{"id":6795,"date":"2019-09-05T12:29:20","date_gmt":"2019-09-05T12:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=6795"},"modified":"2019-11-15T14:51:55","modified_gmt":"2019-11-15T14:51:55","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2019-10-24","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2019-10-24\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes – 2019 \/ 10 \/ 24"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 24th 2019<\/h5>\n

Voting Members in Attendance: \u00a0<\/strong>George Wolfberg,David Card, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Steve Cron, Alan Goldsmith, Reza Akef, Steve Boyers, Rick Mills, Brenda Theveny, Dick Wulliger, Barbara Marinacci, Rick McGeagh, Amy Baker, Rick McGeagh, Maryam Zar (partial attendance), John Padden (partial attendance)<\/p>\n

Voting Alternates:<\/strong>\u00a0 Danielle Samulon, Beth Holden Garland, Bob Benton, David Peterson (partial attendance), Kevin Niles (partial attendance), Richard Blumenberg (voting after departure of John Padden)<\/p>\n

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:<\/strong>\u00a0 Cathy Russell, Marilyn Wexler, Eric Dugdale, Howard Robinson, Melanie Bouer<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 \u00a0 Certification of Quorum. \u00a0<\/strong>George Wolfberg (Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:02pm and certified that a quorum was present. \u00a0The \u00a0Chair \u201chanded the gavel\u201d to Vice-Chair David Card to serve as Presiding Officer.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Reading of Community Council\u2019s Mission. <\/strong>\u00a0The Chair 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 10\/10\/19 were deemed approved as corrected. 2) Upcoming Meetings\u00a0<\/em>\u2013 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 (new:\u00a0 the event will take place at the PP Woman\u2019s Club Clubhouse; more details to come). January 9, 2020: Topics to be announced. January 23, 2020: Briefing on proposed Gladstones Redevelopment; additional topics to be announced.<\/p>\n

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

6.\u00a0 \u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report<\/strong>. \u00a0Treasurer Richard G. Cohen reported that the Council\u2019s bank balance is $40, 071.72. There have been no significant transactions since the last report.
\n
\n<\/strong>7.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0General Public Comment <\/strong>\u2013\u00a0None.<\/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 \u00a02019 Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplugs Awards<\/em>. \u00a0<\/strong>Appointment of Awards Event Committee (AEC). \u00a0The AEC members are:\u00a0 Mary Mueller, Chair; David Card, Chris Spitz, Sue Kohl, Haldis Toppel, Bruce Schwartz, John Padden. Additional board members were invited to join the committee to help plan and produce the event, which will take place on December 12 at the Woman\u2019s Club Clubhouse.\u00a0 More details will be forthcoming. Don\u2019t forget to submit awards nominations by the deadline:\u00a0 9pm on Saturday, October 26.<\/p>\n

8.1.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Pacific Palisades Park Advisory Board (PAB) 10\/16\/19 meeting update. \u00a0<\/em>The Presiding Officer recounted some of the meeting highlights:\u00a0 The Veterans Garden has been approved by LA City Council; the organizers plan to break ground in November or December; it will take 3 months to build; the City will need to give them a right of entry.\u00a0 Sometime next year, in connection with the Potrero Canyon Park development, there will be increased parking added in the upper end of the park; 23 spaces will be added to satisfy the conditions of the Coastal Permit for Potrero Canyon Park.\u00a0 The new parking will overlook the bowl and be on the same level as the turning circle. They will repave all of the new area and will replant the turning circle, hopefully with trees.\u00a0 They won\u2019t resurface the rest of the parking lot which they aren\u2019t touching for new parking.\u00a0 The PAB is looking into how to get that done and whether private funding is necessary.\u00a0 Also, the tennis court hole should have been filled and Courts 7 and 8 at the bottom should have been resurfaced by now.\u00a0 The PAB was asked by Recreation and Parks to list their repairs priorities:\u00a0#1 \u2013 the windows in the old gym office are inoperable and need to be replaced; #2 \u2013 the restroom in the old gym needs remodeling, including repairs to become ADA-compliant; #3 \u2013 the rest of the parking lot needs resurfacing; \u00a0#4 \u2013 phone, computer lines and WiFi need to be added to the lobby rooms of the new gym for some of the staff to be able to move in there and use; #5 \u2013 the playground needs improvements to become ADA-accessible, which is estimated to cost $500,000.<\/p>\n

