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**MINUTES FROM AUGUST 13th, 2020**

Meeting held via Zoom videoconference
**Voting Members in Attendance:** David Card, David Kaplan, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Steve Cron, Steve Boyers, Alan Goldsmith, Brenda Theveny, Barbara Marinacci, Dick Wulliger, Rick McGeagh, Reza Akef, Haldis Toppel, Cathi Ruddy, David Peterson* _(*arrived late)_
**Voting Alternates:** Kevin Niles,* Richard Blumenberg, Peter Powell, Marilyn Wexler* _[*non-voting]_
**Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:** Zennon Ulyate-Crow, Mary Mueller, Melanie Bouer, Jason Sklar, _[* Kevin Niles, Marilyn Wexler]_ 1.**Call to order and reading of Mission Statement.** The Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. Richard G. Cohen 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
July 23, 2020 were approved. The Chair described the upcoming meetings – _August 27, 2020_ (Special Meeting): topic: candidates’ forum for candidates running in the Area & At-large Representatives’ election (contested seats);
September 10, 2020 (tentative Board Meeting; possible cancellation due to additional special meetings held during June – August; to be determined at the August 27th Meeting); _September 24, 2020_ (Board Meeting): announcement of election results, Area & At-large Representatives election. 5\. ******Consideration of Agenda.****** Agenda items may be taken out of order at the discretion of the Chair. The Chair announced that because the owner of the property located at 15539 W. Via De La Paz was unable to attend the meeting on August 13, the matter involving possible Board action regarding replacement of dead trees in the public parkway at that property _(see Item 9.3 below)_ will be postponed to a later date (to be announced). 6\. **Treasurer’s Report.** The Treasurer Richard G. Cohen reported that PPCC's cash balance is $39,273.
84. There were no significant transactions since the last report. **** 7.******General Public Comment.**
7.
1. _Shayna Samuels_ (resident) announced that a new Palisades organization, Resilient Palisades, is launching its first online meeting at 7:30pm following the PPCC meeting tonight, August
13. State Senator Ben Allen is the guest speaker. For more information visit the Resilient Palisades website: [ _https://resilientpalisades.org_](https://resilientpalisades.org/) _._ 8\. **Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. _Announcement of Candidates running in the election for Area & At-large Representatives; alternative procedure if name of candidate is erroneously left off the list _(by Executive Committee decision; _ref._ Bylaws Attachment A, Sec. 3.D.I). The Chair announced the candidates running for Area and At-large Representative seats in 2020. _See Attachment 8.1.1 (
b) below for the names of all candidates._ No candidate’s name was read for Area 8 since no application had been received. Reza Akef (Area 8 Representative) asked that his application be accepted late as he stated that he had not been able to email the required Candidate Statement on time due to traffic. Chris Spitz (Secretary) read aloud the alternative procedure if the name of a candidate is erroneously left off the list _(see Attachment 8.1.1 (
a) below)._ She noted that the rules require that the application be timely submitted, which in this case was no later than 4:30pm this evening; Mr. Akef’s application was not received by 4:30pm and thus was not timely. The Secretary also noted that Mr. Akef will remain the Area 8 Representative until the end of the term (September 30). The Chair explained that PPCC’s Bylaws provide for a process for residents to apply to become Alternate Area representatives; the Area 8 seat can be filled via that process, which begins after the election of primary Area Representatives concludes. Mr. Akef may apply at that time along with other eligible and interested residents of Area
8. 8.1.2.****_Appointment of Committees & Advisors, 2020-2021 term_. See: [_www.pacpalicc.org/_](https://pacpalicc.org/) _Leadership tab._ The Chair announced the appointment of Committees, Advisors and Liaisons, pursuant to PPCC’s bylaws, as set forth in the 2020 Committees List: [_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/PPCC-Committees-and-Advisors-2020-2021.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/PPCC-Committees-and-Advisors-2020-2021.pdf) _._ He noted that since Cathi Ruddy (PP Woman’s Club), who had served as our Emergency Preparedness Officer / Liaison with the City’s Emergency Management Dept., has moved out of state, he has appointed K.C. Soll (Palisades resident and C.E.R.T. coordinator) as our Emergency Preparedness Officer / Liaison with the City’s Emergency Management Dept. He thanked Ms. Ruddy and Ms. Soll for their service.
8.
1.
3. _Board approval of Legal & Youth Advisors. _(A) Legal Advisor: The Chair announced that he wished to re-appoint Rob Weber as PPCC’s Legal Advisor. He requested Board approval as required by PPCC’s Bylaws; the Board unanimously approved this appointment. (B) Youth
Advisors: The Chair announced that he wished to re-appoint Zennon Ulyate-Crow, a Palisades High student, as a Youth Advisor, and to appoint Jack Coleman, a Harvard-Westlake student, as an additional Youth Advisor. He requested Board approval as required by PPCC’s Bylaws; the Board unanimously approved the appointments.
8.
1.
4. _Message from LAFD Deputy Chief Armando Hogan re Alert Wildfire cameras._ See: [_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Message-LAFD-Hogan-re-Alert-Wildfire-.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Message-LAFD-Hogan-re-Alert-Wildfire-.pdf) _._ The Chair summarized the message from Chief Hogan regarding placement of the Alert Wildfire cameras. LAFD is looking at three possible locations for set-up cameras: San Vicente, Mandeville Water Tank & UCLA (Santa Monica Medical Center). Additional locations suggested by community members will also be considered. The Chair thanked the many residents who had submitted suggestions for locations.
8.
2. _From Officers_.
8.
2.
1.
Chris Spitz (Secretary).
Update on state housing bills.
See Letter to Assembly Committee: _https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Assembly-housing-density-letter-8-5-20.pdf_ _._ The Secretary reported on several housing bills pending in the state legislature that PPCC has been following: 1) SB 474 (Stern): bill that would prohibit all housing development in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ); Sen.
Stern’s staff still doesn’t have an answer as to whether the bill would prevent homeowners from re-building homes after fires or otherwise, but they’ve advised us that the bill now won’t be taken up in this session or in this year. 2) SB 902 (Weiner): bill that would result in more density in our R1 zones and effectively eliminate single-family zoning; passed by a narrow majority vote this week in the Assembly Local Government Committee; Assemblymember Bloom voted Aye, but with Sen.
Wiener’s promise to amend the bill before it next goes to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, to include an unconditional exemption for VHFHSZ parcels; we will monitor to see whether this occurs. 3) SB 1120 (Atkins): bill that would allow for subdivision of all residential lots and an increase in dwelling units on R1 lots, again resulting in elimination of single-family zoning; Assemblymember Bloom’s staff has been attempting to obtain Sen.
Atkins’ agreement to amend the bill to protect fire zones more completely, but her staff has not responded; meanwhile the bill also passed by a narrow majority in the Local Government Committee, with Assemblymember Bloom abstaining.
He advises that he will continue to press for a bill amendment to provide for an unconditional exemption for the VHFHSZ.
Assemblymember Bloom is also on the Appropriations Committee; that Committee is basically the last stop before the bills go to the Assembly floor for a vote before the end of the month.
We will continue to monitor.
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. Capt. III Jonathan Tom, LAPD West Division Commanding Officer – _See item 11.1 below._
8.
5.
2. Stephen Du Prey, Supervisor, Urban Forestry Division/StreetsLA – _See item 9.3 below._
8.
6. _From PPCC Advisors_ – None. 9\. **Reports from Committees**. _[Note: items misnumbered in agenda; no item 9.1]_
9.
2. _Election Committee_ (David Kaplan, Chair). Update on 2020 Area & At-large Representatives’ election. The Committee Chair thanked all the candidates and stated that the candidates have been advised that they may now begin campaigning consistent with our rules. He also announced that there will be a candidates’ forum on August 27 and the Committee is meeting to determine details about the format, which will be announced shortly. He further reported that the Committee members, in particular Treasurer Richard Cohen and our Technical Advisor Heather Cohen, are working on the ballot interface; voting will begin online on September 4, with information about the ballots and voting process to be distributed in the coming days. Anyone with questions should contact Committee Chair David Kaplan at [dkaplan6@gmail.com](mailto:dkaplan6@gmail.com).
9.
3. _Palisades Forestry Committe_ e (PFC; Cindy Kirven, Chair).
Committee update; request for Board action regarding replacement of dead trees in the public parkway at 15539 W.
Via De Las Olas _[matter postponed to a date to be announced; see item 5 above]._ The Committee Chair Cindy Kirven updated the Board on the PFC’s work.
The Committee members have been busy during the pandemic, meeting weekly via Zoom and creating a 175-tree data base of street and park trees in the Palisades.
The data base includes such information as root-heaving risk, water consumption requirements, canopy provided, branch strength, fire risk and susceptibility to allergies and disease. PFC members are currently working on making recommendations to the PPCC Board for trees to be planted in the parkway for several blocks along Hartzell St. (the PFC's initial "test street").
They are also obtaining additional information to be used for eventual community outreach regarding tree planting and maintenance.
Stephen Du Prey -- a Supervisor with the City's Urban Forestry Division/StreetsLA and an advisor to the PFC -- was also present and provided information on Urban Forestry's work.
He explained that the Division manages street trees and park trees in Los Angeles.
They issue permits, provide advice to homeowners and seek to maintain healthy, mature trees.
Reza Akef asked whether Urban Forestry has pamphlets explaining how homeowners should take care of trees in the public right of way and whether they provide these pamphlets to homeowners.
Mr.
Du Prey replied that yes, the Division has such a pamphlet which it makes available along with many brochures to homeowners.
Mr.
Akef noted that he wasn’t able to find the pamphlet he was referring to on the Urban Forestry website. 10\. **Old Business** – None. 11.**New Business.**
11.
1. ****_Guest Speaker: Capt. III Jonathan Tom, LAPD West Division Commanding Officer_.
Presentation and Q&A. _Discussion only_.
The Chair introduced and welcomed Capt.
Tom and invited him to give an introduction to the Board.
Capt.
Tom thanked the Chair for the invitation and welcome.
He explained that he is currently the Commanding Office of LAPD’s West LA Division.
He is a Level III Captain with 24 years on the job, and has been serving as Commanding Officer for West LA since January 2020.
He served for five years as Commanding Officer of other areas.
He started his career in West LA, with his probation year in 1998.
Capt.
Tom is from a Chinese American family who have been in the U.S. since 1875.
His family runs a popular Chinese restaurant in downtown LA.
He went to USC and University High and has many friends who still live here.
He is happy to be back in the community.
The West LA community is very demanding but supportive of the police overall.
Capt.
Tom stated that the police are here to serve community and that the community deserves answers.
He will give his best effort to answer our questions.
Regarding recent crime on the Westside: Capt.
Tom took some time off this summer and when he returned to work, the next day (August 4th) there was a homicide.
West LA has had three homicides this year, including one that occurred earlier in the year, the one on August 4th and a third homicide that took place on Butler Ave. on August 9th.
He described the unfortunate circumstances of that homicide.
Homicides are up 200% in West Division YTD.
There have been 27 homicides YTD in the entire West area (including Pacific and other Divisions).
The police are also struggling with many grand theft auto incidents.
He wants to get the word out: at least ½ of cars are stolen with key fobs left in or near car.
Generally, the victims won’t admit they left keys in car.
In 70% of cases of cars stolen last week, the owners admitted that the keys were left in car.
There is a trend of cars being stolen.
Fewer people are driving; as a result, more cars are parked on streets and in driveways, suspects are able to go around checking car doors and they are having more success.
The suspects push the starter button and the car starts (if the key is in car) and they drive away.
Typically, they are now stealing cars for use as transportation rather than to obtain parts.
Regarding the issue of large house parties: LAPD is not responsible for turning off water & power to these houses.
Capt.
Tom explained that the police will respond to calls about parties.
Their preference is to give a warning if it’s a family party.
If it’s a short-term rental party and is loud and unruly, officers will issue an administrative citation with a fine of $250.
The amount doubles every time the police are called out, up to a maximum of $8,000.
The amount then remains the same and the fine is $8,000 each time LAPD is called.
This circumstance has been rare. LAPD has deployed extra units on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to respond to loud parties and large gatherings.
The officers in these units have training on how to write citations and do required postings on the property.
Response times will therefore be much shorter since this is the units’ special assignment. LAPD needs to prioritize calls.
Capt.
Tom then reiterated the process per the Mayor’s order Safe LA order: LAPD responds to a call for service, issues either a warning or a citation, posts a sign if cited, then if the party continues will come back and issue another citation and post a sign for violation of the Safe LA order.
The Mayor’s Deputy Mayor for Public Safety receives email notice about the incident and the Deputy Mayor decides along with the City Attorney whether to shut off power to the house; this is usually done for repeat offenders and “party houses.” Regarding defunding the police and the $150,000,000 LAPD budget cut: Capt.
Tom appreciates that the Palisades community wants to know what this will mean for us.
Many people have asked whether we will lose our Senior Lead Officer and our beach patrol unit.
He does not know the answer for sure as he hasn’t received direction yet on resource allocation.
However, he believes we will not lose our SLO who is part of the community policing effort.
He also stated that he will fight very strongly to keep the beach patrol unit.
He explained the reason why we have the unit after Venice had one for many years.
Our beach and bluffs areas are unique and policing in these areas requires special skills, including the ability to drive sand vehicles.
He doesn’t think we will lose the unit but if we are depleted of resources our primary delivery mechanism would be patrol.
If there were insufficient police personnel to respond due to budget cuts, we could lose the beach patrol.
It is estimated that up to 250 police personnel and 100 civilian personnel in LAPD will be lost with the budget cuts.
He has no direction as to how this will impact West LA or Pacific Palisades specifically.
There is a booster organization that will accept donations on behalf of the community for the West Division.
The chair of that organization is Matt Rodman of the Palisades.
Steve Cron (Area 2 Representative) asked Capt.
Tom to relate an incident he had described in a recent podcast about his experience as a young Asian man being stopped by police and the impression it left on him.
Capt.
Tom related the experience, in which as a young USC student he was pulled over by Anaheim police while driving to Disneyland with other Asian American students in his mother’s car.
The car had previously been stolen and returned but not yet recorded as returned.
When the police did a plate check they learned only that the car was stolen.
Capt.
Tom and his friends were handcuffed and placed in squad cards.
Due to his training and the culture in which he was raised, Capt.
Tom politely followed directions and initially felt the incident would be resolved and that he and his friends had nothing to fear.
However, during the incident the police (both the officer who pulled them over and a cadet who was also present) swore at him, did not listen and would not allow him to speak when he attempted to explain that this was his mother’s car and it had been recovered after being previously stolen.
He was shocked at the way he and his friends were treated.
The incident informed his opinion about how policing can go wrong and how police should be treating the community.
He and his friends were in Anaheim, where there were a lot of Asian gangsters, and the police thought they were gangsters.
He realized there was a certain culture in that organization; this allowed him to understand how this kind of behavior can occur.
He feels it’s incumbent on him to change the culture.
The culture at LAPD is now very good, as they have come a long way since the time he joined the police after this incident occurred.
The police have become more compassionate and have a better understanding of how to treat the community.
Capt.
Tom feels they have a responsibility to be sure that they have a culture in which the kind of demeanor displayed during the incident he experienced as a student isn’t acceptable within the Department.
There must be conversations to talk about how these bad interactions can impact perceptions of the police.
Dick Wulliger (PP Historical Society) asked Capt.
Tom what he thinks about recent proposals calling for civilian agencies rather than police to handle certain incidents.
Capt.
Tom: The job of police has become very diverse.
That’s because people know that they work 24/7 and will try to solve whatever the problem is.
Part of the job has now required them to engage in problem-solving such as marriage counseling, business dispute mediation, homeless problems resolution and the like.
In general, there are some situations which can be handled by non-police officers or civilian agencies.
But not all civilian agencies will be staffed at night or 24/7 as police are.
There are times when it’s better for other agencies to respond.
As an example, the police don’t want to be responding to party homes.
But in practicality civilian staff won’t be around all the time that they are needed.
As to unarmed officers or civilians handling traffic stops: Capt.
Tom thinks that’s a bad idea, since these are some of the most dangerous stops a police officer can make.
Many dangerous people drive with guns or other weapons in their cars.
Unarmed civilians doing traffic stops are put at risk as a result.
Domestic violence situations are also potentially extremely volatile.
Many times, there is physical violence in these situations.
If a civilian staffer shows up who doesn’t have the ability to arrest a violent person or protect themselves, that is a concern.
But there are certain types of calls that can be handled by City workers other than police.
Application of these proposals will be complicated.
Alan Goldsmith (At-large Representative) asked whether police will respond to complaints about neighbors partying without masks.
Capt.
Tom: Yes, if you call and report that 20 people are there without masks, LAPD will respond to provide advice and guidance and seek voluntary compliance.
They don’t want to be citing people for not wearing masks as the City has not yet asked the police to do that.
The Chair asked what Capt.
Tom recommends that we say to people who aren’t wearing masks or obeying guidelines.
Capt.
Tom: These are complicated questions.
Many times, it is not what you say but how you say it.
The timing and manner of how this is said is important.
Shaming people in front of others isn’t helpful.
This has resulted in assaults and batteries.
He advises to avoid letting the situation escalate.
People who are not wearing masks have the same information that everyone else has.
David Peterson (Area 6 Representative) wants Capt.
Tom to know that the Palisades community supports and values our police.
The community is not unanimously in support of the defund police movement.
Capt.
Tom expressed thanks for these comments.
The call for defunding and the language used has been a morale killer for the police.
He has basically been called on to become a cheerleader for his officers during this time.
He tells them not to get distracted from their mission of service and the reasons why they became police officers.
Even people who are yelling about defunding still need the police.
In his opinion cutting the budget doesn’t help the situation; more training would be beneficial.
Capt.
Tom will relay to his officers that Pacific Palisades appreciates them.
Matt Quiat (resident): What does he believe the Dept. needs to improve and become better?
Capt.
Tom: LAPD used to do a lot more training; there is less training now.
He’d like to see more training and more exposure by the police to more people.
The more differences we see, we can then know and appreciate that we are all alike, with the same goals.
As an example, he described his own experience responding to a protest at the Azerbaijani Embassy in which he learned about issues involving a culture that he was previously unaware of and as a result was better able to understand and appreciate the people and situation involved.
We need more exposure so that we can understand other peoples’ experiences and perspectives.
Sharon Kilbride (PPCC Homelessness Advisor): Capt.
Tom has been amazing since he’s come on duty as Commanding Officer.
Without his help the Homeless Task Force would not be as successful in housing people and getting them off the streets.
They discovered 50 camps in our hillsides in July.
Our beach patrol officers go into the areas and find people camping and fires being set.
We are placed in jeopardy if we lose the beach patrol.
One fire in these campsites would be devastating.
We need to keep the beach detail.
Capt.
Tom: PPTFH is the model of a successful community organization.
He recognizes the need for continuity with policing.
He will do whatever he can to push for keeping the resource and he praised the work of the Task Force volunteers. 12.**Adjournment.** The meeting was adjourned at 7:04pm.
**ATTACHMENTS:** **Item 8.1 (
a) –** **Alternative procedure if Candidate’s name is erroneously left off the list (by Executive Committee decision;_ref._ Bylaws Attachment A, Sec. 3.D.I): ** Alternative to procedure set forth in Bylaws Attachment A, Sec. 3.D.I: If there is a person whose name has not been announced who it is believed has erroneously been left off the list of candidates, that person or someone designated by that person must be present at the August 13th PPCC Meeting, must immediately announce that his or her name was erroneously left off the list of candidates, and then must immediately send via email to the Chair the Candidate's Application and Statement, along with proof that such Statement had previously been timely submitted.
That person shall be provisionally added to the list of candidates, contingent on the Statement being complete and timely-submitted and the candidate being otherwise qualified. **Item 8.1 (b)****–** **Candidates Running for Area and At-large Representative Seats, 2020** Area 1 – Joanna Spak Area 2 – Steve Cron Area 3 – Haldis Toppel Area 4 – Michael Minky Karen Ridgley Area 5 – Sue Kohl Area 6 – Matthew Quiat Jason Sklar Karyn Weber Area 7 – Jenny Li Rick McGeagh Area 8 – None At-large – Alan Goldsmith

