CC MINS 20080223 ADJ MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
PUBLIC USE MASTER PLAN WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 23, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 9:31 A.M. by Mayor Stern at Pt. Vicente Interpretive
Center, 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, notice having been given with affidavit thereto
on file.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Clark, Gardiner, Long, Wolowicz, and Mayor Stern
ABSENT: None
Also present were City Manager Carolyn Lehr, City Attorney Carol Lynch, Deputy City
Manager Carolynn Petru, Director of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement Joel
Rojas, Principal Planner Ara Mihranian, President of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy (PVPLC) Henry Jurgens, Acting Executive Director PVPLC Andrea Vona,
Project Manager PVPLC Becky Harper, and Deputy City Clerk Teresa Takaoka.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Mayor Pro Tem Clark.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Mayor Pro Tem Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to approve the
Agenda.
Without objection, Mayor Stern so ordered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
NCCP Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve — Public Use Master Plan (PUMP)
Preserve Trails Plan (1201 x 1203)
Council's introduction of the NCCP Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve item included the
following comments: praise for the community's achievement in securing the open
space; the plan as a work in progress with much valuable input from the PUMP
Committee and many decisions to be made; future plans for management of the open
space; references to the Forrestal Nature Preserve and the Forrestal Nature Preserve
Agreement documents; and the desire to open the trails of the Portuguese Bend Nature
Preserve to the public, while being mindful of the preservation of the natural habitat and
wildlife of the area.
Planning Director Rojas provided the staff report and Power Point presentation. He
congratulated the PUMP Committee for their dedication, acknowledging the amount of
work and time spent arriving at the recommendations being presented at this workshop.
Henry Jurgens, President, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC),
explained the PVPLC's role as one of stewardship, monitoring and trails management;
and asked that the Council approve the Preserve Trails Plan created by the PUMP
Committee.
Planning Director Rojas provided a brief overview of the goals for the meeting including
the following: naming of the preserve and sub-areas of the preserve; reviewing the trails
plan recommendations; and, addressing the temporary "time-out."
Mayor Pro Tem Clark received clarification that the State resource agencies would
ultimately review the Council approved plans to insure compatibility with their goals and
plans.
Naming of the Greater NCCP Preserve and its Sub-Areas
Staff provided a list of names for the Greater NCCP Preserve and the Sub-Areas
recommended by the PUMP Committee and explained the rationale behind the
selection of the names.
Jim Knight, Rancho Palos Verdes, voiced concern that the name Portuguese Bend
Preserve could cause some confusion with the Portuguese Bend Community
Association and suggested that people might believe that they would have access rights
to the Portuguese Bend Community Association area.
Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke about the "ecological reserve" designation
being a very specific and legally defined term and reviewed the history of the name
Portuguese Bend.
Council discussion ensued on the use of ecological in the names and renaming the
preserve the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve rather than the Portuguese Bend Nature
Preserve for identity purposes outside the peninsula.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to name the greater
NCCP Preserve the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve.
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 2 of 16
Further Council discussion included the following issues: a request to leave the name
Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve as it is a recognized name on the peninsula; funds
were raised under the name of the Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve and it describes
the area where the majority of the land exists; and, the assertion that the preserve
encompasses more than Portuguese Bend and should be named the Palos Verdes
Nature Preserve in order to be recognized beyond the Peninsula.
Bill Ailor, Palos Verdes Estates, suggested that if the entire preserve is named the
Palos Verdes Nature Preserve that the name of the subarea "Canyons" be changed to
"Portuguese Bend" for regional identity purposes.
Mark Jacobowitz, Rolling Hills, PUMP Committee Member, asked that the issue of the
renaming of the Portuguese Bend Preserve be reopened to public comment as the
renaming of that area was not expected and there would be concerns regarding the
matter.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, Gardiner, Long, and Wolowicz
NOES: Mayor Stern
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to substitute the title
"ecological" to "nature" for the ten sub-areas that make up the greater Preserve except
for a portion of Abalone Cove; and rename the Canyons Ecological Reserve to the
Portuguese Bend Reserve.
Ann Shaw, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the reason for calling the sub-areas
ecological reserves was to emphasize the sensitive ecological nature of the area.
