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Funding for these improvements comes from the $516,000 grant of Measure "A" funds which the voters of Los Angeles County approved in 1996 as part of the County Park Bond Act.
The Abalone Cove Beach site is an undeveloped portion of the coastline just west of Portuguese Point. It offers a spectacular view of Catalina Island, Portuguese Point and has tidepools which contain an abundant variety of marine life. It is one of only a few beaches on the Palos Verdes Peninsula where vehicular access is possible.
Although this beach is one of the more beautiful locations along the
coast, few members of our community ever visit the site, probably because
of its poor access and lack of amenities.
During the 1930s this area was a private beach and the cabana structure
that remains today was built at that time. In the 1970s the County
of Los Angeles acquired ownership and the beach was opened to the public,
including vehicular access. In 1979, however, as a result of the
Abalone Cove landslide, vehicular access to the beach was prohibited.
In 1987 the City acquired ownership of the beach as part of the settlement
in the much publicized Horan lawsuit. Shortly thereafter, the City
expanded the upper parking lot, however, access to the lower beach area
was still limited to foot traffic.
This project is due to be completed in the fall of 1999.
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During his career with the department, Capt. Hitchcock has had numerous assignments: certified paramedic at the Sheriff's Training Bureau and Emergency Detail, and at the Special Enforcement Bureau and Recruit Training Bureau at the East Los Angeles Station. He also worked at the Firestone Station, the Office of the Assistant Sheriff, Risk Management Bureau, Training Bureau, and Professional Standards and Training Division Headquarters .
Capt. Hitchcock received an Associate of Arts Degree in Police Science from East Los Angeles College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Pepperdine University. He resides in Seal Beach with his wife Barbara. They have two grown children, Lynnae and Bryan.
Currently, Capt. Hitchcock is Vice President of the Los Angeles Sheriff's
Athletic Association and is a director and former president of the California
Police Athletic Federation and World Police and Fire Games Federation.
The Anniversary Committee has planned two special events to mark this milestone: the first was a wine and cheese open house held on July 26 at the Admiral Risty Restaurant. That event was co-hosted by the Golden Lotus restaurant.
Golden Cove was a fitting location for this event because the first city offices were housed there. Over 160 residents, "pioneers," former and present members of the city council, dignitaries, and staff attended and enjoyed reminiscing.
The second event planned is a dinner dance at the Los Verdes Golf and Country Club on Friday, November 6. Make your plans now to attend and celebrate to the music of the thirteen member Webster's Unabridged Big Band.
Invitations for this gala event will be mailed early this fall. Black tie is suggested.
For more information, or if you want to be put on the invitation list, call the Recreation and Parks Department at 541-4566. Watch the local newspapers, Cox Cable TV Channel 3, and the City's website, www.palosverdes.com/rpv, for announcements of additional activities and information.
If you are experiencing loud airplane noise over your home call the City's Airplane Noise Hotline at (310) 377-0360, extension 206.
The City would like your feedback on the efforts of the Federal Aviation Administration Task Force which, during the past few months, has already implemented changes requiring turboprops to fly farther offshore and achieve an altitude of 5,000 feet above mean sea level before returning over the Peninsula.
This month, the Task Force anticipates implementing a modified "LOOP"
departure procedure requiring jets to fly farther out to sea and climb
to a higher altitude before turning inland.
The FAA is developing a new departure procedure, the Angel 2,
which utilizes computerized navigation so jets and turboprops will not
begin turning toward land until they have reached a specific point.
The target date for implementation of Angel 2 is this December.
The City compiled a data sample of the most offending aircraft overflights and submitted it to the FAA for comparison with flight radar data from two years ago. The City hopes the FAA findings will initiate additional solutions to lessen the noise level over the Peninsula.
Residents are encouraged to continue writing to the FAA Administrator
Jane Garvey, 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.