8.1.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Dog park funding update. \u00a0<\/em>See letter from Executive Committee to Councilmember Bonin: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/PPCC-Dog-Park-EIR-Funding-Letter.pdf<\/a>. \u00a0We have requested that the Councilmember approve the use of Palisades Recreation Center Quimby funds for completion of the required EIR for the dog park.<\/p>\n

8.1.4. \u00a0 \u00a0Palisades Fire.\u00a0 <\/em>PPCC sincerely thanks all our firefighters and first responders for their heroic efforts to keep us safe.\u00a0 The officers have sent out individual messages of thanks to the LA City Fire Dept., LA County Fire Dept., LAPD and CalFire.\u00a0 We have also sent a thank you message to the entire community.\u00a0See message linked on the PPCC website homepage:\u00a0 https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/pacpalicc\/t5l2odsle0-1170077?fbclid=IwAR2G5STb1XPhaE3lv7UUFEWASlogSLp-c9JK6K4IE7yF3nQB_QK0FHPHsG4<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We continue to remind the community of the PPCC Emergency Readiness page on our website, which has a wealth of information about how to protect against wildfires and other emergencies.<\/p>\n

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

8.2.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Chris Spitz (Secretary).\u00a0 Updates:\u00a0 WRAC 10\/17\/19 meeting and legislation status.\u00a0 The Secretary briefly summarized her written report which was distributed to board members and has been posted on the PPCC website:\u00a0 https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/8.2-OfficersReport.10-24.19.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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

8.3.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Alan Goldsmith (At-large) asked for an update on the tree removal on Via de las Olas.\u00a0 The Presiding Officer reported that although he does not know all the details, the trees will have to be replaced.\u00a0 There are consequences to removing street trees without a permit.<\/p>\n

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

8.4.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Dick Wulliger (PP Historical Society) announced a new program, \u201cThe History of Trees in the Palisades,\u201d with guest speaker Randy Young, on November 7 at 7pm in Theatre Palisades.\u00a0 All are invited.\u00a0 Admission is free and there will be refreshments afterwards.<\/p>\n

8.4.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Rick McGeagh (PPBA) stated that the annual \u201cSpooktacular\u201d event returns to the Palisades Recreation Center this Saturday, from 3-7pm.\u00a0 The Presiding Officer noted that the \u201cFiesta of Fright\u201d event will take place at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center on Saturday from 4-8pm.<\/p>\n

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

8.5.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Stephen Du Prey, Superintendent with the Urban Forestry Division, Bureau of Street Services, and liaison to the PPCC Palisades Forestry Committee, was in attendance. \u00a0See Item 9.4 below.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

8.6.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Sharla Steinman (Youth Advisor) reported on upcoming events at Palisades High.\u00a0 The Pali High Ambassadors would love to help with other events in the Palisades.\u00a0 Any organizations that need help should contact\u00a0ambassadors@pchs.pali.org<\/a>\u00a0or visit www.paliambassadors.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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

9.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Awards Selection Committee<\/u>\u00a0(ASC; David Kaplan, Chair).\u00a0 Committee update\/Awards nomination & selection process. Deadline to submit nominations: 9pm, October 26.<\/p>\n

In the absence of Committee Chair David Kaplan, Secretary and ASC member Chris Spitz gave the report.\u00a0 Awards nominations will be accepted until 9pm on Sat., Oct. 26.\u00a0 Information about eligibility and submission requirements can be found in the Awards Nomination Press Release which is linked on the PPCC website home page.<\/p>\n