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MINUTES FROM AUGUST 27th 2020

Special Meeting held via Zoom videoconference
**Voting Members in Attendance:** David Card, David Kaplan, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Steve Cron, Rick Mills, Reza Akef, Alan Goldsmith, John Padden, Brenda Theveny, Barbara Marinacci, Fay Vahdani, Dick Wulliger, Rick McGeagh, Cathi Ruddy
**Voting Alternates:** Cathy Russell, Danielle Samulon, Beth Holden Garland* _(*arrived late)_
**Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:** Jack Coleman, Rob Weber, Mary Mueller, Quentin Fleming, Melanie Bouer, Kevin Niles, Richard Blumenberg 1.**Call to order and reading of Mission Statement.** The Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 5:31pm. Mary Mueller 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
August 13, 2020 were approved. The Chair described the upcoming meetings _–
September 10, 2020 (tentative):_ straw poll of Board members taken as to whether the 9/10 meeting should be cancelled in light of the several additional meetings held this summer in order to accommodate the officers’ and elected representatives’ election schedules; result of straw poll: unanimous in favor of cancelling meeting; the Chair announced that the 9/10 meeting is therefore cancelled;_September 24, 2020:_ announcement of election results, Area & At-large Representatives election. _October 8, 2020:_ a representative of the LA County Recorder-Registrar’s office may give a presentation about the November election voting process. 5\. ******Consideration of Agenda.****** Agenda items may be taken out of order at the discretion of the Chair.
If time allows, general public comment to be taken following Item 6 below; all other regular agenda items, including announcements and reports, are deferred to the next Board meeting in September. 6\. **Election Information and Candidates Forum – 2020 Area & At-large Representatives Election.** 6.1.****_Election Information_ (Election Committee Chair David Kaplan). _See the Voting & Election Information Notice: _[_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Notice-of-Ballot-Availability-2020.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Notice-of-Ballot-Availability-2020.pdf) _;__and Candidate Statements_ _:_[_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Candidate-Statements-2020R2.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Candidate-Statements-2020R2.pdf)**** The Committee Chair welcomed the audience and thanked the candidates for participating in the election.
He briefly remarked on the history of PPCC elections, noting that the community has been electing Area and At-large Representatives since the 1990s and that this is the 4th biennial Candidates Forum.
He explained that PPCC is an all-volunteer organization and this election represents one of the best parts of our American democratic process.
He noted that we often see and hear our fellow Palisadians expressing appreciation for the beauty of this wonderful place where we all live. PPCC strives to make our town as good as it can be and this election is emblematic of that concern.
The Committee Chair then announced that voting in the 2020 election will begin at 9am on Friday, September 4, with the online ballot to be accessed by a button on the PPCC website.
Voting will end at 5pm on September
18. He also noted that the Palisadian-Post published a spread with all the candidates’ pictures and statements in today’s paper. Last, he announced that Jason Sklar (Area 6 candidate) had withdrawn from the race as of today and as a result will not participate in the forum tonight or be on the ballot.
6.
2. _Candidates Forum_.
6.
2.
1. _Candidates’ Introductory Statements_ (2 minutes each).
Moderator: Election Committee Chair David Kaplan.
Format: Candidates in contested races will introduce themselves; candidates in uncontested races may then introduce themselves.
The Chair welcomed the candidates in attendance: Contested: Area 4, Michael Minky and Karen Ridgley; Area 6, Matthew Quiat and Karyn Weber; Area 7, Jennifer Li and Rick McGeagh.
Uncontested: Area 1, Joanna Spak; Area 2, Steve Cron; Area 5, Sue Kohl; At-large, Alan Goldsmith. _(Note: Area 3 candidate Haldis Toppel was not in attendance; there is no candidate for Area 8.)_ First the contested candidates and next the uncontested candidates each gave introductory statements, providing interesting information about their backgrounds and about the issues they have tackled in the past or will seek to address if elected. 6.2.2.****_Q &A with Candidates_ (1 minute for each answer).
Moderator: Election Committee Chair David Kaplan.
Format: Candidates in contested races will be asked questions from the Election Committee; additional questions following from the audience, first for candidates in contested races and next for candidates in uncontested races (if time allows). _*Note: candidates may also be asked questions via email; email addresses included in the Candidate Statements (see item 6.1 above)._ The Committee Chair asked the following questions of the contested candidates from the
Election Committee: 1) What two issues are most important to your Area or to the Palisades? 2) How do you plan to communicate with your constituents?
The candidates answered the questions in detail.
Regarding question no. 1, a wide range of topics was discussed, with uniformity among all candidates on core issues of concern to Palisadians: crime, security, homelessness, wildfire prevention, overdevelopment, protection of the environment, preservation of our open spaces and the natural beauty of the Palisades, and the response to COVID-19 and its effect on the community.
Regarding question no. 2, all candidates stated that they would attempt to reach out to their constituents using a variety of means, including email, social media and speaking with neighbors.
Additional questions were directed to the contested candidates from community members (submitted prior to the meeting) and the audience.
The Area 6 candidates were asked what they would do about crime in the bluffs area.
The candidates both indicated they were aware of the issue and would work with residents, law enforcement and City officials to attempt to address the problem.
All contested candidates were asked what can be done for youth in the community.
Responses were varied, but all indicated that during the pandemic youth of all ages should be provided the opportunity for recreation outdoors in our parks, on our trails and at the beach; that our recreation centers should be utilized for youth activities; and that our open spaces should be preserved for recreation.
More opportunity for leadership by older youth was also suggested. 7.**General Public Comment**(if time allows) – None. 8.**Adjournment.** The meeting was adjourned at 6:34pm.

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The PPCC meeting of September 10 was CANCELED due to pandemic-related conditions -- No minutes.