A substitute motion was made by Councilman Gardiner, seconded by Councilman Long,
to eliminate the title reference of"ecological" for the ten sub-areas that make up the
greater Preserve; and rename the Canyons Ecological Reserve to the Portuguese Bend
Reserve.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gardiner, Long, Wolowicz, and Mayor Stern
NOES: Clark
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Stern called a brief recess from 10:35 a.m. to 10:42 a.m.
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 3 of 16
Frank Padilla, Jr., Agoura Hills, Southern California Trails Coalition, reviewed his
credentials and offered his assistance as a resource for the meeting. In response to a
question from Councilman Gardiner regarding the impact of trails on wildlife and
vegetation, he asserted that all trails have an impact on the habitat to varying degrees.
Mayor Pro Tem Clark received clarification on the jurisdiction of the California Coastal
Commission.
Betty Reidman, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke about the beauty of the nature preserve
and against bike use on the trails. She reported on bikers abusing the trails and
provided a photo.
Paul Tetreault, Rancho Palos Verdes, reported on the PUMP Committee's efforts in
creating the trail plan and recommended the Council follow the model of management
of the Forrestal Nature Preserve management and move slowly and take time to review
the progress of the plan.
Vic Quirarte, Rancho Palos Verdes, asserted that the PUMP Committee's
recommendation provided no estimate of cost for enforcement or trail design and that
bicycles should not be allowed in the Preserve. He suggested that three trails be
designated as pedestrian use only for safety reasons: Forrestal, Sacred and Abalone
Cove and Vicente Bluffs.
Barbara Walch, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in opposition to bike use on the trails for
reasons related to safety issues and the serene nature of the Preserve.
Linda Gonzales, Torrance, Audubon Society of Palos Verdes/South Bay Chapter, spoke
in support of the protection and preservation of the wildlife and habitat on the Preserve.
She stated that bicycle usage on the trails should be restricted to certain areas with
speed limits enforced for safety reasons.
Eva Cicoria, Rancho Palos Verdes, noted that she serves on the PUMP Committee and
started an organization called Sun Up, in response to CORBA, the bicycle lobbying
group, in order to help balance the impact of decisions being made by the PUMP
Committee towards the direction of the Preserve being used as a multiuse property with
competing interests. She stated the purpose of the Preserve should be to protect the
beauty and wonder of the flora and fauna; to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area;
and, to reduce the number of trails on which bicycles could be used with posted speeds
and enforcement of the rules so that plant and animal life can thrive.
Barbara Sattler, Rancho Palos Verdes, President, South Coast Chapter, California
Native Plant Society, voiced concern with the trail impacts, as some areas do not
recover from certain types of uses. She asserted that some proposed trail extensions
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 4 of 16
would be absolutely devastating to particularly rare plant life, and noted that there were
overwhelming public safety issues with mountain bike users on the trails.
Jess Morton, San Pedro, Endangered Habitats League, reported on baseline data
regarding the cactus wrens and gnat catchers breeding areas in six areas of the
Preserve and suggested that care be taken when considering new trails and high public
use areas.
Virginia Cicoria, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in support of the Vision of the Preserve
as large areas of open space for visitors to enjoy nature and solitude, where local native
plants and animals will exist in a secure environment. She voiced concern with bike use
on the trails.
George Hicks, Rancho Palos Verdes, voiced support for hiking and bike use on the
trails and cited misuse of the trails by members of many user groups. He encouraged
the implementation of a management plan of multiuse and the utilization of science to
evaluate the plan.
Alfred Sattler, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he collected signatures on a petition
expressing concern regarding speed limits and enforcement on the trails, and noted that
neighboring communities were able to enforce regulations.
Ann Shaw, Rancho Palos Verdes, reported on the results of a petition on which she
collected signatures regarding concerns of safety with mountain bikes on the trails of
the Preserve.
Judy Herman, Rancho Palos Verdes, asserted the Preserve was for the preservation of
wildlife and voiced concern with aggressive mountain biking on the trails.
William Tolliffe, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in support of bike use on larger trails only.
Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, reminded that the purpose of this meeting was to
identify trail routes and approve a trails plan and asked that Principal Planner Mihranian
receive a round of applause for his dedication and hard work.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Stern called a brief recess from 11:35 a.m. to 11:39 a.m.
Karen Jansen, Palos Verdes Estates, asserted that the Preserve was never designated
as a recreational area and noted that some of the studies used by some those in the
biking communities were not reflecting what was really occurring at the Preserve. She
commented on the increase in trail networks, a fragmentation of habitat, erosion of soil,
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 5 of 16
widening of trails, and cutting of trails, noting she was against inappropriate and
overuse of the Preserve.