The Secretary explained that shortly after all the awards nominations are received, PPCC board members will be asked confidentially for input on the nominees.\u00a0 Look for that email to be sent out on Sunday.\u00a0 If board members would like to comment confidentially on any of the nominees, please send those to the PPCC email address within 3 days after receipt of the email message.<\/p>\n

The ASC will then meet and consider the nominations and any input received from the board. \u00a0The ASC members are David Kaplan, Daphne Gronich (former Citizen of the Year), Sue Kohl, Sarah Knauer and Chris Spitz.\u00a0\u00a0 The Committee will make its decisions based on the Awards Guidelines.\u00a0 The ASC is not obligated to select any awardees if, in the ASC members\u2019 judgment, the nominees do not meet the criteria set out in the Guidelines.\u00a0 ASC members may also, in their discretion, choose a recipient of Pride of the Palisades honors \u2013 this honor is intended to be given from time to time only in exceptional circumstances and for extraordinary achievement, as determined by the ASC.\u00a0 Past Pride of the Palisades honorees have included Bill Bruns, the PP Task Force on Homelessness, Bob Benton and Arnie Wishnick.\u00a0 Lists of all past awardees can be found in the Awards Guidelines on the PPCC website.<\/p>\n

The ASC will announce the names of Citizen of the Year, Golden Sparkplug Award and possible Pride of the Palisades honorees at the PPCC meeting on November 14.\u00a0 Presentation of the awards will take place at our holiday meeting on December 12.\u00a0 More details about the event will be coming soon.<\/p>\n

9.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Three Chairs Committee<\/u>\u00a0(Maryam Zar, Chair; Chris Spitz; Richard Cohen).\u00a0 Committee nomination and possible Board election of 2nd Alternate At-large Representative.<\/p>\n

Committee Chair Maryam Zar announced that the Committee\u2019s nominee for the position of 2nd Alternate At-large Representative is Quentin Fleming. She explained that Mr. Fleming is a professor in the business school at USC who had previously served on the Board for many years as the 1st Alternate\u00a0At-large Representative, when George Wolfberg was the primary At-large representative. He is very familiar with PPCC, has served as a moderator for some of our past forums, and is respected by all Board members who have worked with him. The Committee members believe that he is highly qualified for the position.\u00a0 She then moved on behalf of the Committee for the Board to approve and elect Mr. Fleming as 2nd Alternate At-large Representative (no second necessary as the motion was made by more than one voting board member). The Presiding Office asked if any board member wished to discuss the nominee. No one asked for discussion. \u00a0A vote was then taken.\u00a0 Result:\u00a0 Unanimous<\/u>\u00a0in favor of the motion. Mr. Fleming will serve the same term as the primary At-large Representative Alan Goldsmith (through September 30, 2020).<\/p>\n

9.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Land Use Committee<\/u>\u00a0(LUC; Howard Robinson, Chair). \u00a0LUC recommendation and possible Board action re Calvary Christian School (701 Palisades Dr.) application for Plan Approval to its Conditional Use Permit & for a Coastal Development Permit (\u201cthe Application\u201d). See LUC 10\/17\/19 Meeting Summary: <\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/PPCC-Land-Use-Committee-10-17-Summary.pdf<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leslie Clark, Director of Admissions, and Vince Downey, Head of School, were in attendance, as were Matt Dzurec (the school\u2019s land use consultant), Richard Berliner (its architect) and Jerry Overland (its parking consultant). Mr. Downey and Ms. Clark gave a brief presentation explaining the proposed project and the school\u2019s Planning application.\u00a0 The school has not done any projects for 10 years; the last project was its arts & technology building.\u00a0 It is in the mode of a capital campaign to raise funds for these new projects. They displayed large boards showing details and layouts for the proposed projects.<\/p>\n

Mr. Downey explained that the first proposed project, a lunch servery area, will be located in the upper portion of the school site and will include a new building, play equipment, landscaping and seating.\u00a0 They also propose to build a new playground area that will replace parking spaces in the upper blacktop area; this will include a new sports court and \u00a0playground equipment, trees and seating.<\/p>\n

