{"id":6793,"date":"2019-09-05T12:28:36","date_gmt":"2019-09-05T12:28:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=6793"},"modified":"2019-10-25T13:31:49","modified_gmt":"2019-10-25T13:31:49","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2019-10-10","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2019-10-10\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes – 2019 \/ 10 \/ 10"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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

Voting Members in Attendance: \u00a0<\/strong>David Card, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, David Kaplan, Sue Kohl, Steve Cron, Haldis Toppel, Brenda Theveny, Bill Klein, Dick Wulliger, John Padden, Cathi Ruddy, Barbara Marinacci, Amy Baker, Rick Mills, Rick McGeagh (partial attendance)<\/p>\n

Voting Alternates:<\/strong>\u00a0 Mary Mueller, Marilyn Wexler<\/p>\n

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:<\/strong>\u00a0 Richard Blumenberg, Beth Holden Garland, Craig Natvig, Bruce Schwartz<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 \u00a0 Certification of Quorum. \u00a0<\/strong>Vice-Chair David Card (Presiding Officer in the absence of the Chair George Wolfberg) called the meeting to order at 6:00pm and certified that a quorum was present.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Reading of Community Council\u2019s Mission. <\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Sue Kohl 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.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a01) Approval of Minutes \u2013 the minutes of 9\/26\/19 were deemed approved. 2) Upcoming Meetings<\/em>\u2013October 24, 2019: (1) Board consideration of possible Land Use Committee (LUC) recommendation regarding Calvary Christian School Conditional Use Permit (CUP) \/ Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Application; (2) Possible 3 Chairs Committee nomination & Board election of 2nd Alternate At-large Representative; (3) Discussion and possible Board action regarding a proposed Palisades Forestry Committee (PFC) resolution for Board approval of the PFC Mission Statement and street tree designation policy for the Palisades. November 14, 2019: (1) Guest speaker \u2013 Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin. (2) Awards Selection Committee announcement of 2019 Awards honorees.\u00a0December 12, 2019: Holiday meeting and Awards celebration (details to come).<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Consideration of Agenda.\u00a0 <\/strong>The agenda was as distributed.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 \u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report<\/strong>. \u00a0In the absence of Treasurer Richard G. Cohen, Secretary Chris Spitz gave the Treasurer\u2019s report:\u00a0 The Council\u2019s bank balance is $40,073.66. There have been no significant transactions since the last report.<\/p>\n

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

7.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Phillis Dudick (Friends of the Parry House) reported on the Historic Cultural Monument status for the Parry House on Camarosa Dr.\u00a0 After three public hearings, the House had passed every test for Historic Cultural Monument designation. The City Council approved the designation on October 8 and the Parry House as well as the historic Deodar Cedar tree on its grounds are now designated and preserved. \u00a0She expressed thanks for the many letters of support from Palisades organizations and individuals, including the Historical Society and PPCC Vice-Chair David Card; the Board also thanked Ms. Dudick for her work.<\/p>\n

7.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Laura Schneider (Friends of the Library) reported that the Los Angeles City Council has approved the construction of a bookstore within the Library (at this point awaiting only the Mayor\u2019s sign-off); she thanked PPCC for its support.\u00a0 She also reminded everyone of the inaugural \u201cPalisades Reads\u201d events (the book: \u201cShelter Us, a Novel,\u201d by Laura Diamond; kick-off party & panel discussion on October 23; book club meeting on November 13).\u00a0 Details are on the PPCC calendar.\u00a0 Finally, Ms. Schneider thanked PPCC and Secretary Chris Spitz for help in obtaining a replacement litter bin for the sidewalk adjacent to the Library, with twice-weekly litter pick-up by the City.<\/p>\n

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

8.1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>From the Chair<\/u>\u00a0(Presiding Officer).<\/p>\n

8.1.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Welcome new and returning organizational members (as of Oct. 1): \u00a0<\/em>New and returning organizational members were welcomed to the Board by name. See the following list for all names: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/2019-2020-PPCC-Organizations.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

