{"id":6804,"date":"2019-09-05T13:16:03","date_gmt":"2019-09-05T13:16:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=6804"},"modified":"2020-01-10T22:41:01","modified_gmt":"2020-01-10T22:41:01","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2019-11-14","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2019-11-14\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes – 2019 \/ 11 \/ 14"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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

Voting Members in Attendance: \u00a0<\/strong>David Card, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, David Kaplan, Haldis Toppel, Steve Cron, Rick Mills, Brenda Theveny, Dick Wulliger, Bill Klein, Sarah Knauer<\/p>\n

Voting Alternates:<\/strong>\u00a0 Janet Anderson, Peter Powell, Quentin Fleming, Cathy Russell, Craig Natvig<\/p>\n

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:<\/strong>\u00a0 Bruce Schwartz, Melanie Bouer, Eric Dugdale, Miriam Schulman<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 \u00a0 Certification of Quorum. \u00a0<\/strong>In the absence of the Chair, Vice-Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 6:01pm and certified that a quorum was present.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Reading of Community Council\u2019s Mission. <\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Sue Kohl read the Mission Statement.<\/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 <\/em>the minutes of 10\/24\/19 were deemed approved. \u00a02) Upcoming Meetings<\/em>\u2013December 12, 2019: Holiday meeting and Awards celebration (the event will take place at the PP Woman\u2019s Club Clubhouse; more details to come).January 9, 2020: topics to be announced.\u00a0 January 23, 2020: Briefing on proposed Gladstones Redevelopment project; guest speaker City Controller Ron Galperin (postponed from 11\/14 due to illness).<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Consideration of Agenda.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Presiding Officer announced that some items may be taken out of order.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 \u00a0Treasurer\u2019s Report<\/strong>. \u00a0Treasurer Richard G. Cohen reported that the Council\u2019s bank balance is $39,371.72.\u00a0 Since the last report, significant transactions included a payment of $400 to the Friends of the Library as PPCC\u2019s contribution toward a new audio system for the Library as well as a $300 deposit for the PP Woman\u2019s Club venue for the holiday party. The Treasurer also advised that federal and state tax filings for September 30, 2019 were completed and PPCC is up to date with compliance.
\n
\n<\/strong>7.\u00a0 \u00a0 General Public Comment <\/strong>\u2013 None.<\/p>\n

7.1. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>Daphne Gronich (resident)<\/u>\u00a0stated that she attended last weekend\u2019s Fire Town Hall and learned that many people have asked about the possibility of instituting Red Flag Parking Days in non-hillside areas with narrow streets, to alleviate problems with evacuation traffic flow.\u00a0 The Presiding Officer indicated that this will be appropriate to discuss during Item 11.2 on the agenda.<\/p>\n

7.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Lou Kamer (resident)<\/u>\u00a0reported that he has been working with WAZE regarding the traffic problem with the Chautauqua & Channel Rd. intersection. WAZE has now agreed to change its navigation tool so that it will direct drivers to use only the middle lane in order to turn left (south) on to PCH from Chautauqua. He noted that this is one step toward addressing the problem with the intersection.<\/p>\n

7.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Ryan Robles (Athens Services Recycling Coordinator)<\/u>\u00a0explained that he is working with local business owners on composting of organic materials, as required under a new state law. He will provide information to PPCC Vice-Chair David Card and Chamber of Commerce Representative Sarah Knauer.
\n
\n<\/strong>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.<\/em>1. \u00a0 \u00a0Joint PPCC-BCC Message re Thanking Our Firefighting Heroes<\/em>. See message & list of possible organizations for donations at www.pacpalicc.org<\/a>(link on home page).<\/p>\n

8.1.2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Calvary Christian School land use application update. \u00a0<\/em>See PPCC position letter: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Calvary-Christian-School-Letter.pdf<\/a>. See also Letter to Editor\/message from PPCC officers to the Palisadian Post:
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Message-to-the-Editor-of-the-Palisadian-Post.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8.1.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Urban Forestry update<\/em>. \u00a0See PPCC letter re urban forestry resolution:https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Urban-Forestry-Letter.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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

