PPCC was honored to welcome our guest speaker, Board of Public Works Commission President Kevin James. Mr. James explained the make-up and function of the Board of Public Works Commission.  An appointee of the Mayor, Mr. James works with and oversees all of the 5 bureaus and 7 divisions within the Department of Public Works (DPW), including Street Services, Sanitation, Street Lighting, Engineering, Contract Administration, Urban Forestry and Special Events. He provided interesting information about new offices within the DPW, including the Offices of Climate Emergency, Petroleum Administration and Film & Television Production, and the new City Forest Officer, Rachel Malarich. He answered questions and provided information on a wide range of topics, including the City's plans to protect and enhance the Urban Forest; street tree inventory plans; the sidewalk repair program; and infrastructure issues in the public right of way (such as temporary pole-top distributing stations and future 5G wireless network installations).  He also listened to concerns expressed by members of the Potrero Canyon Community Advisory Committee about the Potrero Canyon Trust Fund status (members were disturbed to learn from the Bureau of Engineering shortly before the PPCC meeting about a $4 million cost overrun). PPCC appreciates Mr. James for his presentation and for listening to community concerns.
 

We also welcomed Bureau of Sanitation Assistant Director Alex Helou, who provided a timely update on recycling policy relevant to the Palisades. Mr. Helou described the collection services provided by Sanitation, and provided interesting information about the City's "Shop Smart, Waste Less, Recycle the Rest" goals. He gave details about the Sustainable City Plan -- which includes organics disposal programs and the goal of eventually eliminating all organic waste going into landfill -- and he also answered questions about recycling & trash collection. We thank Mr. Helou for speaking with the community on these important topics.
 

BCC's amicus brief in City of Boise v. Martin (Petition for Writ of Certiorari) has been submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. PPCC's letter of support is included. See BCC Amicus Brief and Appendices. Nineteen amicus briefs were submitted, representing 81 entities/individuals (including the City of Los Angeles -- see LA Brief; and Los Angeles County (among a coalition of 33 California counties & cities). For a complete list, see Amici Briefs List (prepared by BCC). All of these briefs (including the BCC brief and PPCC's support letter) urge the Supreme Court to accept review in order to clarify the constitutional limits on local regulatory authority over homeless camping / sleeping on sidewalks and other public property. See BCC letter to the Brentwood community further explaining their position:  BCC Letter. For more information, contact info@pacpalicc.org.
 

PPCC Transportation Advisor Patti Post provided a written report on the status of the Marvin Braude Beach Path Extension.  See Beach Path Extension Update.  A pop-up event with Santa Monica City staff to provide information about the Santa Monica portion of the extension project (from the pier to the SM/LA City limits at the Annenberg Beach House) will take place on September 28 at parking Lot 3 North near the beach; see SM Blog and more details below.  
 

Secretary Chris Spitz distributed a further written update on various matters of interest and concern (the Boise case, ADUs regulation, the sign ordinance / digital billboards, the September Westside Regional Alliance of Councils meeting and the new Alma Real litter bin). See Further Updates.
 

The Chair announced that the 2nd Alternate At-large Representative position on the PPCC Board has again become vacant. Palisades residents, property owners & business operators can apply for the seat. We invite all interested and eligible Palisadians to apply! For more details, see the Alternate Application Notice, also linked in the gold button below. Deadline to apply: 5pm on October 20, 2019.