8.1.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Applications for vacant At-large 2nd Alternate seat now open. \u00a0<\/em>Deadline for submission of applications: 5pm on October 20, 2019. See Alternate Application Notice: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/PPCC-2nd-Alt.-App-Notice.2.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8.1.3. \u00a0 \u00a02019 Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplugs Awards<\/em>. \u00a0<\/strong>Appointment of Awards Selection Committee (ASC). Awards nominations are now open; deadline to submit nominations (via email): 9pm on October 26. \u00a0The ASC members are David Kaplan, Committee Chair (Area 6 Representative); Daphne Gronich (past Citizen of the Year); Sarah Knauer (Chamber of Commerce Representative); Sue Kohl (Area 5 Representative) and Chris Spitz (PPCC Secretary). See Awards Nomination Press Release: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Awards-Nomination-Press-Release-2019.pdf<\/a>. The awardees will be announced on November 14 and the Awards presentation and celebration will take place at the PPCC meeting on December 12.<\/p>\n

8.1.4. \u00a0 \u00a0Congress of Neighborhoods 9\/28\/19 recap. \u00a0<\/em>The Presiding Officer was unable to attend; Cathi Ruddy (PP Woman\u2019s Club Representative & Emergency Preparedness Officer) attended a session on emergency preparedness and the City\u2019s RYLAN program.\u00a0 See Item 10.2 below.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

8.2.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Chris Spitz (Secretary) announced that PPCC Chair George Wolfberg was able to attend the PCH Task Force meeting this morning in Santa Monica.\u00a0 He explained to the Secretary that he felt it was important to attend, despite his illness, in order to convey the importance of Caltrans finally addressing the serious safety problems with the Chautauqua\/PCH intersection.\u00a0 The Chair reported that he was warmly received, and that \u00a0Caltrans representatives indicated that they had received a letter from Mike Bonin and were aware of an excellent letter that PPCC Transportation Advisor Patti Post had recently sent about the intersection issue.\u00a0 The Chair reported that Caltrans is now treating this as a priority and have begun working on possible solutions, although we don\u2019t have a timetable. Sue Pascoe, who also attended the Task Force meeting, stated that Caltrans indicated it must first develop a model of the intersection, although there is no indication as to when this might occur. The Secretary expressed thanks to the Chair for his dedication to the community.<\/p>\n

The Secretary also announced that a successful orientation session for new organizational representatives took place on October 7 in the Library.\u00a0 She further explained that there have been misstatements in the press and on social media regarding PPCC\u2019s position in support of the BCC amicus brief in the Boise<\/em>homeless overnight camping case. To dispel any misconceptions, she reiterated that neither PPCC nor BCC has called for the Ninth Circuit\u2019s decision in that case to be overturned; we have instead requested that the U.S. Supreme Court grant the petition for writ of certiorari in order to provide clarification and guidance in light of conflicting federal rulings as to the constitutional limits on local government regulatory authority.\u00a0 See the officers\u2019 message to the Palisades News on 9\/28\/19 (link in the agenda & posted on the PPCC website):\u00a0 https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Message-to-the-Editor-of-the-Palisades-News.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Finally, the Secretary reported that we have learned from PPCC Homelessness Advisor Sharon Kilbride that there is a serious fire hazard on privately-owned property known as Marquez Canyon (adjacent to the Highlands Plaza mall, to the east), consisting of abandoned homeless encampments. Ms. Kilbride and PPTFH have been attempting to have the encampment remains removed for quite some time, to no avail.\u00a0 Recently, an LAFD inspector posted a notice on the property, requiring the property owner (an LLC) to abate the public nuisance and hazardous conditions.\u00a0So far, there has been no response.\u00a0The Secretary researched the matter and learned that the owner\u2019s registration as an LLC with the Secretary of State has been canceled and the LLC is supposedly located in the UK.\u00a0 She does not know what steps can or will be taken next.<\/p>\n