8.2.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Chris Spitz (Secretary) reported that on Wednesday, November 13, the Transportation Committee took up a motion for a pilot program to allow digital advertising on top of some taxicabs.\u00a0 With the approval of the Chair and Vice Chair, the Secretary submitted an email message prior to the Committee meeting, expressing PPCC\u2019s opposition to permitting digital advertising on any vehicles (including taxicabs and other vehicles for hire).\u00a0 See:<\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Message-to-the-City-Council-Transportation-Committee-November-13.pdf<\/em><\/a>. \u00a0<\/em>The Secretary explained that the Transportation Committee, by a vote of 2-1 (Councilmember Bonin opposed), voted on Wednesday in favor of the motion, which will now go to the full Council for a vote.<\/p>\n

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

8.3.1. \u00a0 David Kaplan (Area 6 Representative) explained that many residents are complaining about a serious problem with DWP billing practices, which has resulted in exorbitantly high bills. He believes this needs to be addressed with DWP.\u00a0 The Presiding Officer stated that we can invite our DWP liaison or other representative to come to a future meeting.<\/p>\n

8.4. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From Organizational Representatives<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 None.<\/p>\n

8.5. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From Government Offices \/ Representatives<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 None.<\/p>\n

8.5.1. \u00a0 \u00a0LAPD SLO Michael Moore.\u00a0 Officer Moore reported that crime in the Palisades is down.\u00a0 However, since we are at the start of the holiday season, residents should begin thinking about taking precautions:\u00a0 Do not let packages be delivered to your front porch; have the Post Office or other carrier hold packages for you to pick up; arrange to have someone keep an eye on your property while you are away.<\/p>\n

8.5.2. \u00a0 \u00a0LAPD Beach Patrol Officers John \u201cRusty\u201d Redican and Jimmy Soliman. \u00a0See Item 11.2 below.<\/em><\/p>\n

8.5.3. \u00a0 \u00a0LAFD Battalion 9 Chief Mark Curry and partner Jeff Sorenson, LAFD. \u00a0See Item 11.2 below.<\/em><\/p>\n

8.5.4. \u00a0 \u00a0Janet Turner (District Representative, Congressman Ted Lieu).\u00a0 Ms. Turner reported on a number of bills in Congress which Rep. Lieu supports: the Smoke Planning and Research Act, which would provide funding to help communities plan and respond to wildfire smoke (recently introduced); a bill to expand the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (recommended in committee for a floor vote); and a bill that allows suits for copyright infringement to be brought via a new copyright claims board (passed).<\/p>\n

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

8.6.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Zennon Ulyate-Crow (Youth Advisor) reported that the Palisades Park Youth Group is active and that Pali High students are gearing up for finals.<\/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 Chair David Kaplan announced the names of the Citizen of the Year, Golden Sparkplug Award and Pride of the Palisades honorees and briefly described each of their achievements.\u00a0 The honorees are:\u00a0 Citizen of the Year:\u00a0 Kevin Niles; Golden Sparkplugs: \u00a0Don Camacho, Lisa Glantz and Mike Lanning; and Pride of the Palisades: \u00a0George Wolfberg. He noted that a longer summary of the honorees\u2019 accomplishments will be distributed to the PPCC email list shortly.\u00a0[See:\u00a0<\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/COMMUNITY-COUNCIL-2019-AWARD-WINNERS.pdf<\/em><\/a>.] \u00a0<\/em>The board and audience indicated praise for the selections and thanked the ASC members.<\/p>\n

