{"id":9707,"date":"2021-08-06T14:43:39","date_gmt":"2021-08-06T14:43:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=9707"},"modified":"2021-08-13T11:20:48","modified_gmt":"2021-08-13T11:20:48","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2021-07-08","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2021-07-08\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes — 2021 \/ 07 \/ 08"},"content":{"rendered":"

Return to 2021 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n

Voting Members in Attendance: \u00a0<\/strong>David Card, David Kaplan, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Karen Ridgley, Haldis Toppel, Jenny Li, Matt Quiat, Alan Goldsmith, Beth Holden-Garland, Peter Powell, Craig Natvig, Eric Dugdale, Richard Blumenberg, Brenda Theveny, Jim Kirtley, Reza Akef, Fay Vahdani<\/p>\n

Voting Alternates:<\/strong> \u00a0Melanie Bouer<\/p>\n

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:<\/strong> \u00a0Michael Edlen,* Rob Weber, Jack Coleman, Jackson Walter, John Padden, Marilyn Wexler, Cathy Russell, Rick McGeagh, Mary Mueller, Nancy Niles, Janet Anderson \u00a0*after appointment; see item 8.1.1 below\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 \u00a0 Call to order and reading of Mission Statement. \u00a0<\/strong>The Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. \u00a0\u00a0David Card read the Mission Statement.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 \u00a0 Introduction of Zoom engineer. <\/strong>\u00a0Introductions were deferred.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 \u00a0 Roll call of voting members and certification of quorum. <\/strong>\u00a0The Presiding Officer called the roll of voting members and certified that there was a quorum.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Approval of Minutes.<\/strong>\u00a0 The minutes of June 24, 2021 were approved. Upcoming meetings: <\/em>August 12, 2021: continuing discussion\/possible Board action regarding comments on redistricting boundaries. \u00a0September 9 and September 23: topics to be announced.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>Consideration of Agenda.<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/strong>Agenda items may be taken out of order at the discretion of the Chair.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Treasurer\u2019s Report.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Treasurer Richard G. Cohen reported that PPCC\u2019s balance is $58,435.65.\u00a0 Since his last report we have received $7,000 in donations.\u00a0 He had previously reported receipt of $20,410, which brings our total recent donations to approximately $27,400.\u00a0 There were no other significant transactions since the last report.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>General Public Comment<\/strong> \u2014 None.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

8.1. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From the Chair\/Presiding Officer<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.1.1.\u00a0 \u00a0 Beginning of the 2021-2022 term: appointment\/re-appointment of Advisors and Committees; request for Board approval of Legal and Youth Advisors. See: https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/PPCC-Committees-Advisors-2021-2022R.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Chair reported that we have begun PPCC\u2019s new administrative year, which runs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.\u00a0 It is now time for the Chair to appoint or reappoint committees and advisors.\u00a0 He has appointed the committee members and advisors named on the document linked in the agenda, with some additions:\u00a0 Jack Coleman has been added as a member of the Communications Committee and David Kaplan has been added as a member of the Community Plan Update\/Redistricting Committee (the Committee is now combined under that name).\u00a0 In addition, Nancy Niles and Bruce Schwartz were added as members, and CD 11 Deputy Noah Fleishman was added as an advisor replacing Len Nguyen, to the Palisades Forestry Committee.\u00a0 Per PPCC\u2019s Bylaws, the Chair requested Board approval for reappointment of Rob Weber as PPCC Legal Advisor and Jack Coleman and Jackson Walter as PPCC Youth Advisors.\u00a0 The Board unanimously approved their reappointment.<\/p>\n

8.1.2. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon \u2013 update re the landscape contract and State funding for the pedestrian bridge. See prior update, 4\/2\/21:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Pedestrian-Overcrossing-PCH-R.pdf<\/a>\u00a0(note: the referenced application for federal funding was never submitted).<\/p>\n

The Chair reported that park landscaping is going forward, which will include hardscape additions.\u00a0 The landscaping start date is July 12.\u00a0 Parking spaces will be added in front of the old gym, in the turning circle area. There are plans to irrigate and plant the turning circle.\u00a0 The park is expected to be finished in about 10 months. \u00a0The legislature has approved the State budget, which includes $11 million in funding to build the pedestrian bridge from Will Rogers State Beach to the south entrance of the park.\u00a0 The Chair briefly explained the safety issues and the need for the bridge.\u00a0 He is hopeful that the bridge can get designed and funded quickly.\u00a0 The Chair thanked Sen. Ben Allen and Asm. Richard Bloom, who made bridge funding a priority.<\/p>\n

