019t brought back by the end of January next year, it will be killed).\u00a0 We’re told that the bill’s author may be engaging in last minute efforts to somehow bring the bill out of committee to a floor vote, but so far this\u00a0hasn’t succeeded.\u00a0 Meanwhile, a super-majority of WRAC member-councils have passed motions opposing the bill. \u00a0The WRAC position letter is on the PPCC website under Resources\/Presentations to PPCC. We will continue to monitor the bill’s status, in whatever form it may take going forward.<\/p>\n

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

8.3.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Rick Mills (Area 4) indicated that we had recently learned from SLO Moore that there was a permit application filed with LAPD for a carnival to take place on Temescal Canyon Rd. in June. \u00a0SLO Michael Moore:\u00a0 This event will not happen [see Item 8.5.1 below].<\/em><\/p>\n

8.3.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Reza Akef (Area 8) explained the concerning situation about a change in enrollment policy at Canyon Charter Elementary School:<\/p>\n

PPCC Area 8 includes the Riviera and the Polo Fields.\u00a0 For the past thirty years, Canyon Charter Elementary School had always included the Polo Fields as part of the School\u2019s assignment area.\u00a0 All children from the Polo Fields area had been allowed to enroll on a preferential basis (along with other students in the assignment area) and automatically attend Canyon School.<\/p>\n

Two weeks ago, the District suddenly decided to enforce the original Charter in which the Polo Fields neighborhood is not in the School\u2019s assignment area for purposes of Kindergarten enrollment.\u00a0 Ten Polo Fields parents had earlier been assured by Canyon School Principal Nicole Sheard that their children could enroll and automatically attend Kindergarten along with other students in the School\u2019s assignment area.\u00a0 In reliance, the parents had not applied to any other schools. They have now been told that the School must enforce the Charter rules and their children are no longer entitled to preferential Kindergarten enrollment; their only options are to enroll in Brentwood Science Magnet or enter into the Kindergarten lottery at Canyon School for students outside the assignment area.\u00a0 They were also told that their children could later enroll in 1st through 5th grades at Canyon School.<\/p>\n

Upon learning about the situation, the Chair reached out to the LAUSD District 4 office via our Education Advisor Allison Polhill.\u00a0 He explained that Ms. Polhill indicated she would follow up, but he has not yet received a further response.\u00a0 Several Board members expressed concern about the situation. Sue Kohl (Area 5 Representative) asked about the School\u2019s Kindergarten classroom capacity. Ms. Richter (the Polo Fields parent who had commented in Item 7 above) explained that she has an older child at the School, had received assurances from the Principal that her Kindergartner could also enroll and attend automatically as an \u201carea\u201d student, and had relied on these assurances. However, she and other Polo Fields parents have now been told that the policy has changed and their Kindergartners can only apply in the Canyon School lottery or to Brentwood Science Magnet. She indicated it is too late to apply or prepare the required enrollment packet for another school. She stated that parents were told that enrollment from students in the assignment area had reached capacity and that the School has only one Kindergarten classroom, but parents say that there are two classrooms plus one T-K classroom (i.e., parents believe there are actually three Kindergarten\/T-K classrooms). \u00a0Daphne Gronich remarked that she was involved in the original Charter process and it appears the Principal is now enforcing the Charter at the instruction of the District. \u00a0Reza Akef also stated that this does not appear to be the fault of the Principal, who was apparently acting at the District\u2019s direction. \u00a0The Chair and\/or the Area 8 Representative will follow up with the District.<\/p>\n

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

8.4.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Brenda Theveny (TCA).\u00a0 This coming Tuesday there will be a TCA hike led by Randy Young in Rustic Canyon. Participants should meet before 6pm in the upper parking lot at Temescal Canyon Park, near the dining hall. \u00a0The TCA evening hikes will continue weekly on Tuesdays throughout the summer.\u00a0 The Secretary noted that the hikes are listed on the PPCC website calendar.<\/p>\n

8.4.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Chris Spitz (Secretary), reporting in the absence of Bill Bruns (Friends of the Library). The Friends are holding a parking lot book sale (benefit for the library) on Saturday June 1, in the Palisades branch library parking lot, from 9am-3pm.<\/p>\n