9.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Awards Event Committee<\/u>\u00a0(AEC; Mary Mueller, Chair). \u00a0In the Committee Chair\u2019s absence, Secretary Chris Spitz reported that the AEC members have met and are actively preparing for the Awards Celebration event, which will take place on December 12 at the Woman\u2019s Club Clubhouse at 6:30pm. The AEC members are:\u00a0 Mary Mueller, Chair; David Card, Sue Kohl, John Padden, Bruce Schwartz, Chris Spitz and Haldis Toppel. The event will feature a brief business meeting, a buffet dinner, complimentary wine & beer (while supplies last), and the awards presentations. \u00a0Invitations will be sent out this weekend.\u00a0 Tickets will be $60 each. The RSVP deadline is December 8 but seating is limited and we expect to sell out before the deadline.\u00a0 Please RSVP soon to ensure your seat.<\/p>\n

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

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

11.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Guest Speaker: \u00a0Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 not in attendance due to illness.\u00a0 Controller Galperin\u2019s presentation has been postponed to the PPCC meeting on January 23, 2020.<\/p>\n

11.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Fire Season Recap: \u00a0Concerns, lessons learned and what to expect going forward<\/u>. \u00a0Participating: LAFD Battalion 9 Chief Mark Curry; LAPD Beach Patrol Officer John \u201cRusty\u201d Redican; PPCC Fire Safety Advisor Miriam Schulman; Palisades resident & CERT coordinator K.C. Soll.<\/p>\n

The Presiding Officer began by describing the recent Palisades and Getty Fires and his own experience with the fires.\u00a0 He emphasized what a problem it was for people trying to evacuate during the Getty Fire when PCH was closed southbound from Temescal Canyon Road, which caused a huge traffic jam.\u00a0 He noted that evacuation protocols did not seem to be working early in the fire.\u00a0 He also explained that we have fire prevention issues that will be addressed.<\/p>\n

LAFD Battalion 9 Chief Mark Curry then described his background and experience. He is one of three Battalion 9 Chiefs who have been working in the Palisades for several years.\u00a0His uncle, a former fire chief, was instrumental in bringing back Engine 69 to the Palisades.\u00a0 Chief Curry has himself been working this area since the Skirball Fire.\u00a0He described the Getty Fire circumstances and explained that it could have been much worse without the tremendous support of air power and the great job done by the firefighters.\u00a0 LADOT and LAPD were also instrumental in the success.\u00a0He stated that he would be happy to answer any questions.\u00a0 Extensive Q&A then ensued on a variety of topics:<\/p>\n

Tree branches and brush: \u00a0The Getty Fire was caused by a branch which was blown by the wind into wires on a pole.\u00a0 The wires weren\u2019t down and there were no exploding transformers.\u00a0LAFD does a good job of clearing the area around wires and has brush clearance crews that come through every year, but they cannot prevent all accidents in wind driven fires.\u00a0 Chief Curry agrees that dead branches and brush along Palisades Dr. need to be taken care of; this is the responsibility of Recreation and Parks or other property owners.<\/p>\n

Power lines, poles:\u00a0 Electrical fires have been started by power lines for decades but this is only now beginning to get attention.\u00a0 Ideally all power lines should be undergrounded, but this will take a lot of money.\u00a0 Lines that are high up on a pole are high tension and those are the most dangerous.\u00a0People should exercise caution with all downed lines.\u00a0 To report any old, weak or damaged poles, call in the number on the pole to DWP.<\/p>\n

The Highlands \u201cfire road\u201d\/Lachman Lane extension and evacuation issues: \u00a0During the Palisades Fire some residents were told that this was the only evacuation route and were directed to leave via this road, but the gate was locked, no one had a key, and residents were forced to turn around, causing a huge traffic jam. Clear and up-to-date information about evacuation routes was not provided or available.\u00a0 Chief Curry agrees that accurate information about evacuation routes needs to get onto the Notify LA system.\u00a0 He does not personally believe the Lachman Lane extension is actually a \u201cfire road,\u201d nor that it should have been locked, but he could not specifically answer questions as who had or should have had the keys, or whether directions given to Highlands residents as to evacuation routes were appropriate.\u00a0 Regarding evacuation routes in the Palisades:\u00a0 He cannot answer as to which specific roads should be used for evacuation because this is situationally-driven.<\/p>\n