8.2.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0From Officers<\/u><\/p>\n

8.2.1.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Chris Spitz (Secretary).\u00a0 \u00a0She announced that Bob Benton has been appointed as the alternate representative for the Chamber of Commerce, replacing Sarah Knauer in that position.\u00a0 Fay Vahdani will remain as primary representative.\u00a0 The Secretary thanked Ms. Knauer for her service to PPCC.<\/p>\n

8.3. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From Area and At-large Representatives<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.3.1. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Reza Akef (Area 8 Representative). Area 8 is still awaiting the City Planning Dept. letter which was supposed to come from CD11 and the Planning Dept. \u00a0The neighbors are very concerned about the Riviera County Club\u2019s unauthorized use of the Longworth Gate. \u00a0\u00a0A declaration is needed from the City setting forth the limitations on the use.<\/p>\n

8.3.2.\u00a0 \u00a0 Rick McGeagh (Area 7 Alternate). PPBA is hosting the regional All-Stars tournament at the Field of Dreams this weekend.<\/p>\n

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

8.5.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0From Government Offices \/ Representatives<\/u>.\u00a0\u00a0 Contact information available at: <\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/government-contacts\/
\n<\/a>
\n<\/em>8.5.1.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Noah Fleishman, CD 11 Palisades Field Deputy.<\/p>\n

Mr. Fleishman remarked that the 4th<\/sup> of July Parade was successful.\u00a0 He gave a shout out to the PAPA committee and in particular to Daphne Gronich and Matthew Rodman. \u00a0He has spoken with PPCC\u2019s Chair about fire safety.\u00a0 There was a residential fire this morning on Paseo Miramar.\u00a0 This was primarily inside the structure and the fire was controlled before spreading to the brush.\u00a0 No one was injured.\u00a0\u00a0 Six streets in the Palisades will be repaved this week, with some restriping and bike path additions; there will be no removal of parking spots.\u00a0 He has a call tomorrow with the heads of all libraries on the Westside to figure out how to open the branches quickly.\u00a0 There will be a City redistricting meeting this Monday, July 12.\u00a0 Regarding the Riviera Country Club gate matter:\u00a0 He was been told that the letter was supposed to have been sent at the end of June.\u00a0 He will get back to Planning for an update.\u00a0 The Chair asked Mr. Fleishman to expedite the request, as this is an illegal use and needs to stop.\u00a0 Mr. Fleishman stated that he will pressure the Planning Dept.<\/p>\n

8.5.2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Janet Turner, Field Director, U.S. RepresentativeTed Lieu.<\/p>\n

Ms. Turner reported that Rep. Lieu and Sen. Padilla wrote a letter to Governor Newsom, asking that he put $1 billion in the State budget every year to go towards homelessness.\u00a0 The American Rescue Plan has provided over 3,000 vouchers for housing for the homeless in the City of Los Angeles.\u00a0 Neighboring cities have their own allotments for housing.<\/p>\n

8.5.3.\u00a0 \u00a0 LAPD Officer Brian Espin (acting SLO).<\/p>\n

Officer Espin noted that the 4th<\/sup> of July parade and fireworks were amazing.\u00a0 He reported that the Palisades is doing well in terms of crime.\u00a0 We have had a few vehicle thefts in Los Leones.\u00a0 He asked everyone to pass the word around not to leave keys in your car.\u00a0 There was a shooting on PCH on July 15th near Gladstones.\u00a0 The incident escalated from a verbal then to a physical altercation, then guns started shooting.\u00a0 The victim was shot in the leg. No one called the police.\u00a0 LAPD only learned about the incident when Pacific Division was notified that a shooting had taken place in the area because the victim had been hospitalized.<\/p>\n

Officer Espin also explained that he is working with Caltrans on possible repainting of sections of PCH that he feels need to be addressed for public safety.\u00a0 The parking signs are faded or vandalized and should be replaced with newer, clear signs.\u00a0 He would also like to paint portions of PCH red when there are existing restrictions, mainly the portion coming from Getty Villa.\u00a0\u00a0 He was asked about appointment of the Palisades SLO.\u00a0 Officer Espin is one of the SLO appointee announcements.\u00a0 There will be a deployment meeting next week.\u00a0 He hasn\u2019t been assigned yet to an area.\u00a0 The other SLO appointee is Officer James Allen.<\/p>\n

