By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission hosted a five-hour hearing on Wednesday evening, November 15, regarding a proposed project along the 17500 blocks of Tramonto and Revello drives in the Castellammare area of Pacific Palisades—ultimately deciding to sustain previous determinations to conditionally approve the now-amended project.

The start of the meeting, which took place hybridly via Zoom and in person at Palms-Rancho Park Branch Library, was delayed when President Lisa Waltz Morocco asked some of the attendees—mainly residents of the neighborhood who attended to speak—to leave the room and attend virtually, at the request of the library, citing the potential for overcrowding.

The proposed project was originally approved on October 4, 2022, and then appealed by several entities. The hearing—split into seven case numbers all regarding the same project—was delayed from April and then again in September to allow additional time to gather details regarding the impacts of the project, earthwork and compatibility.

The proposed development, by Springhouse Hamilton Park LLC and Demos Development, is to span 12 existing lots, which make up four separate sites.

“The project consists of the construction of four single-family dwellings … one detached accessory dwelling unit, swimming pools, decks, retaining walls, grading necessary for the residential development, remedial grading and a 200-foot extension of Revello Drive with required grading,” according to the meeting agenda.

The total grading for the project would consist of approximately 29,148 cubic yards of earthwork, of which 28,314 would be remedial. The single-family residences would all be two stories, ranging from 2,619 square feet to 7,695 square feet (each with 2,428 to 6,292 square feet of basement space)—referred to in the document as SHP House 1 and 2, and JDR House 1 and 2.

Three appellants of the project—Castellammare resident and architect Ivo Venkov (on behalf of 24 neighbors), Castellammare Mesa Home Owners (represented by Kristina Kropp, an attorney with Luna & Glushon) and attorney Mir Saied Kashani—spoke first at the November 15 meeting, raising concerns about the project not addressing the landslide, which “will have a significant impact on the environment,” not complying with the Baseline Hillside Ordinance, and needs an Environmental Impact Report.

“We’re back before you today after about a six-month break with essentially, we believe, an insignificantly altered iteration of the same project,” Kropp said. “The project remains four sprawling estates of approximately 40,000 square feet of habitable basement and above-ground dwelling space, in addition to ADUs, decks, pools, spas in one of the most active landslides in the city. All of the issues we raised in April remain.”

Consulting geologist Don Micheal also spoke on behalf of the homeowners association, stating that, in his opinion, the “mitigated negative declaration is technically inappropriate.”

“Fundamentally, the problem is that the proposed method of slope [stabilization] for the project cannot be shown to correct the existing landslide condition,” Michael said. “Rather it is speculative and if undertaken at this time as now proposed, it could exacerbate the landslide condition.”

Following the appellants, Greg Demos of Demos Development and Tony Russo of Crest Real Estate spoke on behalf of the developer of the project, speaking on the concerns raised by the appellants and detailing updates the developer had made to the project, incorporating changes flagged by residents at previous meetings.

“Since the last hearing, the commission and the council office asked us to investigate some key additional items regarding compatibility and visual resources; the Tramonto driveway, access, walkway, and bulkhead; and safety, particularly as it pertains to landslide, Revello roadway and construction management,” Russo said. “We believe that the latest project adequately addresses all these items after extensive review with the city and appellants, and the resulting changes and commitments that we’ve made.”

Russo continued the presentation with a comment previously made by Commissioner Esther Margulies: “It’s in no one’s interest to do nothing,” as “a project is necessary to make these sites safe.” All of the sites, Russo explained, are located within the Tramonto landslide, and the city requires the project “must remediate the landslide per code to ensure the safety of the development in the area.”

“To be clear,” Russo said, “we cannot do nothing. The only way to address the geological hazard and address the orders to comply is to perform construction.”

In the late 1960s, Russo explained, 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.

More than 30 attendees signed up to speak on the project during public comment—almost entirely residents of the Castellammare area. Speakers, who each received one minute, detailed concerns regarding the “magnitude” of the project, the condition of the neighborhood while proposed construction would be underway, impacts on public safety and beyond.

“No development should be approved that has the potential to damage the existing homes and roadways,” said a resident in the neighborhood, “and this potential disruption to our community is so great.”

Several people spoke in support of the project during public comment, citing the benefits of having a turnaround that emergency vehicles can use and remediation work on the Tramonto landslide.

“Each time I go there on Revello Drive, in order for me to do a turnaround, I either am going to fall off the cliff or I hit the mountain,” another resident said, “so I’m looking forward to the turnaround that the applicant is going to provide … this turnaround is extremely important for public safety.”

Following public comments, Council District 11 Planning Deputy Jeff Khau spoke on behalf of Councilmember Traci Park, stating that their office has been monitoring the project since April.

“At that meeting, we expressed concerns about the safety of residents and the stability of the hillside,” Khau said. “Those concerns were distilled into three priorities: preventing obstructions in the public right of way, ensuring the projects are completed expeditiously and scaling the proposed homes to reflect Castellammare’s existing development pattern … while the project is far from perfect, it is our understanding that it will benefit the community by bringing in much-needed improvements, such as new sidewalks, roads and railings.”

