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All PPCC meetings from March 12 though June 11 were CANCELED due to the coronavirus pandemic & related conditions -- No minutes.

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MINUTES FROM JUNE 25th 2020

Special Meeting held via Zoom videoconference.
**Voting Members in Attendance:** David Card, David Kaplan, Chris Spitz, Richard Cohen, Maryam Zar, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Steve Cron, Haldis Toppel, Steve Boyers, Alan Goldsmith, Barbara Marinacci, Dick Wulliger, Rick McGeagh, John Padden, Rick Mills, Brenda Theveny
**Voting Alternates:** Kevin Niles
**Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:** Susan Orenstein, Marilyn Wexler, Quentin Fleming, Cathy Russell, Melanie Bouer, Patti Post, Zennon Ulyate-Crow 1.**Call to Order and Reading of Community Council’s Mission.** The Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 5:30pm and Joanna Spak read the Mission Statement. 2.**Technical Engineer introduction and introduction of the Board (roll call) and Audience**. The Chair introduced the Zoom Engineer Alex Ponting and called the roll of voting Board members in attendance. Other introductions were deferred. 3\. **Certification of Quorum.** The Chair certified that a quorum was present. 4.******Chair’s Announcement.** Executive Committee authorization to proceed with virtual PPCC meetings on June 25 and June 30 (distributions and Board vote on proposed Bylaws amendments); Board ratification of Executive Committee authorization. _See CA Corporations Code Sec. 5510(
a) and CA Dept. of Justice Charity Governance During the COVID-19 Pandemic (p. 2):_<https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/charities/publications/charities-covid19-governance.pdf>.
The Chair welcomed members of the Board and audience to PPCC’s first Special Zoom meeting.
He explained that the Executive Committee has authorized Special Zoom meetings on June 25 and June 30 for the purpose of the required two distributions and Board vote on proposed Bylaws amendments.
The amendments will allow PPCC Board meetings to be held virtually going forward during exigent circumstances.
This will be explained more fully by the Bylaws Committee Chair Richard Cohen.
He also explained that we have learned from the authorities cited in the agenda that authorization for virtual meetings is proper since our Bylaws do not expressly prohibit virtual meetings.
The Chair called for the Board to ratify the Executive Committee’s authorization of the June 25 and June 30 Special Zoom meetings.
The Board unanimously ratified the Executive Committee’s authorization of the meetings. 5.**Bylaws Committee Report (** Richard G.
Cohen, Chair) and First Distribution of Proposed PPCC Bylaws Amendments, recommended by the Bylaws Committee (“Amendments”).
Motion by the Bylaws Committee for Board adoption of Amendments (Second Distribution and Board vote on motion to take place on
June 30, 2020). See the following documents distributed concurrently with this meeting agenda via PPCC email and posted on the PPCC website: 1) Committee Report: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bylaws-Cmte-Report-June-2020.2.pdf>. 2) Amendments “Redline”: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Suggested-Bylaws-Amendments-June-2020-Redline.pdf>. 3) Amendments “Clean”: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Suggested-Bylaws-Amendments-June-2020-Clean.pdf>. The Committee Chair summarized the Committee’s Report and the proposed Bylaws amendments. He explained that this was the First Distribution of the proposed amendments, as required by the Bylaws, and that the Second Distribution and Board vote on the amendments would occur at the next meeting on June
30. A question was asked as to whether the amendments allow for electronic meetings other than Zoom; the Committee Chair explained that yes, the amendments allow electronic meetings of all types, with the format to be decided by a majority of the Executive Committee upon a finding of exigent circumstances. He also stated that he would answer additional questions if there are any at the next meeting.
5.
5. **Addition to agenda -- Announcement by Lisa Cahill,** CD11 Palisades-Brentwood Deputy.
Ms.
Cahill announced that she has accepted another position to become Executive Director of a non-profit organization.
She cannot disclose the name until the organization makes the announcement.
She will be leaving CD11 as of June 30 and a new deputy will be appointed in due course.
She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to work with PPCC and the entire Palisades community.
The Chair and other Board members, including Chris Spitz (Secretary), Sue Kohl (Area 5 Representative), Rick McGeagh (PPBA/Recreation Representative), Steve Cron (Area 2 Representative) and Alan Goldsmith (At-large Representative) related their positive experiences with Ms.
Cahill and thanked her for her excellent service to Pacific Palisades. 6.**General Public Comment.********** 6.1.******_I_** _ngrid Steinberg_ (resident) asked PPCC to add a discussion item on the next agenda about becoming a certified Neighborhood Council.
