By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades Community Council hosted a special meeting on Monday evening, May 20, regarding the Tramonto landslide and proposed “largescale development” of four homes in Castellammare, ultimately voting in support of urging the city of Los Angeles to require an environmental impact report for the project.

The PPCC Board reported in a background summary that in April 2023, it learned about the proposed construction of four homes over 12 existing lots along the 17500 blocks of Tramonto and Revello drives at the top of the Tramonto landslide, ranging from 2,619 square feet to 7,695 square feet (each with 2,428 to 6,292 square feet of basement space).

PPCC also reported that it learned at the time Castellammare Mesa Home Owners filed an appeal with the West LA Area Planning Commission of the planning director’s approval of Coastal Development Permits and a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project.

“An MND is a determination under the California Environmental Quality Act that mitigation measures can be implemented for a particular project to reduce potential impacts to less than significant levels, without requiring an environmental impact report,” according to PPCC.

At the time, the PPCC Board was informed of concerns related to the “scale of the project” and the “unstable geology of the underlying slide at the foot of the property to be developed.” The board passed a motion in 2023 calling for the EIR, as well as urging the city to “ensure the preservations of the public’s safety throughout construction and mitigating any construction impact on local roadways.” The PPCC Executive Committee sent a supplemental letter in October 2023.

A five-hour appeal hearing of the proposed project took place in November 2023, with the WLA-APC adopting an MND for the project and approving CDPs for the proposed homes, with conditions. The Castellammare Mesa Home Owners has appealed the adoption of the MND.

A landslide that occurred in February of this year has blocked the right lane of Pacific Coast Highway at the base of the Tramonto landslide, reported PPCC Area 1 Representative Murray Levy, raising “urgent and immediate concerns about the planned construction.”

While Caltrans plans to restripe the area to create an additional lane and help alleviate traffic concerns, the agency has reported it will not clear debris from the lane, “as that action would cause further slope destabilization and slippage,” according to PPCC’s summary. “The city must stabilize the slope above before the lane can be restored to use.”

All of the sites of the proposed development project, Tony Russo of Crest Real Estate—speaking on behalf of the applicant, Springhouse Hamilton Park LLC—explained at the November hearing, are located within the Tramonto landslide. The city requires the project “must remediate the landslide per code to ensure the safety of the development in the area.”

In the late 1960s, Russo continued, Tramonto was restored to its pre-landslide condition through the construction of a bulkhead, which was later reinforced in 1981. In February 2021, city engineers concluded the bulkhead and tie-back system appear “structurally sound,” according to Russo.

“Ultimately, the project proposes the four residences on piles that will stabilize the landslide and achieve the required factors of safety,” Russo said at the time.

During the nearly two-and-a-half-hour special meeting on May 20, presentations were made by Council District 11 Planning Deputy Jeff Khau on behalf of Councilmember Traci Park; developers Greg Demos of Demos Development and Russo; and Kim Feder along with many residents of the area and members of Castellammare Mesa Home Owners.

Khau explained that the council office, which has previously spoke in favor of the project, is in a state of gathering updated information, especially in light of recent landslides.

“Right now, we’re really looking at a CEQA appeal for the Mitigated Negative Declaration,” Khau described. “We have the opportunity right now to consider an EIR for this project—[consider] whether or not an environmental impact report is an appropriate environmental clearance for this project, given the complexities, given the controversy around this project.”

The location of the landslides and where the remediation needs to occur, Khau described, is on private property, with plans for additional city-owned lots in the area to be sold, possibly to the developer, through a bidding process in the future.

In a report in 2010, Khau said, it was determined there was an active landslide in the area that would cost $25 million to fix, but the city was unable to remediate it at the time, due to lack of funds and staff. This is why, Khau continued, the council office originally felt this proposed project, which would take over responsibility for the landslide remediation on the relevant lots, was beneficial.