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MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 24h 2020

Meeting held via Zoom videoconference
**Voting Members in Attendance:** David Card, David Kaplan, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Haldis Toppel, Brenda Theveny, Barbara Marinacci, Dick Wulliger, Rick McGeagh, Cathi Ruddy, Reza Akef,* Alan Goldsmith* _(*arrived late)_
**Voting Alternates:** Melanie Bouer, Peter Powell, Beth Holden-Garland, Cathy Russell
**Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:** Zennon Ulyate-Crow, Jack Coleman, Patti Post, Mary Mueller, Marilyn Wexler 1.**Call to order and reading of Mission Statement.** The Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. Mary Mueller 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
August 27, 2020 were approved.
October 8, 2020: (1) welcome new & returning Board members; (2) presentation by Jeff Klein, outreach manager for the Recorder-Registrar/County Clerk’s office, on the November election voting process; (3) (tentative) consideration of Via de las Olas parkway tree replacement matter;
October 22, 2020: (tentative) consideration of WRAC-recommended motions; other topics to be announced. **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 $38,781.
58. We received several donations amounting to $125 in connection with the election. The cost of conducting our election amounted to $728. This is much lower than previous cycles because we now have the system established. Prior to online voting it cost us about $8,000 to print and send ballots and we received just a few hundred ballots back. In each of the last three cycles using the online system which Heather Cohen and the Treasurer developed, we received more than 1,000 votes at much lower cost and with much greater convenience. In addition, the Treasurer filed PPCC's California Secretary of State form SI-100 as required biennially. **** 7\. ******General Public Comment** – None. 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 at least until January 31, 2021_(Bylaws, Art. IX.1.A). The Chair explained that the Executive Committee has unanimously determined that exigent circumstances (as defined by the Bylaws) continue to exist, requiring PPCC meetings to be held virtually rather than in-person through
January 31, 2021. We will continue to hold meetings via Zoom through the end of January, at which time the Committee will revisit the circumstances. 8.1.2.****_Executive Committee recommendation to cancel the December 2020 PPCC Awards event due to exigent circumstances; request for Board approval._ The Chair reported that the Executive Committee has unanimously voted to recommend canceling the December 2020 PPCC Awards event due to the pandemic conditions. He asked for the Board’s approval; the Board unanimously approved canceling the event.
8.
1.
3. _Alternate Area & At-large Representatives Application Process: Appointment of Three Chairs Committee _(Bylaws, Art. VIII.3.C and D); applications now being accepted; see: https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Alternates-Application-Notice-2020.pdf. The Chair announced the following members of the Three Chairs Committee: Maryam Zar, Committee Chair; Chris Spitz and Randy Young. All are past PPCC Chairs, as required by the Bylaws. The Three Chairs Committee will review and consider applications from interested and eligible community members to become Alternate 1st and 2nd Area & At-large Representatives. Applications are now being accepted. Information about how to apply is linked on the PPCC website home page under “Alternates Application Information.” The deadline to submit applications is 5pm on December
18. The Three Chairs Committee will present nominations for election by the Board, likely at the
October 22, 2020 PPCC meeting. We encourage Palisadians to apply for these positions.
8.
1.
4. _Thank you to outgoing PPCC Board members (term ending
September 30, 2020)._ The Chair bade farewell to the following outgoing members and thanked them for their longstanding service to the Board and the community: Area reps Reza Akef, Steve Boyers, Rick Mills and David Peterson; and Organizational reps Amy Baker, Barbara Marinacci, Rick McGeagh, Jan Ostendorf and Cathi Ruddy.
8.
1.
5. _Orientation session for new members (tentative date Oct. 1, 5:30pm; details TBA)._ The Chair announced that there will be an online orientation session for new Board members on October 1 at 5:30pm. Returning Board members are welcome to attend; contact [info@pacpalicc.org](mailto:info@pacpalicc.org) for log-in instructions if interested.
8.
2. _From Officers_.
8.
2.
1.
Chris Spitz (Secretary). (1) Update on state housing bills: The Secretary reported that since her last update at the August 13 PPCC meeting, SB 902 (Wiener) failed in Committee, but SB 1120 (Atkins) passed in two Committees and then reached the Assembly floor.
The bill would have allowed lots splits and duplexes on all parcels in single-family residential zones statewide, thus eliminating single-family zoning and without a full exemption for the high fire zone.
After the bill passed in Committee, PPCC’s Executive Committee approved a letter which was submitted to Governor Newsom, urging him to veto SB 1120 if it reached his desk.
The letter is on the PPCC website and we have previously distributed it to our email list, but we will also include it in the minutes. _[See Letter to the Governor:_[_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/8-21-20-signed-Housing-to-Gov.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/8-21-20-signed-Housing-to-Gov.pdf) _.]_ As has been widely reported, SB 1120 was then taken up by the full Assembly only minutes before the midnight deadline to pass bills during this session; our Assembly member Bloom and several other Los Angeles-area Assemblymembers voted No, but the bill nonetheless passed in the Assembly by only one vote.
However, time ran out before the required concurring vote by the Senate could be taken, so the bill failed.
We expect some form of either SB 902 and/or SB 1120 to return in early 2021.
We will continue to monitor and to emphasize the need for a full exemption for high fire hazard zones. (2) 9/16 WRAC meeting report: The Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (known as WRAC) held its regular monthly leadership meeting on September
16. For those who are unfamiliar, WRAC is an alliance of all 14 neighborhood and community councils on the Westside of Los Angeles, ranging from Westchester to the Palisades and Bel Air to Westwood to Palms. The Secretary Chris Spitz is the primary PPCC representative to WRAC, appointed by PPCC Chair Dave Card, who is the alternate representative. Chris was elected Vice-Chair of WRAC at the meeting. She joins the newly-elected WRAC Chair Matt Wersinger, President of Del Rey Neighborhood Council and Secretary Robin Greenberg, President of Bel Air-Beverlycrest Neighborhood Council. WRAC bade farewell to its Chair this past year, PPCC Chair Emeritus Maryam Zar, who decided not to run again, and thanked her for her service. The Secretary reported that the new WRAC Executive Team has ideas to invigorate the organization and hopefully make it even more relevant in terms of expressing our regional concerns and positions, as adopted by at least 2/3 of member councils, to elected officials. Stay tuned for a few motions that were passed by the leadership group for recommendation to member councils, which we may take up at a later PPCC meeting.
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_ – None.
8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_.
8.
4.
1. Cathi Ruddy (PP Woman’s Club). The PPWC is sponsoring a flu vaccine clinic at the Clubhouse on
October 17, 2020 from 9am-noon. The vaccinations will be free for everyone 6 months of age and older. The vaccines are in the doses given to them by the County Health Dept.; she doesn’t know if there will be senior citizen doses.
8.
4.
2. Chris Spitz (reporting at the request of Bob Benton in the absence of a Chamber of Commerce representative). As reported in the Palisadian-Post, the Chamber is pleased to announce that the new Palisades Honorary Mayor is Eugene Levy.
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.
Durrah Wagner, CD11 Palisades-Brentwood Field Deputy.
Ms.
Wagner reported that top of mind for the Palisades community is the ongoing fires.
Councilmember Bonin recently brought forward a motion in Council with the goal of protecting neighborhoods in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).
She next provided an update on the storm basins along Palisades Dr.; CD11 is working with Sanitation on removing debris collected in the basins; this is an ongoing effort that will last a several weeks or even months.
She urged everyone to be prepared for emergencies by signing up for NotifyLA. LA County has a great new emergency preparedness guide which the Secretary noted is posted on our website.
Requests for improved signage at the El Medio/Asilomar bluffs have been put in to Recreation and Parks.
Ms.
Wagner also related that a constituent who rents an apartment in a building on Sunset Blvd. is suffering quality of life issues involving her landlord and the condition of the property. CD11 has been helping her work with HCIDLA to ensure that Code violations can be addressed.
The County Public Health Dept. has also been involved in assessing the situation.
Joanna Spak (Area 1 Representative) has been helping the constituent as well.
The Chair noted that this is Karen Miller who lives at 17020 W.
Sunset Blvd.
She had wanted to speak during public comment but informed the Chair before the meeting that she was ill due to toxic conditions in the building.
She has submitted many complaints about Code violations and the agencies involved have cited the owner.
There are ongoing inspections to ensure compliance.
The next re-inspection is on September
28.
The Chair acknowledged that improvements have been made at the top of Lachman Lane to improve security; he thanked Ms.
Wagner for her work to try and correct conditions and improve the situation at that location. 8.5.2.**** Kevin Taylor, West Area Representative, Mayor Garcetti.
Mr.
Taylor introduced himself as the new West Area Representative for the Mayor, a position that he has now held for a couple of months.
He is a former neighborhood council president and was the Mayor’s representative in another part of the City a few years ago.
He explained that he has unfortunate news for us: the special parking meter revenue funds were cut from the budget along with all non-essential budget expenditures.
The Mayor wishes that this didn’t have to happen; contact Mr.
Taylor if you have additional questions.
Mr.
Taylor next reminded us that it is very important to get our flu vaccinations this season.
We need to follow all the protocols to keep infection rates lower for the required period of time in order to reopen.
Some grants have been available through the LA COVID relief fund, in various rounds.
Right now, we are in round 4.5, specifically for certain non-profits.
This is the final week to submit the completed census; he urged everyone to do so.
The Mayor is also forming a Youth Council; visit [www.lamayor.org/myc](http://www.lamayor.org/myc) for more information.
The Chair noted that the Palisades community is very upset about the parking meter revenues now going into the general budget.
He reiterated that our highest priority is maintaining our police and fire resources in Pacific Palisades.
He described how vital these resources are to us and repeated that it is imperative to keep funding for these resources in the budget.
8.
5.
3. Deborah Hong, LADWP Community Affairs Liaison, and staff from the LADWP Power Systems and Environmental Affairs departments _(see Item 11.1 below)._
8.
6. _From PPCC Advisors_.
8.
6.
1. Zennon Ulyate-Crow and Jack Coleman (Youth Advisors). There is a virtual environment at Pali High. Most school activities have been canceled due to COVID. Administrators and faculty can go on campus, but many are working from home. There is an ongoing discussion about how to open the pool safely, with legal waivers. Harvard-Westlake has reopened for sports practice with social distancing. Students must fill out a waiver and questionnaire on an app; they need clearance from the app before going to sports activities every day. Many students are becoming student poll workers. Since the County is facing a shortage of poll workers it is important to have volunteers to help count the votes and to prevent long lines at polling places during COVID. 9.**Reports from Committees**.
9.
1. _Election Committee_ (David Kaplan, Committee Chair). Report on the 2020 Election of Area and At-large Representatives – announcement of election results. The Committee Chair reported on the vote counting process and results, as contained in the Election Committee Report: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Election-Cmte-Report-September-2020.pdf>. The newly-elected Representatives are: Area 1, Joanna Spak; Area 2, Steve Cron; Area 3, Haldis Toppel; Area 4, Karen Ridgley; Area 5, Sue Kohl; Area 6, Matthew Quiat; Area 7, Jenny Li; At-large, Alan Goldsmith. Area 8 is vacant and will be filled via the Alternate Representative application & election process. The Committee Chair also noted that the Election vote counts are contained in the Results Data Sheet, which will be published on the PPCC website and distributed to the email list: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Election-2020-Vote-Talley.pdf>. On behalf of the Committee he congratulated all the newly-elected Representatives, who will take their seats as of
October 1, 2020 and will serve a two-year term. 10\. **Old Business** – None.**** 11\. **New Business.**********
11.
1. ****_LADWP Presentation -- Proposed Power Pole Replacement Project_.
Guest speakers: Deborah Hong, LADWP Community Affairs Liaison, and staff from LADWP Power Systems & Environmental Affairs departments. __Possible Board action_.
For background on the project, see:___[_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/LADWP-Pole-Replacement-ProjectR1.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/LADWP-Pole-Replacement-ProjectR1.pdf) _._ Deborah Hong and Albert Van Stryk (LADWP Distribution Construction and Maintenance Superintendent) were both present.
Ms.
Hong gave a brief overview of the project and noted that the document prepared by the Secretary was a good background summary.
There are 220 wooden poles in the Temescal Canyon area that were installed between 1935 and 1955. LADWP proposes to replace these poles with weathered steel poles, which are more resistant to fire and dry winds and meet current PUC safety standards and load requirements.
The poles are located in rugged terrain, accessible only to hikers and mountain bikers.
Multiple jurisdictions are involved, including the MRCA and CCC.
Construction started a year ago but an endangered plant was discovered (as described in the background summary). LADWP has been using third-party experts to survey the area and is working on a plan to mitigate harm to the plants while allowing the needed pole replacement to proceed. LADWP will attend the CCC’s three-day meeting on Nov. 4-6, when the mitigation plan will be presented.
They hope to receive permission from the CCC to proceed.
Ms.
Hong emphasized that the existing poles are in danger of failing and asked for PPCC’s support for the proposal.
Mr.
Van Stryk then spoke, explaining that this is the alternate feed to the Palisades and is of critical importance to the community.
It is a high priority for LADWP to bring the poles into the modern age to meet new PUC standard for construction.
The poles will be of weathered steel, painted brown, and will have “rapter guards” which prevent birds from being killed by the voltage.
Pictures showing exemplars of the proposed poles and a map of the area where the poles will be replaced were shown onscreen during the meeting. _Richard Cohen (Treasurer)_ noted that many Palisades community members are concerned about preserving our natural environment; he asked how the endangered plants may be damaged by the construction and what is the plan to protect them.
Ms.
Hong: LADWP has conducted an exhaustive biological survey and she understands that the CCC is weighing in on a proposed plan. LADWP has engaged biologists and environmental advisors to give input and to conduct studies.
They are working with the CCC and all agencies involved and waiting for a recommendation on the mitigation plan. _The Treasurer_ asked whether approval of the project would be contingent on a mitigation plan for the plants.
Ms.
Hong: This is not an “either-or” choice for LADWP.
She explained that they must replace the poles and they must also put in place a plan that sufficiently protects the plants.
They have engaged third-party experts to survey the area and are leaving it up to the agencies with jurisdiction over the area as to how best to protect the plants. _Beth Holden Garland (PPRA)_ asked if there would be a break in service during construction.
Mr.
Van Stryk: This is a sub-transmission line.
Power will not go off during construction and there will be no disruption to power. A question was asked whether LADWP has access to seeds for the plants.
Ms.
Hong: She believes that as part of the biological survey seeds were collected. A brief discussion ensued about the process of submitting comments to the CCC should PPCC wish to express a position on the project.
The board took no action on the matter at this time, pending further information about the status of the mitigation plan. 11.2.****_As time allows:__Motion in City Council to temporarily halt construction in hillside & high fire zone areas_ (CMs Ryu & Koretz; Council File 20-1170). __Discussion & possible Board action__. _Motion:_[_https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1170_mot_09-15-2020.pdf_](https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1170_mot_09-15-2020.pdf) _.__Status: assigned to the Council Planning and Land Use Management Committee (PLUM); hearing not yet set (as of agenda distribution)._ The Chair summarized the motion by Councilmembers Ryu and Koretz, which calls for an Interim Control Ordinance (ICO) to temporarily halt construction in hillside and high fire zone areas Citywide.
He noted that a hearing in the PLUM Committee had still not been set and he invited discussion to ascertain Board members’ views about the motion. _Cathi Ruddy_ stated that the motion was not well-drafted and needs work on the language to focus on the actual problem of congestion rather than construction. _The Treasurer_ commented that there is little risk of fire caused by construction, and he agreed that the motion language needs more work to address congestion.
He also observed that construction sites have protocols in place and that if there were a wildfire, workers at sites would be ordered to leave immediately. _Reza Akef_ (Area 8 Representative) stated that this may be a problem for communities in Council Districts 4 and 5, but it is not a problem for the Palisades community.
He objects to the motion’s one-size-fits-all approach; if an ICO is needed for communities in Council Districts 4 and 5, it should be limited to those areas or communities. _Haldis Toppel_ (Area 3 Representative) noted that the focus of the motion should be trying to address congestion, not construction per se.
There are substandard streets in Area 3 which have only one way in and out and the problem of congestion as related to these conditions should be addressed.
The Chair called for a straw poll to confirm the opinion of the Board as to the following general position: While PPCC supports efforts to improve public safety during wildfire evacuations, this motion as written is not relevant to conditions in the Palisades; it should be more tightly worded and focused on solving the problem of congestion rather than construction, _i.e.,_ keeping evacuation routes clear during wildfire events.
The Board voted unanimously in favor and authorized submission of a letter expressing this position to City Council. 12\. **Adjournment.** The meeting was adjourned at 7:11pm.

