Jim's 100 Word Mandatory PPCC Candidate Statement:
As a Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty and a twenty year Pacific Palisades resident, I understand the importance of a strong community with dedicated volunteers. I have supported that ideal through my service on the PPCC for the last four years as the Area 3 Representative. I also
support the community through active service on the boards of the Autry National Center, the California Art Club and the Central Coast Wine Classic charity auction. It would be my honor and privilege to continue this service to the community as the Area 3 Representative for the next two
years.
Jim's Q&A with a Marquez Knolls Resident:
Question:
I am interested in learning about your positions on various Area 3 issues. Could I trouble you to let me know your views on a few matters?
Where do you stand on the DWP distribution station issue? Are you absolutely opposed to the proposed station being built on the DWP property adjacent to Marquez Elementary School? Or do you see pros and cons of various locations? Would you favor carving out land from Los Liones Park behind Fire Station 23 as a preferable location? (Note that State Parks has indicated that that will not be allowed.) What would you think of Bernheimer Gardens as a possible location? How would you describe your attitude toward this set of issues?
Are you familiar with St. Matthew's Parish request for relaxation of various conditions and restrictions on their use? There is a pending case in which St. Matthew's have asked for city permission to increase enrollment to 384 (currently capped at 325), park in front of neighbors homes (currently forbidden) and relax other restrictions. Many neighbors on Beinveneda and in the surrounding area organized to oppose expansion of St. Matthew's. There is an unfortunate history of St. Matthew's violating their conditions. In the school year 1999-2000 and in every school year since 2002-2003, St. Matthew’s – by their own admission — has been in violation of their enrollment cap. Where do you stand on the issues pertaining to the tension between St. Matthew's and its neighbors?
I look forward to hearing from you as I consider my vote for Area 3 representative.
Answer:
I served on the DWP Taskforce
before it was disbanded. One thing I learned was that every site under
consideration came with significant obstacles and limitations. Among the
parcels, four or five were located near schools. We tried diligently (and
successfully) to keep our recommendations focused on locations other than those
close to schools. I do not believe that such a facility should be placed near a
school.
The Tier 1 sites may or may not be the ones the
LADWP ultimately decides to pursue. We will not know until they announce their
final candidates for CEQA review. Regardless of which sites are under
consideration, there will most certainly be lawsuits threatened or filed as the
final location will affect the valuation of homes in the immediate
vicinity.
As for the two locations that you inquired
about, the old Bernheimer Gardens site is subject to material geological issues
that may make it unsuitable for development. If selected as one of the
candidates, it will be interesting to see how the LADWP intends to mitigate
those issues. As for the parkland, the State of California has made it very
clear that they will not allow the use of any land in the Los Liones Park. I do
not see any reason to believe that they will change their position in this
matter.
All of this being said, it is imperative that we
upgrade our electrical distribution infrastructure in the western portion of
Pacific Palisades. We must work with the LADWP in whatever final site they
decide to pursue while at the same time standing ready to challenge them on
material issues that may affect the health and safety of the
community.
I am very familiar with the St. Matthews
Conditional Use Permit issues, more as a result of my prior membership on the
MKPOA board than from the PPCC. As you know, I have long supported constructive
dialogue between St. Matthews Parish and the affected neighbors, something that
St. Matthews seemed largely reluctant to pursue. I am in agreement that St.
Matthews must demonstrate its willingness and ability to stick with the current
terms of the CUP, prior to entering any discussions regarding changes. In my
mind, those efforts to comply with the current CUP should be pursued at least
during the entirety of the upcoming two year Area 3 Representative's
term.
While I have your attention, i'd like to comment
on a few other long term issues that are of interest to me. I have been active
in keeping an eye on bluff-side development proposals for multi-family
properties along Sunset including the projects at 17000 Sunset and 17030 Sunset
(Coaloa). This is an area that is ripe for developer over-reach and one that
requires constant vigilance. Also, I am anxiously awaiting the implementation of
the Administrative Code Enforcement law to allow Department of Building and
Safety officials to directly cite code violators. Likewise, I would like to see
improvements in the enforcement mechanisms for the Baseline Hillside Ordinance.
I see far too many new (post grandfathered) construction projects that
completely baffle me as to how they comply with the ordinance.
Certainly the central city redevelopment project
to be undertaken by Caruso Associated is a project that many, including myself
will be interested in monitoring. Likewise, I am very interested in any efforts
to amend and update the specific plan for the community.
If you have any other questions regarding my
candidacy, please do not hesitate to call or email me.
I hope I can count on your support.
Regards - Jim
Regards - Jim