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

8.3.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Haldis Toppel (Area 3 Representative) announced that the annual Marquez Knolls Block Party will take place on October 26 from 11am-3pm in the Marquez Business District. She distributed flyers. This will be a fun family event and everyone is invited.<\/p>\n

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

8.4.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Cathi Ruddy (PP Woman\u2019s Club) reported that the Woman\u2019s Club is hosting a \u201cjazz, wine & fine art\u201d fundraiser at the PPWC Clubhouse on Saturday evening, October 19.\u00a0 Details are on the PPCC website calendar.<\/p>\n

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

8.5.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Janet Turner, District Representative, U.S. Representative Ted Lieu. Report on response by the USPS Office of the Inspector General regarding mail theft in the Palisades. In Ms. Turner\u2019s absence, the presiding officer read from the Inspector General\u2019s letter.\u00a0 See: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/PPCC-USPS-OIG-Response-Letter.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8.5.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Zachary Gaidzik, West\/Metro LA Field Deputy, County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.\u00a0 See Item 11.1 <\/em>below.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

9.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Land Use Committee<\/u>\u00a0(LUC; Howard Robinson, Chair). \u00a0In the Committee Chair\u2019s absence, the Presiding Officer reminded everyone that the next LUC meeting will take place on October 17, 2019, 6pm in the Library; topic: Calvary Christian School (701 Palisades Dr.) CUP \/ CDP Application.\u00a0 The Secretary also stated that links to the meeting agenda and relevant documents are posted on the PPCC website.<\/p>\n

9.2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Palisades Forestry Committee<\/u>\u00a0(PFC; David Card, Chair). \u00a0The Committee Chair reported that the PFC members are continuing to meet regularly to discuss urban forestry policy for the Palisades and are finalizing a possible resolution for Board approval. The resolution is expected to be presented for discussion and possible Board action at the PPCC meeting on October 24, 2019.<\/p>\n

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

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

11.1. \u00a0 \u00a0LA County Voting Changes<\/u>. Presentation by Zachary Gaidzik, West\/Metro LA Field Deputy, Supervisor Kuehl.<\/p>\n

Mr. Gaidzik explained that voting in LA County is changing in ways that will hopefully improve the experience, make it easier to vote and increase voter participation.\u00a0 The changes are in three ways. The first is where you will vote. Until now everyone voted at a precinct near your home on one day.\u00a0 With the new change, everyone can vote at 1000 different vote centers all over the County \u2013 in places such as churches, libraries and malls.\u00a0 This will increase voter participation.\u00a0 The next change is when you can vote.\u00a0 You will be able to vote for a period of 11 consecutive days up until the election, but you won\u2019t learn the results until polls close at 8pm on election day.\u00a0 There is also an exciting new feature that the County has been working on since 2010 \u2013 the electronic ballot marking device.\u00a0 This device will not be connected to the internet. Voters will still use paper ballots, which the County believes are critical to the ability to audit.\u00a0 The difference will be that the ballot will consist of a piece of paper 8 1\/2 x 11 in size, which voters will insert in the electronic marking device in order to vote.\u00a0You \u201ctap\u201d the screen as to whom you want to vote for. The device then prints out the ballot showing who you voted for, in plain English, which is then put in a reinforced steel box where it will be taken to a location in Norwalk to be counted.\u00a0 There are changes to help voters with disabilities. You can increase font size and contrast on the screen.\u00a0 You can also listen via headphones and vote that way, with a toggle switch in order to access Braille. The devices will be in 14 different languages. The concept is to make voting incredibly easy for everyone.<\/p>\n

Voters may still be able to vote by mail if they choose. These ballots will also be on 8 1\/2x 11 pieces of paper and will be clearer and easier to read.\u00a0The new system will be implemented for the March 2020 election. The County is also moving to an \u201ce-poll system\u201d which will show voter registration in an electronic book format (rather than the old paper printouts).\u00a0 This is the only aspect of the system that will be connected to the internet. It will be monitored 24-7; the entire voting data base will be actively monitored and watched.<\/p>\n