The Secretary and PPCC Chair Emeritus Maryam Zar (also Chair of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils/WRAC) briefly remarked on past PPCC discussions about this issue; on PPCC’s history as a Community Council and model for the Neighborhood Council system; on some of the reasons why the PPCC Board had decided on several occasions to remain independent from the City and decline becoming a Neighborhood Council; and on our participation as an active member of WRAC along with other Community Councils and Neighborhood Councils on the Westside.
The Secretary stated she would be happy to provide more information to Ms.
Steinberg and the Chair indicated that he could continue the conversation with her at another time after the meeting. 7\. **Adjournment.** The Chair announced that the next PPCC Special Zoom meeting will take place on June 30 for the Second Distribution and vote on Bylaws amendments.
He adjourned the meeting at 6:30pm.

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MINUTES FROM JUNE 30th 2020

Special Meeting held via Zoom videoconference.
**Voting Members in Attendance:** David Card, David Kaplan, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Haldis Toppel, Steve Cron, David Peterson, Steve Boyers, Rick Mills, Alan Goldsmith, Brenda Theveny, Cathi Ruddy, Barbara Marinacci, John Padden, Jan Ostendorf, Amy Baker, Fay Vahdani
**Voting Alternates:** Andrew Wolfberg
**Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:** Melanie Bouer, Cathy Russell, Kevin Niles 1.**Call to order and reading of Mission Statement.** The Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 5:31pm and Steve Boyers read the Mission Statement 2.**Introduction of Zoom engineer.** The Chair welcomed everyone and introduced the technical engineer Alex Ponting. Introductions of the Board and audience were deferred. 3.**Roll call of voting members and certification of quorum.** The Chair called the roll of voting members and certified that there was a quorum. 4\. **Approval of Minutes.**__ The minutes of
February 27, 2020 were approved. The Chair described the upcoming Zoom meetings, authorized by the Executive Committee (depending on Bylaws amendments and the Executive Committee’s determination as to exigent circumstances) –
July 9, 2020 and
July 23, 2020 (Special Meeting). 5.******Consideration of Agenda.****** Agenda Items 9.1 and 9.2 will be taken out of order, following Item
6. 6.**Treasurer’s Report.** The Treasurer Richard G. Cohen reported that PPCC's cash balance is $40,472.
79. The last significant transaction was the payment of $964.00 on March 5 for the renewal of our general liability insurance policy. ******7.****General Public Comment** – None. 8\. **Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. _Actions & positions taken by the Executive Committee from March – June, 2020 (period of time when Board was unable to meet due to the pandemic);_ see <https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/organizations/> (Documents/ Motions & Positions – Subjects: Planning & Density, Marinette Rd. Project/Tree Removals, Homeless Shelter & Public Safety, Community Council Elections/Coronavirus, Budget/Public Safety). The Chair explained that the Board will be asked to ratify these actions/positions at the July 9 Zoom Board meeting (if Bylaws amendments pass). 8.1.2**.**_Executive Committee authorization of officers’ nomination/election process & time frame (contingent on Board’s passing of Bylaws amendments)_. The Chair explained that the Board will be asked to ratify the process & time frame authorized by the Executive Committee at the July 9 Zoom Board meeting. The process and time frame were set out in the agenda.
8.
2. _From Officers_.
8.
2.
1. Chris Spitz (Secretary). Housing density bills update. The Secretary briefly updated the Board on the status of recent housing bills, as detailed in her written update distributed with the agenda: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Update-on-Housing-Bills.pdf>_._
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_.
8.
3.
1. Andrew Wolfberg (Area 8 1st Alternate) asked if anyone has been hired to replace Lisa Cahill as the CD11 Palisades Deputy and where should people go with their questions after Lisa’s departure. The Chair stated that Lisa’s last day was June 30 and that her replacement hasn’t been named yet, but she had shared information about the staffers we should speak with to address any issues. The Secretary noted that Lisa had mentioned Matt Tecle (assistant District Director) and a constituent advocate named Durrah; the Secretary will post their contact information on the PPCC website under Government Contacts.
8.
3.
2. Haldis Toppel (Area 3 Representative) announced that she would be attending a Zoom conference with LAPD and LAFD representatives regarding unhealthy and dangerous activities that are taking place at the state park at the top of Lachman Lane. She would like to see the road closed at that location. Excessive speeding often occurs on Lachman Lane and there have been a number of accidents in the afternoon and at night. She is also asking for extra traffic control in the area.
8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_ – None.
8.
5. _From Government Offices / Representatives_. _Contact information available at:_<https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/>_._
8.
5.
1. LAPD Officer Brian Espin, West Division Community Relations (reporting for SLO Michael Moore).
Officer Espin introduced himself and explained that SLO Moore will be on vacation for the next 4-5 weeks.
