CC SR 20170418 01 - Lower Point Vicente Park Outdoor Interactive ExhibitsCITE' OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
PUBLIC HEARING
Date: April 18, 2017
Subject: Consideration and Possible Action to Modify the Parks Master Plan
to Include Outdoor Interactive Exhibits at Lower Point Vicente Park
Subject Property: 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West
1. Report of Notice Given: City Clerk
2. Request for Staff Report: Mayor Campbell
3. Staff Report & Recommendation: Deputy Director of Recreation and Parks Trautner
4. Council Questions of Staff (factual only, no opinions):
5. Declare the Hearing Open: Mayor Campbell
6. Public Testimony: Mayor Campbell invites brief comments from the public.
Appellant: N/A
Applicant: N/A
7. Council Questions of speakers — (factual only):
8. Rebuttal: N/A
9. Declare Hearing Closed: Mayor Campbell
10. Council Deliberation: Questions of staff in response to testimony and deliberation.
11. Council Action:
1
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 04/18/2017
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Public Hearing
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration and possible action to modify the Parks Master Plan to include outdoor
interactive exhibits at Lower Point Vicente Park.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Conduct a public hearing to determine whether or not to include outdoor
interactive exhibits at Lower Point Vicente Park, as requested by Los Serenos de
Point Vicente Docents.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Docents estimate that the cost to design, fabricate and install
the proposed exhibits would be $340,000, and they commit to raising all funds through
sponsorships and grants. Additionally, the City could assist with researching and
applying for grant opportunities to support the proposed exhibits.
Amount Budgeted: None
Additional Appropriation: TBD
Account Number(s): 228-400-0000-5101
ORIGINATED BY: Daniel Trautner, Deputy Director of Recreation and Parks ,9T
REVIEWED BY: Cory Linder, Director of Recreation and Parks�L_
APPROVED BY: Doug Willmore, City Manager"A'1,1i
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Los Serenos Docents PowerPoint Presentation (page A-1)
B. Public comments (page B-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
On September 2, 2008, after an extensive public workshop process, the City Council
adopted the Rancho Palos Verdes Coast Vision Plan (Vision Plan). The Vision Plan is
an informational planning document for the City's coastal areas (including five key sites
not included in the City's Palos Verdes Nature Preserve) that addresses public access,
interpretive materials, recreational amenities, and other public facilities to improve the
experience of the coast and open space for residents of and visitors to the Peninsula.
On November 20, 2012, at the request of then -Mayor Jim Knight, the City Council
adopted text and graphic amendments to the Vision Plan by replacing the Annenberg
Foundation project originally described for Lower Point Vicente Park with a public green.
The amendment was a temporary placeholder until an updated park plan, which has
2
been vetted through the public review process, can be considered by the City Council.
That same evening, the City Council directed Staff to initiate the public review process
for developing an updated park plan.
Given the City Council's direction, prior to conducting public workshops, Staff formed a
focus group of community stakeholders (including one councilmember) to assist in the
development of a base park plan that would be presented to the public. The focus
group consisted of the following individuals:
• Then -Mayor Jim Knight
• Eva Cicoria
• David Sundstrom (California Native Plant Society)
• Rosemary Campbell (Oceanfront Estates resident)
• Diana McIntyre (Los Serenos de Point Vicente Docent)
• Joe Cocke (Los Serenos de Point Vicente Docent)
The focus group met several times between January 2013 and October 2014. Prior to
finalization, the preliminary park plan was submitted to the National Park Service (NPS)
and the State Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) to determine if the plan
would be consistent with the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) deed
restrictions and Program of Utilization (POU) for Lower Point Vicente. On December
10, 2013, David Siegenthaler with NPS informed Staff that the preliminary park plan
appears to be consistent with the public outdoor park requirements stated in the POU
and the LWCF deed restrictions. OGALS also confirmed that the preliminary park plan
would be consistent with the deed restrictions. This determination was contingent on
the final park plan being formally submitted to NPS and OGALS for final approval after
being adopted by the City Council. Soon after, Staff brought on board Melendrez
Landscape Architects, the firm that originally created the Vision Plan, to refine the
illustrative park plan developed by the focus group and Vision Plan text for public
review.