Regarding parking:\u00a0 The school is asking to reduce the current parking requirement to 188 spaces.\u00a0 The school\u2019s representatives explained that current CUP requires 241 parking spots.\u00a0 This requirement dates from 1989, when there was concurrent use at full capacity of church and school facilities.\u00a0 Thirty years later the school does not have that concurrent use.\u00a0The parking study shows maximum parking use is 108 spaces during the week and 97 spaces on Sundays.\u00a0 They are projecting that 165 spots will be needed if the modified CUP is approved.\u00a0 LADOT has approved the parking study.<\/p>\n

The school also wishes to increase enrollment from 432 students to up to 490 students.It was explained that the school currently has room for 455 students; the additional 23 students would bring in $500,000 annually. \u00a0The school\u2019s tuition at $20,000 is one of lowest in the area for private schools. The extra money would allow the school to continue operating at the same level and continue offering scholarships to lower income students.<\/p>\n

The last proposed project is a theater & \u201cmaker space\u201d building, which would not be built for 8-10 years.\u00a0 Once approval is received the school will begin raising capital funds for that project.\u00a0They are seeking approval now rather than having to go through the expense and time of filing another application at a later date. The theatre building is tucked in the middle of campus and will not be visible to SeaRidge neighbors.<\/p>\n

Howard Robinson (LUC Chair) then spoke.\u00a0 He explained that the LUC members spent over an hour on the project at their meeting on October 17.\u00a0 The LUC determined that the applicant has a strong 30-year record in the community.\u00a0No neighbors had any complaints and the SeaRidge complex across the street is not opposed. The LUC looked at the required Findings for the requested Plan Approval and Coastal Development Permit and had no concerns about the Findings.\u00a0 There were two issues of concern:<\/p>\n

1) The school is asking for approval for a 10,000 sq. ft. building (the theatre building) to be built in the future; why are they processing the application now and how can we make sure the plans won\u2019t change in the future? After discussion, the LUC members realized that the required architectural plans that are submitted must get stamped by the City as approved; they will set forth all the requirements that the school must comply with pursuant to the approvals (height, parking, use, etc.).\u00a0 Also, the parking study and LADOT traffic plan had calculated parking requirements for this project based on the submitted plan.<\/p>\n

2). There were questions about reducing the amount of parking when an increase in student enrollment was being requested. The LUC realized the amount of parking the school currently has, as well as the amount they are now requesting, are both above Code requirements.\u00a0 In addition, the church and school functions operate separately and generally are not used concurrently.\u00a0 According to the approved parking study, peak parking demand is only 108; the projected need for the new uses is only 165 spaces, per the approved study, but the school is proposing 188 spaces (more than the Code requirement).<\/p>\n

The LUC Chair then explained that the LUC unanimously voted to make the following recommendation to the Board, wanting to make sure that the few times of concurrent use would be baked-in the condition of approval:\u00a0 \u201cThe PPCC LUC recommends that the Board adopt the following position: PPCC does not oppose the Application, contingent upon the Board\u2019s review and approval of language to be provided by the applicant recommending a condition to regulate the concurrent use of facilities at the site.\u201d<\/p>\n

The LUC Chair further reported that the school has now agreed on language of a condition of approval (a hand-out was distributed to board members showing the proposed language, which the school had agreed on that afternoon, 10\/24):<\/p>\n

\u201cThe applicant shall not use church facilities and school facilities for concurrent general assembly purposes with the exception of a maximum of six times per calendar year.\u00a0 For concurrent assembly events exceeding 564 total attendees, the applicant shall provide a valet attendant for parking purposes.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Chris Spitz (Secretary) then made the following motion; second by David Peterson (Area 6 1st Alternate):<\/p>\n