8.4.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Duke Ostendorf (YMCA).\u00a0 The 47th Annual Kids Track Meet at the Pali High Track has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 8.<\/p>\n

8.4.4. \u00a0 \u00a0Sarah Knauer (Chamber of Commerce).\u00a0 The next Chamber Evening Mixer will be on June 18 at the Bay Club.<\/p>\n

8.4.5. \u00a0 \u00a0Eric Dugdale (Historical Society).\u00a0 A Pacific Palisades Historical Society Members & Guests Luncheon will take place on June 20 at the Aldersgate Retreat Center.\u00a0 Naturalist and award-winning author Charles Hood will speak on the diversity of backyard wildlife in Los Angeles.\u00a0 RSVPs are due by June 14.\u00a0 The Secretary noted that information about the event is also on the PPCC website calendar.<\/p>\n

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

8.5.1. \u00a0 LAPD SLO Michael Moore.<\/p>\n

The West LA LAPD station is having an open house on Wed. May 29, from 3-7pm. All are invited. A carnival company recently tried to obtain permission to hold a carnival fundraiser for LAPD on Temescal Canyon Rd.\u00a0 This will not occur; the carnival will instead be held in the parking lot behind the West LA District office on Corinth.\u00a0 There is no news on the hit-and-run scooter or racist hate speech incidents.\u00a0 Regarding the scooter incident:\u00a0 Officer Moore explained that there are many factors and the case is on hold.\u00a0 The primary issue is that the victim doesn\u2019t want to press charges.\u00a0 There is a time limit on how long the police can hold the case open.\u00a0 They have 3-4 years before the time limit runs out. LAPD has too many hit-and-runs to investigate, so the Palisades incident is on the back burner for now.<\/p>\n

8.5.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Lisa Cahill, Palisades-Brentwood Deputy and Arianne Garcia, new District Director, CD11.<\/p>\n

Arianne Garcia introduced herself and stated that she welcomes everyone\u2019s questions.\u00a0 Ms. Cahill then reported on several items:<\/p>\n

1) Regarding the City Budget:\u00a0 We did not get all money we wanted for Urban Forestry but did get some funding for an Urban Forestry Manager, for tree-trimming crews, and for the first step of the Dudek report (initial part of the Urban Forestry Management plan).<\/p>\n

2) Regarding a 2014 letter from LAFD referencing problems with accessing narrow streets in the Palisades: This was spurred by incidents that occurred at the time.\u00a0 The Department completed a survey of the Palisades area.\u00a0 Our streets are narrow but people want to park in front of their homes, which makes access for emergency vehicles difficult if not impossible in some cases.\u00a0The letter went to City Council and it was ruled that this was a citywide issue.\u00a0 The most recent iteration of a response to the problem is the Wildland Urban Interface Task Force proposed by Councilmember Bonin. \u00a0All the agencies that are participating on the Task Force are being asked to look at the issues involving narrow streets and to come up with recommendations on a way to move forward.<\/p>\n

3) \u00a0The Councilmember is looking at naming a street in the Palisades after Arnie Wishnick.\u00a0This will probably be near the Chamber office in the Village.<\/p>\n

4) \u00a0Regarding Potrero Canyon: \u00a0The work is moving along and is on schedule.\u00a0 Construction is going well.\u00a0 The next phase is to get out the landscaping bid.\u00a0 The bid is divided into 2 phases \u2013 the first to be a contract for early growing of the plants with a goal to increase survival of the initial plantings.\u00a0 She has no further updates.<\/p>\n

Board member questions: \u00a0Sue Kohl (Area 5 Representative) asked about parking meters being installed on Albright to the rear of the Caruso project.\u00a0 Response:\u00a0Transportation Deputy Eric Bruins will be discussing this with LADOT.\u00a0 David Card (At-large 1st Alternate) remarked that Southern California Edison has new rules resulting in drastic pruning of trees around power lines as a result of fires; he suggested that the City should be on the alert for butchering around our power lines.\u00a0 Response:\u00a0She will bring this to Councilmember Bonin\u2019s attention.\u00a0 Sue Kohl advised that an Alphabet Streets resident thinks that traffic light links on Chautauqua are off due to the recent repaving.\u00a0 Response:\u00a0Eric Bruins is aware and is looking into this.<\/p>\n

8.5.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Janet Turner (District Representative, Congressman Ted Lieu).<\/p>\n