On February 5, 2015, and March 25, 2015, the City conducted two public workshops at
the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC). Both workshops were well attended by
members of the public. It should be noted no substantive changes to the plan
developed by the focus group occurred as a result of the public workshops (with the
exception of some minor tweaks).
On July 7, 2015, Staff presented the Lower Point Vicente portion of the Vision Plan tc
City Council. The updated park plan for Lower Point Vicente proposed a conceptual
design that aimed to improve public access and the aesthetic appearance of the area
landward of the existing parking lot. The updated park plan proposed the following
features:
Trail system — the majority of the trail system is Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) -compliant
Trailheads
9
• Grassland planted with native grasses (not a manicured lawn)
• Improved vehicular and pedestrian access including crosswalks and drop-off
areas
• Expanded parking lot with added ADA spaces and timed loading zones adjacent
to the picnic areas (a total of approximately 150 parking spaces)
• Overlooks
• Picnic and seating areas (throughout site)
• Outdoor interactive stations (PVIC Phase III Program Components), to be
sponsored and funded by the Los Serenos de Point Vicente Docents, consisting
of the following exhibits:
o Tongva Village
o Geology Fossil Exhibit
o Archaeological Dig
o Spanish Rancho Exhibit
o Dry Farming (Annie's Stand)
o WW II Exhibit
After much discussion, City Council voted to amend the Lower Point Vicente portion of
the Vision Plan to adopt Phase 1 and eliminate Phase 2 (Outdoor interactive stations).
Clarification was provided to Staff regarding the renaming of the "Wall of Honor" to
"Recognition Wall" and the relocation of that feature from the Lower Point Vicente site to
the Upper Point Vicente/Civic Center site; and ensuring there is a true wildlife habitat
corridor at Lower Point Vicente for native species, such as the gnatcatcher, with the
appropriate setback from Palos Verdes Drive West.
On August 4, 2015, the Los Serenos de Point Vicente Docent (Docents) Board voted to
establish a Lower Point Vicente Outdoor Exhibits Viability Plan. The goal of this plan
was to gather Docent membership feedback and determine if there was enough support
to present a new plan to City Council that addressed feedback received at the July 7,
2015, City Council meeting, which had resulted in the outdoor exhibits being removed
from the Lower Point Vicente portion of the Vision Plan.
On October 6, 2015, City Council adopted the Parks Master Plan Update and
incorporate the Design Guidance, Key Sites and portions of the Connections Sections
of the Vision Plan into the Parks Master Plan with the understanding that the Vision
Plan will be retired after the remaining Connections Section is incorporated into the
updated Trails Network Plan.
The Docents held three presentations for the Docent membership on April 6, 2016, April
15, 2016 and April 27, 2016. More than 50 active Docents viewed a presentation on the
outdoor exhibits and provided input and feedback about how to modify the Lower Point
Vicente Parks Master Plan in order to address the issues and concerns raised at the
July 7, 2015, City Council meeting. The outdoor exhibits presentation was also
available at PVIC and emailed to any Docent who wished to provide feedback and was
unable to attend the three Docent membership presentations.
El
The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive and in support of the Docents
moving forward with a plan to present at the City Council meeting in order to get the
outdoor exhibits incorporated into the Lower Point Vicente Parks Master Plan. On July
5, 2016, the Docent Board voted to move forward with bringing the outdoor exhibits
presentation to City Council for their consideration. On July 19, 2016, City Council
directed Staff to work with the Docents to prepare a presentation on the Lower Point
Vicente outdoor exhibits for the August 2, 2016, City Council meeting.