_________________________

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#

MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 8th 2020

Meeting held via Zoom videoconference
**Voting Members in Attendance:** David Card, David Kaplan, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Matthew Quiat, Jenny Li, Karen Ridgley, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Brenda Theveny, Craig Natvig, Trish Bowe, Beth Holden-Garland, Alan Goldsmith, Steve Cron* _(*arrived late)_
**Voting Alternates:** John Padden, Kerri Kraft, Eric Dugdale
**Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:** Jack Coleman 1.**Call to order and reading of Mission Statement.** The Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 5:32pm and 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
September 24, 2020 were approved as corrected. Upcoming meetings:
October 22, 2020: (1) (Tentative) Three Chairs Committee announcement of nominees and Board election of Area & At-large Alternate Representatives; (2) Presentation by LADOT Senior Transportation Engineer Tim Fremaux and CD11 Transportation Director Eric Bruins regarding improvements to Chautauqua/PCH and Chautauqua/Sunset intersections; (3) (Tentative) motions recommended to member-councils by the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC).
November 12, 2020: topics to be announced. 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 $38,632.
83. There were no significa transactions since the last report. 7\. ******General Public Comment** – None. 8\. **Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. _Welcome to incoming PPCC Board members (term beginning October 1, 2020_). Area and At-large Representatives (new & returning) – two-year term ending
September 30, 2022; Organizational representatives (new & returning) – one-year term ending
September 30, 2021. See: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2020-2021-PPCC-Organizations.pdf> The Chair welcomed all new and returning Board members (both elected Representatives and Organizational Representatives). The Chair read the names of all incoming Area & At-large Representatives as well as the names of all incoming Organizational members and their representatives for this term _[see attachment below]._
8.
1.
2. _Update on Ryu-Koretz motion for an ICO/temporary construction halt_ (committee hearing not yet scheduled as of agenda distribution; PPCC letter to be drafted per Board straw poll vote on 9/24). The Chair reported that the City Council has been in recess this week and that as of this meeting the motion has not yet been scheduled for hearing in Committee; a letter will be drafted to be submitted as soon as possible to the Council File.
8.
1.
3. _Executive Committee letter regarding Ryu-Bonin motion to update BMO-BHO_ _(opposition to proposed citywide cap on home size); update on Oct. 1 PLUM committee hearing._ Letter: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PPCC-EC-Letter-cap-on-home-size.pdf> Motion: <https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1098_mot_09-01-2020.pdf> The Chair explained that this position letter was approved by the Executive Committee on an emergency basis because the motion was scheduled to be heard in the Council PLUM Committee before it could be considered by the full PPCC Board. As explained in the letter, we oppose amendment of the zoning code to impost a standard cap on home size citywide. He also reported that this motion passed on the PLUM Committee consent calendar, without debate by the Committee members, on October
1. It has not yet been scheduled for hearing by the full Council. If the motion passes in Council, then the Planning Dept. will conduct studies and prepare a report on the requested revisions to the Zoning Code, which will then go back to the Committee for further review/action. We will continue to monitor and may consider whether additional aspects of motion should be taken up by the PPCC Land Use Committee.
8.
1.
4. _Executive Committee letter regarding Ryu-Koretz motion to expand the Hillside Construction Regulation District Ordinance/Pilot Program citywide; update on Oct. 1 PLUM committee hearing._ Letter: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PPCC-Letter-HCRD-Expansion.pdf> Motion: <https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1101_mot_09-01-2020.pdf> Ordinance: <https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2016/16-1472-s1_ORD_184827_3-22-17.pdf> The Chair again explained that this position letter was approved by the Executive Committee on an emergency basis because the motion was scheduled to be heard in the Council PLUM Committee before it could be considered by the full PPCC Board. As explained in the letter, we do not oppose further study and mapping to determine which areas citywide should be included in the “Hillside Construction Regulation Supplemental Use District” (HCRD); we also support certain specific provisions of the HCRD ordinance dealing with restrictions on certain construction activities during windy and Red Flag days. The Chair further reported that this motion passed on the PLUM Committee consent calendar, without debate by the Committee members, on October
1. It has not yet been scheduled for hearing by the full Council. If the motion passes in Council, then the Planning Dept. will then prepare proposed amendments to the regulations and map all areas citywide which should be included within the HCRD; this will in turn go back to the Committee for further review/action. We will continue to monitor and may consider whether aspects of the motion (in particular the proposed regulations regarding hillside construction activities) should be considered by thePPCC Land Use Committee.
8.
2. _From Officers_.
8.
2.
1.
Chris Spitz (Secretary) advised that the beginning of the new term is a good time to remind everyone of SR 9 of the PPCC bylaws (Code of Conduct), which states that “all Board Members should prepare in advance of meetings and be familiar with issues on the agenda.” Please remember that the Chair and Secretary work hard to prepare informative agendas with background information whenever possible, especially on items where action may be taken.
These agendas have for the last two years been distributed on the Friday before each Thursday meeting via our Mailchimp email blast.
This is to give everyone time to open the email, click on the agenda, review the items to be considered, and get input whenever possible from the respective Representatives’ boards or constituents.
Please look for these in your inbox and open the messages; please be sure that PPCC emails are not going into your junk or spam files.
Please also note – opening the Mailchimp email is NOT the same as clicking on and actually reading the agenda.
The Mailchimp message is a brief preview of the agenda, not the agenda itself, which voting Board members are expected to read before coming to the meetings.
Thank you for complying with these basic obligations of Board members.
8.
3. _From At-Large and Area Representatives_.
8.
3.
1. Steve Cron (Area 2 Representative) thanked CD 11 Palisades Field Deputy Durrah Wagner for assisting with the very clogged drains along Palisades Dr. The poor conditions were extensive and Ms. Wagner did an incredible job which greatly improved the situation.
8.
4. _From Organizational Representatives_.
8.
4.
1. Beth Holden-Garland (PPRA) announced that PPRA, along with the Edlen real estate team, has arranged for free flu shots to be given this coming Saturday, Oct. 10 and the following Saturday, Oct. 17, at CVS (parking lot upper deck). Hours: 10am-2pm. Seniorcitizen doses will be offered. Register at PPRA Facebook page.
8.
4.
2. Craig Natvig (Palisades Beautiful) reported that during the month of September, Palisades Beautiful (PB) teamed up with Heal the Bay during Coastal Clean Up month. PB was involved with Heal the Bay on a beach area cleanup that had hundreds of participants overall and 20 PB participants. It was a successful effort and a lot of trash was picked up.
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. Zachary Gaidzik, Metro/West LA Representative, LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. Mr. Gaidzik was not available to stay for the entire meeting but provided a written report in advance. _[See:_[_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SD3-Update-10-08-20.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SD3-Update-10-08-20.pdf) _.__]_
8.
5.
2. Jeff Klein, civic engagement manager, LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office _(see Item 11.1 below)._
8.
6. _From PPCC Advisors_.
8.
6.
1. Jack Coleman (Youth Advisor) reported that students are getting back to school online. The recent power outages in the Palisades were difficult for students. He would like information from LADWP as to whether the outages were due to lines being down. 9\. **Reports from Committees**.
9.
1. _Three Chairs Committee_ (Maryam Zar, Committee Chair). Applications now being accepted for Alternate Area & At-large Representative positions; _see Alternates Application notice:_[_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Alternates-Application-Notice-2020.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Alternates-Application-Notice-2020.pdf) _.__Deadline to apply: 5pm, October 18._ In the absence of the Committee Chair, Chris Spitz (as a Member of the Three Chairs Committee) announced that we are continuing to accept applications for Alternate Area & At-large Representative positions. The deadline to apply is roughly one week away: October 18 at 5pm. The Three Chairs Committee encourages all interested and eligible Palisadians to apply. She noted that the terms of the most recent Alternates have expired as of 9/30/20 and they must reapply if they wish to be considered again. The process: the Committee will review the applications and may interview candidates as needed. They will select nominees who may be presented at the Board meeting on October
22. Following presentation of nominees, the Board will elect the new Alternate Area & At-large Representatives, who will then serve the same terms as their respective primary Representatives, with their terms ending on
September 30, 2022.
9.
2. _Palisades Forestry Committee_ (PFC; Cindy Kirven, Committee Chair). (Tentative) report on matter involving replacement of dead _parkway trees at_ 15539 W.
Via de las Olas; property owner invited to attend.
Possible Committee recommendation for Board action.
The PPCC Chair (David Card) “handed the gavel” to PPCC Vice-Chair David Kaplan to preside over this agenda item, since he (David Card) would be participating in the PFC’s presentation and recommendation to the Board.
The Presiding Officer (David Kaplan) noted that the PFC Chair Cindy Kirven and the property owner, Ira Jay Boren, were both present.
He invited the PFC Chair first to give a presentation, to be followed by a presentation by Mr.
Boren.
Discussion and Q&A with both presenters will then follow.
The PFC Chair proceeded to give the PFC’s report about the matter, which included a slide show of relevant documents and photographs which were distributed in advance to the Board as well as to Mr.
Boren [materials also posted on PPCC’s website: <https://www.beautiful.ai/player/-MHr8ImgXO4Ro_e_R3Rb/PFC-Via-de-las-Olas-replacement-trees-2020>].
The PFC Chair spoke in detail about the history of this matter and the current status.
She described the documents and photographs being shown and reiterated the points made in the written PFC report.
She summarized the requests recommended by the PFC, as set forth in the draft letter contained within the report.
She emphasized that the PFC supports preservation of all of the urban canopy which is enjoyed by the community as a whole, and that the PFC seeks restoration, not punishment.
Mr.
Boren then spoke, first presenting background information about himself.
He has lived with his family in the same house in Pacific Palisades for 35 years and raised children here.
He has been active in the Palisades, believes he is part of the community and is disappointed and sorry that this matter has caused a problem for the community.
He has worked with LAPD for 25 years and helped fund a special place for officers with COVID to gather.
As to the parkway trees matter, he maintained that he was given only a day to prepare for this meeting, was surprised that the matter had come to this and was disappointed that he had not been reached out to in advance as a neighbor.
He then explained the history of the matter from his point of view and presented a slide show with several documents and photographs.
He stated that the process to remove the trees took eight months, starting in 2014.
The sidewalks in front of his property were clearly lifted and the parkway trees were not in good condition.
He showed an Arborist’s report describing the poor health of the trees and said that a determination was made by the City’s Urban Forestry Dept. that the trees would be removed and he (Mr.
Boren) would be responsible for removing the trees and replacing them.
The “double-trunk” tree died on its own.
Urban Forestry came and removed the tree and left the trunk; Mr.
Boren stated that he did not take out that tree.
He further maintained that the trees were never properly planted and blocked sidewalks, that the City had abandoned the street and that no one was taking care of the parkway trees.
According to Mr.
Boren, the City told him that in order to fix the sidewalk he had to take out the trees.
The Presiding Officer then asked Mr.
Boren to please explain what permit he had to do this.
Mr.
Boren explained that the process took eight months and resulted in a hearing in February 2015.
He showed a copy of a Board of Public Works hearing agenda for that date, reflecting an open public hearing at which a recommendation was made to approve removal of “three Manna Gum Trees for the restoration of off-grade sidewalk located at 15529 W.
Via de Las Osas,” with tree replacements required.
It was his understanding that this was all that he needed and that a further “tree permit” was unnecessary.
The document he saw giving approval to remove the trees had no expiration date.
When it was time to take the trees down, he mistakenly didn’t realize he needed another permit.
He stated that he dug exactly where “DigAlert” told him to dig.
As to a broken water pipe, this was three feet from the location where he was told the water pipe would be.
He followed all protocol and instructions.
It was not his intention to cause any problems for neighbors or to cause water supply to be shut off.
There was a local uproar after the trees were removed and the water pipe was broken.
The Council office became involved and LADBS put a hold on construction.
He was eventually told, as part of an agreement with the City to allow construction to resume, to plant six Brisbane Box replacement trees in the parkway.
Urban Forestry choose the type, size and placement of the trees.
They came out to the property, did all markings and measurements and put stakes down.
Mr.
Boren explained that he then planted the trees in exactly the locations where Urban Forestry wanted them to be planted; he had no say in the matter; and did everything he was told to do.
He tried maintaining the trees and put in water tubes because he thought this would help with watering, but he was not given instructions on tree maintenance.
He has replaced the dead trees and advises that the trees are being watered.
He has also posted the required bond.
He stated that he would have been happy to show all documents to the PFC if he had been asked.
Mr.
Boren then showed photographs of parkways on Via de Las Olas and Mt.
Holyoke, reflecting a total of nine street trees in a two-block radius.
He has added six street trees in the parkway at his property.
He would be willing to make a donation to plant trees in other nearby parkways that are without street trees.
The PFC’s requests -- that he be required to plant more than six trees and to extend the bond -- seem punitive to him.
In addition, he argued that too many trees that produce a large canopy are a fire hazard.
People have been shooting off fireworks and there have been recent brush fires on or below the Via de Las Olas bluff.
He summarized his position: These trees were sick and dying.
He removed the trees thinking he had full permission and just didn’t pull the final permit.
The trees were all tagged.
He is putting in a new sidewalk, planted the replacement trees and posted a bond as per the City’s requirements.
He has replaced the ones that died.
He is trying the best he can.
Discussion then ensued, with questions directed either to the PFC Chair or Mr.
Boren. _Jenny Li (Area 7 Representative)_ ; _Q for Boren:_ What was the plan when he received permission in terms of landscaping on the parkway? A: He didn’t remove trees without permission and there was an agreement with Urban Forestry.
They told him exactly what trees to replace and how many to replace. _PPCC Treasurer_ ; _Q for Boren:_ Have you studied the letter that our PFC is recommending?
What do you think about maintenance requirements, extending the survival date for release of the bond and confirmation that the bond is proper?
Do you object? A: Yes, the bond agreement was already made and he put up a $20,000 bond.
There was nothing about starting the bond again.
He is trying to use best practices with watering.
Urban Forestry should give instructions to property owners on how to maintain street trees; they don’t do that.
He isn’t an expert.
He put tubes in thinking the trees weren’t getting enough water.
They were staked according to Urban Forestry guidelines.
He then showed emails that came from Urban Forestry which he stated indicated they approved the planting and placement in accordance with their agreement.
He stated that he is in total compliance with the agreement they already reached. _PPCC Treasurer_ : How does Mr.
Boren see his responsibilities regarding these trees going forward? A: He wants the trees to live.
