PPCC Meeting Focuses on Potrero Canyon Pedestrian Bridge Project

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The virtual meeting of Pacific Palisades Community Council on October 23 centered on updates regarding the Potrero Canyon Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge Project.

Sylvia Dhimdis, representing the city of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, joined the meeting to say: “We’re in the very early stages, and our intent is to keep the community informed.”

Project Manager Matt Negrete of Jacobs Engineering and other representatives gave an update on the bridge project, showing slides, answering questions from the board and community members, and indicating that they would return to provide more information as the project advances.

A feasibility study for the long-proposed project to cross over Pacific Coast Highway from Will Rogers State Beach to George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon Park was conducted in August 2016, and Senator Ben Allen secured $11 million in state funding in 2021.

Diagrams of each of the three alignment and bridge options were shown (a Slope from George Wolfberg Park, a corkscrew alternative and third a Paperclip option). A Caltrans Preliminary Environmental Status Report was signed in April 2025, an environmental document is expected in winter 2026 and a project approval report in spring 2027.

PPCC President Sue Kohl asked if it will be for pedestrians only, to which Dhimdis replied: “We’re considering a bike path as well.” As far as the cost, she added: “As of now we have an estimate of $13 to $18 million.”

The $11 million in state funding secured by Allen is on deposit in an account with the Public Works Department and is currently restricted to use only for the bridge. A funding source for the potential shortfall has not been identified at the time of the meeting.

“It’s hard to understand why extra money would go to this when we’ll have access through the pedestrian trail,” Area 6 (Via Bluffs/Huntington) representative Lorie Cudzil said of the lateral trail project, which is being developed concurrently. Dhimdis responded: “Funds have been allocated but we’ll look for additional grant money.”

Lee Anne Sanderson asked what money has been spent so far.

“It has to be patrolled,” she continued. “We’d need 24/7 security or we’re not going to allow this.”

“Funds have to be regulated,” Dhimdis answered. “We want to assure safety is the primary goal. We have an agreement with Caltrans to develop this project.”

“I’ve lived here since 1991 … things have changed,” said Kim Feder of Castellammare Mesa Homeowners Association. “Fire has ruined our town. This is not the time to build a bridge over PCH, it just isn’t.”

Others expressed their support for the project.

“It’s hard to go backwards,” said Anya McCann, daughter of  the late park namesake, George Wolfberg. “We’ve got money secured. Having this bridge was determined to be the best option. It’s the safest path to the beach from the Palisades and provides emergency evacuation.”

“This is the best option for young people,” David Card added. “After the fire, we need more evacuation routes from the Palisades. This could also help in earthquakes. The $11 million is taxpayer money from all over California. PPCC voted to support it in 2004 and in 2023 voted 13-3 to go ahead with the predesign.”

Pacific Palisades Recreation Center Park Advisory Board Member Rob Weber noted that the purpose of the bridge is to provide safety and connectivity.

“Access to the beach from the park was a requirement when it was approved back in the 1980s,” Weber said.

Following the discussion, later in the meeting, PPCC Vice President Quentin Fleming addressed three grant proposals: $71,000 to PPRA for 10 Flock Safety license plate reader cameras, $30,000 to Palisades Charter High School to go toward picnic benches in the cafeteria and $3,000 to make seed bombs for wildfires to residents. All three were approved.

Anne Wirth Schoenberg, president of Palisades Friends and Newcomers, followed with a presentation about the social organization founded in the 1960s. Meetings are once per month and membership dues are $25 per year. For more information, visit pacificpalisadesnewcomers.com.

For more information, including a link to the recording of the Potrero Canyon Pedestrian Bridge portion of the PPCC meeting, visit pacpalicc.org.