Winter 1998
Table of Contents
- DON'T BLOCK THE VIEW
- CITY ACQUIRES MORE OPEN SPACE
- SILVERSPUR ROAD GETS A FACELIFT
- TRAFFIC SIGNALS UPGRADED
- CURB APPEAL
- Answer the CALL... GET INVOLVED on "Community Helpline"
- INDEPENDENT LIVING
- CITY WINS ANOTHER AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL REPORTING
- THE OCEAN BEGINS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
- RECREATION CLASSES OFFERED AT CITY PARK FACILITIES
- NEWS FROM THE LOS SERENOS DOCENTS
- CHECKING THE CODE...
- COUNCIL CORNER
- HOLIDAY TRASH SCHEDULE
- GIFTS FOR PARKS
- GETTING IT SORTED OUT
DON'T BLOCK THE VIEW
- When selecting new trees and shrubs for your yard, first consider the
height they will reach when fully grown. The City has a View Restoration
and Preservation Ordinance that contains provisions for restoring
views that are currently impaired by foliage and preserving views
not currently blocked by foliage. If the trees and shrubs you plant today
block your neighbor's view tomorrow, they will be subject to trimming,
lacing, and/or removal under the provisions of the ordinance.
A landscape designer, contractor or the staff at any local nursery can assist you with selecting the right trees and shrubs; you can also stop by City Hall and pick up a "suggested plant list." When making your selection, always keep in mind where your neighbor's view begins and choose something that when fully mature will not impact impact that view. Some trees and shrubs that are available locally and will reach a mature height of 30 feet or less include:
Common Name Scientific Name Size
- Pygmy Date Palm Phoenix Roebelenii 6'
Shar Acacia Acacia Verticillata 12'
Purple Leafed Hopseed Dodonea Viscosa "Purpurea" 15'
New Zealand Tea Tree Leptospermum Scoparium 15'
Western Redbud Cercis Occidentalis 18'
Japanese Black Pine Pinus Thunbergiana 20'
Japanese Maple Acer Palmatum 20'
Lemon Bottlebrush Callistemon Citrinus 25'
Weeping Acacia Acacia Pendula 25'
Evergreen Pear Pyrus Kawakamii 30'
For more information on view preservation and restoration, you can get a copy of the View Restoration Ordinance and the View Restoration Commission Guidelines and Procedures from the Planning Department. The cost for both documents is $7.20.
CITY ACQUIRES MORE OPEN SPACE
- For the second time in less than a year, the City has acquired property
which will be set aside as open space in perpetuity. This latest acquisition
is the 56-acre Palos Verdes Shoreline Park located in the southeast portion
of the City, seaward of Palos Verdes Drive South, between La Rotonda Drive
on the West and the City's boundary with the City of Los Angeles (San Pedro)
on the east.
It has long been the desire of the City to obtain this County-owned site and preserve it as open space and as a passive recreational area. This past October, the County Board of Supervisors made the finding that this undeveloped park site was no longer required for County use and agreed to turn it over to the City at no cost.
As part of the transfer agreement, the City will set aside a 20-acre "conservation easement" for restoration and protection of habitat, and for open space and view preservation. This conservation easement was a requirement placed on the developer of the Ocean Trails project by the California Coastal Commission. Funding for this will come from the developer and is part of the City's participation in the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act of 1991.
Late last year, the City acquired the 160-acre Forrestal property which is adjacent to the Ladera Linda Community Center. This area has also been set aside as open space in perpetuity. Purchase of this property was funded entirely by grants from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District and from the California Wildlife Conservation Board.
SILVERSPUR ROAD GETS A FACELIFT
UNDERGROUNDING PROJECT COMPLETED
- Have you driven along Silver Spur Road near Peninsula High School
and sensed that something is missing? The utility poles and dangling wires
that cluttered the view are now underground and out of sight!
Truly a Peninsula wide effort, this $400,000 project was paid for by each of the cities pooling their "Rule 20A" funds. Those are funds set aside by the Edison Company specifically for undergrounding utilities and is a percentage of rate customers pay for electric services. Additional funding also came from Los Angeles County, Southern California Edison, General Telephone and Cox Communication.
This project combined with the $700,000 reconstruction and landscape median improvement completed in 1995 have given Silver Spur Road a new look.
TRAFFIC SIGNALS UPGRADED
- The intersection of Palos Verdes Drive West and Hawthorne Boulevard
now has improved safety and traffic flow since the signals were upgraded
to include left turn phasing from PVDW onto Hawthorne.
The Crenshaw and Crestridge intersection was also upgraded to include dual left turn lanes for motorist making left turns onto northbound Crenshaw Boulevard. This additional lane has reduced the backup that occurs during peak hours.