Officer Espin’s email address is [374300@lapd.online](mailto:374300@lapd.online).
He described crime stats for the last several weeks and noted that the biggest problem is robbery from vehicles.
Most of these crimes are conducted by opportunists who check car doors to see if they are locked and look in car windows to see if anything valuable is inside.
He encouraged everyone to abide by the motto “Lock it, hide it, keep it.” There were six burglaries in the last month.
Sometimes people use patio furniture to climb up to the 2nd floor of homes and enter through open windows or patio doors.
He advised that everyone should make sure their windows are locked.
There are juveniles working in every neighborhood and looking to steal phones.
He described a battery incident in the Via de las Olas bluffs neighborhood in which a person brandished a knife. LAPD does not yet have an ID on the assailant. A resident asked about an incident involving a gunshot that also took place on the Via de las Olas bluffs.
Officer Espin did not have information about that incident.
He noted that to deter crime in our neighborhoods, everyone should look out for their neighbors.
He also reiterated that it is illegal to use fireworks.
Residents should report crimes by calling 911 or 1-877-ASK-LAPD (273-5273).
8.
5.
2. Janet Turner, District Supervisor, U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu. Ms. Turner briefly described legislation that the Congressman supports, including his recently-introduced bill to levy penalties on individuals who defy congressional subpoenas. She noted that the office is open for help with federal issues. The office phones are working and calls are directed to staff members’ individual phones. She also stated that Congressman Lieu is arranging to hold a couple of town halls involving small business and criminal justice.
8.
5.
3. Zachary Gaidzik, West-Metro LA Field Deputy, LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl _(see Item 11.1 below)._
8.
6. _From PPCC Advisors_ – None. 9.**Reports from Committees**.
9.
1. _Bylaws Committee_ (Richard G.
Cohen, Chair; David Kaplan, Chris Spitz & Andrew Wolfberg). **Second Distribution of Proposed PPCC** Bylaws Amendments, recommended by the Bylaws Committee (“Amendments”).
Motion by the Bylaws Committee for Board adoption of Amendments; vote on Motion.
See the following documents distributed concurrently with this meeting agenda via PPCC email and posted on the PPCC website: 1) Committee Report: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bylaws-Cmte-Report-June-2020.2.pdf>. 2) Amendments “Redline”: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Suggested-Bylaws-Amendments-June-2020-Redline.pdf>. 3) Amendments “Clean”: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Suggested-Bylaws-Amendments-June-2020-Clean.pdf>.**** The Committee Chair briefly described the proposed amendments and moved on behalf of the Committee for the Board to adopt the amendments.
No second was needed as the motion was made by a committee of more than one voting member.
The PPCC Chair called for discussion but there were no questions and no discussion ensued.
The vote was then called. _Result_ : unanimous in favor of the motion and adoption of the amendments. **** 9.2.****_Nominating Committee_ (Sue Kohl, Chair; Steve Cron & Cathi Ruddy).
Announcement of Committee’s nomination of PPCC officer candidates for the 2020-2021 term.
Following the announcement: Board member nominations of officer candidates will be open until 15 minutes before the close of the July 9 Board meeting. _Bylaws Art. VII.2._ The Committee Chair announced the nominees as follows: David Card, Chair; David Kaplan, Vice-Chair; Richard Cohen, Treasurer; Chris Spitz, Secretary.
She explained that all the current officers have indicated that they are willing to continue to serve in these positions, and the Committee members are pleased to make these nominations.
The PPCC Chair then announced that Board member nominations for officer positions are now open and will be received until 15 minutes before the scheduled close of the next Board meeting on July 9 (pending Board ratification of the election process and time line). 10\. **Old Business** – None. 11.**New Business.**
11.
1. **** Zachary Gaidzik, West-Metro LA Field Deputy, LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.
Updates on status of the County’s coronavirus response and the November election voting process. Q&A. __Discussion only__ _._ Regarding the pandemic: Mr.
Gaidzik explained that there have been significant increases in positive cases since the re-opening of the economy.
After reading the statistics on the increasing cases and hospitalizations he advised that it would be prudent for everyone to slow down.
There has been an increase in testing capacity.
The County has tested over one million people and the positivity rate is 9 (an increase over the past few weeks).
He advised that at this point it is best to get tested from an individual doctor or health care provider rather than waiting to be tested at the free testing sites.
He came down with a Covid-19 infection early on and he knows the importance of testing.
If you are unable to obtain a test through a private doctor, you are still eligible for free testing if you have symptoms, or are over 65, or have underlying conditions, or if you are an essential worker or live in in a congregate setting.
Mr.
Gaidzik also explained: We are still in the midst of the pandemic.