20591-0002. Please indicate your dissatisfaction with the FAA's handling
of this issue, the continuing problem of noise from low flying aircraft,
and request more stringent flight regulations to eliminate this problem.
FAA Administrator Attn: William Withycombe, Regional Administrator
800 Independence Ave. SW PO Box 92007 WPC
Washington DC 20591-0002 Los Angeles CA 90009
ph: (310) 725-3550 fax: (310) 536-8400
FAA Southern California Terminal
FAA Flight Standards Office
Radar Approach Control
2250 East Imperial Hwy., Ste. 140
Attn: Roger Wall, Air Traffic Manager
El Segundo CA 90245
9175 Kearny Villa Road
ph: (310) 215-2150 fax: (310) 645-3768
San Diego CA 92126-7099
ph: (619) 537-5800 fax: (619) 537-5805
Department of Transportation
Congresswoman Jane Harman
Attn: Rodney Slatter
1217 Prado
400 7th Street, SW
Torrance CA 90501
c-75, Room 4107
ph: (310) 787-0767
Washington DC 20590-0001
U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
11111 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste 915
2250 E. Imperial Hwy., Ste 545
Los Angeles Ca 90025
El Segundo CA 90245
ph: (310) 914-7300
ph: (310) 414-5700
FAA Noise Complaint Line (310) 725-3638
City's Noise Complaint Line (310) 377-0360 (ext. 206 afterhours,
leave a message)
FAA Southern California Task Force Website address: http://www.awp.faa.gov
City's Webpage address: www.palosverdes.com/rpv/
Check under "News".
During the 1960's, protecting the Peninsula's environment became even more critical. The master plan that was in place at that time, was prepared by Great Lakes Carbon Company and allowed them to purchase the majority of the then undeveloped Peninsula land--about 7,000 acres--from the Vanderlip family in 1954. In spite of protests from individually affected homeowners’ groups, local cities, and the school district, zone changes were routinely granted by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Finally, more than forty local homeowners’ groups joined forces to form the Peninsula Advisory Council to add weight to their arguments against zoning changes. But, according to their records, 43 times they protested, and 43 times they failed.
In response to a new County Master Plan for the Peninsula that provided for a population density far beyond what local residents wished, a Peninsula-wide organization called Save Our Coastline - SOC - was created in 1969. SOC combined political and financial power with experienced local governments to achieve a common goal. However, after numerous fights against the County’s Master Plan for the Peninsula, it soon became evident that the only way to preserve the environment was through the incorporation of a fourth city - Rancho Palos Verdes.
In February 1970 a formal application was made to the Local Agency Formation Commission as the first of six steps necessary for successful incorporation. The application was approved shortly thereafter. The second step was also successfully concluded when signatures were obtained favoring incorporation from the owners of 43% of the assessed valuation of the land, 63% of the homeowners, and 70% of the registered voters. However, incorporation was blocked when landowners representing more than 51% of the assessed land value protested the incorporation. SOC then mounted a law suit in Federal District Court seeking to have Section 34311 of the State Code declared unconstitutional. The so-called “one man, one vote” suit contended that a vote should not be weighted by the land’s assessed valuation but rather by the voters in an area. Ultimately, the State Supreme Court ruled unanimously in SOC’s favor. This cleared the way for completing the final steps with the Los Angeles Formation Commission and permitting cityhood elections to take place.
On August 28, 1973, in an overwhelmingly affirmative vote, the City
of Rancho Palos Verdes was created. At the same time, five council
members, all running on similar platforms of low density land use, minimum
taxes, and responsiveness to residents, were elected. The first City
Council meeting was held September 7, 1973 at Ridgecrest School and City
Hall was headquartered in the former SOC offices in the Golden Cove Center.
Two years later, in 1975, City Hall offices were relocated to their current
location on the abandoned Army Nike missile base site on Hawthorne Blvd.
above Golden Cove.
