3/13 Mtg Recap; Resources & Events

Presentation: Representatives of MySafe LA/LA Fire Safe Council -- David Garrett and Dante Cornejo -- provided an informative slide show presentation about the “My Safe Community Project” and fire safe measures that should be considered as we move forward with rebuilding. Topics such as providing defensible space, home hardening, and the importance of having a Fire Safe Council were discussed and questions were asked and answered. See the meeting recording of their presentation and Q&A HERE.

Committees: The Land Use Committee (LUC) presented two motions for recommendation to the board (see below for more about the motions). The Rebuild Committee reported on its work to date, including developing the committee's Statement of Rebuilding Goals and Guiding Principles; coordinating a group of twenty community volunteers to monitor upcoming Council Ad Hoc Committee for LA Recovery meetings; and addressing public safety needs during the rebuilding.

Motions: Two important motions recommended by the LUC were considered and unanimously approved by the Board (oppose SB 677/housing density bill without an unconditional exemption for the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone; and request notice and enforcement of our Specific Plan (SP) as to permit applications for multifamily and mixed-use development in the SP area: See Board-approved Motions.

Reports: We also had reports and announcements from the President, board members and government representatives. SLO Brian Espin announced the soft reopening of PCH and reminded everyone to drive slowly in the burn zone. Supervisor Horvath West LA Deputy Zac Gaidzik reported on the work of the Supervisor and brought good news: his office has worked with CD 11 on access to the Palisades Bowl Mobile Home Park for debris removal; FEMA and ACE have now obtained access to remove hazardous toxic debris, and they are working to clean up the remainder of the debris.

Sen. Allen's Deputy Samantha Gallegos and Asm. Irwin's Deputy Anthony Avila provided information about important bills that the Senator and Assemblymember have respectively introduced. And last but not least, CD 11 Palisades Deputy Arus Grigoryan updated us on several matters, including the lifting of "Do Not Drink Water" restrictions, the establishment of a no parking zone in Castellammare, and on the status of debris removal in multifamily buildings (condominium and apartment owners should submit ROE forms; CD 11 is working to obtain confirmation that the ACE will remove debris from these buildings.

News re possible building permit fees waiver: Ms. Grigoryan also reported that a recent motion by CW Park -- calling for a report on possible waiver of building permit fees during the Palisades rebuild -- was passed by the City Council; we are now awaiting a "report back" on feasibility from the City Administrative Officer. The PPCC Executive Committee believes this is a matter of utmost importance to the community and has submitted a letter urging that the report be completed and such fees be waived as soon as possible -- or alternatively, that the Mayor issue an executive order waiving all building permit fees. See the EC's letter HERE.

We will continue to advocate for the building permit fees waiver, which is critical to the rebuild of the Palisades!