The best protection is to wash hands, self-isolate if you are sick, wear a clean face covering, practice social distancing, and avoid touching your face.
If you might be interacting with anyone outside of your own household you should wear a face covering, which helps to suspend droplets and prevent infection of others.
Yesterday the County issued a new order to close all beaches for the July 4th weekend.
We need to prevent crowded conditions that could result in further spread of the virus.
Fireworks displays are also prohibited.
Regarding homelessness: LAHSA has sheltered many people, including with the Project Room Key program, and they want to shelter many more.
Mr.
Gaidzik summarized efforts to provide both temporary and permanent supportive housing, and noted that other alternatives or solutions are being considered.
The Supervisors have adopted a countywide cultural policy.
There have been various initiatives.
Supervisor Kuehl supports a motion to provide for a plan to purchase and distribute 3M facemasks to those in need.
The County Supervisors have begun the process of budget deliberation.
They are looking at substantial cuts, with an 8% decrease in all departments across the County.
Regarding voting: The Supervisors have now mandated that every person who is registered to vote will receive a vote-by-mail ballot.
In terms of the voting center locations: the number of people who need to utilize these centers has decreased.
One of the big problems in the last election was that when voters first wanted to enter a center in order to vote, there was difficulty connecting to a server at the outset in order for staffers to verify voter information.
The Supervisors are looking into the technology and the reasons why there was such a bottleneck.
Supervisor Kuehl has also brought a motion mandating an investigation into how polling places are conducted in terms of safety.
The key during the next election is that everyone will have a vote-by-mail ballot.
The County will encourage all eligible individuals to register to vote early, in order to receive a vote-by-mail ballot before the election.
Steve Boyers (Area 7 Representative) noted that during the last election poor directions were given as to how to help voters and very little assistance was provided.
Mr.
Gaidzik replied that he has heard that same report form many others and they want to make sure that these problems don’t happen again.
In the November election voters will be able to go straight to the front of line and drop mail-in ballots in the box at any voting center.
The voting center in the Palisades will most likely be at the Palisades Recreation Center but he can’t officially confirm this at this time.
Supervisor Kuehl’s staff are telecommuting and constituents should feel free to send email messages to the staff with questions or concerns. __**** 12\. **Adjournment.** The Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:40pm.

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MINUTES FROM JULY 9th 20th 2020

Meeting held via Zoom videoconference.
**Voting Members in Attendance:** David Card, David Kaplan, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Steve Cron, David Peterson, Rick Mills, Alan Goldsmith, Brenda Theveny, Barbara Marinacci, John Padden, Fay Vahdani, Rick McGeagh, Dick Wulliger
**Voting Alternates:** Kevin Niles, Robin Meyers, Cathy Russell
**Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:** Rob Weber, Melanie Bouer 1.**Call to order and reading of Mission Statement.** The Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. Robin Meyers read the Mission Statement 2.**Introduction of Zoom engineer.** The Chair welcomed everyone and introduced the technical engineer Alex Ponting. Introductions of the Board and audience were deferred. 3.**Roll call of voting members and certification of quorum.** The Chair called the roll of voting members and certified that there was a quorum. 4\. **Approval of Minutes.** The minutes of June 25 and
June 30, 2020 were approved. The Chair described the upcoming meetings, authorized by the Executive Committee (depending on the Board’s ratification of the nomination/election process and timeline) –
July 23, 2020 (Special Meeting: officer candidates’ forum, if required, & officers’ election; announcement of incumbent elected Representatives running for re-election);
August 13, 2020 (Board meeting: announcement of candidates running for Area & At-large Representatives’ election); and
August 27, 2020 (Special Meeting: candidates’ forum, if required due to contested elections). Councilmember Mike Bonin and LAPD Capt. Jonathan Tom are confirmed to attend, respectively, the meetings of July 23 and August
13. 5.******Consideration of Agenda.****** Agenda Items may be taken out of order at the discretion of the Chair. 6\. **Treasurer’s Report.** The Treasurer Richard G. Cohen reported that PPCC's cash balance is $39,910.
07. The only significant transactions in the last few weeks related to setting up the PPCC Zoom meetings. He announced that it's time for the annual Treasurer's Report as required by the Bylaws and noted that the full Report would be attached to the minutes _[see Agenda Attachment below]._ He summarized the following highlights of the Report:

* It cost about $4,100 to run PPCC for the past year, of which $1,500 was the expense of liability and directors & officers insurance premiums, $1,000 was a gift to PAPA for last year's parade and there was a $400 contribution to the Library for a new sound system. Mailchimp, data and other digital related expense made up the bulk of the balance of expenses.