Portions of this article are edited and reprinted from the September
1983, Tenth Anniversary issue of the Community Forum.
This year a new process known as "grinding" will be tested and will be used on sidewalks that have been uplifted at least 3/4 of an inch or as much as two inches. Sidewalks treated in this manner will be paid for by the City.
Grinding is not only quicker than removing a whole section of sidewalk but is also much cheaper. The cost is about one-fourth that of removing and replacing an uplifted concrete sidewalk.
Sidewalks that are uplifted more than two inches, however, will still
need to be removed and replaced the old fashioned way. The cost for
replacement is paid for by the homeowner.
Beginning in July the County of Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Department began providing animal care services for the City. This change was prompted by the SPCA's decision to discontinue animal control field services.
Pet owners may have already noticed some changes. License fees for altered/unaltered dogs rose from $12/$24 to $15/$30 to offset some of the increased service cost. However, the impound fees for cats and dogs were significantly reduced. For the first time, the City now offers senior citizens a reduced license fee for their altered dogs.
Animal control service is available 24-hours day, seven-day a week by calling the County at (310) 523-9566. The County's animal shelter is located at 216 West Victoria Street in the City of Carson and is open Monday through Thursday, from noon until 7:00 P.M. and on Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. The shelter is closed on Fridays, Sundays and legal holidays.
The City expects the County to provide quality service to pet owners. If you experience any problems or have concerns about these services, call City Hall at telephone number 377-0360.
Time to Renew Dog Licenses
By September 30 all dogs over four months of age must have a current license. After that date, the County Animal Care and Control Department will be canvassing the City door-to-door and will charge a $20 penalty fee in addition to collecting the license fee for each unlicensed dog.
Mind Your Manners
Remember, you're not the only one who uses and enjoys the City's parks,
open space, and neighborhoods. Be aware and respectful of other
people and their dogs by keeping your pet on a leash that is no longer
than six feet. Also, remember to properly dispose of your pet's droppings.
Failure to pick-up after your dog or let it run loose without a leash
can result in being cited.
Every solicitor, even those associated with a non-profit organization, must carry this Letter of Authorization and present it to a resident upon request. The letter includes the names of all of the individuals authorized to represent the soliciting organization.
If a solicitor comes to your house, residents are encouraged to request to see the letter along with the personal identification of the solicitor. This Letter of Authorization is valid for only 30 days from the date of issuance. Solicitation is allowed from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. Monday through Sunday.
The City's Ordinance also requires solicitors to conform to a strict set of standards designed to protect residents. These standards include:
* Solicitation is not allowed at any home where a "Do Not Disturb" or "No Solicitors" sign is prominently displayed.
* Solicitors must not solicit anyone who does not wish to be solicited. So if a resident tells a solicitor that they do not want to be solicited, the solicitor must abide by these wishes and immediately vacate the premises.
* Any literature distributed at a residence must be securely attached to eliminate the potential for creating litter.
In the event a solicitor does not abide by the City's ordinance, or
fails to display a valid Letter of Authorization, please contact either
the Sheriff at (310) 539-1661 or the City's Code Enforcement office at
(310) 377-6008.
While riding on public highways bicyclists are subject to the same rules as motorists. That means riding at a safe speed, observing stop signs or traffic signals, and giving adequate hand signals to motorists in close proximity.
Ride your bicycle along the curb or at the edge of the road if there is no curb. If you are in a group, ride single file. Riding side by side is illegal and dangerous. Riding on the sidewalk is illegal.
Wear the proper attire. This means a helmet and protective clothing in the event of a fall. Wearing brightly colored clothing helps make you more visible to others on the road.
Ride with the flow of traffic. Riding against the flow is dangerous and illegal. Do not assume that motorists on the highway will see you and give you the right-of-way--ride defensively.
Lastly, be courteous to everyone on the highway. Be alert for
other bicyclists who may be in trouble and for motorists who may not be
as observant of the rules of the road as you are.