In the Palisades, the Branch Library will likely be a vote center, as will the American Legion, the Bel Air Bay Club, Marquez Elementary, Palisades High, Palisades Lutheran Church and other locations. Sample ballots will be mailed out that will show all locations, including the location closest to where you live, but voters can vote in any of the vote centers in the County.<\/p>\n

Q&A ensued with a number of questions.\u00a0 Q: Will election costs go up because of the number of new sites?\u00a0 A:\u00a0 We previously had 5,000 locations, but now there will be 1,000, so the number will go down.\u00a0There will be trained individuals as well as volunteers at the sites.\u00a0 The impact on total costs probably won\u2019t be significant.<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0Will we still have voting by mail as an option?\u00a0 A:\u00a0Yes.\u00a0 If you are a permanent vote-by- mail person, you can choose to vote by going to one of the vote centers, checking in with the e-poll system and then voting in person. \u00a0If you vote by mail and then try to vote in person, your last vote will be canceled; it is illegal to vote twice.<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0What will happen with provisional votes?\u00a0A:\u00a0 The goal is to reduce the number of provisional votes; the new system effectively eliminates that, but there will be \u201cconditional\u201d voting, which occurs if you are registering to vote for the first time at a voting center; your vote will count after your eligibility is verified.\u00a0 Q:\u00a0 Will there be a check-in?\u00a0 A:\u00a0 Yes, except there won\u2019t be the paper printouts with lists; check-in will be via the e-poll system book \u2013 this is a laptop on its own private server which is used at the site & taken to and from the center every day.<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0Has the system been used and gone through an election cycle in other areas?\u00a0 A:\u00a0 The voting center model was tested and has been used in Nevada for 1-2 years; several counties in California have also done this.\u00a0 They report that using the vote center model has effectively increased voter turnout. LA County developed the electronic ballot marking device and it will solely be used here.<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0How will you get people to work the polls when traditionally there is trouble getting enough volunteers? \u00a0A: \u00a0They will be hiring additional County employees during this time who will be trained.\u00a0Q: Will there be qualified people working the e-poll computer?\u00a0 A:\u00a0 Yes, people will be highly trained specifically for the system. The County is doing a huge hiring rush right now.\u00a0 There will also be backups for all of the equipment.\u00a0 They can bring in trailers as back-up voting centers.\u00a0 There will also be \u201cpop up\u201d voting trailers, which will go out to farmers markets and grocery store parking lots.<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0Does the State run the program?\u00a0A: This program is being implemented by the County in compliance with a State mandate to overhaul and improve all county voting systems.\u00a0 Each County can set up its own voting structure.\u00a0 All voting goes through the County, not the City.\u00a0 The State must certify each county\u2019s voting system.<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0Who counts the votes?\u00a0 A:\u00a0 The County Registrar-Recorder\u2019s office counts all the votes.\u00a0 All counting is done under lock and key with armed guards.\u00a0 The public can go and watch the count happen.\u00a0We take a long time to verify the count.<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0What background checks are required for people being hired?\u00a0 A:\u00a0 The same checks as are required for all County employees; standard procedures will be applied. Q: Can persons register on the day of voting onsite on any of the 11 days of the voting period?\u00a0 A:\u00a0 Yes.<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0How much do you anticipate voter participation will increase?\u00a0 A:\u00a0 We don\u2019t have an exact number but we do know from data from other California counties that they increased their participation using the vote center model.<\/p>\n

The Presiding Officer and Board thanked Mr. Gaidzik for his informative presentation.<\/p>\n

11.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Update on Disaster Readiness<\/u>. \u00a0Presentation by Cathi Ruddy (PPCC Woman\u2019s Club Rep & Emergency Preparedness Officer\/liaison to the City Emergency Management Dept.).<\/p>\n