* Offsetting the costs were profits from our downsized Gala of about $2,000 and other contributions, mostly also related to the holiday event.
* We ended the year just about breaking even with a decrease of $461 in our bank balance. _See Agenda Attachment (Treasurer’s Report) below_.

The Treasurer also commented that the Covid-19 pandemic may prevent a holiday fundraising event this year which suggests that our policy of maintaining and safeguarding a healthy bank balance was a wise course of action. He noted that we currently don't know how long it will be before in-person fundraising events may resume and it is reassuring to know that we have several years of resources to fall back on. 7.******General Public Comment.**
7.
1. _Krishna Thangavelu_ (resident) expressed concern about ongoing illegal fireworks usage on the bluff above the Tahitian Terrace mobile home park. The Chair noted that fireworks have been illegally set off every night for weeks in our bluff areas and along the coast. 8\. **Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. _Executive Committee determination of exigent circumstances/in-person meetings infeasible for at least two regular Board meetings_(Bylaws, Art. IX.1.A). The Execute Committee has found that exigent circumstances (as defined by the bylaws) continue to exist, requiring the meeting to be held virtually rather than in-person.
8.
1.
2. _Actions and positions taken by the Executive Committee from March – June, 2020 (period of time when Board was unable to meet due to the pandemic);_ _Executive Committee_** _request for_** **_Board ratification_** _of the Executive Committee’s actions/positions._ See Agenda Attachment below. The Board unanimously ratified all actions and positions taken by the Executive Committee from March – June, 2020. 8.1.3.****_Officers’ and Area & At-large Representatives’ nomination/election process & time frame, authorized by the Executive Committee; Executive Committee _**_request for_** **_Board ratification_** _of the process & time frame._ See Agenda Attachment below. The Board unanimously ratified the officers’ and Area & At-large Representatives’ nomination/election process & time frame, authorized by the Executive Committee.
8.
1.
4. _Board nominations of officer candidates_ – accepted until 15 minutes before scheduled close of meeting (6:15pm; Bylaws, Art. VII.2) (depending on Board ratification of process & time frame). The Chair stated that Board nominations for officers’ positions would be accepted until 6:15pm. No nominations were made by the Board upon the Chair’s announcement of this item. _See also Item 12 below._ 8.1.5.****_Incumbent Area & At-large Representatives – _deadline for written notification to Chair of intent to run for re-election: one hour before the scheduled start of the July 23rd Special Meeting; incumbents who do not timely submit written notification are deemed conclusively not to be running (depending on Board ratification of process & time frame). See Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 3.D.
2.
The Chair reiterated and explained this requirement and the deadline.
The scheduled start of the July 23rd meeting will likely be 5:30pm, but will be officially noticed in the meeting agenda which will be distributed via Mailchimp to the PPCC email list and posted on the PPCC website at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. 8.1.6.****_Update on 17346 Sunset Blvd. (former JIB site project)._ See 6/3/20 message to Planning: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Message-to-Planning-re-JIB-hearing.pdf>.
The Chair noted that he had designated Joanna Spak (Area 1 Representative) to speak on behalf of PPCC at the 6/6/20 telephonic hearing of this project before a hearing officer for the City Planning Commission/CPC.
She explained that she participated in the hearing (one of 13 persons who testified) and reiterated PPCC’s position that we oppose the project at the proposed height and density in light of the minimal changes in the revised plans.
An additional hearing by the CPC will tentatively take place on August 13, with a written staff recommendation expected approximately ten days before the CPC hearing.
The file will remain open for further written comments until the next hearing.
8.
1.
7. _Appointment of “Community Plan Update” Committee (CPUC_ _)._ The Chair has appointed this new committee to get a head start on the Community Plan update process. The process is expected to begin next year, will take at least three years to complete and will eventually be led by the City. The CPUC will review the Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan (CP) with an eye towards revisions that we would like to see eventually incorporated in the CP. The CPUC will work with a companion committee being formed by Brentwood Community Council, will report back to the Board and will conduct community outreach. The CPUC members are: Richard Blumenberg (PPCC Civic League Representative, LUC member & architect); Patti Post (PPCC Transportation Advisor, LUC member & transportation planner); Howard Robinson (PPCC Area 3 2nd Alternate, LUC Chair & planning consultant); Joanna Spak (PPCC Area 1 Representative & LUC member); Chris Spitz (PPCC Secretary, LUC member & past PPCC Chair); Randy Young (Palisades historian, past PPCC Chair & participant in prior CP revision process); and David Card, PPCC Chair & landscape designer _(ex officio/nonvoting)._
8.
2. _From Officers_.
8.
2.