“PPCC\u00a0does not object to the discretionary Planning application at 701 Palisades Drive, contingent on the Applicant’s submission and City’s adoption of the recommended Condition of Approval regarding concurrent\u00a0events involving church facilities and school facilities at the subject\u00a0site, as follows:<\/em><\/p>\n

“The applicant shall not use church facilities and school facilities for concurrent general assembly purposes with the exception of a maximum of six times per calendar year.\u00a0 For concurrent assembly events exceeding 564 total attendees, the applicant shall provide a valet attendant for parking purposes.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Discussion about the motion then ensued.\u00a0 It was explained that the 564 number assumes that vehicles coming to park on campus during concurrent events will on average carry three persons per car (3 x 188 spaces = 564).\u00a0 There were various questions about building height, parking, staging during construction, the plans, the six assembly events (an example being an annual picnic after Sunday services which school members are invited to attend along with church members), and landscaping.\u00a0 The school representatives stated that no protected trees are being removed; they hope to preserve existing trees and add trees. The proposed projects have received a categorical exemption under CEQA.\u00a0 They did not look into adding a crosswalk across Palisades Dr. at that location (to access the Highlands Plaza across the street), since the school already has a rule that school members (parents, students, staff) must walk to the corner of Palisades Dr. & Sunset and cross at that location.\u00a0 Barbara Marinacci (PP Garden Club) stated that she lives in the condominium complex nearest the school to the south on Palisades Dr. and that the school has been a good neighbor.<\/p>\n

Following discussion, a vote was then taken.\u00a0 Result:\u00a0 Unanimous<\/u>\u00a0in favor of the motion.\u00a0 A position letter will be submitted to the appropriate authorities in due course.<\/p>\n

9.4.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Palisades Forestry Committee\u00a0<\/u>(PFC; David Card, Chair). Introduction of resolution for Board approval of the PFC Mission Statement and proposed street tree selection policy for the Palisades; possible Board action.<\/p>\n

Committee Chair David Card explained that as PFC Chair, he would be making the PFC presentation and introducing the resolution; for this reason, he \u201chanded the gavel\u201d to Treasurer Richard Cohen to serve as Presiding Officer for Item 9.4.<\/p>\n

The PFC Chair moved for the board to adopt the proposed resolution as set forth in the meeting agenda (see attachment); second by Steve Boyers (Area 7 Representative). He introduced other members of the PFC in attendance and thanked them for their work so far:\u00a0 Cindy Kirven (Garden Club), Marilyn Wexler (Area 7 2nd Alternate), Michael Terry (Palisades Beautiful); as well as liaison Stephen Du Prey (Urban Forestry) and participant Lisa V. (tree activist).<\/p>\n

The PFC Chair then went over the proposed resolution point by point.\u00a0 He explained that the resolution endorses the Mission Statement which is also set forth in the PFC Report dated 9\/1\/19 (Report).\u00a0 The resolution additionally endorses a proposed street tree selection policy, as adapted from the Report pursuant to edits by the PFC on October 15, 2019 (see attachment). \u00a0He further explained that the motion before the board was not to endorse the Report in its entirety; the resolution simply draws from certain portions of the Report and does not include any language authorizing action items.<\/p>\n

Discussion then ensued.\u00a0 Reza Akef (Area 8 Representative):\u00a0 Is the intent of the resolution to protect the urban forest from unnecessary removals?\u00a0 The PFC Chair explained that the Report had more specifics which are not a part of the resolution. There is nothing in the resolution about outreach or requiring notification to homeowners.\u00a0 Richard Cohen (Presiding Officer for this item) stated that this is the community providing guidance to the City; we are not taking on responsibility for enforcement or anything other than telling the City what kind of trees we want and what kind of management we would like to see. Decisions about any notices would have to come from the City.\u00a0 The PFC Chair further noted that the resolution sets forth general guidelines and a general philosophy; it is aspirational and does not contain any action items.<\/p>\n