The developers spoke next, with Russo saying he hoped “the takeaway from this presentation is that the project, although large in scale, is a net benefit of this community and stakeholders:” “It’s in no one’s interest to do nothing here,” he quoted a planning commissioner as stating.

The scope of the project, Russo described, includes the export and removal of approximately 30,000 cubic yards of landslide debris, which amounts to approximately 70,000 million pounds of “mass that will not be a driving force on landslide materials to the south.”

“The development will be visually compatible with other homes in the area that are large, multi-story, estate-size homes,” Russo continued.

“Key project benefits,” according to the presentation, include is addresses orders to comply, installs pile supported retaining wall along bulkhead, new voluntary sidewalk and cross gutter, a turnaround on Revello for fire and life safety, repair any potential damage along Revello, construction sequencing commitments, and voluntary construction conditions.

Russo ended his presentation by touching on why the project has an MND instead of an EIR, which, he explained, was determined by LA City Planning.

“They are the lead agency making the final decisions and determinations,” Russo explained. “Planning does, however, require the applicant to analyze many different categories of environmental impacts, such as air quality, geology, traffic, biology, etc., to determine if the project has a significant impact on the environment … the documents ultimately concluded that there is simply no unmitigable impact.”

Demos spoke next, explaining that he originally bought two lots in the area in 2015. After finding out that he would need to remediate the landslide in order to develop on the lots, he began to speak with 40-plus residents in the area over the course of several months to attempt to coordinate an effort to remediate it.

He learned that a “project of this scale would be impossible, given the number of people that would need to rely on each other with conflicting views and uncertain financial means.” So, he said, he began to strategically acquire other lots in the area to develop and remediate through a proposed project.

Feder then spoke, acknowledging that the Castellammare Mesa Home Owners had “some reservations” about the proposed development, but are not opposed to it overall.

“What we are opposed to is unsafe, risky and non-compliant development that has not been through a complete due diligence process,” Feder continued. “We are asking PPCC for your support in requiring a full and independent EIR be required to move forward.”

Feder, as well as other residents and members of the HOA, presented on a number of topics related to the “intricate mitigation issues,” ranging from biological (monarch butterflies located in the area) to noise and vibrations during construction and putting responsibility for mitigating the landslide in the hands of the developer versus the city of LA.

“If this project is allowed to move forward without an EIR,” Feder said, “a dangerous precedent will be set for all communities.”

The presentation included transportation and fire risk, the amount of excavation proposed and concerns about hydrology.

“The tagline that I’ve seen a lot is ‘taking action is better than nothing,’” Feder concluded. “It isn’t, it isn’t better than nothing. It’s going to create more problems, and it doesn’t solve a problem either.”

Following the presentations, Russo and Demos were given a chance to respond, followed by additional response by Castellammare Mesa Home Owners and residents. Then, a motion was proposed.

“PPCC supports the appeal of Castellammare Mesa [Home Owners] with adoption of an independent and full EIR, and urges City Council to require this environmental impact report,” read a motion by PPCC President Maryam Zar that was unanimously approved to support by board members. “It is essential that this report be prepared by an independent, neutral and experienced expert focusing on the geological instability in the area in order to examine and ultimately determine whether or not the Tramonto project will further stabilize the hillside resulting in continuing slide activity or otherwise compromised public safety.”

The hearing of the MND appeal, set to take place before the City Council Planning & Land Use Management Committee, has been continued from May 21 to July 31 at the earliest. The project would also need California Coastal Commission approval.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Pacific Palisades Commercial Village and Neighborhoods Design Review Board met on Wednesday evening, April 24, for a public hearing on a Master Sign Program for 15130 to 15150 West Sunset Boulevard, which the board voted to support, with conditions.

The Master Sign Program—for 15130, 15140 and 15150 W Sunset Boulevard, which currently houses Anawalt’s Palisades Hardware and Sotheby’s International Realty, as well as a vacant space previously occupied by Pharmaca—was continued by DRB during a prior meeting on February 28.