1. Chris Spitz (Secretary). Further housing density bills update. The Secretary explained that the legislature is now in recess but that all Senate bills that we oppose (as detailed in prior reports and positions) have been sent to the State Assembly and are assigned to the Committee on Local Government. Our Assemblymember Richard Bloom is a member of that Committee. We will continue to monitor and will likely communicate further with ASM Bloom about these bills. The Chair emphasized that these bills apply statewide, that single-family zoning would effectively be eliminated, and that without an unconditional exemption for the fire zone, the greater density caused by these bills would strain our narrow streets and cause unsafe conditions during wildfire evacuations and other emergencies in the Palisades.
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_ – None.
8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_ – None.
8.
5. _From Government Offices / Representatives_. _Contact information available at:_[_https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/_](https://pacpalicc.org/index.php/government-contacts/)_._
8.
5.
1. LAFD Deputy Chief Armando Hogan, West Bureau Commander. _See Item 11.1 below._
8.
5.
2. Janet Turner, Field Supervisor, Congressman Ted Lieu. Ms. Turner announced that the Congressman supports the “Moving Forward Act” (a massive plan to rebuild America’s infrastructure and support families) which recently passed in the House, as well as the action plan by House Democrats on the Select Committee on Climate Change to put the country on a path to reaching net zero carbon pollution by the year 2050. She also advised that this is “Dog Bite Awareness Month” and the U.S. Postal Service wants everyone to know that it has a zero-tolerance policy regarding dog bites: If your dog gets out and bites a mail carrier, you will be permanently prohibited from receiving mail delivery at your home.
8.
5.
3. Durrah Wagner, CD11 Constituent Advocate. Ms. Wagner introduce herself and encouraged the community to contact her with questions and concerns. The Secretary noted that Ms. Wagner’s contact information is on the PPCC website under Resources/Government Contacts.
8.
6. _From PPCC Advisors_ – None. 9.**Reports from Committees** – None. 10\. **Old Business** – None. 11.**New Business.** 11.1.**LAFD Deputy Chief Armando Hogan, West Bureau Commander.** The Chair welcomed Deputy Chief Hogan, who introduced himself and provided brief background information on his service with LAFD. This is his 38th year with the Fire Department. He is Commander of the West Bureau, which is responsible for a large area of Los Angeles encompassing many neighborhoods on the Westside, from Hollywood (where he is headquartered) to Westchester/LAX to the Palisades. **** Q&A then ensued, with the Chair first asking questions that had been submitted in advance by Board members: Q: What is the progress on brush clearance inspections and compliance in the Palisades? A: The Department conducts this process by fire station districts; in the Palisades these are Stations 69 and
23.
From a total parcel perspective, there are 5,606 single family dwellings in the Palisades; of that number, 5,319 passed inspections and 295 non-compliance notices were sent out.
He also provided compliance/non-compliance figures on public parcels in the Palisades.
Inspectors will conduct follow-up on those that didn’t pass inspections.
Because of COVID-19 everything has been pushed back.
Visit the LAFD website brush clearance page (“Brush”) for updated information and timetables _[_[_https://www.lafd.org/fire-prevention/brush_](https://www.lafd.org/fire-prevention/brush) _]._ LAFD is also working with Recreation and Parks and LADWP, at times using bulldozers for brush clearance in areas within their jurisdiction. Q: What is the impact of the new City budget cuts on the level of service in the Palisades, specifically the strength and operations of our two stations? A: We are fortunate as the budget relates to LAFD, because Stations 69 and 23 will be untouched and will still have the same levels of staffing and service. Q: Is there any possibility that we may still have a fire evacuation drill in the Palisades?
Can it be done in a virtual manner? A: The Department is looking at both.
He believes the drill would be more beneficial if done in-person, but he has a new staff member who can do simulations and they will see how that will go. LAFD uses Google Meet for virtual meetings.
He would like to get together with the community and talk about brush and changing terminology; for example, evacuations are no longer called “Voluntary” or “Mandatory,” but instead are now described as either a “Warning” or an “Order.” He explained the differences.
The reason for the changed terminology was to make the orders easier for residents to understand.
He may arrange for a virtual meeting for us in the near future. Q/Comments: There is a wetland area within Recreation and Parks/RAP land at the top of Temescal Canyon Park, opposite the RAP maintenance gate, which was recently cut back significantly.
Cindy Kirven (PPCC Forestry Committee Chair) explained further: This is a riparian zone which is home to frogs and has other ecological benefits.
The landscape company hired to do brush clearance didn’t cut back deadwood from trees but instead weed-whacked wetland plants and thus destroyed the ecology.
The agencies need to do better management of fire preparedness, and to be mindful of ecological issues as well as fire protection. A: This was not an LAFD hire. RAP made the hire from its fire prevention/brush clearance unit.