After speaking with representatives from the city on the call—including geologists with the Bureau of Engineering, the Department of Building and Safety, Los Angeles Fire Department and beyond—the commissioners voted to approve the project and deny the appeal, to “sustain the planning director’s and zoning administrators’ joint determination” in support of the proposed project, through a grant part, deny part due to a technical modification (amended findings and an updated exhibit).

The project is “not further appealable per Los Angeles Municipal Code,” according to the appeal recommendation report, but residents in the area were considering further actions, at the time of print.

The next, and final, action of the WLAAPC regarding the project will be issuing a determination letter.

A full recording of the meeting, as well as the 1,100-plus-page appeal recommendation report, are available via planning.lacity.org.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Five “dedicated Palisadians” and one “special Palisades organization” will soon be honored by Pacific Palisades Community Council during its annual Holiday Dinner & Awards Gala on December 6 at The Draycott.

Each year, a committee selects Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplug awardees for their volunteer efforts in the Palisades after receiving nominations from members of the community. Some years, PPCC also selects a Pride of the Palisades award.

This year, Cindy Kirven, co-president of the Village Green, has been named Citizen of the Year for her efforts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the park’s founding, as well as a succession plan for the organization, which had “a board that was aging out and retiring.” Kirven is also vice chair of the Palisades Forestry Committee, and a volunteer with Palisades Bocce Club and Rustic Canyon Forestry Station.

“Cindy is an ideal nominee who has given our community not just her time and effort, but visible results,” PPCC wrote in a statement. “The beautification of our town adds to the legacy of Pacific Palisades—and Cindy plays a big role in that.”

Four Golden Sparkplugs have been selected this year: Laura Schneider, John Dwight, Sara Marti and Steve Cron.

Dwight, a retired Paul Revere Charter Middle School teacher, is a longtime resident of a Sunset Boulevard apartment complex, where, for years, he has “taken it upon himself to clean and beautify the bus stop” at Sunset and Bienveneda.

Social media lead for Resilient Palisades, Marti has been creating “engaging content” for the organization’s social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and Nextdoor, since April 2021, and sparking “meaningful conversations and interactions.”

As president of Pacific Palisades Library Association, Schneider has been recognized for “reviving Palisades Branch Library so beautifully” following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, including through art shows, the youth writing contest and WAM (Writers, Artists, Musicians series), which has included talks by Eugene Levy and Martin Short.

Cron, a resident of the Highlands and “community leader,” has been honored for his “tireless work over the course of seven years,” which PPCC described as “above and beyond his duties as Area 2 representative.” Cron stayed “on top of the city, state, county and ultimately the California Coastal Commission” to ensure “deplorable” conditions at the restroom at Temescal Ridge Trailhead were addressed.

“I am so pleased to accept this award,” Cron said in a statement. “It is an honor to be recognized by the community and the community council board, which does so much good across the community. I look forward to celebrating among friends.”

This year’s Pride of the Palisades award has been given to Palisades P.R.I.D.E.—which stands for protect and renew our identity and environment.

“PRIDE does a great deal of work in the community and its hardworking members have filled great shoes on the commercial front—making sure the Palisades has TLC in its common places, and being a huge support to the community and PPCC,” according to the statement.

The dinner and awards gala, “Shine Bright All Night,” will take place at The Draycott from 6 to 8 p.m. More information and tickets ($125 per person, $240 per couple) are available at pacpalicc.org.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness hosted a webinar on Monday, November 13, to hear from featured speakers and the organization’s incoming co-chairs, as new leadership begins to step forward.

PPTFH previously announced that it would continue working with The People Concern and Los Angeles Police Department to address homelessness in the Palisades, as the task force revealed plans to “restructure and reposition” in March 2023.

“Our objective tonight is for you to leave this meeting knowing the key entities that will be integral to our work in the days forward in 2024 … We want you to know the people who are going to be leading and doing the hands-on work,” departing Co-Chair Sharon Browning said during the meeting. “We believe that it is the people who lead within the organizations—along with their respective skill and dedication—that generates the task force’s continued success.”

Browning first introduced The People Concern CEO John Maceri to speak, as well as give his perspective on the collaboration and restructuring moving forward.

Maceri explained that PPTFH was the first community-based organization The People Concern teamed up with, which demonstrated the importance of community involvement. After working together for nine years, Maceri said he has seen growth on both ends—and the trust and relationships that have been built over the years have helped drive the success of their missions.

When asked about challenges he foresaw moving forward due to the restructuring, Maceri said they are “short term.”

“Helping the community and the supporters and donors who have supported the task force’s work to understand that it’s going to continue … and, I think, be stronger going forward,” he said.

Following Maceri, Browning introduced LAPD Captain Richard Gabaldon, who was named area commanding officer of West LA in July 2023. Browning explained that although LAPD is not an official partner of the task force, LAPD is still “a core partner.”

Gabaldon said that he was impressed with PPTFH’s work and can see “a difference [in numbers] … this year compared to last year.”

“When that number is going down … that tells me that you guys are doing an outstanding job … so thank you for that,” Gabaldon said.

He went on to answer a series of questions with LAPD Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin.