Linda Gonzales, Torrance, Gabrielino/Tongva Native American, spoke about the
importance and sacredness of the area to her Native American heritage and asserted
that bike use was the most damaging use of the trails.
Richard Stark, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke about the need for trail safety standards.
Mark Jacobowitz, Rolling Hills, PUMP Committee Member, spoke about equestrian
safety concerns with bike use asserting that it was not safe to allow horses and bikes to
share trails. He commented that horses were spooked by the suddenness of a sound
or suddenness of an object coming into their line of sight.
Ruth Braswell, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke about the need for balance in the trail plan
between habitat and user access; the balance between different user groups; and
recommended maintaining fifteen additional trails to be open as multiuse trails in order
to disburse riders. She also stated that there would be a need for a Trail Advisory
Board comprised of representatives of all the trail user groups to address issues of
concern.
Doug Patterson, San Pedro, spoke about the need for regulations on the trails.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Stern called a recess for lunch from 12:05 p.m. to 1:07 p.m.
Planning Director Rojas introduced the PUMP Committee Members.
Planning Director Rojas clarified that the PUMP Committee's recommendations for the
Trails Plan was based on guidance from the NCCP. He reviewed the issues facing the
Council including the types and levels of recreational activities, the cost of
implementation and enforcement, and the need for balance in the plan.
Council and staff discussion included the clarification that the City would be in charge of
enforcement and maintenance issues such as waste hauling, and the Palos Verdes
Peninsula Land Conservancy would be managing the Preserve under contract with the
City.
Vista Del Norte Reserve and Agua Armaga Reserve
Principal Planner Mihranian provided a brief staff report on the Vista Del Norte Reserve
and the Agua Armaga Reserve.
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
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Troy Braswell, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he understood trail uses would be
reviewed each year and could be changed, noted that trails should be multiuse with
monitoring as warranted. He requested that the Council consider the full spectrum of
bicycle riding as a family use, since children cannot ride bikes in many public places.
Barbara Sattler, Rancho Palos Verdes, President, South Coast Chapter, California
Native Plant Society, spoke in opposition to the Pedestrian/Bicycle designation for the
Lunada Canyon Trail, as it is a steep canyon, with safety and habitat issues.
Alfred Peschel, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Loop Trail Project, spoke in favor
of adding four trail links to the PUMP Trails Network Plan.
Council discussion included Lunada Canyon, the Palos Verdes Loop Trail, and
enforcement issues.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clark, to approve the trails plan
for the Vista del Norte Reserve and the Agua Amarga Reserve as recommended by the
PUMP Committee.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, Gardiner, Long, Wolowicz, and Mayor Stern
NOES: None
Alta Vicente Reserve and Vicente Bluffs Reserve
Principal Planner Mihranian provided a brief staff report on the Alta Vicente Reserve
and the Vicente Bluffs Reserve.
Council and staff discussion included clarification on the widths of the trails,
decomposed granite, and sidewalks; the function of some of the trails as access roads;
and, the different uses of specific trails in the area.
Barbara Sattler, Rancho Palos Verdes, President, South Coast Chapter, California
Native Plant Society, voiced concern with protecting rare plant life along the Prickly
Pear Trail. She noted that the western section of the Alta Vicente Trail winds through a
very dense population of essential food plant for the endangered Palos Verdes Blue
Butterfly, which is one of the focal species for the NCCP.
Jim Knight, Rancho Palos Verdes, recommended that the City attempt to obtain from
the U.S. Coast Guard an easement for trails at Pt. Vicente and voiced opposition to bike
use on the steep portions of the trails in the area.
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 7 of 16
Eva Cicoria, Rancho Palos Verdes, supported multiuse of the Alta Vicente Reserve trail
and voiced opposition to bike use on the trails at the Vicente Bluffs trails.
Wes Prunckle, San Pedro, voiced support of family use of the trails'and bike usage in
the area, asserting that the Reserve was not a mountain biking destination area, but
was an area of that was suited for kids to ride bikes, since there are not many areas
available for them to ride.
Vic Quirarte, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in opposition to bike use on the Vicente
Bluffs trails.