These changes were prompted by comments from residents and were funded from the Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District.
CURB APPEAL ............Practical Parkway Plantings
- We all know that first impressions can be lasting and that "curb appeal"
is the first impression your home makes on a visitor. To get the most out
of this opportunity to impress, try sprucing up your "parkway" -- that's
the strip located between the curb and the sidewalk.
Streets and sidewalks are maintained by the City, however, property owners are responsible for maintaining their parkway strips. While the City encourages landscaping of these strips there are a few details to keep in mind when you embark on a parkway project.
Removing or planting a tree requires a permit which you can get free-of-charge at the Public Works Department. Secondly, find out if there is an "official" tree for your street. These are species that were chosen because of their slow growing, low maintenance nature and because their non-invasive root systems will not raise or crack sidewalks. You can also get this official tree list at the Public Works Department. As your landscaping matures, keep it trimmed so it doesn't encroach onto the sidewalk or street; and, keep branches trimmed so they don't impede pedestrian, equestrian or vehicular traffic.
If you need more information about the City's maintenance or construction criteria for parkways, contact the Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement at (310) 377-6008 or the Public Works Department at (310) 541-6500 before undertaking your project.
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Answer the CALL... GET INVOLVED on "Community Helpline"
- Adults and teens over 15-1/2 can learn to become better "listeners"
by participating in Community Helpline training -- a six week course that
teaches listening and communication skills. Facilitated by mental health
professionals, the next classes begin on February 17, 1998 and run through
March 26, 1998. Classes are held on the Peninsula on Tuesday and Thursday
evenings from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. and on two Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.
until 3:00 p.m.
"No one really listens to me." "I don't know what to do." "I'm feeling confused and overwhelmed." These are the most common feelings expressed by people who call the Helpline and the TeenHelpline -- a confidential, 24-hour crisis intervention service that has been "listening" to the community for 25 years. Services also include a "PhoneFriend" for children. Volunteers answering the phones provide empathy, support, compassion, and information on community resources.
Teens or college students training to volunteer as Helpline "listeners" earn community service or work-related intern hours. In addition to being a meaningful way to contribute to the community, volunteers benefit in their own personal relationships with these enhanced communication skills. For information and fee schedules, call Community Helpline at 310 541-2525 or 310 377-7070.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
NEW WAY OF DOING THINGS
.................FOR THOSE WITH LOW VISION
- One of the many activities conducted by the Peninsula Seniors is their
low vision program. Sponsored by the Braille Institute, this is a twelve
week course that covers such things as living without a car, time telling
techniques, dining with ease, and locating services you need. Conducted
every Monday from 10:00 a.m. until noon, these classes are held at the
Senior Center in The Shops at Palos Verdes, 550 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling
Hills Estates, telephone number (310) 377-3003. If you have a problem getting
there, the Seniors will help you access transportation.
These classes are free and one doesn't need to be a member of the Peninsula Seniors to attend; however, if you are interested in becoming a member, the annual dues are $20 per person, or $35 for a couple.
CITY WINS ANOTHER
AWARD FOR
..................OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL REPORTING
For the fifth year in a row, the City has been awarded both the prestigious Certificate of Achievement Award by the Government Finance Officer's Association (GFOA) and the Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting by the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO).
- These awards represent the highest form of recognition in the area
of governmental accounting and financial reporting and their attainment
represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
To be awarded these certificates, a government unit must publish an easily
readable and efficiently organized comprehensive annual report that conforms
to program standards.
- THE OCEAN BEGINS IN
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Water
running from your neighborhood flows into the gutter and then into curbside
openings called "catch basins." From these basins the runoff flows into the
City's storm drain system -- a vast network of underground pipes that discharge
directly into the ocean. This system was designed to prevent flooding during
heavy rains by quickly diverting rainwater to the ocean.
Anything carried into these catch basins such as pesticides, pet waste, oil and antifreeze, foam containers and plastic bags, end up as trash on our beaches, pollute the ocean and harm marinelife.
Unlike the wastewater from inside your home that flows into sewers and then goes to treatment plants, outside runoff water flows directly into the ocean untreated!
Here are a few things we all can do to reduce storm water pollution:
‚ Watch for the household hazardous waste "round-ups" conducted by the County Sanitation District. In addition to being held in Rancho Palos Verdes, roundups are also held in neighboring cities and are generally advertised in the local newspapers.
‚ Use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers carefully and sparingly.
‚ Conserve water and reduce the amount of runoff by not over-watering.
‚ Compost yard trimmings and leaves. Do not sweep them into the street or catch basin.