On August 2, 2016, the Docents presented a proposal for City Council to reconsider
including the Lower Point Vicente Concept Site Plan originally presented at the July 7,
2015, City Council meeting, which included the 4 exhibits (Tongva Village, Geology,
Archeological Dig and Annie's Stand) and 3 interpretive signs (Whale Watch, Spanish
Rancho and World War II) throughout the surrounding pathways of the site (see page A-
5). The City Council voiced the several concerns regarding the Docents' proposal,
including:
• The exhibits do not fall in line with the City's "Less is More" philosophy;
• The proximity of the exhibits to the nearby residents;
• The security of the exhibits at night; and,
• Lack of public support, specifically from the nearby residents.
City Council directed the Docents to work with City Staff and seek public support,
specifically the residents in the Oceanfront Estates neighborhood and surrounding the
Lower Point Vicente site, and to come back once they had addressed all concerns and
had broader public support.
The Docents scheduled 3 public workshops to gather feedback, comments and support.
These meetings were held on September 27, 2016, December 6, 2016 and January 25,
2017. Public notices were sent out to the 550 surrounding nearby residents and via
listsery notifications. City Staff worked with the Oceanfront Estates homeowners'
association (HOA) to distribute email notifications and drop off flyers for residents.
After receiving feedback from attendees at the September 27, 2016, public workshop,
the Docents modified their site plan to move the proposed exhibits away from nearby
residents and group them closer to the proposed parking lot, ensuring that the exhibits
would be no less than 500 feet away from the closest residents. In addition, the
Docents modified their site plan to remove the 3 interpretive signs (see page A-10).
The Docents invited the original Lower Point Vicente Focus Group to meet on January
21, 2017, to gather feedback and support. Three of the original six members (Eva
Cicoria, Jim Knight and Rosemary Campbell) attended and provided feedback.
On January 26, 2017, the Docents presented the modified site plan to the HOA Board.
After the meeting, the Docents worked with the HOA to survey the residents via email to
measure the level of support for the Docents' exhibits. Only 21 of the 79 homeowners
were surveyed, which were the homeowners who reside closest to the City property
5
line/park site. The survey was administered by the HOA and the results were relayed to
the Docents. The results showed that, of the 21 homeowners surveyed, only 8
responded and all of them were opposed to adding the Docent exhibits.
On January 28, 2017, the Docent membership voted to move forward with the exhibit
proposal (Attachment A). City Staff met with the Docents to prepare this Staff report
and facilitate this City Council public hearing. Public comments on this proposal are
provided in Attachment B.
The Docents estimate that the cost to design, fabricate and install the proposed exhibits
would be $340,000, and they are committed to raising all funds through sponsorships
and grants. Additionally, City Staff could assist with researching and applying for grant
opportunities to support the proposed exhibits. There would be a shared responsibility
of on-going maintenance, but ultimately, the exhibits would be the property of the City
and all long-term maintenance and replacement costs would fall upon the City.
CONCLUSION:
As reflected in the foregoing discussion, the Docents have prepared and revised several
iterations of their proposed interactive outdoor exhibits at Lower Point Vicente since July
2015. The Docents have reached out to surrounding neighbors and their own
membership in order to "fine tune" the proposal over the past 21 months. They have
also sought to address the concerns raised by the City Council in its previous review of
the proposal. At this point, the Docents' proposal has broad support from its own
membership and other stakeholders, but no support from nearby residents.
Nevertheless, the Docents seek the City Council's approval to proceed with these
revised exhibits at Lower Point Vicente.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions area available
for the City Council's consideration:
1. Approve the Docents' proposal to modify the Lower Point Vicente Section
of the Parks Master Plan to include outdoor interactive exhibits.
2. Take no action and keep the existing Lower Point Vicente section of the
Parks Master Plan as approved at the July 7, 2015, City Council meeting.