Council discussion focused on the Golden Cove Trail with a recommendation to
designate it as pedestrian only, as most of the users are pedestrians, and bikes create a
safety issue on that particular trail.
Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, voiced opposition to bike use on the Golden Cove
Trail.
Further Council and staff discussion included whether there was a distinction between
mountain bikers and kids on bikes and if the Golden Cove Trail should be pedestrian
only.
Mayor Pro Tem Clark moved, seconded by Mayor Stern, to approve the trail plan for the
Vicente Bluffs Reserve as recommended by the PUMP Committee with a modification
to the designation of the Golden Cove Trail from pedestrian/bicycle to pedestrian only.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, Long, and Mayor Stern
NOES: Gardiner, Wolowicz
Council and staff discussion on Alta Vicente included concerns regarding the ecological
habitat of the area, the steep terrain of some of the Alta Vicente trails, and the widths of
the trails.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clark, to approve the trail
plan for the Alta Vicente Reserve as recommended by the PUMP Committee with a
modification to the designation of the Prickly Pear Trail from multiuse to pedestrian only.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, Gardiner, Wolowicz, and Mayor Stern
NOES: Long
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 8 of 16
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Stern called a brief recess from 2:17 p.m. to 2:23 p.m.
Portuguese Bend Reserve
Principal Planner Mihranian provided a brief staff report on the Portuguese Bend
Reserve and property formerly known as the Hon Property consisting of 420 acres.
Council and staff discussion included the following issues: questions regarding Rolling
Hills encroachments on the trails; crossover trails to Forrestal Nature Preserve; habitat
and topography as deciding factors in designating certain trails as pedestrian only; the
multiuse designation of some trails; time-out period of some of the trails in the area for
the restoration of habitat; management issues; the recommended decrease in the
number of trails in this area to a total of 23, and trail study data provided by the PVPLC.
David Thom, Torrance, spoke in support of multi-use of the trails and the recommended
decrease in trails as the area has become a nature preserve.
Katy Endicott, San Pedro, CORBA Palos Verdes Steering Committee, spoke in support
of the majority of the proposed managed trails plan for the area and CORBA's
requested revisions to the plan on behalf of the mountain biking community.
Mark Langton, Newbury Park, CORBA, Conejo Open Space Trails Advisory Committee,
spoke in favor of multi-use trails noting that they have worked in the Conejo Open
Space areas.
Troy Braswell, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in favor of designating all fire roads as well
as the Landslide Scarp Trail as multi-use trails. He stated that CORBA agrees with the
majority of the plan but is requesting an additional .8 of a mile of trails, .4 would be for
bicycles and .4 for multi-use.
Council and staff discussion focused on passive versus aggressive cycling, equipment
regulations; speed limits; development of trail standards; permitting or licensing for
bicyclists; and enforcement.
Gordon Leon, Rancho Palos Verdes, asserted that the PUMP Committee was
overzealous in trail closures; trail closures would cause problems related to
concentration of incompatible trail use and exacerbating enforcement; and
recommended that additional trails should be opened in order to separate users.
Michael Jost, Hawthorne, reported that he uses a bell on his bike or calls out to notify
other trail users of his approach on blind curves, and supported the CORBA proposal
regarding the trails.
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February 23, 2008
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Jim Knight, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke about trail connectivity; reported on near-
misses with bike riders; asserted that bikes had the right to use the trails; called for
signs, education, enforcement and review of the trail plan; suggested the use of the
deputized Sheriffs Posse volunteers for enforcement; and asked that the time-out be
lifted only after signage is up and enforcement is in place.
Doug Clark, bicycle rider, stated that the trail plan would discourage cyclists, hoped that
a trail management plan would make things better, and encouraged the Council to
permit all user groups on the trails.
Dena Friedson, asked for one exception to the Trail Plan on the upper part of Donor
One Trail and asked that the zigzag part of Grapevine Trail that leads to private property
be designated as pedestrian/equestrian only.
Dena Friedson read a comment by Betty Field-Strauss, Rancho Palos Verdes,
expressing her concern with bicyclists and horses sharing trails.
Eva Cicoria, Rancho Palos Verdes, asserted that there was public confusion regarding
the length of time-out on the trail use noting some people were concerned that it would
last a long time.
Joan Kelly, Rancho Palos Verdes, supported the trail closures to allow for re-growth of
the natural habitat and suggested the use of the Sheriffs Mounted Posse might be a
deterrent to inappropriate behavior.