He has paid twice for these trees, he has put up the required bond, and he is trying to take care of the trees as best as he knows how to; he welcomes suggestions on how to care for the trees. _Karen Ridgley (Area 4 Representative_); _Q for PFC Chair:_ Once street trees are planted, are there still requirements for owners who want to mitigate the tree canopy?
Are they allowed to trim and keep their view?
Are there regulations regarding upkeep? A: Any resident with a tree in the parkway must obtain a permit for any trimming, planting or removal. _Karen Ridgley_ : Where does a normal homeowner get information about what they have to do? A: It is incumbent on the homeowner to find the information; you can Google “street trees in Los Angeles.” _Alan Goldsmith (At-large Representative)_ ; _Q for Boren:_ What’s his major objection? A: He has already made his agreement with Urban Forestry and he’s in total compliance.
This is not the place to make a new agreement. _Matthew Quiat (Area 6 Representative)_ ; _Q for PFC Chair:_ What is the protocol for the young trees currently there?
Whose responsibility is it to replace them? A: The property owner posted a bond to ensure the trees will be maintained appropriately 3 years from planting. _Eric Dugdale (PP Historical Society Alternate)_ : We have landmarked Eucalyptus trees before in the Palisades.
We really miss these particular trees when we walk by.
They were worth a lot to the community.
The reason the community reacted so strongly is because the trees were gorgeous and they are now gone. _Craig Natvig (Palisades Beautiful)_ : He grew up at the other end of Via de Las Olas, where there are many large Eucalyptus trees; it seems as if Urban Forestry didn’t space the trees accordingly on Mr.
Boren’s end of Via de Las Olas.
Mr.
Boren: You would have to ask Urban Forestry; he just planted where they told him to plant. _David Card (ex officio member of the PFC)_ : A few weeks ago, he (David Card) spoke with Urban Forestry and Stephen Duprey of Urban Forestry.
Mr.
Duprey told him that people from Urban Forestry spotted where the trees should go and they weren’t planted there.
There’s a dispute with what Mr.
Boren is saying.
DigAlert doesn’t tell you where all the pipes are.
Hand-digging is safer than the backhoe used by Mr.
Boren.
Urban Forestry originally wanted eight trees to be planted; there’s plenty of room in the parkway to put in more trees.
There is no reason not to plant trees now just because of threats of fire.
We need trees for oxygen; without them we would die.
We know how to plant safely.
Homes are inspected annually for fire safety.
We need more trees for survival on the planet. _Chris Arvin and Monique Lafia (residents)_ : They have lived here twenty years and are near the Borens.
They specifically moved here because of the gorgeous trees on the bluffs.
Questioned why Mr.
Boren didn’t consider just trimming the trees.
Mr.
Boren: He is sure his neighbors are unhappy that he’s been in construction for the last year and a half.
That’s not the point of this topic tonight.
An agreement was made, a bond was put up, he is in full compliance and there’s a legal document.
Stephen Duprey didn’t come up to the property himself.
Mr.
Boren is willing to testify under oath that he planted the trees according to what Urban Forestry told him. _Reza Akef (resident; former Area 8 Representative)_ : Emphasized three points: 1) there is nothing on the Urban Forestry website about best practices on how to water and maintain street trees for three years; 2) the PPCC Executive Committee should be disappointed that there hasn’t been transparency; the PFC never called or met with the owner or held a public meeting about this as the Land Use Committee normally does; 3) this isn’t the way that the Community Council typically acts. _Linda Andrews (resident)_ : Questioned why no one knew anything about this from 2014-2019.
Mr.
Boren has had other properties where trees have died.
The neighborhood is being degraded. _David Card_ : Moved that the PPCC Board adopt and send the draft letter recommended in the PFC report which was distributed prior to the meeting; he read the draft letter out loud (see draft letter attached).
Second: Steve Cron.
Discussion on the motion ensued. _PPCC Treasurer_ : Opposes the motion.
He loves trees and is sad about the way the appearance of the street has changed.
However, he cannot think of a previous occasion when the PPCC has weighed in against a homeowner on a matter in which the homeowner is dealing privately with the City.
We have generally acted with greater humility.
He would want to know that the homeowner is in violation, but the homeowner here has indicated that he hasn’t been ruled in violation.
The Treasurer is not ready to have PPCC write a letter that the homeowner water his trees in a particular manner.
Certainly, we should not be asking for punitive measures.
It’s for the City to determine whether the homeowner has violated any rules or the agreement and what the consequences should be. _David Card_ : On March 27 this year, we took a position regarding removal of trees on the Marinette property; we asked in our letter that the permit conditions be amended to say where trees would be planted and how many. _PPCC Treasurer_ : the Marinette matter was a different situation involving a property owner’s request for permission from the City for a lot split. _PPCC Secretary_ : She has lived for many years on Friends St. near Via de las Olas.
She was very upset that the Eucalyptus trees in this parkway were removed, but having now heard both sides she is uncertain about all the facts and concerned that there’s information we don’t know.
She shares concerns about the process expressed by Mr.
Akef and wishes this had been handled similar to the way in which the Land Use Committee holds public meetings.
She agrees with the Treasurer’s comments. _Beth Holden-Garland (PPRA)_ : There should be some responsibility from the City as to care of the trees.
She feels in-between on this matter.
The right trees for the location should have been planted. _Reza Akef_ : You can’t fit more than a tree with 24” box in that area due to the parkway size.
The owner planted the trees required by the City but did not receive instructions as to care. _The PFC Chair_ : It is not difficult to look up Brisbane Box maintenance on the Internet.
We’re requesting that new trees be planted in accordance with Urban Forestry’s guidelines.
The Brisbane Box tree was selected based on the location and situation.
Urban Forestry’s specification of tree for this parkway was correct.
The Presiding Officer (David Kaplan) stated that he wished to make a comment on this matter and therefore “passed the gavel” to the Treasurer (Richard Cohen) to serve next as the Presiding Officer on this item. _David Kaplan_ : The City has made a deal with the property owner, rightly or wrongly.
They didn’t notify the neighbors.
The City and Mr.
Boren are on the same page and he’s doing what the City is asking him to do.
The Vice-Chair is mainly concerned with the first paragraph of the letter which is asking the City to overturn its agreement with Mr.
Boren.
The Vice-Chair has heard nothing that conclusively tells him that Mr.
Boren hasn’t done what he was supposed to do under the agreement.
The Presiding Officer (Richard Cohen) then called the question and noted that a 2/3 vote was required. A roll call vote of members in attendance was held.
Result: _Motion passed_ (9-4-0).
The PPCC Chair (David Card) resumed presiding over the meeting at the conclusion of this item. 10.**Old Business.**
10.
1. (Tentative) LADWP update on power pole replacement project/environmental mitigation plan. __Possible Board action__. No update; matter deferred. 11\. **New Business.**********
11.
1. **** _Presentation on the November 2020 Election Voting Process_.**** Guest speaker: Jeff Klein, civic engagement manager, LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office. __Discussion only_._ Jeff Klein introduced himself as manager of civic engagement and outreach for the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RRCC).
He oversees all civic engagement and community relations for the RRCC.
His presentation included a PowerPoint, “Voting in a Time of Pandemic” _[_[_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/General-Election-2020-Standard-Presentation-100520.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/General-Election-2020-Standard-Presentation-100520.pdf) _.]._ He explained that the County had moved to a vote center model in the primary and is continuing with this model.
The County is very large and includes 5.6 million registered voters.
Vote-by-Mail ballots have been sent out to all registered voters.
Vote centers will also be available to anyone who wishes to vote in-person.
The centers will follow all public health protocols.
Voters can go to any vote center in the County that is convenient for them.
There are also many drop box locations throughout the County.
Ballots need to be signed and can be placed inside the slot in the drop box; his office picks up the ballots from the boxes.
Drop boxes are noted in the Vote-by-Mail packet that all voters will receive.
The voter’s signature on the ballot is important.
The ballots will be secure because the RRCC will check the signature on every ballot that’s returned.
Ballots may also be sent via U.S.
Mail.
Ballots will be accepted and counted if postmarked by Election Day (November 3) and received by the RRCC up to 17 days after Election Day.
Voters can track the status of their ballots at the app, “Where’s My Ballot.” The deadline to register to vote is October
19.
Early voting in-person will start on October 24 at some vote center locations and on October 30 at the remaining locations.
The vote centers are strategically placed throughout the County.
For early voting, the vote centers will be open from 10am-7pm; on Election Day they will be open from 7am-8pm.
Sample ballots will be in the mail in the next day or so.
There will be expedited check-in at the vote centers if voters bring in their sample ballots with the bar code.
Postcards will also be sent out, and voters will receive a booklet with all 750 vote center locations listed.
This will arrive in the mail in the next week or so.
When voting in-person, the process will be similar to the process used in the primary; the ballot will be paper, not electronic; voters will insert the paper ballot in the marking device.
Voting will be private and independent.
Voters will need to wear masks at the vote centers and social distancing will be enforced.
Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrances and exits.
Voting machines will be six feet apart and wiped down after each use.
Visit the County’s “lavote” website for more information about the process _(_[_www.lavote.org_](http://www.lavote.org/) _)._ Questions and comments from board members then took place. _The PPCC Chair_ noted that he had placed his completed ballot in the mail slot inside the U.S.
Post Office.
He used a felt tip pen to mark his ballot; this is ok as long as the mark doesn’t bleed into the circles on the reverse page. _The PPCC Treasurer_ asked questions about signature comparison: With which signature _(i.e.,_ driver’s license, or something signed many years ago) is the signature on the ballot compared?
His 97-year old mother wants to vote, but her signature is now very shaky; how will RRCC deal with this?
Mr.
Klein: Signature comparison will be based on the most recent voter registration signature.
If the signature on the ballot doesn’t match, a letter will be sent out to the voter to verify the ballot, which must also be signed and returned _(i.e,_ there will be a second chance to sign and return the ballot). A letter will also go out to voters who forgot to sign their ballot.
Mr.
Klein noted that the RRCC has a record of all the different signatures of voters over time and they will try to match the signatures using this record.
He suggested that voters who have concerns may also re-register to vote by October 19 so that a current signature will be on file.
If voters can no longer sign their names, there’s an option to make a simple mark in lieu of a signature. _Karen Ridgley_ asked whether voters need to sign using the same name as when they first registered.
Mr.
Klein: Sign as closely as possible using the signature you believed you used when you registered; if the RRCC is unable to verify the name/signature, they will send out a letter to the voter.
Mr.
Klein advised that he will be happy to respond directly to questions sent to him via email _[_[_jklein@rrcc.lacounty.gov_](mailto:jklein@rrcc.lacounty.gov) _]._ The Chair thanked Mr.
Klein for his presentation.
11.
2. As time allows: _Motion by Councilmember Bonin_ regarding land use & planning related to the VHFHSZ and evacuation routes (CF 20-1213). __Possible Board action__. _See motion:_**__**[_https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1213_mot_09-22-2020.pdf_](https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1213_mot_09-22-2020.pdf) **.** Matter deferred due to lack of time. The Secretary reported that CD11 Deputy Durrah Wagner advised us by email shortly before the meeting began that the motion will be heard in the Council Public Safety Committee this coming Tuesday. The Executive Committee may consider whether to take a position on the motion before the Tuesday meeting. 12\. **Adjournment.** The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.
**ATTACHMENTS:** **Item 8.1.1 – Names of Incoming Representatives** Area & At-large Representatives (2020-2022 Term) Area 1 – Joanna Spak Area 2 – Steve Cron Area 3 – Haldis Toppel Area 4 – Karen Ridgley Area 5 – Sue Kohl Area 6 – Matthew Quiat Area 7 – Jenny Li At-large – Alan Goldsmith Organizational Representatives (2020-2021 Term)******** 1\. _Standing Organizations_ __Business: Chamber of Commerce Fay Vahdani Alt.: Sarah Knauer Historian: PP Historical Society Richard Wulliger Alt.: Eric Dugdale Environment: Temescal Canyon Association Brenda Theveny Alt.: Susan Orenstein Residents Association: PPRA Beth Holden-Garland Alt: Bobbi Thompson 2._Rotating Organizations_ Cultural and Aesthetics: Palisades Beautiful Craig Natvig Alt.: Theatre Palisades Andy Frew Education: Corpus Christi School Peter Powell Alt.: Paul Revere Charter Middle School Keri Kraft Civic Organizations: PP Civic League Richard Blumenberg Alt.: PRIDE John Padden Recreation: YMCA Jim Kirtley Alt.: AYSO Janet Anderson Service Clubs: Primary: PP Rotary Club Trish Bowe Alt.: American Legion Kevin Niles **Item 9.2 – PFC Report/Draft letter to Urban Forestry** October ___, 2020 Mr.
Tim Tyson, Chief Forester Urban Forestry Division StreetsLA, City of Los Angeles By email: [timothy.tyson@lacity.org](mailto:timothy.tyson@lacity.org) Re: **Replacement Street Trees at 15539 W.
Via De Las Olas, Pacific Palisades** (at the corner of Mt.
Holyoke Ave.) Dear Chief Forester Tyson, The Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) has represented the Palisades as its broadest based community organization since its founding in 1973.
We coordinate with the Urban Forestry Division (UFD) through its representative on our PPCC Palisades Forestry Committee.
On
June 3, 2019, PPCC was dismayed to hear from community members that several large and healthy parkway trees were removed by the owner of the adjacent property at 15539 W. Via De Las Olas, Pacific Palisades (“the Parkway”), which resulted in the City of Los Angeles
June 28, 2019 “Stop Construction Notice and Notice of Intent to Revoke Building Permits” letter to the owner. Under a resulting agreement between the owner and the City, 6 new _Lophostemon confertus_ / Brisbane Box trees were planted in the Parkway in remediation of the unauthorized removals. A Protected Tree Bond (“Bond”) was required for the six new trees (24” box size) to be replanted and watered for a survival period of 3 years from planting on
February 14, 2020. Four of those six new replacement trees died. Recently, the owner has planted another 4 replacement trees in the same places as the dead ones. The PPCC Board has voted _____________ to urge the City to: 1\. Require the owner to increase the number (same species and container size) of remediation trees that shall be planted in the Parkway from 6 to as many as 10, in order to maximize the number of parkway trees along Mt. Holyoke and Via De Las Olas, using UFD measurement criteria, rather than leaving the current big open spaces where the original street trees were removed. Locations to be selected by UFD. 2\. Require the best practices of maintenance of the parkway trees, including: (
a) removing the nursery stakes tied to each tree; (
b) removing the deep water tubes, with instructions to water the basins from the top to imitate rainfall; and (
c) comply with the proper staking and watering of Newly Installed Trees pursuant to the protocols of the International Society of Arboriculture. 3\.
Amend the survival date for release of the Bond (or its replacement bond) to reflect the planting date of October 2020 (8 months longer than the original date), to restart the 3 year period for the newly replanted replacement trees.
Additional parkway trees required to be planted by UFD should also be covered by a similar or amended bond. 4\.
Confirm that the Bond (or its replacement) is issued by an insurer and to a beneficiary that is acceptable to UFD and the Bureau of Engineering, City of Los Angeles, prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
Thank you for your help in re-foresting Pacific Palisades.
Very truly yours, David Card, Chair [davidcard22@gmail.com](mailto:davidcard22@gmail.com) cc: Mike Bonin, CD 11 Councilmember, [mike.bonin@lacity.org ](mailto:mike.bonin@lacity.org)Rachel Malarich, City Forest Officer, [rachel.malarich@lacity.org ](mailto:rachel.malarich@lacity.org)Durrah Wagner, CD11 Pacific Palisades Area Rep., [durrah.wagner@lacity.org ](mailto:durrah.wagner@lacity.org)Stephen Du Prey, Supervisor, UFD, [stephen.duprey@lacity.org ](mailto:stephen.duprey@lacity.org)Andrew Nave, Inspector, Building & Safety, [Andrew.Nave@lacity.org](mailto:Andrew.Nave@lacity.org)

