CITY INFORMATION

What is the history of Palos Verdes Estates?

Palos Verdes Estates is the oldest of the four cities on the Peninsula. Palos Verdes Estates incorporated on December 20, 1939 after a vote on cityhood held on December 9, 1939.  The driving issue for incorporation was to prevent the transfer or sale of parklands to satisfy back taxes.  The City is a master-planned community laid out by the Olmsted Brothers, who also designed New York’s Central Park and other projects with particular attention to aesthetics.  Twenty-eight (28) percent of City land is permanently deeded as parkland and maintained as dedicated open space.   A history of the peninsula and City can be found in the book “The Palos Verdes Story” by Delane Morgan available in the local libraries.    

LINK TO RESIDENT HANDBOOK (PDF)

Where can I find information about City finances?

A copy of the City Manager’s Budget message, which provides a comprehensive overview of the City’s two-year budget document, is available on this website.  The current year and two prior years’ messages are available.   

LINK TO BUDGET MESSAGE (PDF)

The Finance Department prepares an Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which includes an opinion letter and review by a contract professional auditing firm.   Two years of financial reports are available on this website. 

LINK TO CAFR

Further questions can be directed to the Finance Department (310-378-0383).