By DEBORAH STAMBLER | Contributing Writer
At the Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) meeting on May 28, agenda items ranged from a Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness (PPHTF) update to fire safety, water conservation and sidewalk repair.
Government representatives for both state and local officials were on hand to report on current business and participate in the evening’s discussion.
Particularly striking was the overlap on several issues that have direct impact on the community and connection to the city at large.
Joseph Castro, LAFD Deputy Chief and Commander, West Bureau Operations, outlined factors such as population density, drought conditions, homeless encampments and wind conditions that all play roles in how the LAFD sets priorities and ensures public safety.
In addressing the homelessness issue, Castro said, “It’s a very complex issue. In the high severity fire zones, it represents a significant problem, but it’s still beset by the same complexities of compassionate, humane treatment of these people while satisfying the needs of public safety and the fire code.”
He added, “We are moving forward on that. [Councilmember] Mike Bonin is an incredible advocate of public safety and humane treatment of the citizens.”
In his report to the PPCC, Norman Kulla, Sr. Counsel for Bonin, discussed current proposed changes to regulations regarding sidewalk repair for homeowners and encouraged residents to find out more through the Councilmember’s office.
He ended his report by saying, “I just want to give a shout out to your Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness. I hope you’re going to continue to support that group. They are doing absolutely incredible work, and I thank them for their collaboration.”
Kulla returned to the floor later in the meeting during the update from the PPHTF. The report came from Vice Chair Stephanie Cohen (Sr. Field Representative for Assemblymember Richard Bloom) and Chair Maryam Zar. The report elicited many comments and questions from those attending the PPCC meeting.
Cohen echoed that finding a balance between treating homeless people with compassion while recognizing public safety was a complex issue.
Studying best practices from other neighborhoods helped the PPHTF move forward with their recommendation to hire Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC) to provide outreach workers on a regular basis in the community.
Daniel Tamm, Westside Area Representative for Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Kulla both outlined approaches the City of LA is taking to address the homelessness issue.
Kulla, Cohen and Zar all quickly responded to frustration expressed over the issue of homelessness and its direct impact on Palisades residents while making it clear that workable solutions take time and the community has to be part of the equation.
PPCC Organizational Representative Bruce Schwartz had one of the final comments of the evening.
He said, “… frustration is going to lead to community activism. You come in and at first you’re frustrated, but now you might feel that you have a greater vision of something that you can do to help in the future.”
The next PPCC meeting will be held on June 11 at 7 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library. Officer elections and a report from the group California Walks are slated for the next meeting’s agenda.
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