_________________________

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MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 22nd 2020

Meeting held via Zoom videoconference
**Voting Members in Attendance:** David Card, David Kaplan, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Matthew Quiat, Jenny Li, Karen Ridgley, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Brenda Theveny, Craig Natvig, Beth Holden-Garland, Alan Goldsmith, Steve Cron, Maryam Zar, Haldis Toppel, Dick Wulliger, Fay Vahdani, Richard Blumenberg, Reza Akef* _(*after election; see item 9.1 below)_
**Voting Alternates:** Kevin Niles
**Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:** Sharon Kilbride, Patti Post, Zennon Ulyate-Crow, Melanie Bouer,* Rick McGeagh,* Mary Mueller,* Karyn Weber,* Cindy Kirven,* Judy Orsini,* Danielle Samulon,* Nancy Niles,* James Bierman,* Andrew Wolfberg* _(*after election; see item 9.1 below)_ 1.**Call to order and reading of Mission Statement.** The Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. Sue Kohl 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
October 8, 2020 were approved as corrected._Upcoming meetings:_
November 12, 2020: topics to be announced. There is one PPCC meeting only in each of the months of November and December, on the 2nd Thursday of the month. The Holiday Awards event is normally held on the December meeting date, but will not be held this year. An announcement will be made at the November 12 meeting as to whether a board meeting will be held in December. 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 $38,258.
05. He is pleased to report that we have completed the annual cycle of tax and compliance reporting. This week we filed our California Attorney General/Registry of Charitable Trusts Form RRF-1 annual registration. We also filed our IRS Form 990-N and our California Franchise Tax Board Form 199-N. A couple of weeks ago, the Treasurer filed our Form SI-100, a biannual report with the California Secretary of State. We have now completed our annual compliance cycle which is based off of our fiscal year ending September 30 – so we were quite prompt this year. **** 7\. ******General Public Comment.** 7.1.****_Lou Kamer_ (resident) asked whether we would consider recording PPCC Zoom meetings. The Chair replied that we are not considering recording the minutes since, among other things, this would increase the Secretary’s workload. PPCC’s detailed meeting minutes are publicly posted on the website. 8\. **Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. _Update on status of Ryu-Koretz motion for an ICO/temporary construction halt_ ; _E.C. letter sent 10/10/20:_ Letter: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PPCCLetter-Ryu-ICO-Motion-re-Construction.pdf> Motion: <https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1170_mot_09-15-2020.pdf> This motion has not yet been voted on by the City Council; it will be heard in the Council Planning & Land Use (PLUM) Committee on
October 29, 2020. 8.1.2.****_Update on status of Ryu-Bonin motion to update BMO-BHO (opposition to proposed citywide cap on home size); E.C. supplemental letter sent 10/13/20:_ Letter: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PPCC-EC-Letter2-CF20-1098cap-on-home-size.pdf> Clarification Request/Response: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CF-1098-Request-for-Clarification.pdf> Motion: <https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1098_mot_09-01-2020.pdf> Amendment to Motion: <https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1098_misc_amend_10-14-20.pdf> The Chair is pleased to report that PPCC’s strong advocacy was successful.
After we submitted two letters explaining our opposition to the portion of the motion seeking to impose a citywide cap on home size, Councilmembers Ryu and Bonin thought the matter through again and introduced an amendment which eliminated that provision.
The motion passed in City Council as amended and the Planning Dept. is now directed to prepare a report on the requested zoning updates that will not include a citywide cap on home size. 8.1.3.****_Update on status of Bonin motion regarding land use & planning related to the VHFHSZ and evacuation routes. E.C. letter sent 10/10/20: _ Letter: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PPCC-LetterCF-20-1213-Motion-re-VHFHZ.pdf> Motion: <https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1213_mot_09-22-2020.pdf> This motion has not yet been voted on by City Council; it passed in the Council Public Safety Committee and was then referred to the PLUM Committee (hearing not yet set). 8.1.4.****_Update on status of Ryu-Koretz motion to expand the Hillside Construction Regulation District Ordinance/Pilot Program citywide. E.C. letter sent 9/30/20:_ Letter: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PPCC-Letter-HCRD-Expansion.pdf> This motion passed in the PLUM Committee recently; it will now go to the City Council for a vote (hearing date not yet set). 8.1.5.****_Update on letter sent 10/9/20 regarding tree replacements at 15539 W.
Via de Las Olas:_ Letter: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Replacement-St.-Trees-15539-Via-De-Las-Olas.pdf> PPCC’s position letter was submitted to City officials on October
9. We will update the board when we learn of the status.
8.
1.
6. _New item: Palisades Beach Detail._ We have received word that LAPD Capt. Tom is concerned that with the budget cuts, our critical LAPD Beach Detail may be in jeopardy. PPCC and PPTFH are requesting that sufficient funding be provided to retain the Detail. On
October 21, 2020, the Executive Committee submitted a letter to the Mayor and Councilmember Bonin making this request. The letter has been forwarded to board members and is posted on the PPCC website. _[See:_ _<https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PPCC-Beach-Detail-Funding-Letter.pdf>]_
8.
2. _From Officers_.
8.
2.
1. Chris Spitz (Secretary). Update on 10/19 Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC) leadership meeting _–_ Deferred _._
8.
3. _From Area and At-large 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/>
8.
5.
1. Janet Turner, District Representative, U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu. Ms. Turner announced that the Congressman will hold a special “Conversations with Veterans” event on Facebook on
November 8, 2020 from 2-3:30pm. All are invited. She will send a flyer. 8.5.2.**** Tim Fremaux, LADOT Senior Transportation Engineer, and Eric Bruins, CD11 Transportation Director _(see Item 11.1 below)._
8.
6. _From PPCC Advisors_ – Deferred. 9\. **Reports from Committees**.
9.
1. _Three Chairs Committee_ (Maryam Zar, Committee Chair; Chris Spitz & Randy Young).
Announcement of nominees and possible board election of Alternate Area and At-large Representatives.
The Committee Chair introduced each of the nominees for 1st position Alternates and read their brief background statements.
She asked if any board member wished to discuss any nominee.
No one asked for discussion.
Secretary Chris Spitz then moved on behalf of the Committee for the board to approve and elect all nominees for 1st position (no second required because the motion was made by a committee of at least two voting members); vote taken. _Vote_ : _unanimous_.
All 1st position nominees were approved and elected as 1st Alternate representatives for their respective Areas.
The same process was repeated for all 2nd position Alternate nominees.
No discussion; motion for approval and election made; vote taken. _Vote_ : _unanimous_.
All 2nd position nominees were approved and elected as 2nd Alternate representatives for their respective Areas. _See attached lists of all nominees & background statements._ The Committee Chair thanked her fellow Committee members.
The Chair then announced that because the Area 8 Primary representative position is vacant, Reza Akef is now promoted to the Primary representative position and Andrew Wolfberg is promoted to the 1st Alternate position, per PPCC’s bylaws (Art. VIII.1.C and Standing Rule 7). 10\. **Old Business.** 10.1.****(Tentative) LADWP update on power pole replacement project/environmental mitigation plan.
The Chair announced that action by PPCC on the project is unnecessary at this time as the environmental mitigation plan is being addressed and the pole replacement will not occur for some time.
We will continue to monitor. 11\. **New Business.** 11.1.****_Presentation on improvements to Chautauqua/PCH and Chautauqua/Sunset intersections_.
Speakers: Tim Fremaux, LADOT Senior Transportation Engineer and EricBruins, CD11 Transportation Director.
Eric Bruins spoke first, announcing that the intersection of Chautauqua & Sunset is under construction for the installation of a long-awaited left-turn signal, for cars coming from the east on Sunset and making a left turn (south) on Chautauqua.
The signal should address the primary cause of collisions at that intersection.
Residents have been expressing concerns since the fatal motorcycle collision in 2017 and the signal is finally under construction.
He then advised that Tim Fremaux, an LADOT Senior Transportation Engineer, will speak about the other problematic intersection at Chautauqua & PCH.
He explained that the intersection has a confusing arrangement, with drivers ending up in the wrong lane when seeking to turn left onto PCH from Chautauqua.
Mr.
Fremaux will present details about what LADOT has come up with and will take input from the community.
Tim Fremaux presented an engineering drawing of the intersection which was shown to meeting participants virtually.
He described this as a “Geometric Plan” which lays out markings on the roadway for improvements in the intersection.
He described the markings while zooming in on various portions of the plan as he spoke. _[See the drawing on the PPCC website at:_<https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/A-79xx-Model.pdf>_.]_ Mr.
Fremaux explained that LADOT first wants to address pedestrian safety concerns involving the two lanes on PCH westbound that currently allow right turns onto both W.
Channel Road and Chautauqua.
He stated that allowing these lanes both to be used for such turns presents a safety issue for pedestrians crossing W.
Channel Rd. and that this configuration is not permitted in most other areas of Los Angeles. LADOT proposes to mark the right-hand lane closest to the curb side of the roadway _[the “curb” lane, which begins after the Entrada intersection]_ so that right turns from the “curb” lane would only be allowed onto W.
Channel Rd., not onto Chautauqua; the other lane to the immediate left of the “curb” lane _[the “option” lane]_ would allow drivers the option of continuing on PCH or turning right onto Chautauqua (not W.
Channel Rd.).
Several board members reacted negatively to this proposal, explaining that traffic is routinely backed up on PCH westbound at this intersection during peak hours, causing significant delays.
Since traffic flows more swiftly in the “curb” lane, in order to avoid long delays many community members returning home to areas of the Palisades other than Santa Monica Canyon use the “curb” lane rather than the “option” lane to turn right onto Chautauqua from PCH.
It was remarked that pedestrians are rarely seen crossing W.
Channel Rd.
The opinion of those who spoke, in general, was that eliminating the option for drivers in the “curb” lane to turn right onto Chautauqua _(i.e.,_ limiting right turns only onto W.
Channel Rd.) was a detriment to the community rather than a material improvement of the intersection.
Speakers at the meeting clearly indicated that they believe pedestrian safety on W.
Channel Rd. at this intersection is not the most pressing issue.
No one spoke in support of this proposal.
Speakers stressed that the biggest public safety problem – about which the community has long expressed concerns -- involves the frequent inappropriate and illegal left-turns made by drivers coming through the intersection from Chautauqua southbound.
Specifically, speakers explained that drivers routinely use the southbound lane on Chautauqua farthest from the curb to turn left illegally onto PCH instead of making a u-turn onto W.
Channel Rd., as required from that lane.
Cars making these illegal turns veer unsafely onto PCH, causing cars that are legally turning left onto PCH from the “curb” lane southbound on Chautauqua to pause or even stop to avoid collisions due to the illegal maneuvers by other drivers.
This in turn causes traffic delays at the intersection, which can become significant during peak travel hours.
Some speakers expressed that they believe drivers deliberately make these improper turns regardless of signage or warnings, while others indicated that more prominent signage or other measures should be put in place to help deter the illegal turns.
Focusing on the engineering drawing, Mr.
Fremaux explained various lane markings and signage which LADOT proposes to try and improve this situation at the intersection.
He acknowledged that previous markings painted by LADOT in lanes at upper locations on Chautauqua southbound have been insufficient.