3. Discuss and take other action regarding this proposal.
Al
•
Lower Point Vicente Interactive Outdoor
Educational Exhibits
Concept Plan
• A volunteer organization which assists and supports the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes' objectives for the Point Vicente
Interpretive Center, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, Forrestal
Nature Preserve/Ladera Linda Community Center and the
Trails at Trump National.
• The docents and volunteers provide interpretive and
educational services to the community regarding the unique
features and natural and cultural history of the Palos Verdes
Peninsula and adjacent waters by means of docent -led tours,
special events, workshops and classes.
Schedule Of Events
• Aug 02: Presented Docent Exhibits to RPV City Council
• Sept 18: Scheduled Meeting with Original Lower Point Vicente Focus
Working Group
• Sept 27: Outreach Community Workshop
• Oct 17: Presentation with new map went out to membership by email and
mail
• Oct 21 & 26: Membership Q&A and votes
• Nov 01: Bring Proposal to the Board
• Dec 06: Outreach Community Workshop
• Jan 21: Meeting with Focus Group
• Jan 25: Outreach Community Workshop
• Jan 26: Presentation to the Oceanfront Estates HOA Board
• Jan 28: Membership Vote
• Feb 09:Oceanfront Estates HOA Poll
• Apr 18: Present Recommended Concept Plan to RPV City Council
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Community Workshops
• Docents Held 3 Community Workshops
• 8 Oceanfront Estates Residents Attended
• Most were from the homes along the fence
• 6 Additional Rancho Palos Verdes Residents
Attended
Oceanfront Estates Homeowners
• Supports Educational Aspects of Exhibits
• Major Concerns
— Exhibits too close to homes
— Fear Disneyland like exhibits would attract crowds and
traffic
— Noise from tours
Assurance that the children tours would be limited to
weekdays between 10 am and 2 pm
—Disapprove of trailhead access off of PV Drive West
(city issue)
— Concerned that City has not maintained natural
habitat due to lack of watering
Peregrine Falcon
According to The United States Fish and Wildlife Service:
• 1975 — Put on the endangered species list
• 1999 — Removed from the endangered species list
• They are being monitored to document the breeding status
of this species through the year 2015
• The Falcons are in a preserve half way down the cliff
• They are approximately 1500 feet from the proposed site of
the Outside Educational Exhibits
Los Serenos and the city of Rancho Palos Verdes will take care not
to harm the Falcons when installing the exhibits. Any construction
would not impact nesting and breeding season. (Feb/March —
May)
Security of Exhibits
• All interactive exhibits and storage areas are locked
when not in use.
• Presently vehicle access is restricted by a gate that is
locked at sundown by a private security company.
• Walk in traffic would be no better or worse than in any
other City park.
• Area is isolated and off the main road with no lighting,
graffiti would be a minimum.
• Signs could be covered with protective films that would
facilitate the removal of any graffiti.
Exhibits would be located so as to facilitate
inspection by patrolling sheriff.
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PVIC Usage Remains the Same
— To reduce the noise level, limit time and days for school
exhibit field trips to during the week between the hours of
10 amto2pm
• Tours are not scheduled every day of the week
• In 2016 there were only 44 scheduled tours of PVIC; We anticipate
this amount will continue in the future
— 14 of these tours were from PVPUSD
— Three were senior citizen groups
— Allow small group (i.e., Scouts) exhibit field trips on the
weekends
— The planned activities do not impact any of the
neighboring homes
Special Poll of Oceanfront Estates Residents
Majority of Residents Showed No Interest in
Outside Exhibits
• 79 Homes in Oceanfront Estates
• 11 Are Directly Along Fence of LPV
• An Additional 10 Are In Proximity Of The
Fence
• Held Separate E-mail Vote of 21 Residents
• Between 6 and 8 responded to the HOA,
all negative
Land Deed Restrictions
— 1978 Land Transfer Agreement, restricted usage to
public parks and public recreation
— Field trips are consistent with passive uses (as
defined in the 1975 General Plan) as it includes
nature studies, hiking, etc. (So Kim, Senior Planner
RPV)
Cost Estimate
Based upon Storyline Proposal $340,,000
Design $25,000
• Tongva Exhibit $95,000
• Geology $50,000
• Archaeological Dig $110,000
• Annie's Stand $50.,000
• Four discovery Carts $10,000
Seek City Council Approval
Modify the Parks and Recreation Vision Plan
for Lower Point Vicente by adding the
Interactive Outdoor Educational Exhibits
Concept Plan
March 26, 2017
To: Mayor Campbell and the City Council Members
Subject: Support for the Interactive Outdoor Educational Exhibits at Lower Point Vicente
I have retired after working for 33 years at The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
I have also been a docent for 10 years serving as the Assistant to the Curator at Los Serenos de
Point Vicente. I have seen the importance of displays in teaching the public and especially
children. The Interactive Outdoor Exhibits proposal would be an excellent teaching tool for our
community. To view nature in its natural setting is a real asset as a teaching aid. You can show
students a bird or a fossil in a display case in a Museum but, to actually see it outdoors as they
are found, is a very exciting experience.