Rick Mills (Area 4 Representative) asked whether this resolution will remove the local log jam among local groups in regard to tree planting.\u00a0 The PFC Chair: This is a step in that direction.\u00a0We will work with the City to tell the City what we want in general and will walk hand in hand with the City toward the goal of getting more trees planted.\u00a0 We will not actually be planting trees. \u00a0A question was asked about the City\u2019s authority to plant trees in the right of way.\u00a0 Stephen Duprey responded that if the City is going to plant, water and maintain street trees for three years, the policy is that they can go ahead and do that.<\/p>\n

Steve Cron (Area 2 Representative) complimented the PFC on its incredible work.\u00a0He asked whether passing this this resolution will help to get the City to plant more trees.\u00a0 Mr. Du Prey: That is the goal.\u00a0 This is the motion to unfreeze that log jam so we can plant more diverse trees; it will help expedite the planting of trees.<\/p>\n

Richard Blumenberg (PP Civic League) commented that the City should develop a set of rules regarding street tree removal that everyone can understand when they buy property.\u00a0 He made a motion to amend the resolution by adding an additional point, as follows: \u201cPPCC urges the Urban Forestry Division to develop rules & criteria that are published in advance so that homeowners will know exactly what the requirements are for removal of street trees before making a decision to buy the property.\u201d Second by Reza Akef. Discussion of the proposed amendment took place. The comments overall were that the resolution is simply an attempt to break the log jam; this amendment isn\u2019t needed or appropriate at this time.\u00a0 A vote on the motion to amend was taken.\u00a0 Result: failed for lack of a majority in favor<\/u>.<\/p>\n

A vote on the main motion (to adopt the proposed resolution) was then taken.\u00a0Result: More than the required 2\/3 majority of members voting\u00a0<\/u>(19-2-1) voted in favor of adopting the resolution (see attachment).\u00a0 A position letter will be submitted to the appropriate authorities in due course.<\/p>\n

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

11.\u00a0 \u00a0 New Business\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 None.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Presiding Officer adjourned the meeting at 7:33 pm.<\/p>\n

ATTACHMENT \u2013 Item 9.4:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Resolution re Street Tree Selections & Urban Forestry
\n<\/strong>Presented and adopted at the October 24, 2019 PPCC meeting<\/p>\n

Whereas, Pacific Palisades is blessed with an abundant forest of trees, including street trees in our public parkways, medians, and public right of ways, as well as in our public parks;<\/p>\n

Whereas, the founders of Pacific Palisades and successive generations of civic leaders have recognized the many benefits of a healthy and robust urban forest;<\/p>\n

Whereas, the urban forest is the greatest generator of oxygen and other ecological benefits, as well as providing economic, aesthetic, social, emotional and quality of life benefits;<\/p>\n

Whereas, the Urban Forestry Division (UFD), City of Los Angeles, has recently done limited planting of street trees in the Palisades, and both the Palisades community and the UFD agree on the need to work together to facilitate the preservation and enhancement of our urban forest and its canopy;<\/p>\n

Whereas, the PPCC formed the Palisades Forestry Committee (PFC), consisting of landscape professionals, community organizations, tree advocates, and local government officials;<\/p>\n

Whereas, after studying the issue for five months, at the September 12, 2019 PPCC meeting, the PFC presented its report (the \u201cReport\u201d) dated September 1, 2019 and has since considered all comments submitted in response;<\/p>\n

Now, therefore, be it<\/p>\n

RESOLVED, that the Pacific Palisades Community Council endorses the Mission Statement of the PFC in the Report, as follows:<\/p>\n

PFC MISSION STATEMENT <\/em><\/p>\n

Enhance and sustain the health and beauty of the Pacific Palisades urban forest for future generations by facilitating the planting of appropriate trees and the caring for our existing trees; <\/em><\/p>\n

Educate our community about the economic, environmental, health, social, emotional and aesthetic benefits of the trees that comprise our urban forest; <\/em><\/p>\n

Protect the urban forest from unnecessary removals by better management, planning and enforcement, and honor the history of trees in the community; and <\/em><\/p>\n