He also requested additional input from meeting attendees for solutions to the problem.
Numerous speakers offered various solutions, including placing bollards at strategic locations and installing light reflectors or other raised “bumps” in the roadway to deter drivers from using the wrong lane to turn left onto PCH.
Other suggestions included improved signage, such as placing a large overhead sign on the traffic signal on PCH facing drivers coming downhill from Chautauqua; possibly widening lanes or shortening roadways; adding camera enforcement; increasing enforcement; adjusting traffic signal timing to reduce back-up and delays on Chautauqua during peak hours; adjusting traffic flow by making some streets in the vicinity of the intersection one-way only; and/or adding a dedicated bus lane in order to improve conditions for bus travel.
Mr.
Fremaux explained that PCH is within the jurisdiction of Caltrans, which will not allow bumps or bollards that would impede traffic crossing on PCH.
He also stated that camera-enforcement is no longer allowed in the City of Los Angeles.
He believes placing a large sign on the traffic signal on PCH and/or other suggested measures may be a good idea but he cautioned that Caltrans may not allow such measures.
He indicated he would look into the various suggestions and would communicate with Caltrans to ascertain what would or would not be possible for areas within Caltrans’ jurisdiction.
He invited community members to contact him with follow-up concerns or suggestions _[_[tim.fremaux@lacity.org](mailto:tim.fremaux@lacity.org) _]._ The Chair thanked Mr.
Fremaux for his presentation. 11.2.****_Motion recommended to member-councils by the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC) – Eliminate Gut-and-Amend bill process_ _–_ Deferred. 12\. **Adjournment.** The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 pm. **ATTACHMENT: Item 9.1 –**** _2020 Alternate Area & At-large Representative Nominees_** Area 1 Judy Orsini 1st Kelly Comras 2nd Area 2 Melanie Bouer 1st Bruce Schwartz 2nd Area 3 Danielle Samulon 1st Nancy Niles 2nd Area 4 Rick Mills 1st Lee Anne Sanderson 2nd Area 5 Kimberly Bloom 1st James Bierman 2nd Area 6 Karyn Weber 1st Cindy Kirven 2nd Area 7 Rick McGeagh 1st Cathy Russell 2nd Area 8 Reza Akef 1st Andrew Wolfberg 2nd At-large Mary Mueller 1st Marilyn Wexler 2nd **_1st Position Alternate Nominees – 2020_** **Area One: Judy Orsini** Judy has resided in Area One for 42 years.
She is a realtor of many years and has worked closely with presidents of the Castellammare Homeowners Association to provide information and advice on real estate matters.
She has given the real estate report at the Association’s annual meeting for the last thirteen years.
She believes that issues such as wildfire protection, supporting the good work of PPTFH, and maintaining the integrity of CC&Rs are all important.
She has a good sense of the residents’ vision for the community and believes that will help her in serving as Area One 1st Alternate. **Area Two: Melanie Bouer** Melanie has been the Area Two 1st Alternate for the last two years.
She is a 32-year resident of the Highlands, and has enjoyed working with PPCC and the Area Two primary representative Steve Cron.
She is concerned about issues such as large-scale development, crime and traffic congestion, and protection of coastal resources and parks.
She is very interested in continuing to serve the community as Area Two 1st Alternate. **Area Three: Danielle Samulon** Danielle served from 2016-2018 as the elected Area Three Primary representative and for the past two years has been Area Three 1st Alternate.
She is a third generation Palisadian, mom, lawyer and volunteer with deep roots in the community.
She grew up in the Palisades and has lived here for nearly a decade with her husband and children.
Danielle understands the concerns of her fellow residents and wishes to continue working on the many issues of concern to constituents as Area Three 1st Alternate. **Area Four: Rick Mills** Rick was the respected Area Four Primary representative for six years, from 2014-2020.
He has resided in Area Four for more than three decades and was previously Chair of the Pacific Palisades Design Review Board.
He has been a member of the PPCC Land Use Committee and is very knowledgeable about the issues facing our community.
He will bring valuable expertise and perspectives to PPCC as Area Four 1st Alternate. **Area Five: Kimberly Bloom** Kimberly first moved to the Palisades Highlands as a graduate student in 1981 and fell in love with the community.
After a hiatus living elsewhere, she and her husband returned to the Palisades in 1993 and they have resided with their son in the Alphabet Streets ever since.
She has been an active member of St.
Matthews Episcopal Church, where she has chaired the Youth Group and numerous events.
She organized and co-led a cancer support group and also produced a successful comedy show fundraiser for the YMCA.
She loves the Palisades community and the Alphabet Streets and looks forward to serving as Area Five 1st Alternate. **Area Six: Karyn Weber** Karyn has lived with her husband and children in Area 6 for almost 19 years.
She has previously served on the PPCC board as PPCC Secretary, Area 6 Alternate and PPRA’s Alternate representative.
She wishes to keep the small town feel of the neighborhood where her children grew up while improving certain aspects, including the park and recreation center, the farmer’s market and our infrastructure such as streets, development, parks and hiking trails.
As Area Six 1st Alternate, she would also like to help bring a voice for teens, as they are a large part of our community but are often unrepresented. **Area Seven: Rick McGeagh** Rick has resided with his family in the Will Rogers State Park neighborhood for over 22 years.
He has been a PPCC member for twelve years, representing the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association in the Recreation category.
He has also served on the PPBA board for twelve years and the Palisades Park Advisory Board for five years.
Rick campaigned for and successfully engaged Mike Bonin’s office and park rangers in clearing the overgrown brush on the north side of Sunset Blvd. between Will Rogers State Park Rd. and Evans Rd.
This summer, LAFD Deputy Chief Hogan included Area Seven on the LAFD brush clearance plan, calling it “Rick’s Project.” During COVID-19, Rick himself regularly clears Will Rogers State Park Rd., filling a green trash can with leaves weekly.
He looks forward to serving Area Seven as the First Alternate. **Area Eight: Reza Akef** Reza has been a resident of Area Eight for 25 years and was honored to represent the Area as Primary representative for the last eight years.
He loves the Polo Fields and believes that we need to protect our quality of life.
He has defended the community on issues such as the golf tournament, Paul Revere MS and local student enrollment at Canyon Elementary.
His professional career has ranged from government to private sectors and he understands the intricate working dynamic with the City to get results for the community. ******At-large: Mary Mueller** Mary has served admirably as the At-large 1st Alternate for the past two years.
She is a 25-year Palisades resident and a Marketing Partnership executive in the entertainment and sports industry.
She operates a business located in Pacific Palisades and her two grown children were raised in the Palisades and still work here.
She served as the able Chair of PPCC’s Awards Event Committee last year and wishes to continue serving PPCC and the community as At-large 1st Alternate.__2nd Position Alternate Nominees — 2020**Area One: Kelly Comras** Kelly has served reliably as Area One 2nd Alternate for the last four years; for four years before that, she was the elected Primary representative.
She is a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects and a member of the PPCC Palisades Forestry Committee.
Kelly is very familiar with PPCC’s Mission and process as well as her area’s concerns, and wishes to continue serving constituents so that they have a clear understanding of how to participate in local planning, building and safety, coastal development and other issues. **Area Two: Bruce Schwartz** Bruce is a long-time Highlands resident and realtor with Palisades Realty.
He has been the Area Two 2nd Alternate for the last two years and previously served as PRIDE’s representative to PPCC.
Bruce received a Golden Sparkplug Award in 2013 and was honored as PPCC’s 2018 Citizen of the Year for his extraordinary record of volunteer service to the community.
His many substantial contributions to the safety and beauty of the Highlands and the entire Palisades community are widely-known and appreciated.
Bruce wishes to continue serving the community as Area Two 2nd Alternate. **Area Three: Nancy Niles** Nancy has lived in Pacific Palisades for 43 years and in Area Three since 1985.
She is the respected President of the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club and served in the past on the PPCC board as the service club representative for the Woman’s Club.
This fall, she was a member of the PPCC Election Committee, which oversaw the election of our Area and At-large representatives.
She is happy to serve as the Area Three 2nd Alternate with the Primary representative Haldis Toppel. **Area Four: Lee Anne Sanderson** Lee Anne is an over 37-year resident of Area Four, where she has raised her children and participated in numerous local Palisades youth programs.
She has been involved for many years directly in efforts to improve public safety and the quality of life in Area Four.
She has been a Block Captain, has raised funds to install Neighborhood Crime Watch signs, and has worked with Mike Bonin’s deputies on matters such as COVID-19 safety, automotive speeding/racing, fire hazards on the bluff, graffiti, trash, stolen signage and noise and party nuisances.
Lee Ann supports PPCC’s Mission and wishes to serve Area Four as the 2nd Alternate to PPCC. **Area Five: James Bierman** James is a seven-year resident of the Palisades who moved with his wife and two young children to their new home in the Alphabet Streets three months ago.
He received an MBA from UCLA and works in life sciences consulting.
He is very committed to the future of the community which he believes is built for family, and wants to make sure that it continues to grow in a way that is great for residents and the future of our children.
James is most interested in ensuring that the Palisades has a viable sustainable economic profile and looks forward to contributing to the community as Area Five 2nd Alternate. **Area Six: Cindy Kirven** Cindy has lived with her family in Pacific Palisades for 37 years and in Area 6 for six years. A retired COO of a film production company, she is a member of the Garden Club, a Village Green volunteer, and serves as Chair of the PPCC Palisades Forestry Committee.
She has specific expertise applicable in communication, organization and collaboration.
Cindy recognizes the unique representational needs of Area 6, which includes the Huntington and Via Mesa neighborhoods, as well as the bluffs, the southern business district, the Recreation Center and George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon.
As Area Six 2nd Alternate, she hopes to bring her skills and expertise to helping keep the community safe, beautiful and neighborly. **Area Seven: Cathy Russell** Cathy is a 40+-year Area Seven resident who has served on the PPCC Board for the last 12 years, first as the respected Area Seven Primary representative and then as 1st Alternate representative.
She wishes to continue working hard on the many issues that present themselves, including traffic concerns, homelessness, tree preservation, wildfires and safety.
Cathy is very grateful to have been part of PPCC and wishes to continue to contribute to its ongoing mission.
She observes: “In these difficult times, it is important to take care of our community and each other.” **Area Eight: Andrew Wolfberg** Andrew has served as the dependable Area Eight 1st Alternate for the last four years.
He has also served as Primary representative as well as PPCC Vice-President for one term and as a member of the PPCC Bylaws Committee.
He is an estate planning attorney who grew up in the Palisades and has lived in his home with his wife and children in the Polo Fields for ten years.
Andrew is particularly interested in the effects that Paul Revere and other public schools have on their surrounding neighborhoods. **At-large: Marilyn Wexler** Marilyn has been the reliable PPCC Area Seven 2nd Alternate for the past four years.
She is a 30-year resident, has served on the board of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association (SMCCA) for 15 years, and for the past eight years has served as the respected President of SMCCA.
She also sits on the PPCC Palisades Forestry Committee which she believes will be an invaluable asset to all of the Palisades community.
Marilyn wishes to continue serving the community as the At-large 2nd Alternate.