The present planned location for the Interactive Outdoor Educational Exhibits is well away from
neighborhood homes, low profile, and easy to access for the public during daylight hours.
I would hope that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will consider the benefits of this project for
the educational and recreational potential it can bring to our community.
Sincerely,
Joe Cocke
Docent, Assistant to the Curator
Los Serenos de Point Vicente
March 18, 2017
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Atttention: The Honorable Brian Campbell, Mayor,
and Members of the City Council
Subject: Support for the Interactive Outdoor Educational Exhibit at Lower
Point Vicente
Dear Mayor Campbell and City Council Members,
I write in support for the proposed Interactive Outdoor Educational Exhibits, and
in particular, the inclusion of the "Annie's Stand" structure, as part of the other
exhibits proposed for Lower Point Vicente.
My wife and I have lived in Rancho Palos Verdes since 2002, and my wife's
family have resided in the Palos Verdes area since 1980. It has been our
fortunate circumstance to have raised our children in our city who attended its
excellent schools.
recently completed the course work and training to proudly become a docent for
Los Serenos Point Vicente. As part of the training, I researched and completed a
report on Kumekichi Ishibashi, pioneering Palos Verdes resident, farmer, and
honored citizen, as recognized by the State of California with a historical
landmark to him, the Ishibashi family, and the Japanese American farmers, who
were among the first to live and work the land of RPV.
The Japanese American farmers of Palos Verdes are an inherent part of the
history and fabric of our area, as are the Tongva Indians, the Sepulvedas,
Dominguers, Vanderlips, Bixbys, and the many others who contributed to the
development of the community in which we live and are privileged to belong.
As part of the legacy of this area, Annie's Stand is known by many in the area as
an iconic landmark that many visited and viewed as they drove by our coastline,
reminiscing nostalgically of the fresh flowers, produce, and pleasant interactions
with Annie Ishibashi and her family.
For many, Annie's Stand is the lasting memory of an era gone by, an era where
farmland existed and the Japanese American farmers dwelled prior to the
development of the homes and communities that now take its place. It is a story
March 18, 2017
Page 2 of 2
that has taken place in many areas of Southern California where things that once
existed, are no longer.
Inclusion of Annie's Stand to the Lower Point Vicente Interactive Outdoor
Educational Exhibits would be a tangible piece of history that many long time
residents would recognize, and serve as an educational element evoking an
aspect of our rich history. Annie's Stand would certainly enhance the Outdoor
Educational Exhibits.
The Point Vicente Interpretive Center is where Palos Verdes history, the rich
legacy of the cultures and people who dwelled and worked here, the beautiful
coastline, wildlife, and features of our landscape, are shared and highlighted for
those who live in and visit our area. The Interpretive Center is where many gain
an appreciation of, and form an impression of Palos Verdes Peninsula. Including
the Interactive Educational Exhibits is consistent with the objectives of the PVIC
and would enhance its overall mission.