DRB requested “uniformity in the signs,” as well as Anawalt’s proposed sign to not be a roof band, but instead broken up into individual signs, Planning Assistant Brenden Lau confirmed at the time.

“More information was requested about the sign’s size,” Lau continued. “The DRB would also like to see a three-color palette for the proposed signs in the next meeting for review.”

As proposed, the project breaks down to approximately 240 square feet of sign space for Tenant A (15150 W Sunset Blvd.), 91 square feet for Tenant B (15140 W Sunset Blvd.) and 152 square feet for Tenant C (15130 W Sunset Blvd.). No new sign area is being requested, according to a presentation given by Mark Davis of Trifiletti Consulting, who was representing the project on behalf of the applicant/owner, Leland S. Ford, Leland M. Ford & Associates L.P.

The existing building was previously occupied by two commercial tenants until April 2023, when the building was partitioned into three commercial tenant spaces through a Change of Use Permit, read the presentation.

“Under its current condition, Anawalt hardware store’s available signage is dependent on Sotheby’s street frontage … ,” the presentation continued. “As a result, Anawalt does not have sufficient sign area to support its business. Due to this limitation, the applicant is seeking Master Sign Program … ”

The project’s goals and objectives, as per the presentation given on February 28, include to “provide creative and tasteful signage that enhances the property and is compliant with the Pacific Palisades Commercial Village Design Guidelines.” It also would “equally distribute signage between three tenants to functionally and effectively serve their identification needs.”

The proposed Master Sign Program would also “establish uniform standards that ensures existing and future tenant signage is harmonious, integrates with the architecture of the building and provides coordinated proportional exposure for all tenants.” In the future, tenants would be provided with an “efficient permitting process.”

In an updated project presentation April 24, the applicant responded to comments made by the DRB on February 28, including having “no long running signage along the roofline parapet,” to “provide uniformity in sign height between all three businesses,” and to “provide examples of Anawalt’s … and Sotheby’s potential signage.” The comments were addressed by providing examples of the signage, confirming all “proposed potential signage is uniform in height,” and the “previous signage along the roofline has been removed and relocated between column spaces.”

During the public comment period, Anawalt’s General Manager Rosie Maravilla spoke on the lack of signage the store currently has.

“We often have customers comment how they either didn’t know we were located here or have had trouble finding our store due to lack of adequate store signage,” Maravilla said. “This has been detrimental to our business and our ability for customers to easily find our location … I urge you to support this request tonight so we can finally go through the Building and Safety process, and install our business sign.”

James Arico, who serves as counsel for the building owner, said this has been “a very difficult process for a legacy owner in the Palisades for over 60 years:” “We’ve been at this now for the better part of three years.”

Arico continued, confirming that a Master Sign Program was only necessary because of the subdivision of the space from one tenant (Norris Hardware) to two tenants (currently Anawalt and Sotheby’s).

“The signs could change over time,” Arico said, “and what you like now may be different than what you like later. What we’re trying to do is set some standards here that are consistent with what we’re supposed to be doing … ”

After the board deliberated for more than an hour, a motion was presented to vote to support the Master Sign Program, with several conditions, including that Anawalt’s C1 sign has a maximum height of two foot, 18 inches; Anawalt’s C2 signs placement has to be aligned with each other and limited to two secondary signs; and maximum height for all other signs (besides C1) are limited to 18 inches.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

A new shop in town, Magoo’s Los Angeles, has opened at 869 Swarthmore Avenue, the space previously occupied by Black Ink.

Magoo’s LA is a buy-sell-trade retailer of sneakers, streetwear and current brands. Current brands on display include Nike, Adidas, Yeezy, Chrome Hearts, Off-White and Palm Angels.

Founder Jacob Maged was “excited” to announce the opening of Magoo’s to Pacific Palisades.