James Warren, Rancho Palos Verdes, asked that a balance of trail use be maintained
for all users. He asserted that the Landslide Scarp Trail was acceptable for bike use
and that any trail that was wide enough should be designated as multi-use as long as
nature is respected.
David Sundstrom, Rancho Palos Verdes, California Native Plant Society, asserted that
the cost of enforcement would be a good investment based on his experience with
habitat restoration, noting that losing habitat would be costly. He asked that Eagle's
Nest Trail, lshibashi Trail, and Grapevine Trails be designated as pedestrian only to
preserve the habitat in these areas.
Alfred Sather, Rancho Palos Verdes, asked that no additional trails be opened to
bicycles than the ones noted in the trail plan.
Penni Smith, Rolling Hills, stated that they believed in the preservation effort and
recounted a story of a friend who was injured by a mountain biker on the trails.
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 10 of 16
Ross Smith, Rolling Hills, stated that he is concerned with safety on the trails since he
was run into by four bicyclists last year, and patrolled enforcement of the trails.
Richard Bara, Rancho Palos Verdes, Vice-Chair of Equestrian Committee, maintained
that the Fire Station Trail should be designated as pedestrian/equestrian use only, and
encouraged two parallel sets of trails on the Ishibashi Trail and Grapevine Trails, one for
pedestrian/equestrian use and one for bicyclists.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Stern called a brief recess from 3:36 p.m. to 3:42 p.m.
Kay Bara, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the Portuguese Bend area was zoned for
equestrian use; the area has the only public stables on the Peninsula; and quiet, safe
equestrian/pedestrian trails are needed in the area.
Ruth Braswell, Rancho Palos Verdes, offered suggestions on trail management,
additional trails, speed limits, education, and enforcement.
Donna McLaughlin, Rancho Palos Verdes, reported on near misses with bicyclists and
asserted that many users were not going on the trails because of the safety issues.
Sue Breiholz, Rolling Hills, President of Caballeros, spoke in opposition to multi-use
trails citing safety issues and stated Fire Station Trail should be an equestrian/
pedestrian trail only.
Leslie Stetson, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Community Association, voiced opposition to
trails that point bicycles into the City of Rolling Hills since an ordinance of the City of
Rolling Hills prohibits them in the city.
Jill Smith, Rolling Hills, asserted bicycles are a danger to horses and their riders since
horses are prey animals and frightened by fast moving objects coming towards them.
Charlene O'Neil, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Peninsula Horsemen's
Association, asserted that bicycles and equestrians/pedestrians should not share trails
for safety reasons and requested that the time-out be lifted. She also stated that the
Fire Station Trail should not include bicycles as it would put them on private property.
David Babbe, expressed support for the CORBA modifications since the area is used
for family rides.
Peggy Hynes, Rancho Palos Verdes, maintained that the open space and trails should
shared by all users.
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 11 of 16
Alfred Peschel, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Loop Trail Project, suggested that
a link from the Burma Road to the Palos Verdes Loop Trail be added to the trail plan.
Bryan Knox, Long Beach, voiced support for multi-use of the trails.
Sharon Yarber, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that bikes and horses should be
segregated on separate trails for safety issues.
Rebecca Cicoria, San Pedro, asserted that there are more trails in the Preserve than
ever before and noted that many equestrians will not ride the trails because of the
mountain bikers.
Lynn Petak, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that off-road cycling is not compatible in a
preserve nor should they share trails with equestrians and pedestrians. She asserted
the need for a pedestrian/equestrian only contiguous loop that would allow access to
the proposed equestrian center.
Mark Matthews, Redondo Beach, voiced support for the CORBA recommendations and
multi-use trails with a good management plan.
Scott Sargent, Hermosa Beach, voiced support for all uses on the trails.
Ed Ballard, Rancho Palos Verdes, asserted that the Fire Station Trail is extremely steep
and dangerous and the Grapevine Trail a winding trail and neither should not be
designated as multi-use trails.
Mark Jacobowitz, Rolling Hills, maintained the Reserve was primarily an equestrian
area and noted there should be connectivity between the east and west pedestrian/
equestrian trails.
Jim Moore, Rolling Hills Estates, asserted that closing trails would create congestion
and conflicts between trail users.