Ms. Ruddy explained that the City of Los Angeles has asked all NCs and CCs in LA to present an emergency preparedness program called RYLAN to their communities.\u00a0 It\u2019s basically the same as the Red Cross MYN program.\u00a0 The Palisades is about a year ahead of the rest of the City since we started doing this last year.\u00a0 Joanna Spak has received Red Cross training and David Kaplan has hosted an MYN meeting for his condo building.\u00a0 Ms. Ruddy has presented these programs to a number of groups of about 20 homes in the Palisades.\u00a0 With RYLAN, the City provides materials and speakers to present the program to the neighborhood.\u00a0 The City only has eight speakers so it is tough to schedule this.\u00a0 The City will also have a follow-up drill in neighborhoods about six months after the program is presented and the neighborhood is trained.\u00a0Ms. Ruddy can provide information on either of these programs to everyone interested.<\/p>\n

Ms. Ruddy emphasized that it is also very important for businesses to have a resiliency plan.\u00a0 There are problems with power being shut off and businesses going out of business after emergencies.\u00a0 She will get together with the Palisades Chamber of Commerce and see if they are interested.\u00a0It would also be important for NCs and CCs to develop an emergency communication plan, including posting notices if the internet goes down in an emergency. Everyone is being asked to organize in order to deal with situations if emergency responders are not available.<\/p>\n

Ms. Ruddy encouraged everyone to participate in the RYLAN or MYN programs as a great way to get to know your neighborhood. She also encouraged everyone to sign up with Notify LA.\u00a0 Another great resource is the PPCC website; however, there is so much information it sometimes becomes overwhelming.\u00a0 A RYLAN or MYN meeting is a good way to start.<\/p>\n

Zachary Gaidzik (Field Deputy, Sheila Kuehl) stated that the County also has an emergency survival guide, which is available in a link on the PPCC website.<\/p>\n

The Presiding Officer advised that he had attended an emergency preparedness fair in Topanga, which has a communications system.\u00a0 If there\u2019s a way of communicating in the event the power grid is down, that would be useful.\u00a0 Ms. Ruddy stated that we need to link neighborhood groups together and to address the problem of cell phones going down during emergencies.\u00a0 She indicated that some Palisades residents are talking about rebuilding the ham radio network.<\/p>\n

Joanna Spak expressed concern about evacuation in hillside areas with winding narrow roads.\u00a0 It was suggested that this may be a part of RYLAN; additionally, both Santa Monica Canyon and Mandeville Canyon have had evacuation drills organized by LAFD.\u00a0Mike Bonin\u2019s office participated and might be a resource.<\/p>\n

Ms. Ruddy mentioned the need to keep neighborhood groups to a manageable size of about 20 homes for purposes of RYLAN and MYN, so that realistically you can reach everyone.\u00a0 Rick Mills suggested that building such a group of neighbors is similar to starting a Neighborhood Watch and there is a lot of overlap.<\/p>\n

It was noted that during the recent brush fire incident above Palisades Dr., some people drove to Station 23 and parked in front of the driveway at the station, thus blocking ingress & egress for fire trucks. Ms. Ruddy stressed that it\u2019s best to report fires over the phone rather than physically go to the station; the station is not staffed 24\/7 and there may not be someone there to receive the report in person.\u00a0 9-1-1 should also be called in medical emergencies.<\/p>\n

Ms. Ruddy made available sign-up sheets for those interested in organizing a neighborhood RYLAN or MYN group; she will follow up with anyone interested.\u00a0The Presiding Officer and Board thanked Ms. Ruddy for her work and for presenting to the Board.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Presiding Officer adjourned the meeting at 7:15 pm.<\/p>\n

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

Return to Index of 2019 Meetings MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 10th 2019 Voting Members in Attendance: \u00a0David Card, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, David Kaplan, Sue Kohl, Steve Cron, Haldis Toppel, Brenda Theveny, Bill Klein, Dick Wulliger, John Padden, Cathi Ruddy, Barbara Marinacci, Amy Baker, Rick Mills, Rick McGeagh (partial attendance) Voting Alternates:\u00a0 Mary Mueller, Marilyn Wexler […]<\/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-6793","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6793","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=6793"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6793\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}