Michael T. Davitt

The meeting commenced with a public comment session. Key business included a presentation from the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy, which the Commission received and filed information regarding its purpose and mission. There was a discussion on Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) implementation priorities, including a planned public hearing where comments were received. Furthermore, the Commission conducted the nomination and selection for a representative to the Emergency Preparedness Coordinating Committee (EPCC), resulting in the appointment of Commissioner Han. Finally, the schedule for the January 2026 meeting was discussed.

The meeting focused on several key areas involving the City and the School District. Public comments addressed the rejection of a proposal to remove school-time stopping restrictions near the high school, concerns over parking displacement due to Red Flag Warning day restrictions, and updates on the LCHS track replacement project. The committee amended the minutes from the June 19, 2025 meeting to clarify language regarding a 'shelter in place' emergency scenario. A public safety update included information on Red Ribbon Week activities, evacuation order protocols, and the city's consideration of implementing red flag no-parking restrictions. Staff updates covered ongoing city capital projects, including traffic signal construction and the Viro Road project, and district updates noted the progress of the Paradise Canyon Elementary School modernization and the LCHS track replacement, which will close the facility for maintenance. Discussions also centered on the status of the New Joint Use Agreement, which is scheduled for a formal update on October 30, 2025, and the mutual/shared governance structure. The LCE Traffic Working Group recommendations were presented, including proposed traffic changes requiring a public hearing and requests for additional crossing guards. The committee also discussed the framework for future Private School Partnerships and decided that the pickleball lighting request process requires a formal public hearing before the Parks and Recreation Commission.

The Special Meeting included a staff update on Capital Improvement Projects. The Consent Calendar, which included the approval of previous minutes, was approved after an amendment to one item. Public hearings were held regarding the requested removal of a Sycamore Tree at 907 Valley Crest Street, the removal of parking restrictions on Encinas Drive, and the extension of parking restriction hours at 4460 Oakwood Avenue. Other business involved staff updates on tree removal at 4730 Daleridge Road, traffic congestion at 2230 Foothill Blvd (Starbucks), and the Arco renovation at 550 Foothill Blvd. Commissioners also discussed procedural matters related to the tree removal hearing and commented on a faded city entry sign and a ramp meter.

Key discussions included public comments regarding the recent renaming of the Joint Use Committee to the Joint Operations Team and inconsistencies in related documentation and bylaws. The election of the Vice Chair resulted in Jeanne Kim Hobson being unanimously approved. In Public Safety updates, the City Council approved the proposed Red Flag "No Parking" program affecting several schools, requiring minimized signage and significant educational outreach prior to enforcement by the Sheriff's Department. Staff updates covered City Capital Projects, including the completion of traffic signal pole construction at Verdugo Road/Foothill Boulevard/La Cañada Boulevard and ongoing work on pedestrian crosswalk buttons. District projects noted modernization construction at Paradise Canyon Elementary and track replacement at LCHS. Old business addressed Winter Field Closures scheduled from December 20, 2025, to January 5, 2026. New business focused on a potential Pickleball Pilot Program at La Cañada High School, involving temporarily striping two tennis courts for public use during joint use hours, which the committee unanimously approved for the City to explore.

Key discussions included public comments regarding the overcrowding and proposed modifications for the Cornishon pickleball courts, such as over-striping tennis courts for dual use and installing a shade structure. An update was provided on the City Council directing the formation of a new Emergency Preparedness Committee. The committee approved the minutes from the April 17, 2025, and May 29, 2025 meetings. The Public Safety Update covered traffic safety monitoring around Hahamongna Park and the announcement of a Public Safety Collaboration Event. Staff updates detailed ongoing City Capital Projects, including a traffic signal upgrade and the Foothill Boulevard dip project. The District reported on the revised Facilities Master Plan (FMP), the completion of the LCHS turf replacement, and coordination for community use of facilities. Old business covered the accepted bid for the shade structure at Cornishon Pickleball courts and progress on a new Joint Use Agreement. New business involved discussions on the mutual/shared governance structure, traffic protocols at Hahamongna Park, and the finalization of the 2025-2026 meeting schedule, which was unanimously approved.