Gregory Lash, Rancho Palos Verdes, CORBA, voiced support for the proposed CORBA
enhancements to the PUMP trail plan.
Frank Padilla, Jr., Agoura Hills, Southern California Trails Coalition, reviewed
statements made and clarified standards for the width of trails in State Parks with tread
widths normally between 36 inches to 60 inches; sustainable designs for trails;
protection of habitats; management strategies; the use of civilians for enforcement; trail
ADA accessibility; connectivity and trail surveys. In response to a question from
Councilman Gardiner, he stated that horses and bicycles could safely share well
designed trails with education and noted he would forward trail designs to staff.
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February 23, 2008
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Ricky Riedl, Rancho Palos Verdes, suggested Forrestal Nature Preserve be used as a
guide for signage on the trails to educate trail users and bicyclists.
Ralph Ortolano, Jr. spoke in opposition to the elimination of trails asserting this action
would create conflicts.
Ken Swenson, Rancho Palos Verdes, voiced support for reopening of the trails in the
Preserve with a restoration plan; suggested that Council and staff reach out to other
land conservancies and trusts for their ideas on the PUMP Plan and trail management;
and cited the City of Boulder's plan suggesting staff use a similar cautious approach.
Richard Bara, Rancho Palos Verdes, asserted that the Fire Station Trail should be
designated as pedestrian/equestrian only.
Judy Herman, Rancho Palos Verdes, voiced opposition to adding any more trails in
order to protect the habitat and nature in the Preserve.
Brenda McNamara, Rancho Palos Verdes, asserted that the purpose of a nature
preserve was to protect the flora and fauna of the habitat.
Sally Swart, Rolling Hills, stated that the Peninsula is a very special paradise to
preserve, with a unique horse community and beautiful trails. She noted that there
needed to be care taken with bikes and horses on the same trails.
Liz Jacobowitz, Rolling Hills, shared a story of a bike accident last year on Burma Road
with her horse that led to her hospitalization.
Council and staff discussion included the following issues: designation of the Fire
Station Trail and Grapevine Trail as not allowing bicycles; expense and environmental
impact of cross-over trails; the Land Conservancy's opposition to the addition of
duplicate trails in order to be consistent with the NCCP and resource agencies; and
signs, education and enforcement.
Councilman Long reported that he has used the trails as a pedestrian, equestrian and
mountain biker and witnessed some evidence of improper use. He stated that there
were two issues not addressed: 1) the City does not have the necessary resources for
enforcement, and 2) signage was poor and the maintenance program for restoration of
the Preserve was unrealistic with the plan for restoration of 5 acres a year to take a total
of more than 200 years to complete. He outlined his ideas for solutions including the
following: bells required for mountain bikes; training and certification for all users;
restricting some trails use by mountain bikes for guided uses; all fire roads be multi-use
and there should be a staged opening of some other areas to separate users; eliminate
dirt bowl areas in the Preserve and find areas to provide them outside of the Preserve;
differentiate between types of bikes and eliminate high speed, high impact bike use;
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 13 of 16
explore one-way bike routing; and, modification to the PUMP Committee to make it
more efficient by decreasing the number of members and selecting a Chair.
Councilman Gardiner stated that he would not be supporting multi-use trails unless the
trails were properly designed, expressed concern regarding the lack of connectivity of
some of the trails, and the improper conduct displayed by some users. He supported
some of the trails being added back in so that there could be separate trails for bicycling
and others for equestrian/pedestrian uses.
Councilman Wolowicz did not feel the trails should be reopened from the time-out until
all of the following items were in place: signs on all trails and entrances; posted speed
limits per staff and PVPLC recommendations; an education system regarding the trails;
bells required on mountain bikes; "no jump" signage at the ridges; development of trail
standards and management; and, some type of enforcement program in place.
Mayor Pro Tem Clark stated that the core issue was that the Palos Verdes Nature
Preserve is for the protection and restoration of State and Federal protected species of
plants and animals, not for recreation. He asserted that all trails have impacts on the
Preserve and he expressed concern with safety issues; stated that a balance was
needed between preservation and recreational use; agreed that the City needed to
reach out to the Coalition of Land Trusts in the State for best practices; maintained that
trail standards needed to be considered; voiced support for a permanent trail advisory
board established by the City and the PVPLC; and, acknowledged that enforcement
was needed and suggested that Preserve rangers could be underwritten by developers
in the community.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Stern called a brief recess from 5:15 p.m. to 5:21 p.m.