The House passed national disaster relief funding, providing for $19.1 billion in disaster relief.\u00a0 A portion will go to Woolsey Fire victims. Ms. Turner will double-check on whether the relief is only for past disasters. \u00a0The FCC is circulating a declaratory ruling to give permission to carriers to develop new blocking tools for robocalls.\u00a0 The Congressman is introducing new bold ways for creating jobs through infrastructure improvements. His District office is moving to the same office in West LA where the City Council District 11 office is located, on Corinth Ave. \u00a0See District Office Move Flyer<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

8.6. \u00a0 \u00a0From PPCC Advisors<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.6.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Miriam Schulman (Wildfire Safety Advisor).\u00a0 See item 11.1 below.<\/em><\/p>\n

8.6.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Eli Safaie-Kia (Youth Advisor) presented news about Palisades Charter High School.\u00a0 The School had the highest pass rate for an AP exam.\u00a0 Nineteen new Ambassadors were welcomed; there is a new website for the Ambassadors, www.paliambassadors.org<\/a>. \u00a0An Entrepreneurship Fair took place recently.\u00a0 Gardening Day was big success.\u00a0 The Pali Choir will be going to the Walt Disney Concert Hall.\u00a0Graduation will be on June 6 at 5:30pm.\u00a0\u00a0The Pali Awards banquet will take place on May 30.<\/p>\n

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

9.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Palisades Street Tree Committee\u00a0<\/u>(David Card, Chair).\u00a0 Committee meeting update.<\/p>\n

David Card announced that the Committee met this past Tuesday and has hit the ground running. Lisa Cahill of CD11 was the Committee\u2019s guest and gave valuable guidance. \u00a0The first step:\u00a0 members will be walking around the neighborhoods counting all the street trees in the Palisades.\u00a0When this task is completed the Committee will have an idea of the size of the Palisades\u2019 urban forest.\u00a0 The PPCC Chair stated that Brentwood Community Council (BCC) is also interested in our Committee\u2019s work and has requested that a BCC representative be permitted to attend the Committee meetings.\u00a0 It was agreed that Nancy Freedman (past BCC Chair) will attend.\u00a0 We want to work together on challenges and ideas.<\/p>\n

9.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Executive Committee<\/u>. \u00a0PPCC Awards Guidelines revisions: recommended for Board approval (process revisions only). \u00a0See Draft Revised Guidelines Redline<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n

At the request of the Chair, Secretary Chris Spitz explained that the Executive Committee is recommending several revisions to the current Awards Guidelines, solely having to do with the processinvolved in nominating and selecting the awardees and producing the awards event.\u00a0 The Guidelines were originally drafted almost five years ago during her tenure as Chair. Some of the circumstances involving the granting of the awards had changed, as explained in the Guidelines. The Executive Committee believes that revisions are needed now in order to bring the Guidelines up to date with current practices in terms of process.<\/p>\n

The Secretary noted that we have also received a few comments from individuals who suggest that the Committee might want to consider making substantive changes in the Guidelines in terms of the actual awards requirements, which the Committee had not previously considered changing.<\/p>\n

What are the awards requirements?\u00a0 First, the Citizen award requires both a record of long-time community service as well as a recent outstanding accomplishment benefitting the entire community.\u00a0 The Golden Sparkplug award requires that someone ignite or set in motion an idea or project that benefits the community; there is no requirement that the idea or project be completed in the given year. \u00a0There are also various other requirements for the awards, including residency, whether the work was a beneficial outcome of the person\u2019s profession, and whether the person is a PPCC Board member. The Guidelines also provide for discretionary Pride of the Palisades honors, which the Awards Selection Committee may or may not decide to give in a given year, to someone who doesn\u2019t quite meet all the requirements of the other awards but does something that in the Committee\u2019s judgment is extraordinary.\u00a0 It was noted that the first Pride of the Palisades honoree was Bill Bruns in 2014. This discretionary award was made \u201cofficial\u201d in the Guidelines in 2015.<\/p>\n