Your efforts and those of the City Council Members to establish the outdoor
educational center and inclusion of Annie's Stand would be greatly appreciated
by the community,
Sincerely,
1a
Richard Ishibashi
Resident, Rancho Palos Verdes
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HENRY C. KOERPER, Ph.D.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT
632 S. Chipwood Street
Orange, CA 92869-5305
March 6, 2017
(714) 633-9287
Mayor and City Council
Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Dear Mayor Brian Campbell, Councilman Jerry V. Duhovic, Councilwoman Susan M. Brooks,
Councilman Ken Dyda, and Councilman Anthony M. Mistech,
This letter addresses The Interactive Outdoor Educational Exhibits plan relating to the Lower Point
Vicente area. Members of Los Serenos de Point Vicente are proposing the use of a small parcel of land
for putting in place several exhibits, one of which is designated "Archaeological Dig;" a related exhibit is
named "Tongva Village." Both would be directed to Native American presence in the Palos Verdes
Peninsula region, the first dealing mainly with scientific fieldwork to recover evidence of ancient life -
ways. The second would be rooted in a robust ethnographic/historic record for coastal Shoshonean -
speaking peoples.
I wholeheartedly endorse the entire project which includes two additional instructional venues — a
"Geology and Fossil Site" and "Armies Stand."
My commitment to the "Archaeological Dig" would include but not be limited to sharing with docents
and curators knowledge I have acquired in over four decades of field, laboratory, and scholarly endeavors.
I have had long experience interacting with young people attending my digs with their parents or teachers,
and I continue to participate in archaeological outreach programs directed particularly to middle school
and younger children. Consequently, I am well positioned to work alongside docents to develop an
"Archaeology Dig" program that would introduce students to field recovery (digging, screening, artifact
identification, measurement, bag labeling, note taking, etc.) and some small amount of post -field analysis
(e.g., radiocarbon dating). Young visitors might be allowed to dig with trowels, screen, measure, and take
notes, but shoveling, for instance, might be left to the docents for obvious reasons. Students would gain
new vocabulary (e.g., midden, provenience, mano, metate, line level, site feature, debitage, etc.). Some
basic science might be imparted, such as hypothesis generation and testing, avoidance of confirmation
bias, and so on. You are encouraged to contact me with any questions (714-633-9287; my email is
l�koei �e r�)aolxorr).
Henry C. Koerper, Ph.D.
Editor, Pacific Coast Archaeological Society Quarterly
Archaeological Consultant to Cultural Resource Management Firms
Professor Emeritus, Cypress Community College
Daniel Trautner
From: Ned Mansour <ndmansour@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 3:47 PM
To: Fran Simon
Cc: Daniel Trautner; Ara Mihranian; Cory Linder; So Kim; Emily Rodin; Bob Critelli; Lisa
Levine; ROSEMARY CAMPBELL
Subject: Re: RE:
Attachments: Point Vicente Comments.docx
Hi Fran,
In case we are not able to make the next meeting, please see attached my comments.
As I said in my earlier response, my reservations are nothing new.
Thanks again for all that you do for the community.
Ned
From: Fran Simon <fransimonrpv@gmail.com>
To: Ned <ndmansour@yahoo.com>
Cc: Daniel Trautner <DanielT@rpvca.gov>; Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>; Cory Linder <CoryL@rpvca.gov>; So Kim
<SoK@rpvca.gov>; Emily Rodin <EmilyR@rpvca.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2016 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: RE:
Dear Ned,
Thank you for your interest in this project. I will be happy to answer any questions as they arise or
direct you to a person who can answer them.
look forward to meeting you at our next Community Concept Plan Public Workshop. The date is still
pending.
Sincerely,
Fran
Fran Simon
On Tue, Oct 4, 2016 at 12:36 PM, Ned <ndmansour(a7yahoo.com> wrote;
Thank you.