8.6.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0From PPCC Advisors<\/u> \u2013 None.
\n<\/em>
\n9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reports from Committees<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

9.2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Executive Committee<\/u>.\u00a0 Update re Bonin motion\/homeless housing on state beach parking lots\/public parks (CF 21-0350) and \u201canti-camping\u201d ordinance (CF 20-1376). See E.C. letter of 6\/26\/21:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/PPCC-Letter-Support-CF20-1376.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Chair and Secretary updated the board on events that had occurred to date related to the matters referenced on the agenda.\u00a0 They summarized a written document that had been sent earlier to the Board, \u201cUpdate on Developments\u201d:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Update-on-Developments.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

The Chair also discussed the history of the area with Eric Dugdale (PP Historical Society), including the fact that the area of the parking lot where proposed homeless housing would be sited was once the site of the \u201cLong Wharf\u201d (monument marker is now placed at the site).<\/p>\n

Haldis Toppel (Area 3 Representative) asked about the status of LAPD Beach Detail Officer Rusty Redican.\u00a0 Officer Redican was in attendance.\u00a0 He explained that he loves the Palisades and is extremely appreciative of the foundation of trust and reliability that he has developed with the community.\u00a0 He stated that while he cannot stay with LAPD at this point, he believes we will need more officers in this area, especially when the bridge is built.<\/p>\n

Nina Madok (resident) announced that a new 501(c)3 organization has been formed to fight the Bonin proposal \u2013 Beaches and Parks 4 All. They will not be engaging in PPCC-type work.\u00a0 They will be doing lobbying and working to inform our elected officials why the beaches and parks should be open for all.\u00a0 They will also be presenting an alternative feasibility study showing actual impacts.<\/p>\n

9.2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Three Chairs Committee<\/u> (Chris Spitz, Committee Chair; Richard G. Cohen & Steve Boyers, Members). Nomination of 2nd Alternate Representatives, Areas 3 and 8; election by the Board.<\/p>\n

The Committee Chair announced that the Committee was nominating Michael Edlen as the nominee for the 2nd Alternate Area 3 Representative.\u00a0 She explained that there were multiple applicants who were all well-qualified and the decision was difficult for that reason.\u00a0 She thanked all the applicants.\u00a0 She summarized Mr. Edlen\u2019s qualifications, including his work for many years as a well-known and respected realtor in the Palisades as well as his many philanthropic endeavors.\u00a0 She then requested a vote by the Board to approve Mr. Edlen as the 2nd Alternate Area 3 Representative.\u00a0 A vote was taken.\u00a0 Result<\/u>: \u00a0Unanimous approval.<\/p>\n

The Committee Chair also announced that unfortunately, there were no applicants for the Area 8 2nd Alternate position.\u00a0 That seat will remain vacant until someone eligible comes forward to apply.<\/p>\n

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

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

11.1.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Guest speaker: Senator Ben Allen<\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0Discussion only.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Chair introduced Senator Allen.\u00a0 The Senator stated that it was a pleasure to see everyone, and that he would begin by discussing big picture issues in Sacramento.\u00a0 He is happy with the pace of vaccine distribution, although some portions of population are more difficult to convince. Seventy-five percent of the population over the age of 12 has received at least one shot.\u00a0 The hospital and death rates are the lowest since the start of the pandemic.\u00a0 Most businesses have now reopened.\u00a0 In regard to the budget, we have been greatly impacted by the stock market and now, due to the strength of the market and the economy, there\u2019s a lot of money in the budget. Budget items include $10 billion in COVID relief and $12 billion to address homelessness.\u00a0 Public education funding will go up across the board.\u00a0 There is also funding for tourism and TV and film tax credits to keep production here, as well as funding for the arts\/creative sector.\u00a0 Additionally, there is resiliency funding related to climate change and wildfires.\u00a0 There are also victories for the Palisades and coastal communities.\u00a0 He was able to get $2 million for maintenance and any needed project upgrades at Topanga and Will Rogers Parks. He worked closely with the PPCC Chair and Joe Halper on the Potrero Canyon park, specifically on the missing link:\u00a0 getting safely from the park to the beach.\u00a0 There is $11 million in the budget in funding for building the bridge.\u00a0 The Senator thanks PPCC for its years of support for this project.\u00a0 Construction will commence in the months ahead.<\/p>\n