‚ Dispose of pet waste in trash cans.
- Motor oil can be disposed of using containers available from your trash hauler. These containers can be left at the curbside with your recyclables.
- Privatized recreation classes for the 1998 Winter Session will be
held at various City park sites. If you are interested in registering,
you can pick up registration information at Hesse Park or call the following
individual 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)
Mommy & Me for Working Parents (Birth to Crawling)
Ann Bosma (310) 375-2064
Aerobic Dancing: Lite Impact (Adult)
Susan Brooks (310) 541-2971
Practical Polit8ics - Not An Oxymoron!
A hands-on "field study" of local & regional government (Adult)
Herb Clarkson (310) 377-6342
Amateur Radio Class (Teen/Adult) Stan Corzine (310) 318-2690
Tai Chi Chuan (Teen/Adult)
New !! Beginner class
Advanced class
Jacquelyn Fernandez (310) 377-2965
Women's Exercise & Fitness Class (Adult)
Larry Johnson (310) 831-5307
Tennis - Beg/Int/Adv (7 years-Adult)
Pee Wee Tennis (4-6 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)
Barry Sacks (310) 519-4622
Mommy & Me (18 - 30 months)
Wee Tots (2 1/2 - 4 years)
Winter Outdoor Adventures (5-12 years)
Southern California Youth Leadership (310) 541-2226
Workshops in public speaking, writing and reading for Grades K-6
(5 - 12 years)
Suika Education, Inc. (310) 323-5221
Suika Baby Club (Birth - 3 years)
Susan Tsai (310) 377-2603
Singing for Fun (7 years - Adult)
Hatha Yoga (Adult)
If you are interested in teaching classes at one of the City's parks,
contact the Facility Coordinator at Hesse Park at 541-8114.
NEWS FROM THE LOS SERENOS DOCENTS
- Point Vicente Interpretive Center - whales, whales, and more whales!
The Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center is one of the premier land-based
whale watching locations along the West Coast. Located at the tip of the
Palos Verdes Peninsula at 31501
Palos Verdes Drive West, this is the place to view the Pacific Gray Whales as they make their annual migration. The southbound whales can be seen in early December through February, and northbound whales make their way past the Center from late February through April.
The Pacific Gray Whale received a lot of visibility last year when little J.J. swam into the hearts of many around the world. Almost at the point of extinction several years ago, they have made an amazing recovery. Last year the census takers from the American Cetacean Society (ACS) counted 2,661 whales passing Point Vicente. That was the largest migration seen in years. These census takers will be on duty again during the upcoming whale season.
The Los Serenos docents will host the annual "Whale of a Day" on Saturday, March 7, 1998 celebrating the migration of the Pacific Gray. This is a family festival that features games for the children, craft booths, educational events, food and more. Don't forget to mark your calendar for this event.
Docents, Tours and Gifts Galore! Point Vicente Interpretive Center is a wonderful place to spend the day, not only during the whale migration, but at any time. Bring your family or friends to enjoy the view, have a picnic, take a museum tour, and visit the gift shop which is filled with unique gift items year round.
Los Serenos de Point Vicente is the volunteer docent organization which serves the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, and the nature area surrounding Ladera Linda Community Center. With future expansion plans for our parks, additional docent opportunities are available. Training for new docents begins in March of 1998. For more information call the Center at 310 377-5370.
- The City of Rancho Palos Verdes' Code Enforcement Division handles
many questions on a daily basis regarding the City's Municipal Code. Here
are answers to some frequently asked questions about...
CAN I PUT UP GARAGE SALE SIGNS OUT ON THE STREET?: Since the City prides itself on the clean appearance of its public streets, posting any kind of sign on a public appurtenance (such as light poles, telephone poles, street signs, City trees, etc.) is prohibited, even if only for a few hours during the weekend for garage sales. Garage sale signs can be posted in residential districts so long as the sign does not exceed four square feet in size and is posted at least five feet inside the property line. Cooperation in keeping our City streets attractive is appreciated!
CAN I STORE MY RV AND OTHER RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT TRAILERS ON MY PROPERTY?: Storage of recreational vehicles (RV's) and other recreational trailers (such as those for boats, jet skis, motorcycles, etc.) is allowed within the front, side, and rear yard areas of any residential districts within the City so long as the stored vehicle and/or trailer is operable and parked upon a lawfully installed paved surface. Inoperable vehicles or trailers must be stored within an entirely closed space, and at no time is the use of an RV or other vehicle as a habitable space permitted --even if only temporary. Parking on public streets is permissible, however, under the Los Angeles County Vehicle Code, it is unlawful for detached trailers to be left on any public street at any time, and no vehicle may be left on a public street for more than 72 hours in one location.