Establish a replicable model of a community urban forest task force for Pacific Palisades in partnership with the City of Los Angeles. <\/em><\/p>\n

RESOLVED further, that the PPCC specifically endorses the following street tree selection policy (the \u201cPolicy\u201d) (the language of which has been adapted from the PFC Report (Paragraphs 1, portions of 2A, and 2B), pursuant to edits approved by the PFC at its October 15, 2019 meeting for purposes of this Resolution):<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0 Primary Objective: <\/strong>To facilitate the preservation, enhancement, and best practices management of the Pacific Palisades community\u2019s urban forest.<\/em><\/p>\n

A. \u00a0The initial focus is on street trees in the public parkways, medians and rights of way, both our existing trees and the vacant spaces where street trees do not presently exist.<\/em><\/p>\n

B. \u00a0We aim to maximize the number of urban forest trees and their canopy by facilitating the planting of more trees, and to minimize the number of trees that are removed.<\/em><\/p>\n

C. \u00a0The goal is to develop an urban forestry policy that increases the age and species diversity in the public tree population, augments biomass and canopy coverage community wide, enhances the character and aesthetics of our neighborhoods, and achieves exemplary stewardship of the forest for all who live and work here.<\/em><\/p>\n

2. \u00a0Urban Forest Policy<\/strong>: To create urban forest policies that implement the Mission and the Primary Objective, and to work with both the City of Los Angeles urban forestry leadership and the Pacific Palisades community to discuss and adopt urban forest policies to achieve that objective. Such policies may include:<\/em><\/p>\n

A. \u00a0Selection Policy<\/strong>: The Committee has decided to use the following criteria for selecting appropriate species of street trees, according to local circumstances and as permitted by the City of Los Angeles Urban Forestry Division.<\/em><\/p>\n

1) \u00a0Criteria<\/strong>: The Right Tree in the Right Place. The right tree in the right place will be determined by the following criteria, which will be considered when selecting street trees as vacancies occur: <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

a) Growspace Availability: Soil volume is the most important criterion. A bigger growspace allows for a larger tree species, while small growspaces require smaller tree species. The preference is for the largest species for the available growspace. <\/em><\/p>\n

b) Water Requirements and Growing Conditions: The water requirement of the species and its ability to withstand little watering when established. Micro- climate conditions, such as salt air, wind, heat, etc. <\/em><\/p>\n

c) Species diversity: A new, different species, that does not share the same vulnerabilities. <\/em><\/p>\n

d) Aesthetics and Neighborhood Character: Blend aesthetically with existing species and with the neighborhood character. <\/em><\/p>\n

e) Canopy Size: Consider the mature tree\u2019s canopy size and form, and the proximity of buildings and other structures or trees. Generally, the preference is for larger canopies. <\/em><\/p>\n

f) Land Use and Traffic Considerations: Commercial vs. residential streets, truck clearance, pollution tolerance, root pruning tolerance, pedestrian shade, overhead wires, etc. <\/em><\/p>\n

g) Disease Resistance and Susceptibility.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

h) Availability: Monitor tree availability, and research new species introductions.<\/em><\/p>\n

i) Special Cases may be considered.<\/em><\/p>\n

B. \u00a0Diversity and Adaptation Over Time Policy<\/strong>: A policy of diversity of species, genus, form, and aesthetics (evergreen, deciduous, broad leaf, small leaf, flowering or not, leaf color, etc.) across Pacific Palisades. A policy of flexibility and adaptation to changing conditions over time. <\/em><\/p>\n

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

Return to Index of 2019 Minutes MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 24th 2019 Voting Members in Attendance: \u00a0George Wolfberg,David Card, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Steve Cron, Alan Goldsmith, Reza Akef, Steve Boyers, Rick Mills, Brenda Theveny, Dick Wulliger, Barbara Marinacci, Rick McGeagh, Amy Baker, Rick McGeagh, Maryam Zar (partial attendance), John Padden (partial […]<\/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-6795","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6795","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=6795"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6795\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}