It has been brought to LAFD’s attention.
The Department has reached out to RAP and will follow up to ensure that we are all better versed in the ecology and habitats when doing brush clearance.
It’s on the radar and has been discussed.
Additional questions/comments from audience and board members: Cheryl Zomber (resident): There are continuous problems on the fire road that connects Marquez Knolls and the Highlands, which she described in detail, including parties with BBQs and alcohol in that area, two car accidents near the top of Lachman Lane by partiers, and illegal fireworks.
She has been working with Councilmember Bonin’s office on traffic issues and needs help from LAFD.
The gate to the fire road is locked on the Marquez side but needs to be locked on the Highlands side.
Residents would like LAFD and LAPD to put up locks and chains on both sides of the road.
Chief Hogan: Residents should speak with Station
23.
He went to inspect this condition a few years ago.
Some residents were concerned about how they would get out if the gate were locked.
The captains at Station 23 will let her know what the best method is for dealing with the gate.
This is really an easement, not an actual fire road. LAFD will do whatever is best using an abundance of caution.
He reiterated that he will leave this up to the local fire company as they will know best what to do about the gate.
Steve Cron (Area 2 Representative): He participated in a walkaround of the area last fall.
He doesn’t know if there is uniformity of opinion on what should be done with the gate.
He recalls that LAFD wanted to be the agency to determine what should be open.
He’s not sure people in the Highlands agree with upper Lachman Lane residents on what to do.
Chief Hogan: He doesn’t have a problem with locking the gate but he will revisit the issue and will discuss further with concerned residents offline.
Rick McGeagh (PPBA Representative): He lives alongside Will Rogers State Historic Park.
There is an area on Sunset Blvd. between the State Park Road and the switchback along Sunset that isn’t cleared of brush.
There had been a dispute over which agency is responsible for brush clearance in this area: Park Rangers or LAFD?
He read from a statement received from the Park Rangers: There is now agreement that LAFD will clear the area.
Chief Hogan: LAFD is working with the “Alert Wildfire” project.
This is an initiative sponsored by universities that involves placing cameras in the wildland environment as a “pre-fire” measure. LAFD is looking for help from the community as to where cameras should be located.
The goal is fire prevention, not surveillance of individuals.
Cameras should be in an elevated location. CERT members will probably monitor.
Areas with poor cell service are ideal spots to locate cameras in order to help firefighters spot fire incidents early on.
Send ideas for camera locations to [info.@pacpalicc.org](mailto:info.@pacpalicc.org) or to Dave Card. PPCC will pass the ideas on to Chief Hogan.
Patrick Hart (resident): He has questions about brush clearance related to homeless-set fires.
There was a fire in the lower bluffs last week and a fire in Castellammare this morning with homeless articles present.
Does LAFD investigate homeless fires?
Also, there is a homeless encampment in Marquez Canyon (the area to the east of the Highlands Starbucks, off of Sunset) where the property owner can’t be found.
What can LAFD do about brush clearance in that area?
Chief Hogan: Go to “Brush” on LAFD.org.
Scroll down to “reporting a homeless encampment.” LAFD works with LAHSA and other agencies to identify locations.
The Department can’t always investigate fires of any type of suspicion.
Sometimes if they get to the scene and it’s a small fire, they won’t necessarily call out the arson unit.
Usually they’ll document the fire if it’s in a homeless encampment.
Patrick Hart: Is there any plan to clear brush on the steep hillside below the Via bluffs?
Chief Hogan: There’s always a plan; he doesn’t know the timetable but will make sure local inspectors are aware of the problem.
The Chair thanked Chief Hogan for speaking to the Board and community and answering our questions. **** 12.**Adjournment.** At 6:14pm the Chair called for nominations from Board members for officer positions.
There were no nominations and at 6:15pm the Chair announced that nominations were closed.
Discussion of agenda items continued until the meeting was adjourned at 6:40pm.