The City's Code Enforcement Division handles many questions regarding the City's Municipal Code. Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
WHAT TIME CAN LANDSCAPERS AND CONTRACTORS START WORKING?
The City allows landscaping and other construction activities to take
place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through
Saturday. No activities are allowed on Sundays or federal holidays.
Leaf blowers may be operated only between the hours of
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. They may not be used by gardeners or other contractors
on Sundays or federal holidays. Emergency work and residential activities,
such as lawn mowing, gardening (without weed or debris blowers), and minor
home repair/maintenance are exempted from these regulations.
CAN I STORE MY RV AND OTHER RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT TRAILERS ON MY
PROPERTY OR ON CITY STREETS?
Storage of these types of recreational vehicles and trailers
is allowed within the front, side, and rear yard areas in any residential
area in the City if the the vehicle or trailer is operable and parked upon
a lawfully installed paved surface. Inoperable vehicles or trailers
must be stored in an closed space. At no time is the use of an RV or other
vehicle as a living area permitted.
Parking an RV on public streets is permissible, however, it is against
the law to park a detached trailer on any public street at any time.
No vehicle may be left in one location on a public street for more
than 72 hours.
MY NEIGHBOR'S TREE IS GROWING OVER THE FENCE AND ONTO MY PROPERTY,
MESSING UP THE POOL AND THE YARD.
IS THAT AGAINST THE CODE?
This kind of a situation is considered a "private property matter."
The Municipal Code does not specifically address this
issue and the City encourages residents to resolve these situations with
their neighbors.
If a tree or other vegetation is obstructing a sidewalk or street, or if the tree threatens the safety of the general public, then the City would intervene.
If you have any questions about City Code requirements,
contact the Code Enforcement Division at (310) 377-6008.
The Twenty-fifth Anniversary Committee wishes to thank Palos Verdes
Portuguese Bend, LLC, and So. Calif. Edison for their donations for the
street banners, as well as the Admiral Risty and the Golden Lotus
restaurants for co-hosting the July 26 open house. Special thanks
also goes to PV on the Net which provided computer services.
Special commemorative merchandise is available for purchase at City
Hall and at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center gift shop. The
distinctive anniversary logo is featured on polo shirts, hats, visors,
mugs, wine glasses, and lapel pins. Don't wait too long to shop because
supplies are limited.
Register and Vote!
To be eligible to vote on November 3, you must register to vote
no later than October 5, 1998.
Register to vote today!
Call toll-free 1-800-345-VOTE to request a voter registration form,
or pick one up at City Hall.
Abalone Cove Shoreline Beach Clean-Up
Be part of the solution and participate in the California Coastal Clean-Up Day on Saturday, September 19. Last year volunteers collected over 600 pounds of trash and more than 60 pounds of recyclables from the beach at Abalone Cove.
This year the clean-up will start at 9:00A.M. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, 5907 Palos Verdes Drive South. Parking will be free for those who arrive before 9:00 A.M.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring sun block, gloves, and a hat. Plastic bags will be provided to hold the trash and recyclables.
This event is organized by the Los Serenos docents and is co-sponsored by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
For more information, contact Vic Quirarte at 377-3916 or Elena Johnson at 375-5062.
Docent Training Begins September 16
If you want to give back to the community or if you want to join a dedicated group, then consider joining the docents of Los Serenos.
Classes will begin at 9:00 A. M. on September 16 at the Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center located at 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West.
These classes are held weekly and consist of lectures on marine life, the history of the native American and Spanish inhabitants of the Peninsula, and field trips to museums and other points of interest. After completing this three-month course, the new docents will join Los Serenos de Point Vicente Docents and be able to lead tours of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, and the Ladera Linda Community Center.
For more information contact the Center at (310) 377-5370.
PV Transit has increased the frequency on several of its five fixed routes and now has four new busses to accommodate the anticipated increase in ridership. Last year ridership increased by twenty-five percent.