I may write more detailed thoughts if I have time this week.
Fran, my concerns are nothing new. I appreciate the docents' effort. It is a matter of making sure all
relevant issues are addressed.
Ned
On Oct 4, 2016, at 10:53 AM, Daniel Trautner <DanielTP_rpvca.gov> wrote:
i
B-5
Ned,
I'm forwarding your feedback to Fran Simon, Docent President.
This is the feedback they are looking for. If you have any future questions or feedback,
please feel free to send to Fran directly.
Thanks,
Daniel Trautner
Deputy Director
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
310-544-5264
-------- Original message --------
From: Ned Mansour <ndmansourC@.yahoo.com>
Date: 10/4/16 9:53 AM (GMT -08:00)
To: So Kim <S �rpvca gov>
Cc: Ara Mihranian <AraM @rpvca gov>, Cory Linder <CoryL(a)-rpvca.c oovv>, Daniel
Trautner <DanielT�rpyca.gov>
Subject: Re:
Hello So,
This is very helpful, thank you for the background information.
As we know, sometimes when terms are not specifically defined in detail, reasonable
minds may differ about meaning.
completely agree with you that the exhibits in and of themselves would arguably fit
into recreation passive. However, I wonder whether the operative word "unstructured"
was intended to permit organized docent showings and field trips where kids are
brought in by buses.
My wife and I enjoy walking in the park as often as we can. We have seen what has
happened to Abalone Cove and Del Cerro Park with traffic and congestion. We know
the park clearly is in need of improvement, but at the end of the day, I wonder whether
exhibits and organized field trips are necessary.
I will prepare written comments for consideration.
Ned
From: So Kim <SoK@rcvca.gov>
To: "ndmansour a@yahoo.com" <ndmansour(a-)_yahoo.com>
Cc: Ara Mihranian <AraM r vca. ov>; Cory Linder <Co L r vca. ov>; Daniel
N
Trautner <DanieIT a�7,rpvca.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2016 8:53 AM
Subject: RE:
Dear Mr. Mansour,
Your email related to LPV was forwarded to me as I am working on the General Plan Update
project. Lower Pt Vicente is currently designated as Recreational -Passive. Most of the
property is proposed to remain Recreational Passive, with the habitat and some trail areas
along the coast designated as Open -Space Preserve.
The existing 1975 General Plan includes the following language to define passive recreational
sites:
"Recreation sites are developed into either active or passive facilities... passive recreational
facilities are mostly unstructured in order to allow natural ecosystems to function with the least
amount of human disturbance. Passive sites are usually used for nature studies, hiking trails,
limited picnicking areas, etc."
As part of the General Plan Update project, the Planning Commission had heavy discussions
on the Rec-Passive and Rec-Active issue. The General Plan is a goals and policy document
with definitions that are contextual in nature that provides the reader an idea of the type of land
use. It is not meant to identify and capture every specific use, including Rec-Passive and Rec-
Active. As a result, while few of the parks are proposed with land use changes, most of the
park sites are proposed to remain with its current land use designations, including LPV. Also,
we are not proposing to modify the existing definitions for Rec-Active and Rec-Passive as part
of the General Plan Update project.
Having said this, field trips would appear to be consistent with passive uses (as defined in the
1975 General Plan) as it includes nature studies, hiking, etc. I hope this helps and please feel
free to contact me with additional questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
So Kim
Senior Planner
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
www.rpvca.gov
(310) 544-5222
-------- Original message --------
From: Ned Mansour<ndmansour@vahoo.com>
Date: 10/3/16 3:37 PM (GMT -08:00)
To: Daniel Trautner <DanielTQrpvca.goy>
Subject: Re: LPV
Hello Daniel
Could you send me a copy of the definition in the General Plan of passive recreation?
If not, do you know if the definition has changed in recent years?
Have there been requests for the educational sites?