Palisades Recreation Center: \u00a0It was noted that the Center was designated as an evacuation area during the Getty Fire but was located only 100 yards from the mandatory zone and was itself in a warning zone.\u00a0 Many residents didn\u2019t understand why evacuees were told to go to the Recreation Center. Chief Curry wasn\u2019t aware of the evacuation decisions or the Recreation Center\u2019s evacuation area designation.\u00a0 He explained that LAFD\u2019s goal was to get people in the hillsides down to Sunset, where they would be safe and out of the canyons.<\/p>\n

Communications: \u00a0At times there was unclear or conflicting information about fire and evacuation status from different agencies, e.g., LAFD and LA County Fire, especially in Topanga. \u00a0There is concern about downed cell towers during wildfires and lack of cell service or ability to access alerts via smartphones.\u00a0 Chief Curry advised that residents should stay tuned to television and radio news programs which often report real time information during fires.\u00a0He also noted that there is a great new tool being developed at San Diego State which involves modeling of heat and wind conditions in order to target evacuations.<\/p>\n

Mandatory vs. voluntary evacuations: \u00a0Voluntary evacuations can occur at any time.\u00a0 In mandatory evacuations, residents still have plenty of time to leave and get somewhere else.\u00a0 An order to \u201cshelter in place\u201d is the worst situation possible.\u00a0 That means the situation is so dangerous that you will be killed in your car while trying to leave your home and evacuate.\u00a0 These days, homes are much more hardened with tile roofs and vent screens. Chief Curry recommends that everyone have goggles on hand to protect against embers flying into eyes.<\/p>\n

Firefighting support: \u00a0Chief Curry emphasized that firefighters cannot stop wind driven brush fires but will do everything they can to protect homes and the community.\u00a0 Firefighters are most concerned with fighting on the outer edges closer to the fire.\u00a0 We have great air support to go in and stop the fires in a wider area. \u00a0The key factors in fighting wildfires are brush clearance, hardened homes, great air support and great firefighters.<\/p>\n

LAPD Beach Patrol Officer John \u201cRusty\u201d Redican then spoke about his experiences with the recent fires, answered questions and listened to comments and concerns from board members and the audience.\u00a0 He emphasized the importance of communications among the various agencies involved and debriefing by officials on the scene and knowledgeable about the area after fire incidents.<\/p>\n

Regarding the fiasco with PCH southbound being closed during the Getty Fire evacuations:\u00a0 Officer Redican and his partner Officer Jimmy Soliman quickly realized that shutting down southbound PCH was a mistake and a huge problem.\u00a0 They communicated the severity of the problem with the command post.<\/p>\n

There was comment about the fact that Topanga Canyon Blvd. was also closed during evacuations, even though that area wasn\u2019t in danger at the time.\u00a0 It might have made sense to allow people from 90272 to evacuate on Topanga rather than go all the way to Malibu.\u00a0 However, it was pointed out that there was concern because of high winds and the possibility of a new fire starting at the top of the canyon, which would have required a large number of people evacuating from the Palisades to turn around.<\/p>\n

Regarding the difficulty of getting out accurate information and facilitating communications with a single point of contact to appropriate channels: Officer Redican stated that Deputy Chief Hogan has told him that this might be possible through Public Information Officers on scene.<\/p>\n

Regarding a concern about robbers going into homes during the evacuation:\u00a0 Officer Redican related an example of police work to prevent this from occurring:\u00a0 On the day of the Getty Fire he observed service-resistant homeless individuals whom he had never seen before in the Palisades near Antioch & Swarthmore, on bikes with empty backpacks.\u00a0 He successfully encouraged them to leave.<\/p>\n

Concerns were also expressed about the lack of communications, as related in a newspaper articles, specifically regarding homeowners who received evacuation notices but did not notify their housekeepers and gardeners. Officer Redican indicated that he shares this concern.\u00a0 A possible solution might be to add a reminder in the literature on Ready Set Go.<\/p>\n

