11/12 Meeting Recap;
Events & Information PPCC held its regular public Board meeting via Zoom
on November 12, 2020. Here are a few highlights:
Guest Speaker Assemblymember Richard Bloom: PPCC was honored to welcome our Assemblymember at the November 12th board meeting. The Assemblymember thanked the Palisades for supporting him in the recent and past elections. He spoke about his work this past legislative session, including successfully introducing a bill banning anti-coagulant rodenticides which will become law in January. He explained the issues that he wishes to focus on in the coming session, including addressing the affordable housing crisis and continuing work on protecting our high fire hazard zones. He also answered many questions from Board and community members. We appreciate Assemblymember Bloom visiting with us and sharing his accomplishments and plans for the coming legislative session.
WRAC-recommended Motions:The Board unanimously passed two important motions that had been recommended by leadership of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC -- in which PPCC is one of 14 member councils): (1) a motion calling for elimination of the legislature's "Gut-and-Amend" bill process; and (2) a motion calling for improvements in the Community Plan Update process (measures that will be important to the update of our own Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan when that process begins in the next year or so). See the motions' text and background at WRAC Motions. Once these motions are adopted by the requisiite number of WRAC member councils, they will become official WRAC positions and will be advocated to the relevant officials and entities.
Palisades Beach Detail Status: The Chair explained the critical importance of maintaining the beach detail and thanked Assemblymember Bloom for his support. He reported that we have received assurances of support from Councilmember Bonin and LAPD Capt. Tom, but there are no guarantees of future funding for the detail. In addition, PPCC Homelessness Advisor and PPTFH Co-President Sharon Kilbride updated the Board on the beach detail's important work with the Task Force, particularly in ascertaining and putting out spot fires in our fire prone bluffs and addressing problems of crime and meth use among homeless individuals in the Palisades. Photo credit: Officer Redican
Dockless Electric Scooters:In light of recent concerns expressed by community members about the number of scooters being left haphazardly in right-of-way areas of the Palisades, the Secretary gave an update on regulation and recent litigation, including information from CD11 as to what can be done about the situation. For more details, seeScooter Updateand Data-Tracking Lawsuit.
Events & Information
CM Bonin Crime & Public Safety
Town Hall, 11/16
From Councilmember Mike Bonin: "I am inviting you to join me, Police Chief Michel Moore, and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Jeff Gorell Monday night for a virtual Town Hall on crime and public safety in our neighborhoods. With a continuing pandemic, an economic collapse, and a city fiscal crisis, crime patterns in our neighborhood are changing, and residents of the 11th District have concerns and plenty of questions. I want to be sure you have an opportunity to voice your concerns and get your questions answered. The Town Hall will be held via Zoom, beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, November 16. You can RSVP for the Town Hall [by clicking on the graphic above]. You can submit questions at the same link. I hope that you can join me in this important conversation."
PPTFH Community Meeting 11/16
ThePacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness (PPTFH) invites everyone (after attending the Public Safety Town Hall!) to hop on to the PPTFH virtual Community Meeting, November 16 at 7pm: "A Conundrum – Helping Mentally Ill Homeless People." Featured speaker: LaTina Jackson, Deputy Director at LA County Department of Mental Health. Click on the image above for more details and to register.
Chautauqua/Corona Del Mar
Intersection Improvements
Credit: CD11
Councilmember Bonin announces: "A key intersection in Pacific Palisades is a whole lot safer for pedestrians, thanks to recent improvements made by LADOT. LADOT upgraded the crosswalk at Corona del Mar and Chautauqua Boulevard by adding safety signage to alert drivers of the approaching crosswalk, installing bollards to make the crossing more visible to drivers, and narrowing the travel lanes on approach to the crosswalk. Thank you to the neighbors who advocated for these upgrades and to LADOT for installing them." Neighbors, many users of this crosswalk, Lou Kamer, PPCC Area Representatives and other Board members protested when LADOT sent a notice announcing the removal of the sidewalk. CM Bonin's CD11 staff supported the community. LADOT responded by re-inspecting and then improving the safety of the crosswalk. PPCC joins in the thanks for these much-needed improvements!
Business Block Building Update
Credit: Rick Schmitt/Palisadian-Post
The Palisadian-Post reports on discussions at the most recent Design Review Board (DRB) hearing about proposed changes to the exterior of the historic Business Block Building. Discussions will continue at the DRB's December 9th online meeting.Click on the image above to read the article.
Parks Closing & Opening Status
Credit: LA Recreation & Parks
From Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks: "We've revised our citywide park closure information. Parks, golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, pickleball courts, skate parks, dog parks, equestrian centers, and community gardens are open. . . " For more information and the full list of what's currently open, closed, or limited, click the image above. Some limitations may apply, such as the playgrounds will be open when cleaned and inspected by park staff.
Flu Shots
The LA Emergency Management Dept. advises: “Flu season and the #COVID-19 pandemic can be a dangerous combination. That means we can't let up on our safety measures. Keep wearing your mask and protecting your loved ones. Make sure to get your flu shot." Click on the graphic above to learn more.
COVID-19 Testing
Credit: City of LA
From Mayor Garcetti: "We are continuing to ramp up our COVID-19 testing to meet increased demand. We now have capacity to test more than 32,400 people per day at City sites, and we're extending hours at the Dodger Stadium testing site to 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. Don't wait. If you need a test, get one now." Click on the image above for more information. Note: the drive-thru testing center at the WLA VA (Lot 15, 100 Constitution Ave), is close and convenient for Palisadians.
Happy Birthday SMMNRA!
Credit: SMMNRA
On a happy note, Temescal Canyon Association reminds us that this week marked the 42nd birthday of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) – the backyard of the Palisades! Did you know that the SMMNRA – established in 1978 -- is the world’s largest urban national park? Click on the image above to visit the SMMNRA Facebook page and learn more!
Speaking of birthdays -- Did you know that Pacific Palisades will be 100 years oldin 2022 . . . and that PPCC will celebrate its 50th birthdayin 2023! Stay tuned for more info. about both celebrations -- they'll be here before we know it!
NEXT PPCC MEETINGS
Upcoming PPCC Board meetings:
December 10, 2020: CANCELLED*
January 14, 2021, 5:30pm: topics to be announced.
*The Board meets once a month in November and December; the December meeting is normally the special Awards Event, which has been postponed indefinitely this year due to the pandemic. The December 10th meeting is therefore cancelled. All meetings through 1/31/21 will be held via Zoom.
Note: Palisades events through November are either cancelled, postponed or will be held via virtual conference; later cancellations may be required depending on conditions. Please check with event sponsors for status.