Toward the end of the meeting, attendees heard from Carmen Kallberg and Cindi Young, who will be taking the reins at the start of 2024 and stepping in as PPTFH’s new leaders.

“We are so excited about the opportunity to lead PPTFH into its 10th year,” Kallberg said. “There is no doubt that we have some pretty big shoes to fill.”

Kallberg explained that she became a member of the Volunteer Response Team in 2008. In August 2021, she met Young, “a neighbor who was curious about [the] duties of the task force.”

“And the rest is history,” Kallberg said. “A wonderful friendship and partnership was born out of our common interest to help those who are experiencing homelessness.”

One of Kallberg and Young’s goals is to grow the Volunteer Response Team, and they hope to recruit community-centric teams of volunteers.

“The bottom line is the more volunteers we have to support PPTFH, the better job we can do addressing homelessness in Pacific Palisades,” Young said. “This organization will remain flexible and responsive to changes affecting homelessness in the community.”

The meeting ended with a recap of work that was accomplished this past year and celebrating PPTFH’s clients.

For more information, or to watch the webinar, visit palisadeshomeless.org.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

A new storefront opened at Palisades Village on Friday, November 10: TOTEME.

The store is located between diptyque and Sephora Studio, in a space previously occupied by Carbon38, which closed earlier this year.

Based in Stockholm, TOTEME was founded in 2014 by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman. It is described as being a “style universe” with a “singular aesthetic.”

“The label explores the appeal of a modern uniform through distinct design cues, meticulous craftsmanship and methodic repetition,” according to a description. “Inspired by women’s lives and needs, the ambition is to define a dress code and wardrobe that backs their purpose.”

TOTEME’s pieces are produced in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Lithuania, Romania and China. Shoes and bags are primarily made in Italy, and all of TOTEME’s jewelry is handcrafted in Tuscany, Italy.

There are approximately 43 suppliers in total, and manufacturing countries and factories are chosen based on fabric or category.

“Portugal, for example, has a long tradition of working with jersey, with a wide variety of yarn spinners and knitting mills,” according to its website. “In China, we produce pieces with complex finishes, such as smocking, due to the country’s high technical skills.”

TOTEME stated that it works actively to increase transparency throughout the supply chain and aims to reach full traceability for every piece—“from raw material to finished product”—by 2025. The brand also hopes to source 100% “preferred materials” by 2025.

Some preferred materials used in TOTEME’s current collection include organic cotton produced without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms, recycled polyester and polyamide sourced from plastic waste, recycled cashmere sourced from post-consumer yarn, and European-sourced flax, a natural fiber that requires minimal pesticides and helps preserve soil and water resources, according to TOTEME.

TOTEME has long-term goals driven by environmental sustainability, the brand continued. As a member of the Swedish Textile Initiative for Climate Action, TOTEME intentionally makes decisions “that work in favor of the climate.”

“TOTEME is committed to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner to protect consumers, workers and the environment,” according to its website. “We follow requirements for chemical management in line with current national and EU legislation, including the REACH legislation and voluntary eco-labeling schemes.”

Dr. Marta Ward to Retire After Practicing for Over 30 Years in the Palisades, Currently in Transition With Dr. Monica Valencia

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Dr. Marta Ward, who has been practicing dentistry in Pacific Palisades for over 30 years, revealed plans to retire by the end of 2023.

Ward—originally from Gardena—explained that she decided to return to school at the age of 25 after working as a dental assistant. One of the dentists she was working with convinced her to apply herself and become a dentist.

“She was thrilled to be one of only eight women accepted that year in dental school while raising her very young daughter as a single parent,” her office said to the Palisadian-Post.

Ward graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry in 1988 and founded her practice in the Palisades in 1990, which is where she has been working ever since.

Her private dental office is located at 910 Via De La Paz. She had spent time in the Palisades and said she thought: “What better place to have my office than this wonderful community?”

Of what she enjoyed the most during her time practicing in the Palisades, she said it was the connections she formed with her patients.

“Giving back their smiles is priceless,” she said.

Ward is currently in transition with Dr. Monica Valencia, with no set date for her retirement as of yet, but “definitely by the end of the year,” her office said to the Post. Valencia has been working alongside Ward for over nine years.

Born and raised in Cartagena, Colombia, Valencia said her love and passion for dentistry came from seeing her mother work with patients as an oral surgeon in Colombia. She said her mother has been a mentor to her since an early age.

Valencia obtained her first dental degree in Medellin, Colombia. She later received her master’s in dental public health in London, England.

She then attended the University of Southern California where she graduated in 2020 with honors and a spot on the Dean’s list every trimester of her dental program.

Valencia began working with Ward in 2014—while still attending school—and has been practicing alongside her ever since.

“This [gave] her the opportunity to get to know most of our patients and create a bond with them,” according to the statement from the office. “She is planning to stay in the Palisades, and loves this community and the relationships she has created in the last nine years.”

Ward said that she trusts Valencia completely and is confident she will do great.

“Dr. Ward would like to thank all her patients for the precious years and making her work very rewarding,” according to the statement. “She will miss all her patients, they have kept her busy for a long time.”