Discussion was opened as to the recommended process revisions and as to whether the Board believes the Executive Committee should consider substantive changes in the awards requirements. \u00a0Richard G. Cohen (Treasurer) provided further explanation about the history and substantive requirements of the awards.\u00a0 He stressed that in 2015, a great deal of thought and work went into the Executive Committee\u2019s drafting of the awards requirements and the Board\u2019s consideration of the Guidelines, which were discussed thoroughly at several meetings before final approval. The Secretary also explained that the substantive awards requirements are essentially a continuation of the same requirements that had been in place for many years for the Citizen and Golden Sparkplug awards. She and the Treasurer do not believe that any changes in the substantive awards requirements are needed at this time. The Chair asked for Board approval of the recommended revisions; the Board approved the revisions. \u00a0No Board members expressed a desire for the Executive Committee to consider any further changes in the awards requirements or the Guidelines.<\/p>\n

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

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

11.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Update on Wildfire Safety<\/u>.\u00a0 Presentation by Miriam Schulman, PPCC Wildfire Safety Advisor.\u00a0 To inform understanding & for helpful information, see four videos from Dr. Jack Cohen, Research Scientist with the US Fire Service, on the PPCC Disaster Preparedness<\/a> page (scroll down to Fire Prevention Videos).<\/em><\/p>\n

Ms. Schulman explained that she is a resident, not an expert in wildfire safety.\u00a0However, she has been a professional researcher and because of her concerns about the increasing danger of wildfires in our area, she has researched, spoken with experts, attended meetings and read a great deal of data on how wildfires start, why fires burn and how to protect ourselves and our property from wildfire damage.\u00a0 She introduced residents Maureen Grace, Krishna Thangavelu and K.C. Soll, with whom she has been working on getting information to present tonight. She also distributed a summary to the Board with tips on protecting homes from wildfire damage.<\/p>\n

Ms. Schulman noted that we have new environmental conditions, such as extreme wind and drought, that lead to increased likeliness of damaging wildfires. \u00a0She stressed that all of the chaparral north of Sunset which has not burned since 1978 is overdue to burn and will likely go up in a few months.\u00a0When there\u2019s a big wildfire, chaos almost always results.\u00a0 There are communications breakdowns due to havoc with cell systems, organizational problems and various teams being sent to different areas.\u00a0 The Malibu fire had a fourteen-mile fire line that had to be covered.\u00a0Regarding opt-in alert systems: Many people never opt-in and the alerts aren\u2019t always timely.\u00a0 Sometimes the agencies involved don\u2019t want to create panic with alerts, or don\u2019t get an order to send an alert.\u00a0 The Paradise evacuation drill failed because they didn\u2019t prepare for the worst-case scenario.<\/p>\n

She also discussed the problems with narrow streets. Fire trucks can\u2019t get up many narrow streets.\u00a0 If a power line goes down the trucks won\u2019t cross it.\u00a0 Never cross a downed line.\u00a0 When there is a wildfire there aren\u2019t enough resources (planes, helicopters or trucks).\u00a0 Some areas cannot be accessed.\u00a0 Sparks and embers can blow and create spot fires miles away.\u00a0 Winds that carry burning embers can go at least 4 miles.\u00a0 Some houses are safer because they are brand new and built to new code requirements, but we still have original homes built in 1950s that are not updated.\u00a0 If a house goes up in flames it endangers at least ten houses around it.<\/p>\n

What can we do to make big difference?\u00a0 Regarding narrow streets, Capt. Kitahata of Station 69 has asked Ms. Schulman to advise the community:\u00a0 Residents should look at streets and decide whether parking is more valuable than safety; if a fire truck can\u2019t get through call Station 69 and ask for no parking on the street. \u00a0Capt. Kitahata doesn\u2019t think the \u201c2014 letter\u201d issue is over (see Item 8.5.2.).\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Ms. Schulman attended the recent Mandeville Canyon community meeting and evacuation drill. Deputy Chief Hogan advised people that if a wildfire hits, many people will not be able to get out of their neighborhoods and will have to shelter in place.\u00a0 She is working on how to make homes and neighborhoods safe.\u00a0 First, residents all need a \u201cGo Bag.\u201d\u00a0 There are many online resources with information about what should be placed in the bag (insurance papers, ID, medicine list, glasses, etc.).\u00a0 Keep the bag next to your bed or in a central place ready to go.\u00a0 She also recommends checking out Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) \u2013 a useful program to help in situations when you can\u2019t get home in an emergency.\u00a0 Neighbors can help getting your Go bag and otherwise helping people get out of homes out if you can\u2019t get there.\u00a0 The Secretary noted that we had a presentation about MYN at a past board meeting and information about the program is on the PPCC website Disaster Readiness page.<\/p>\n