Good news also for Dial-A-Ride (DAR) patrons. The cost for DAR
trips on the Peninsula has dropped from $5.00 to $4.00. This reduction
was made possible because a number of seniors and disabled riders are now
able to use the services of Access Inc. for trips off the Peninsula.
For more information call PV Transit at 544-7108.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
October : No Changes
November: There will be no trash pick-up on Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Trash scheduled for pick-up on that day will instead be picked-up on Friday, November 27; Friday trash will be picked-up on Saturday, November 28. There is no change to the regular Saturday pick-up schedule.
December: There will be no trash pick-up on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25. Trash scheduled for pick-up on that day will instead be picked-up on Saturday, December 26. There is no change to the regular Saturday pick-up schedule.
January: There will be no trash pick-up on New Year's Day, Friday, January 1. Trash scheduled to be picked up on that day will instead be picked-up on Saturday, January 2. There is no change to the regular Saturday pick-up schedule.
IVY RUBBISH DISPOSAL
October: No Changes
November: Trash will be picked up on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26. Recycling will be picked up on the following Thursday.
December: There will be no service on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25. Trash and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday, December.
January : Trash will be picked up on Friday, January 1.
Recycling will be picked-up on the following Friday.
Privatized recreation classes for the Fall Session will be held at City parks. Residents interested in attending these classes may pick up registration information at Hesse Park, or call any of the following instructors.
Cherie Ackerman (310) 547-5073
Tap and Children's Combo Dance Classes (4 years - Adult)
Vi Ballard (310) 373-9740
Mommy & Me (Birth to Crawling)
NEW ! New Parents and Baby (Birth to 1 year)
Tracy Blender (310) 318-5836
NEW ! Parent and Me (12-18 months)
Ann Bosma (310) 375-2064
Aerobic Dancing: Lite Impact (Adult)
Herb Clarkson (310) 377-6342
Amateur Radio Class (Teen/Adult)
Stan Corzine (310) 318-2690
Tai Chi Chuan - Beg./Int./Adv. (Teen/Adult)
Jacquelyn Fernandez (310) 377-2965
Exercise & Fitness Class (Adult)
I.M.P.A.C.T. (310) 543-0390
Training & Development
NEW ! Communication Competence (14-18 years)
Kaplan Education Center (800) 527-8378
PSAT-SAT Classes (Grades 9-12)
Mad Science of L.A. Bay (310) 376-0193
NEW ! After-school Science Programs (5-12 years)
Michele (310) 517-0295
Yoga Revitalization (Adult)
Jeanne Murphy (310) 377-8507
Ladies Exercise (Adult)
Sachiye Nakano (310) 544-1624
Awareness Through Movement - Feldenkrais Method (Adult)
Bones for Life (Adult)
Barry Sacks
(310) 519-4622
Mommy & Me (18 - 30 months)
Wee Tots (2 1/2 - 4 years)
Holiday Outdoor Adventures (5-10 years)
P.V. Holiday Sports Camps (5-10 years)
Dan Salvo (310) 534-1018
NEW ! Guitar for Beginners (16 years - Adult)
NEW ! Ukulele for the Young at Heart (16
years - Adult)
Suika Education, Inc. (310) 323-5221
Suika Baby Club (Birth - 3 years)
Carla Walker (310) 521-9741
Tennis for Youth
If you are interested in teaching classes at any of the City's parks,
contact the
Facility Coordinator at Hesse Park at 541-8114.
CITY PARK HOURS
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Mon. - Fri. 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fred Hesse Community Park
Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - dusk
Sat. & Sun. 10:00 a.m. - dusk
Ladera Linda Community Center
Mon., Wed., Fri. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Point Vicente Interpretive Center
Everyday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Robert E. Ryan Community Park
Mon. - Fri. 12 noon - dusk
Sat. & Sun.
10:00 a.m. - dusk