The Chair<\/u>:\u00a0 Where will funding for the bridge go \u2013 to Caltrans or the City of LA?\u00a0 Sen. Allen<\/u>: It will go to the City but with a Caltrans component; he will get more details about the funding for us.\u00a0 There will be a follow-on bill within a month or two.\u00a0 A question was asked:\u00a0 Where does the bridge start and end?\u00a0 The Chair<\/u>:\u00a0 BOE did a study and had a conceptual design \u2013 the ramps will be ADA compliant, with the bridge\u2019s end spot in a little triangle of dirt next to a bathroom at the lifeguard headquarters.\u00a0 This shouldn\u2019t take away any parking spaces.\u00a0 On the bluff side it will switch back or will be one long ramp, ending near the mouth of the canyon at the south end.<\/p>\n

The Secretary<\/u>:\u00a0 PPCC opposes the motion to place homeless housing at Will Rogers State Beach.\u00a0 We know that the Senator supports our beaches, parks and natural resources.\u00a0 Can he intercede on our behalf with the State park officials to stop this from moving forward?\u00a0 Sen. Allen<\/u>:\u00a0 He understands that this is now being studied for feasibility.\u00a0 His perspective is that public access to the coastline is important.\u00a0 He knows the parking lot is used for fire command and staging.\u00a0 He thinks there are lots of problems with the proposal. He would be surprised if the CAO came back with a finding of feasibility.\u00a0 He has expressed concerns but is operating under the assumption that the City is unlikely to suggest moving forward. The Secretary<\/u>:\u00a0 We have seen through documents produced in response to our Public Requests Act requests that the City and County were working on completing the feasibility study months before the motion was even brought in City Council.\u00a0 Sen. Allen<\/u>:\u00a0 We should connect offline on this issue. He would like to know more. He asked whether we have had conversations with CM Bonin\u2019s office.\u00a0 The Chair<\/u>:\u00a0 CM Bonin came to our meeting on April 8 and basically surprised us with this proposal. Unknown to us at the time, the Councilmember and his staff had been meeting with officials for almost a year about this matter, including with Coastal Commission staff.<\/p>\n

The Treasurer<\/u>:\u00a0 Can we count on you publicly stating your opposition to this proposal?\u00a0 Sen. Allen<\/u>:\u00a0 He has problems with this but wants to look at all the data and the proposal before making a hard commitment.\u00a0 He will meet with us offline.\u00a0 The Treasurer<\/u>:\u00a0 We believe the next few weeks are very important; your connections are very important and we hope you can squelch this. \u00a0Sen. Allen<\/u>:\u00a0 He will try to meet with Assemblymember Bloom and coordinate with him as well.<\/p>\n

Beth Holden-Garland (PPRA)<\/u>:\u00a0 We have strongly expressed all our concerns. Our Councilmember is not on the same page as his constituents.<\/p>\n

Nina Madok<\/u>:\u00a0 She reiterated the information about the new organization, Beaches and Parks 4 All.\u00a0 They are advocating for free public access to all of our beaches and parks.\u00a0 She would be happy to meet with the Senator to discuss the work that has been done; she would like to present information on the impact of this proposal.<\/p>\n

Eric Dugdale<\/u>:\u00a0 He is concerned about bridge location if homeless housing would also be placed next to the bridge.<\/p>\n

Sen. Allen<\/u>:\u00a0 He looks forward to our meeting and learning more; he hears our concerns.<\/p>\n

The Chair thanked Sen. Allen for speaking with us and for helping to secure funding for the pedestrian bridge.<\/p>\n

11.2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0(Tentative\/as time allows) City Redistricting Discussion<\/u> \u2013 \u201cCommunities of interest\u201d and other factors relevant to redrawing the City Council district boundaries for Pacific Palisades. \u00a0\u00a0The matter was deferred due to lack of time.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Adjournment.<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.<\/p>\n

Return to 2021 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Return to 2021 Minutes Voting Members in Attendance: \u00a0David Card, David Kaplan, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Karen Ridgley, Haldis Toppel, Jenny Li, Matt Quiat, Alan Goldsmith, Beth Holden-Garland, Peter Powell, Craig Natvig, Eric Dugdale, Richard Blumenberg, Brenda Theveny, Jim Kirtley, Reza Akef, Fay Vahdani Voting Alternates: \u00a0Melanie Bouer Non-voting Advisors and Alternates: \u00a0Michael […]<\/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-9707","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9707","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=9707"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9707\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9707"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}