Ms. Schulman also urged residents to view four videos linked in the handouts and also posted on the PPCC website (see above for link).\u00a0 These protocols were developed by the National Fire Prevention Association to help keep homes from burning.\u00a0 Proof of the danger is everywhere:\u00a0 houses are catching each other on fire, they burn hotter and faster than anything else and they put out toxic gasses.\u00a0 Fire experts would like to see houses standing even if all trees around them burn; there is evidence that this can occur if the homes are properly defended.<\/p>\n

Ms. Schulman has arranged for a class to be taught by Dr. Jack Cohen, Research Scientist and wildfire expert with the U.S. Fire Service. \u00a0He will teach a three-day course in the Palisades, to be attended by firefighters and officials from LAFD, LAPD and BHFD.\u00a0 They will be taught about what makes homes vulnerable.\u00a0 The Topanga Fire Safe Council made a grant application and received $24,000 to fund this program.\u00a0 If someone from one of our neighborhood organizations wishes to join the class, contact Ms. Schulman (contact information on PPCC website). Her research shows that many homes are burned from the inside. Embers get in through vents and firefighters cannot always see what is happening inside. Ember-proof mesh can be purchased and she passed out a brochure.\u00a0 She recommends that residents make sure their homes are tight and closed during a fire event.\u00a0 Always close the flue.\u00a0 Don\u2019t leave the A\/C on in a fire situation as it will pull embers in \u2013 turn off the A\/C if you are evacuating.\u00a0 If you have a flat roof, the parapet will catch embers on the edge; they will burn hole in roof and then the fire starts inside.<\/p>\n

Ms. Schulman is convinced we can take steps to protect houses from burning in the Palisades even in the event of a wildfire.\u00a0 The key is to create defensible space.\u00a0 It is best to have green plants around the house.\u00a0 She also strongly recommends that everyone have a water bladder that can be used to put out spot fires and defend structures.<\/p>\n

K.C. Soll (resident) then spoke briefly.\u00a0 She has been organizing a series of LAFD CERT training in the Palisades; she organized four series of classes over the last year, with 100s of graduates.\u00a0 All classes are free.\u00a0 She has organized thirty people in a Palisades Ham Radio network.\u00a0 Problems occur when police and fire departments can\u2019t talk to each other.\u00a0She suggests having a cell phone app with an opportunity to be texted in an emergency.\u00a0 She has been working on emergency response communications.<\/p>\n

Board members next raised various points about problems with communications during wildfires, emergency alert and text alert apps (from LAFD and \u201cPulse Point\u201d), venting and power cut-off issues and the like.\u00a0 It was suggested that Ms. Schulman may want to visit various Palisades HOAs with her information. In conclusion, she reiterated that we can empower ourselves and there are things we can do to keep our houses from burning down, but we must be prepared.<\/p>\n

11.2. \u00a0 \u00a0WRAC-recommended Motion re Study of Ride Sharing Data to Assess Impacts on LA Traffic<\/u>; sponsored in PPCC by Secretary Chris Spitz. Proposed motion: postponed to next meeting due to lack of time.<\/em><\/p>\n

12. \u00a0 \u00a0Close of Officer Nominations from Board (8:45pm) and Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>At 8:45pm the Chair asked the Board if there were any further officer nominations. There were none and nominations were closed. \u00a0Discussion continued regarding Item 11.1 above; Item 11.2 was postponed. The Chair then adjourned the meeting at 9pm.<\/p>\n

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

Return to Index of 2019 Minutes MINUTES FOR MAY 23rd 2019 Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0 George Wolfberg, Richard G. Cohen, Chris Spitz, Rick Mills, Joanna Spak, Steve Cron, David Kaplan, Sue Kohl, Haldis Toppel, Alan Goldsmith, Richard Blumenberg, Duke Ostendorf, Jean Sharp, Brenda Theveny, Ellie Jenkins, Reza Akef, Sarah Knauer Voting Alternates: \u00a0Barbara Kohn, Eric […]<\/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-6196","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6196","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=6196"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6196\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}