Regarding the possibility of cell service going down in many parts of the Palisades during wildfires, some residents are suggesting the possibility of stationary sirens.\u00a0Officer Redican indicated that he thinks this is a good idea.\u00a0 He also indicated that people should trust their instincts and check local TV and radio news sources.<\/p>\n

Miriam Schulman, PPCC Wildfire Safety Advisor, next spoke about fire prevention and steps that we can take to make our property and homes fire resistant.\u00a0 First, she encouraged everyone to visit the PPCC website \u201cDisaster Readiness\u201d page and read everything on the page.\u00a0 She stressed the importance of individuals being alert to weather conditions, especially when there are high winds, low humidity and high temperatures. \u00a0During these conditions everyone should have masks and googles, wet down their property and have Go Bags ready.\u00a0 Since winds become stronger at night, we should be prepared to receive alerts overnight about conditions during wildfire incidents.<\/p>\n

Ms. Schulman also suggested that homeowners should go around their homes looking at landscaping to be sure there are no dead plants, branches or \u201cdead leaf\u201d litter around the house.\u00a0 A perimeter should be created around the house that can\u2019t burn (e.g., dirt, concrete, gravel or pebbles). Piles of firewood should not be stacked up against the house and branches should not be hanging near or over the roof.\u00a0 The roof and rain gutters should be cleared of leaves.\u00a0 Dead pine needles are strong fire tinder.\u00a0 LAFD.org and CalFire.org are also good websites to visit.\u00a0 Ms. Schulman and several other residents have taken courses and are certified to examine homes to determine if they are adequately protected from wildfire.\u00a0 It is also important to protect vents to attics and crawlspaces.\u00a0 She suggested turning off AC when not at home, as well as getting together with neighbors to find out who can help in an emergency, who is disabled, etc. \u00a0As to whether gas should be shut off during wildfires:\u00a0 Chief Curry indicated that this isn\u2019t a bad idea, although it is more critical during earthquakes.<\/p>\n

A question was asked as to why the PPCC Palisades Forestry Committee (PFC) report does not mention fire resistant trees or those with root systems that destroy sidewalks.\u00a0 The Presiding Officer (also PFC Chair) explained that these factors will be taken into account in selecting street trees.\u00a0 The list of criteria in the report is from the Task Force in Santa Monica, where they don\u2019t have the same wildfire issues; this will be added to the list of criteria here. Ms. Schulman also explained that certain trees which are high in moisture content and leafy (i.e., healthy, wet tropical trees) can act as protection against embers (as opposed to \u201cneedle\u201d trees). The Presiding Officer further advised that branches should be pruned up from the ground; there should be more spacing between trees; and dead pine needles should be removed from yards.<\/p>\n

K.C. Soll, resident and CERT team training coordinator, also contributed to the discussion. \u00a0Ms. Soll explained that in addition to organizing four CERT training classes in the Palisades in the last year and a half, she is a member of a group of 30-35 local ham radio operators.\u00a0 She stressed that everyone who graduates from the CERT program has \u201clegs\u201d in the neighborhood, and she advised that the MYN and RLYAN programs are important ways in which to get to know your neighborhood.\u00a0 She also reported that her local ham radio group has received a $250,000 grant to operate a ham radio program locally, starting in Mandeville Canyon.<\/p>\n

The board and audience thanked the participants for their presentations and for answering questions.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Presiding Officer adjourned the meeting at 7:47pm.<\/p>\n

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

Return to Index of 2019 Minutes MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 14th 2019 Voting Members in Attendance: \u00a0David Card, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, David Kaplan, Haldis Toppel, Steve Cron, Rick Mills, Brenda Theveny, Dick Wulliger, Bill Klein, Sarah Knauer Voting Alternates:\u00a0 Janet Anderson, Peter Powell, Quentin Fleming, Cathy Russell, Craig Natvig Non-voting Advisors […]<\/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-6804","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6804","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=6804"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6804\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}