City Attorney Lynch stated that the City could assess a fee to regulate the users of the
property with a portion of the fee going towards park rangers would be appropriate, but
assessing a developer would not be appropriate unless the development were to relate
directly to the use of the area.
Mayor Stern stated that he wanted the public to enjoy the Preserve as they have for
decades, noting that he agreed the Fire Station Trail and Grapevine Trail should not be
multi-use, there were issues and concerns regarding safety, but he felt the Trails Plan
was a good first step and the City needed to move forward.
Mayor Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to adopt the trails plan for the
Portuguese Bend Reserve as recommended by the PUMP Committee with a
modification to the designation of the Fire Station Trail and the Grapevine Trail from
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City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
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multi-use to pedestrian/equestrian only and to authorize lifting the temporary "time-out"
at the Portuguese Bend Reserve in 30 days.
Council discussion included the following: a recommendation to probe the issues where
the PUMP Committee votes were close; the assertion that no trails should be
designated multi-use unless they are properly designed, where some are designated for
bike use only and others are for equestrian/pedestrian uses; the establishment of a trail
advisory committee; the identification of resources for enforcement; and, the creation of
a realistic maintenance program.
Councilman Wolowicz proposed the following amendment to the motion: The time-out
would be lifted and the trails would reopen when: 1) all signs are in place where
specified on the trail and at entrances; 2) speed limits are established as recommended;
3) a plan for an enforcement commitment under the guidance of the City Manager; and
4) an educational system and best practices be designed by the PUMP Committee.
Councilman Long seconded the motion to amend.
Mayor Pro Tem Clark suggested the motion include a condition to review the situation
once the reopening of the trails takes place.
Mayor Stern stated that he would like the Council to authorize the PVPLC, as the
Preserve managers, some flexibility with respect to the reopening of the trails and the
provision of a preliminary status update report after six months.
Further Council and staff discussion included the need to identify and devote the
necessary resources for enforcement before the trails are reopened; the plan for
education; the placement of signage; and, an assertion that the review might not reflect
equestrian non-use of multi-use trails due to safety concerns.
Councilman Wolowicz agreed to add a condition to his amendment to the motion that
there should be a review from the PVPLC after six months, with the clock starting at the
time of the reopening. Councilman Long supported this as seconder of the motion to
amend.
Councilman Gardiner moved to continue the discussion of the Portuguese Bend
Reserve; the motion died for a lack of a second.
Mayor Stern restated the motion to amend as proposed by Councilman Wolowicz, and
seconded by Councilman Long, to provide Staff with direction on lifting the temporary
"time-out" at the Portuguese Bend Reserve provided that the following items are
implemented: the installation of trail marker signs, including signs at the entry points to
the Reserve; implementation of the recommended speed limits; implementation of an
enforcement plan; the implementation of an education program by the Palos Verdes
Peninsula Land Conservancy including the distribution of educational materials; and
City Council Minutes
City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 15 of 16
directed Staff to provide a status report to the City Council within 6 months of lifting the
"time-out."
The motion to amend carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, Long, Wolowicz, and Mayor Stern
NOES: Gardiner
Mayor Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to adopt the trails plan for the
Portuguese Bend Reserve as recommended by the PUMP Committee with a
modification to the designation of the Fire Station Trail and the Grapevine Trail from
multi-use to pedestrian/equestrian only and to authorize lifting the temporary "time-out"
at the Portuguese Bend Reserve in 30 days.
The main motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, Long, Wolowicz, and Mayor Stern
NOES: Gardiner
Mayor Pro Tern Clark moved, seconded by Councilmember Wolowicz, to continue the
item to March 18, 2008.
•
Without objection, Mayor Stern so ordered.
City Attorney Lynch discussed adjusting the start time of the next meeting in order to
interview those applying for Chair of various committees or commissions.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Stern adjourned the meeting at 5:47 P.M. to Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 6:15
P.M. to interview candidates for Chair of the Planning Commission, Finance Advisory
Committee and Emergency Preparedness Committee in the Fire '_ - Room . esse
Park.
Ara ' ..
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Attest:
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City Clerk
W:\City Council Minutes\2008\20080223 CC MINS.doc
City Council Minutes
City Council/Public Use Master Plan Workshop
February 23, 2008
Page 16 of 16