**ATTACHMENTS:** **_Item 6 – Annual Treasurer’s Report_** **PPCC Treasurer's Report
June 1, 2019 -
May 31, 2020** |
---|---
| | |
Balance 6/1/2019 | | | 40,902
| | |
Balance 5/31/2020 | | | 40,441
| | |
Decrease in Funds | | | _-461_
| | |
| | |
| | |
Regular Contributions (many Gala related) | | 1,572
| | |
Rent - Use of Library Room | 108 |
Insurance | | 1,500 |
Mailchimp / Data / Misc | 1,113 |
PAPA, LAFD, Library gifts | 1,460 |
P.O. Box Rental | | 150 |
Other Expenses ($500 refund, small misc) | -231 |
Total Operating Expenses | | _4,100_
| | |
Operating Loss | | | -2,528
| | |
Dinner & Tribute Revenue | 8,295 |
| | |
Event Costs | | 6,228 |
Event Profit | | | _2,067_
| | |
Decrease in Funds | | | _-461_
| | |
Total Decrease since
June 1, 2019 | | _-461_
**_Item 8.1.2 --_****_Actions and Positions taken by the Executive Committee_** Budget/Public Safety: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/PPCC-EC-Letter-re-funding.pdf> Homeless Shelter/Public Health, Safety: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/PPCC-EC-Letter-re-homeless-shelter-plan.pdf> <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/PPCC-EC-Letter-to-Mayor-re-homeless-shelter.pdf> <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/PPCC-Letter-re-Homeless-Health-Safety.pdf> <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PPCC-EC-Letter-to-Mayor-re-homeless-shelter-2.pdf> Housing Density Bills: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/PPCC-EC-Letter-re-SB902Appropriations.pdf> <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/PPCC-EC-Letter-Senate-Housing-Density-Bills.pdf> <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Fire-Hazard-Exemption-Policy.pdf> Marinette Rd.
Project: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/PPCC-Letter-re-1270-Marinette2R.pdf> Resolution Suspending Elections: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/PPCC-Executive-Committee-Resolution-re-Suspension.pdf>**** **_Item 8.1.3 – Officers’ and Area & At-large Representatives’ Nomination/Election Process & Time Frame, authorized by the Executive Committee_** **_Officers’ Process & Time Frame:_** **June 30**
**– Special Board Meeting:** 1) Nominating Committee announcement of officer nominations; 2) Board member nominations open and accepted until 15 mins. before close of July 9 Special Board Meeting (Bylaws, Art. VII.1-2) **July 9**
**– July Board Meeting:** Board member nominations of officers accepted until 15 mins. before close of meeting (Bylaws, Art. VII.2) **July 23**
**– Special Board Meeting:** 1) Officer candidates forum held (if any contested seats); 2) election of officers for 2020-2021 term. _If necessary due to contested offices,_ majority of EC will decide on alternate voting procedures (Bylaws, Art. VII.3-4 & IV.1.C) **_Area & At-large Representatives’ Process & Time Frame:_**
**On or before July 23 Special Board Meeting:** Chair to appoint the Election Committee for the election of Area & At-large Representatives for the 2020-2022 term; _if the office of Chair is contested,_ the current Chair to coordinate with the opposing candidate/s in appointing Committee members (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 1.A)
**One hour before scheduled start of July 23 Special Board Meeting:** Deadline for incumbents to submit written notification to Chair of intention to run for re-election for the 2020-2022 term (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 3.D.2) **July 23**
**– Special Board Meeting:** 1) Announcement of Chair’s appointment of the Election Committee; 2) Announcement of incumbents running for re-election for the 2020-2022 term (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 3.D.2) **On or before July 30** : Nominating Committee to distribute Notice of Election Nominations to the public (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 2.A)
**One hour before scheduled start of August 13 Board Meeting:** Deadline for candidates, including incumbents, to submit Candidate Statements to the Chair (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 3.D.1)
**August 13 – August Board Meeting:** Chair announces names of candidates running for Area and At-large Representative positions; if necessary due to a candidate’s name being erroneously omitted from the announced list, majority of EC will decide on an alternate procedure for the candidate to submit required documents (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 3.D.1)
**Upon adjournment of August 13 Board Meeting:** Campaigning may commence (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 3.H.1)
**August 27 – Special Board Meeting:** Candidates forum held (if any contested offices) (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 6)
**September 4 (8 days after the Aug. 27 Board Meeting):** Election ballot link published on PPCC website and voting commences (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 4.B.2) **September 18 (2 weeks after voting commences)** – Deadline for submission of ballots (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 5.C)
**Between September 18-24:** Election Committee to count ballots and determine winners; if necessary, majority of Committee will decide on an alternate virtual procedure to count ballots and/or for coin toss, if required in case of a tie (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 7.A-C)
**September 24 – Board Meeting:** Deadline for Election Committee to announce names of winners and vote count, first to candidates and then to the public (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 7.D)
**Ten days after public release of election results:** Deadline for any challenge to election results (Attachment A to Bylaws, Sec. 7.F)
**October 1:** Term of office for newly-elected Area & At-large Representatives begins (Bylaws, Art. VIII.2.B, Art. XI); if any election challenge is made pursuant to Sec. 7.F of Attachment A and is not resolved before October 1, the current Representative of the challenged seat shall remain in office until the challenge is resolved.

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MINUTES FROM JULY 23rd 2020

Special Meeting held via Zoom videoconference