_________________________

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MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 12th 2020

Meeting held via Zoom videoconference
**Voting Members in Attendance:** David Card, David Kaplan, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Matthew Quiat, Jenny Li, Karen Ridgley, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Brenda Theveny, Craig Natvig, Beth Holden-Garland, Alan Goldsmith, Steve Cron, Maryam Zar, Haldis Toppel, Dick Wulliger, Fay Vahdani, Richard Blumenberg, Reza Akef
**Voting Alternates:** None
**Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:** Sharon Kilbride, Jack Coleman, John Padden, Melanie Bouer, Mary Mueller, Marilyn Wexler, Karyn Weber, Cindy Kirven, Kimberly Bloom 1.**Call to order and reading of Mission Statement.** The Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. Beth Holden-Garland 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
October 22, 2020 were approved. Upcoming meetings:
January 14, 2021: topics to be announced. There is one PPCC meeting only in each of the months of November and December, on the 2nd Thursday of the month. The Holiday Awards event is normally held on the December meeting date, but will not be held this year. The December 10th meeting is cancelled. 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 $38,013.
05.
There have been no significant transactions since the last report. **** 7\. ******General Public Comment.** 7.1.**** Lou Kamer (resident) explained that LADOT and CD11 have installed improvements to the Chautauqua/Corona Del Mar intersection, including installing a new crosswalk, signage, bollards, a pedestrian island and bumper lines on the side of the street for people walking.
The Chair explained that when the LADOT originally proposed to remove the crosswalk, the neighbors, Lou Kamer, the nearby PPCC Area representatives and PPCC Board members all objected. CD 11 staff supported the community and worked with LADOT to reverse its original decision and to make these improvements to the intersection.
Mr.
Kamer also explained that he and a group of residents have been trying to maintain the dirt pathway on Chautauqua by clearing brush and keeping it level.
He will bring to the Council a proposal about possibly paving the pathway.
The goal is to make this a safe and beautiful route for pedestrians.
Mr.
Kamer also announced that this year there will be a different holiday “Ho, Ho, Ho” celebration due to the pandemic; an announcement with details about the event will be forthcoming. 8\. **Reports, Announcements and Concerns.**
8.
1. _From the Chair/Presiding Officer_.
8.
1.
1. _Update on status of recent motions in City Council:_ (
a) Ryu motion for an ICO/temporary construction halt (CF 20-1170): Passed in Council PLUM committee on 10/29/20 as amended by CD4. The Chair explained the amendments: the motion no longer calls for an immediate ICO on construction but requests LAFD and other agencies to report on enforcement options to address bottlenecks in evacuation routes and temporary suspension options for large vehicle hauling and staging operations during highest fire risk days. The amended text has been sent to the Board. _[See:_ [ _https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Supplement-to-PPCC-11-12-20-AgendaR.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Supplement-to-PPCC-11-12-20-AgendaR.pdf) _]._ A hearing date in the full City Council still hasn’t been set. (
b) Bonin motion related to the VHFHSZ and evacuation routes (CF 20-1213): Passed in Council Public Safety committee on 10/13/20 and & in PLUM committee on 11/5/20, as amended by CD11 to include, in addition to evacuation routes in the VHFHSZ, all areas impacted by climate change _(e.g.,_ tsunami zones and areas subject to sea-level rise). The Chair reported that the motion passed in City Council on
November 10, 2020. (
c) Ryu motion to expand the Hillside Construction Regulation District (HCRD) Ordinance (CF 20-1101): Passed in full Council on 10/29/20; Planning Dept. directed to prepare ordinance amendments and map of areas where the HCRD would apply; PPCC will monitor. The Chair noted that there are no further updates. 8.1.2.****___Update on status of LAPD beach patrol in Pacific Palisades._ PPCC Letter: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PPCC-Beach-Detail-Funding-Letter.pdf> __ Asm. Bloom Letter: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Letter-of-Support-Pacific-Palisades-Beach-Detail.pdf> CM Bonin Response: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PPCC-Palisades-Beach-Detail-1.pdf>
8.
1.
3. _PCH Task Force Report._ Senators Allen and Stern and Assemblymember Bloom all attended the last PCH Task Force meeting.
Sen.
Allen sponsored a new law that phases out a certain fire suppressant that is cancer-causing.
All three of these elected officials agreed that density and fire evacuation were important issues.
Caltrans reported that it is conducting a traffic study on the PCH/Chautauqua intersection, with possible major improvements to be proposed. PPCC Transportation Advisor Patti Post is trying to set up a meeting to talk with Caltrans about the intersection and possible improvements.
The City of Malibu also reported at the Task Force meeting that it has worked out coordination and control of PCH stoplights from Malibu to the Ventura County line to go all “green” in the event of emergency evacuations.
There are emergency generators installed at all the stoplights.
They are also studying different sirens for use in emergencies.
Malibu has set up evacuation zones and is coordinating with the Topanga Canyon community on evacuation of residents by zones during emergencies.
The idea is to push people to evacuate north towards Ventura, not south towards the Palisades and other parts of Los Angeles and Santa Monica.
8.
2. _From Officers_.
8.
2.
1.
Chris Spitz (Secretary).
Dockless electric scooters – local & state regulation status update.
Update: <https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dockless-Electric-Scooters-Update.pdf>.
The Secretary summarized the information contained in her written report linked in the agenda.
She also stated that she had recently learned about a lawsuit brought by the ACLU against the City regarding the LADOT’s data-tracking program and had written a supplemental report about the lawsuit which was distributed to the Board before the meeting. _[See:_[_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Supplement-to-PPCC-11-12-Agenda-re-scooters.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Supplement-to-PPCC-11-12-Agenda-re-scooters.pdf) _]_ She explained the status of the lawsuit.
The Secretary further reported on the status of the proposed Vacation Rentals ordinance, which passed in City Council today (November 12).
The proposed ordinance would allow a certain number of non-primary residences to be rented out short-term.
She noted that PPCC had submitted a message to the Council File reiterating its request, originally made in January 2020, for a 24-hour hotline for neighbors to report issues such as party houses, noise, nuisances and other violations of ordinance provisions.
The ordinance must now be drafted by the Planning Dept.
We will attempt to monitor.
8.
3. _From Area and At-large Representatives_
8.
3.
1. Steve Cron (Area 2 Representative) reported that there has been a big increase in speeding and drag racing in the Highlands. He has been in touch with Capt. Tom. They don’t know of a solution but they are working on it. Capt. Tom says it’s a problem all over the City. Other Area Representatives and Alternates reported that speeding and drag racing is also going on along Sunset Blvd., on Alma Real near the library, and in the El Medio bluffs. CD11 Field Deputy Durrah Wagner stated that she has met with residents of the Mountaingate area in Brentwood, which is also experiencing speeding and drag racing. She will speak with Steve Cron about exploring avenues to help with the situation.
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. Durrah Wagner (CD 11 Palisades-Brentwood Field Deputy). _See Item 8.3.1._ Haldis Toppel (Area 3 Representative) explained that she is trying to understand the 45 ft. height limit in her Area and would like someone from CD 11 to get back to her. Ms. Wagner stated that she would check with CD 11 Planning Director Len Nguyen to schedule a meeting.
8.
5.
2. Veronica de la Cruz-Robles (Neighborhood Prosecutor, City Attorney’s office). She is just checking in and listening to our meeting. She noted that her office has been dealing a lot with the problem of party houses, mainly in Bel Air and other areas of the City. People continue to throw large gatherings despite the public health orders. The City has been able to shut off utilities to these houses in several cases. This problem hasn’t affected the Palisades as much. Many of these party houses are short-term rentals. Her office is working with City agencies to strengthen the Home-Sharing Ordinance. An issue with the hotline (which is already in the administrative rules) is that the police are not always able to respond immediately to complaints about noise and nuisances, especially late at night. Beth Holden-Garland (PPRA) remarked that she is concerned because she sees young people gathering and partying on the streets near her home and not wearing masks.
8.
6. _From PPCC Advisors_.
8.
6.
1.
Sharon Kilbride (PPCC Homelessness Advisor & Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness/PPTFH Co-President) explained that members of PPTFH have been working with the LAPD Beach Patrol.
They are doing a good job and getting into the hillsides to address public safety problems.
There is an arsonist with mental illness who is homeless in the Palisades.
He has started two spot fires which the Beach Patrol has been able to put out.
Police have tracked him and he seems to have backed off.
Two other spot fires in the lower Corona del Mar bluffs were also put out.
There was another fire in Temescal Gateway Park in a trash can.
Ms.
Kilbride can’t confirm if these fires were started by homeless people.
She reminded everyone to be vigilant about fires.
She also announced that this Monday, November 16th at 7pm, there will be a PPTFH online community meeting on homeless mental health.
Information is on the PPTFH website. 9\. **Reports from Committees** – None. 10\. **Old Business.** 10.1.****_Motion recommended to member-councils by the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC) – eliminate gut-and-amend bill process_ ; _sponsored in PPCC by Secretary Chris Spitz (PPCC primary WRAC representative & WRAC Vice-Chair); deferred from
October 22, 2020.
See attachment for motion text and background information: _[ _https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Attachments-to-11-12-20-AgendaR.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Attachments-to-11-12-20-AgendaR.pdf)** _._** The Secretary introduced the motion and referenced the background information that had been provided in the agenda _[see attachment below]._ The Chair briefly explained that this is a “bait & switch” maneuver which misleads the public as to the intent and actual content of the legislation being proposed.
The Secretary then moved that the Board vote to support the motion.
Second: Joanna Spak (Area 1 Representative).
Discussion: None. A vote was taken.
Result: Unanimous in favor of the motion. 11\. **New Business.****** 11.1.****_Guest speaker: Assemblymember Richard Bloom_.
Remarks by the Assemblymember and Q&A.
The Chair welcomed and introduced Assemblymember Bloom and also thanked him for his strong support for retention of our Beach Patrol.
The Assemblymember indicated he will continue to advocate for this detail as it is important for the community’s safety.
He thanked the Palisades for his re-election.
He spoke about what happened this past year in Sacramento.
He noted that his field representative Melissa Kaufler, who was in attendance, will confirm that their office has been inundated with unemployment/EDD requests – over 700 this year.
In a normal year they have 20-30 cases.
The legislative session was cut short during COVID.
The legislators lost a few weeks of time to work on the budget, although they were able to pass a budget on time.
There was a $1billion authorization for the Governor’s use to address the COVID crisis/important needs.
Assemblymember Bloom noted that several important bills that he introduced this past session had passed.
He explained that AB 1788 – a moratorium on the use of second generation rodenticides – will take effect in January.
He worked with folks in the Palisades and other areas for five years to get this bill to fruition.
He’ll continue to carry animal welfare bills and would like to introduce a bill this session to create a canine blood bank system.
He also noted that his office had a successful forum on hate speech and he will ask the Governor to create a commission on hate. **** The Assemblymember further mentioned AB 1766, which will require the state to provide data to assess why board & care facilities have been shutting down.
This may be due to fact that real estate values have gone up too high and the rate of reimbursement for the services are such that it’s more valuable for the property owner to sell.
This is one of many drivers of homelessness.
He has been prioritizing homelessness for over 20 years.
He believes in a team approach to the problem and wants to concentrate on the mental health aspects.
There is an epidemic of meth use; this is connected to mental health because it brings on psychosis.
The Chair explained that we are concerned about proposed legislation to increase housing density in residential areas in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).
Assemblymember Bloom acknowledged these concerns while stating that he would continue to address housing affordability – this is a crisis that is not going away.
He explained that his Budget Committee has held hearings on fire prevention.
He recognizes that safe ingress & egress are of critical importance in emergencies.
Also important are improving the ability to create defensible space and home hardening measures.
The Secretary thanked Assemblymember Bloom for including an unconditional exemption for the VHFHSZ in one of his housing bills last session.**** Steve Cron asked if there was funding for new equipment and machinery to fight fires.
The Assemblymember: Yes, over the past few years when the budget was flush we brought CalFire to full capacity, including new equipment, more personnel and new helicopters.
Last year, they were set to fund new LiDar (laser beam) technology which would have been able to detect and pinpoint fires.
That had to be dropped from the budget due to the economy.
He hopes they can bring this back.
Leslie Campbell (resident; PP Dog Park Working Group) explained that over the past five years the Working Group has tried to get support for a dog park in the Palisades.
They now have support from Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks, CD11, PPCC and the community. A few weeks ago they got a major boost – Measure A funds for one year were allotted for the project, thanks to Durrah Wagner of CD11.
They will still need to raise $600,000 more in funding and will also need to obtain a Coastal Development Permit (CDP).
She asked if Asssemblymember Bloom could help with the CDP.
The Assemblymember indicated that he is a dog lover and can try to help; at a minimum, he can write a letter to the California Coastal Commission (CCC).
He is a former Coastal Commissioner and may be able to explore with the current CCC how to expedite the request.
He noted that the CCC is thorough in its process.
The Working Group should stay in contact with Melissa Kaufler.
Jack Coleman (Youth Advisor) explained that AB 331, which contained an ethnic studies mandate that was anti-Semitic, was vetoed by the Governor.
Will the Assemblymember commit to voting No on any legislation with an ethnic studies mandate that is not inclusive or is anti-Semitic?
Assemblymember Bloom: Yes.
He explained his efforts in this regard and stated that he will continue to work on this issue.
Anti-Semitism has no place in any curriculum.
The Chair thanked the Assemblymember for speaking with us and answering our questions. 11.2.****_Motion recommended to member-councils by the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC) –_ __Community Plans update process/requests to Planning__ _; sponsored in PPCC by the PPCC Community Plan Update Committee (CPUC).
See attachment for motion text and background information:_[_https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Attachments-to-11-12-20-AgendaR.pdf_](https://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Attachments-to-11-12-20-AgendaR.pdf)** _._** The Secretary (as a member of the Community Plan Update Committee/CPUC) introduced the motion and referenced the background information that had been provided in the agenda _[see attachment below]._ The Chair briefly explained the reasons why the CPUC was sponsoring this motion.
The Secretary then moved that the board vote to support the motion.
No second was necessary as the motion was made by a committee of more than one voting Board member.
Discussion: None. A vote was taken.
Result: Unanimous in favor of the motion.**** 12\. **Adjournment.** The meeting was adjourned at 6:45pm.
**ATTACHMENTS:** **Item 10.1 (text of motion)** Whereas the Sacramento Legislative process known as Gut-and-Amend eliminates transparency and public participation by misleading the intent and content of the bill being considered, [Pacific Palisades Community Council] recommends the following reform: Eliminate the “gut-and-amend” bill process and request the City of Los Angeles include in its Sacramento legislative priorities the elimination of the “gut-and-amend” bill process. **Item 11.2 (text of motion)** Motion to support and include for official input to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning in reference to the WRAC Member Community Plan updates, a delay of 6 months due to COVID 19 and restrictions related to public access, meetings and participation and further request the following:****

* An appropriate assessment of how the COVID 19 and future pandemics will impact current and future mobility, housing, design, environmental and health and safety needs and concerns.

* Current and future data projections relevant to the task of updating all WRAC member Community Plans.
* Incorporation of an additional step in the Community Plan update timeline that allows for presentation of the staff draft plan and an associated public comment period, or a second and revised concept plan phase. Allocation of time for staff to review public comments and incorporate changes to reflect input prior to issuing any NOP [Notice of Preparation of Draft Environmental Impact Report] for the start of the environmental review process. It is improper to issue an NOP and conduct a DEIR for a draft plan that the community has had neither the chance to see or review.
* Thorough public outreach is a must and should include all stakeholders. The Planning Department has not allocated proper time or resources, and City Council must do so moving forward so that no stakeholders are left uninformed about the process.

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The PPCC Holiday Awards Gala and meeting of December 14 were CANCELED due to pandemic-related conditions -- No minutes.

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