“My family had a house here while I was growing up … and I always had a vision for opening up a store in town since I was younger,” Maged said to the Palisadian-Post. “I used to have to travel far to Melrose, Fairfax area or even further to shop at cool sneaker [and] clothing stores, and always thought opening one here would fill [the] need of a cool, local spot for all the kids in town.”

The store hosted its grand opening on Saturday, April 27, offering “steals and deals” throughout the day—including a giveaway of $100 worth of store credit, three pairs of Yeezy Slides, two pairs of Travis Scott x Nike Air Force 1 “Utopia,” one Bape backpack, and plenty more.

The store shared to Instagram that new items hit the shelves every day, and it is open to buy-sell-trade all day.

“It’s been such a blessing since I opened up three weeks ago,” Maged said to the Post. “I’ve met hundreds … of amazing kids and families so far, [and] business has been great, thankfully. My goal was to create a space that younger me would have dreamed of being … in town, and hopefully create an environment for all the locals here to enjoy.”

The opening of Magoo’s comes nearly one year after the closure of its predecessor, Black Ink.

After 25 years on Swarthmore, Founder Patti Black announced it “was time to make a change,” and announced the store’s closure and switch to an online shop in a June 2023 letter to clients.

“Our retail store was a happy fixture in Pacific Palisades …  for over 25 years,” Black said via the Black Ink website. “After closing the brick and mortar store, we are thrilled to carry on the tradition of selling the finest gifts to our loyal customers. I am most grateful for the fact that most people are thrilled for me and my new chapter … This is just the beginning. This site will be ever evolving as I shop for the best things I can find.”

Magoo’s LA is currently open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, visit instagram.com/magoos_la.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Celebrating a decade of films, Paul Revere Charter Middle School hosted its 10th annual Student Film Festival on Friday, May 3—complete with a traditional red carpet, snacks and screening of the films.

All Revere students were welcomed to submit a film for consideration under a range of categories, including documentary, commercial, animation, public service announcement, live action and music video. Several films from past festivals were included in celebration of the 10th anniversary.

“This year was special as it was the 10th year of the festival,” Revere teacher and event organizer Jon Hyman said to the Palisadian-Post. “It’s always gratifying to celebrate the students’ hard work and relish in the fun they had during the red carpet … prior to showing the movies.”

Professionals from the entertainment industry were invited to watch and score the films, determining third-, second- and first-place winners in each category.

This year’s judges were Jemma Alegre, Gabe Sachs, Sara Duran-Singer, Tom Costain, Fred Coury, Susan Fitzer and Frank Wolf.

The 2024 winners for best documentary are Cole Wood’s “The Thirteenth Floor” in third place, Ethan Jackson’s “Abbott Kid” in second place and Theodore Mihalev’s “AI Rise & History Part Two” in first.

For best commercial, there was a tie for third place, given to “Foot Flex” by Anoushka Chatterjee and Matan Altman and “Tracky Beauty” by Hanna Sadzik. “Mireille’s Magic Grow Spray,” directed by Mireille Ganz, earned second place, and Jackson’s “Fart Smart” rang in first.

For best animation, “That One Spring Break” by Jackson placed third, “Animafied” directed by Alec Benson placed second and Caden Jones’ “Labyrinth Take Two” earned first place.

In the best public service announcement category, “Cluck Guard Nightmare Relief” by Hutch Larson, Haakon Knap and Kade Craft placed second, and “Adopt Don’t Shop” by Jackson placed first.

In the best live action category, GG Bostic and Jayden Niehaus’ “The Mission Impossible (That Was Actually Impossible” placed third, “Spider Power: Never Forgotten” by Zachary Zoleikheiean placed second and “The Rise of the Seemingly Harmless Rocks” by Luca Sammarcelli placed first.

For best music video, “Class of 2024” by Maslowe Larson placed in third, and “True Colors” by Jackson placed second. First place was given to “Shelter and Hope” by Ryan Hajmomenian.