Where
should I put smoke detectors in my house? With the upcoming holiday
season, many people ask if the City has regulations about smoke detectors
and their placement. The Uniform Building Code, as adopted by the City, states
smoke detectors shall be installed in each sleeping room and in the corridor
providing access to each sleeping area. If the property is multi-storied (including
basements) a smoke detector shall be placed on the ceiling of each floor in
close proximity to the stairwells. All detectors should sound an audible alarm
in all sleeping areas in which they are located. Placement of detectors as
described above will enhance your family's safety!!!
If you have any questions regarding these or other City Code requirements, feel free to contact the Code Enforcement Division at (310) 377-6008.
- Since September of 1997 the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council has:
‚ Awarded a contract to improve the flow of storm runoff from McCarrell Canyon.
‚ Accepted the conveyance of Palos Verdes Shoreline Park from the County of Los Angeles to be used as a passive recreation area and conservation easement for protection of habitat.
‚ Approved use of Federal and State grants for hiring two additional sheriff's deputies to be Special Assignment Officers at local schools and to focus on certain other assignments.
‚ Approved a Development Agreement for the Ocean Trails Project relative to the ongoing maintenance obligations of the developer and for the provision of public access to certain facilities.
‚ Approved View Preservation and Restoration Guidelines which clarify and simplify the permit process for view restoration.
(More information on these matters is available at City Hall.)
- HOLIDAY TRASH SCHEDULE
Waste Management
December/January: No changes to the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday pick-ups during December 22-24. Trash scheduled to be picked-up on Thursday, December 25, will be picked-up the next day. Trash scheduled to be picked-up Friday, December 26 will be picked-up on the next day. There is no change to the Saturday pickup schedule.
Trash scheduled to be picked-up on Thursday, January 1, will be picked-up
the next day. Trash scheduled to be picked-up Friday, January 2, will be
picked-up on the next day. There is no change to the Saturday pick-up schedule.
February: No Changes.
March: No Changes.
Ivy Rubbish Disposal
December/January: No changes to the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday pick-ups during December 22-24. No trash pick-up on Thursday, December 25. Thursday recycling will be picked-up on Monday, December 22. There is no change to the Friday or Saturday pick-up schedule.
No trash pick-up on Thursday, January 1. Thursday recycling will be picked-up on Monday, December 29. There is no change to the Friday or Saturday pick-up schedule.
February: No Changes.
March: No Changes.
DO YOU NEED MORE GREEN WASTE TAGS/RIBBONS?
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If you need more tags/ribbons for your green waste containers: 1) ask your trash, recycling or green waste drivers, 2) Call Waste Management Customer Service at (310) 768-3111, and/or 3) Call City's Public Works Department at 541-6500.
- The City's Gifts for Parks program began in 1983 and allows individuals,
organizations and businesses to participate in local government by contributing
cash, materials, equipment or services to enhance existing and future recreational
facilities and programs.
Although Recreation and Parks continues to be the major recipient of these gifts, donors may designate any department. If you wish, the City can decide where it can best be used. Through this program, any service club, corporation or individual can create a project to enhance the community, support the City's REACH program for the developmentally disabled, buy a tree, a park or bus bench, purchase exhibits for the Interpretive Center, or computers and software for City offices. The possibilities are endless.
Contributors receive recognition from the City Council and all gifts are tax deductible. If you would like to suggest or discuss a specific item or proposal, call the Recreation and Parks Department at 310 541-4566.
- Confused about what goes in your recycle containers?
White Container (Commingled): Tin/steel and aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, and plastic containers with the symbol #1-4 , PETE #1 soda pop bottles; HDPE #2 Colored plastic such as milk and juice bottles, bleach and detergent containers; V #3 window cleaner and some cooking-oil containers; and, LDPE #4 Plastic shopping bags and shrink wrap.
Green Container (Mixed Paper): Catalogs, junk mail, envelopes, paper bags, cereal boxes, computer and office paper, phone books and magazines.
Blue Container (Newspaper): Newspaper, news print and coupons.
Cardboard: Moving and shipping boxes, and corrugated cardboard should be broken down and flattened and placed next to the recycling bins.
Used Motor Oil: Call your refuse hauler for free containers. Once filled, screw the cap tightly and place next to your recycling bins. Your filled container will be picked up and a new container will be left curbside.
Some items such as used paper plates, pizza boxes, Styrofoam, yogurt and cottage cheese containers, and plastic cutlery are not currently being recycled. These items should be put with your trash.
This Web Page provided as a community service by PV on the NET volunteer Dale Harrell