Watchdog Returns to Bare Teeth at Caruso

By JOHN HARLOW | Editor-in-Chief

After several months off the grid, the city-created Design Review Board has returned to the architectural standards fray with an array of targets from Caruso to the Chabad.

In the past few years, the DRB has gotten into hot water, some legally scalding, challenging what it regards as wayward architects and ugly builders, using city-endowed powers to inspire or censor local stylists with a zest that some find petty others essential to the health of the town.

On Wednesday, Jan. 24, a carefully quorate five members of the seven-strong board—one member was out of town, and, to DRB frustration, the city has yet to appoint a replacement for Stuart Muller, who has moved to Mexico—made up for lost time.

They gave everyone from Kayndaves to Wells Fargo a detailed grilling.

Board veteran Donna Vaccerino was concerned about fresh developments at Rick Caruso’s Palisades Village, which the DRB has criticized in the past.

With changes to the layout taking place as the work picks up pace—for instance, a glass-fronted restaurant that was facing out into the street is now inside the complex: Caruso said this is because of community input—Vaccerino asked how much must change before it becomes a different animal and needs to go back before city planners.

“When does it revert back to DRB?” she asked—perhaps hopefully, as Caruso is on schedule to open in around six months time.

Vaccerino posed the question again at the next evening’s Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting to be told that, broadly, it was up to Caruso how the layout evolved—even if no one appears to be monitoring supplemental permits for square footage changes.

The project is now expected to have eight alcohol licenses, including wine and beer sales at the Cinépolis movie theater.

More details are due next month when Caruso executives update the community council.

Wells Fargo asked for DRB blessing to update two ATMs and add a separate night deposit safe at the Village branch: The bank, worth $2 trillion, was firmly urged to moderate corporate colors, toning down the back plates from yellow and orange to gray.

The DRB is concerned about the proliferation of signage around town: One member said there were now maybe 400 signs that strained or broke community plan guidelines.

Kayndaves, the beloved Sunset cantina that closed 18 months ago following a fire, showed off prospective new signage. Board member Paul Darrall said that it really needs an awning.

The Chabad on Sunset also came under fire, allegedly for cutting down at least one tree, a protected native sycamore, and maybe two more without city permission.

Chair Barbara Kohn and Kelly Comras, recording secretary, said the city has now cited the religious center over the tree, the most recent clash in a long line of planning disputes.

Rabbi Zushe Cunin, speaking from New York as he was preparing for his daughter’s recent wedding, said he would look into the claim.

The DRB is due to meet again at the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Meanwhile, if you would like to join the DRB board, please contact the office of Councilmember Mike Bonin at councilmember.bonin@lacity.org.