The Lisa Robbins Founder Award was presented to the documentary “Yeah, I Know Logan.” The film was by Logan Zemlak, Jill Effron, Yen Nguyen, Patrick Wong and Tom W. Metz III, starring Zemlak.

“This year, I was especially thankful for Susan Fitzer, Debbie Sachs, Julie Knap and Jordan Moore for putting together a fantastic event,” Hyman concluded. “Revere’s generous parent-body is at the top of my list of the many reasons why it’s such a wonderful school.”

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Pacific Palisades Community Council invited Michaela Fritzsch on behalf of Californians for Safer Communities to join its Thursday, May 9, meeting to present about the coalition.

PPCC President Maryam Zar explained that Californians for Safer Communities is a coalition in support of the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.

“They have submitted over 900,000 signatures to qualify for the 2024 General Election ballot, and so [Fritzsch] wanted to tell us a little bit about that initiative,” Zar said before handing the floor to Fritzsch.

Fritzsch explained that in 2014, California voters voted in Proposition 47, which reduced many charges from felonies to misdemeanors.

“One of those being drug possession and the other being retail crime,” Fritzsch said. “One of the most notable, or recognizable, characteristics was that $950 threshold that it set. [Meaning] if you went into a store and stole less than $950 [worth of products], that would be a misdemeanor charge, rather than a felony previously.”

Fritzsch said homelessness has largely increased in California, nearly 51%. Simultaneously, retail theft and drug addiction have become “rampant” issues.

Fritzsch explained misdemeanors are typically low priority, and because of Proposition 47, there has been little accountability or deterrence for these issues.

“Some of these things have made California feel less safe,” she said. “Now that we’re about 10 years past … we’re able to see some of the unintended consequences that [Proposition 47] left behind … Our measure is a solution to that.”

Fritzsch said over 900,000 signatures were submitted on April 23 to the Secretary of State to qualify for the 2024 General Election in November—546,651 were necessary to qualify.

The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act attempts to tackle three different things: It addresses organized and serial retail theft, confronts the fentanyl crisis, and prioritizes mental health and drug treatment.

The measure would hold repeat offenders accountable, rather than putting them back on the streets. The measure also defines fentanyl as a hard drug, and is designed to hold individuals convicted of trafficking fentanyl accountable and grant judges greater discretion in sentencing drug traffickers.

The measure aims to provide mental health, drug treatment services and job training for people who are homeless and suffering from mental illness, or struggling with substance abuse.

“Off of our survey work that we conducted, about 92% believe fentanyl is a major threat to public safety, 84% believe that theft is rampant … and 82% believe homelessness is rampant and driving criminal behavior,” Fritzsch said.

One attendee asked Fritzsch why the proposition could not be approved by the Assembly, given its heavy support. She explained Proposition 47 was voted by voters, which means elements of it have to come back to the voters.

“It sounds like people are concerned … about public safety and the laws that deal with them,” Zar said to Fritzsch. “If there is more information, please bring it to us.”

For more information, visit casafecommunities.com.

A new little free library has landed in Palisades Village Green, thanks to the support of local educator Marney Sobel, who runs a slew of youth-based programming in Pacific Palisades under the MARNEY’S banner.

“Bringing this to our community is part of my commitment to fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning,” Sobel said to the Palisadian-Post. “We are all absorbed in our devices and make little time for the very basics such as getting lost in a book/story. My hope is that this new addition will encourage both children and adults to slow down and take a moment to be screen free.”

Those who visit the library at Palisades Village Green are encouraged to take or leave a book—all free of charge.

“The Board of the Village Green unanimously voted to approve this fantastic initiative, aiming to enhance our community experience in a whole new way,” read a post by the Village Green on social media.

Programming offered by MARNEY’S includes book clubs, language clubs (French, Spanish, Italian), tutoring, test readiness, pre-K lunch bunch and storytime, kinder programs, crafts, yoga and a babysitter’s club. MARNEY’S will begin its summer programming (including book clubs and next grade school readiness) July 8. For more information, visit marneys.us.