LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Farewell

I count myself lucky to be able to write this farewell on the heels of yet another fabulous 4th of July celebration in Pacific Palisades.

This year, the Pacific Palisades Community Council contingent featured our Citizen of the Year honoree Cindy Kirven, driven by former COTY Sharon Kilbride, as well as our Pride of the Palisades honorees Palisades PRIDE, driven by former COTY Bruce Schwartz—all celebrated for their extraordinary volunteer contribution to the Palisades.

As I step away from my own volunteer role as PPCC president, terming out for the second time in a decade, I want to acknowledge all the people in this community for the volunteer effort and time they invest in making this place remarkable.

From PAPA (and this happiest day in the Palisades) to various volunteer boards like PAB, DRB, Palisades Forestry Committee, Resilient Palisades, Village Green, Woman’s Club, Garden Club, the Optimists, the Rotary, TCA, PPRA and more, including people like Jimmy Dunne, who put their heart into creating new and exciting initiatives that enrich this town—this is a community that has a unique ability to flourish together.

The impact we have benefits not just Palisadians but all Angelenos who enjoy this corner of Los Angeles, nestled between the ocean and the mountains, where we host some of the most wondrous resources offered by this coastal city.

I know how hard PPCC and its board work to preserve all that is precious here in the Palisades. For more than 50 years, successive officers and board, made up of elected representatives and appointed members, have thoughtfully considered matters that impact our community, and propounded our voice throughout city, county and state government.

Today, as I look back with admiration at all that this board has been able to achieve in its 50-plus-year history—including serving as the model for the current City Neighborhood Council system—I can’t help but be excited about its future under the leadership of Sue Kohl as president, Quentin Fleming as vice president, and Jenny Li and Beth Holden-Garland continuing as treasurer and secretary.

These are leaders I’ve known in some cases since I came on to the board in 2014 as the education representative, and I am proud to have served alongside them for all these years, whether as a board member or officer.

Now, as chair emeritus, I look forward to area and at-large elections later this summer, and to welcoming a new board this fall. I hope to see many of you engage with the work of PPCC, and bring your issues, your concerns and your priorities to our attention.

Our strength is in our ability to bring new points of view into the fold, and chart a strong future that takes shape with the input and perspective of our oldest and our newest residents. Join us and help ensure the strength and credibility of our voice for another 50-plus years.

Maryam Zar
PPCC Chair Emeritus

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