Ned
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 3, 2016, at 10:29 AM, Daniel Trautner <DanielTCrw rpvca.gov> wrote:
Hello Ned,
Ara forward me your correspondence. I am the lead staff working with the
Docents on behalf of the City.
The Docents are currently looking for feedback and input on the idea of adding
outdoor education exhibits and signs in the Lower Point Vicente Park
plan. When the Vision Plan was adopted by City Council in 2014, the outdoor
exhibits were removed by City Council, to stay consistent with the "less is more"
motto.
Recently the Los Serenos Docent began a campaign to revive the outdoor
exhibits and collect feedback from the community and nearby residents. The
Docents held a public forum this past Tuesday, September 27th, but there was a
very low turnout, specifically the nearby Ocean Front Estates residents. On a
positive note, Fran Simon, Docent President was able to connect with Lisa
Levine, HOA president of Ocean Front Estates.
A second public forum is in the works and once a date is determined, the City
will assist the Docents to get the word out. I have cc: Fran Simon on this email
so that she can contact you for more specific info on the Docent's proposal.
Regards,
Daniel Trautner
Deputy Director
<image001 Jpg> City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Recreation and Parks
310-544-5264
From: Ara Mihranian
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2016 4:03 PM
To: Daniel Trautner <Daniel`l- _rpvca.goy>
Cc: Cory Linder <CoryL a@rpvca.gov>
Subject: FW: LPV
From: Ned Mansour mailto:ndmansour ahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2016 10:22 AM
To: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
Subject: LPV
Hello Ara,
I will repeat a complement I paid you during the Annenberg discussions.
Despite heated exchanges during meetings and via email, you always
handled yourself in a calm, thoughtful and objective manner.
From what little i have read about the proposed LPV project, you are
doing the same with this matter.
4
B-8
I remember that a few years ago, there was a discussion at the Council
level to possibly update the General Plan. One of the items under
discussion was consideration for changing definitions in the General
Plan, for example "Passive Recreation."
If LPV still designated "Passive Recreation?"
Whatever the current LPV designation, what is the definition of
permissible use?
In researching online for a few minutes, I ran across an October 9, 2012
update which defined Passive Recreation in part as: "...recreational
facilities are mostly unstructured in order to allow natural ecosystems to
function with the least amount of human disturbance."
It may be a myth, but I have heard that the proposal contemplates field
trips with school buses. If so, would this type of structured activity be in
keeping with the passive definition (if still applicable to LVP)?
I am not directly impacted by the proposal, but I live across the street at
Ocean Front from those who back up to LPV. I am trying to educate
myself.
If easier for you, we can discuss by phone at 310-415-0066.
Thank you.
Ned
October 6, 2016
To: Fran Simon, President of Los Serenos Docents
Hello Fran,
First, I thank you for giving the community an opportunity to submit
comment about the proposed plans for Lower Point Vicente ("LPV").
Second, I applaud you and the Los Serenos Docents for all you do for the
community.
By way of background, my wife Dianne and I live in the Ocean Front
Estates community, but our house does not abut LPV. I am writing this
letter solely as a concerned citizen, not for Ocean Front.
In some respects, it seems that we are reliving somewhat painful history
with the LPV plan. Although the plan is not anywhere nearly as
aggressive as the project envisioned by the Annenberg Foundation,
there are common themes of both plans, such as a Tongva Village, an
archaeological dig and ecology stations.
Similar to the Annenberg project, the LPV plan also contemplates an
expanded parking lot, more trails, public restrooms, an overlook and
upgrading/adding picnic benches and planting native plants.
Some of these recommendations are worthy of serious consideration
and reasoned debate, but others are not necessary and as discussed
below, may fall within the "law of unintended consequences."
You will no doubt recall that the proposed Annenberg project caused a
contentious debate of what the original planners intended for LPV.
Specifically at issue was the LPV designation of "Recreational - Passive"
("RP").
The 1975 General Plan defines RP as: "...passive recreational facilities
are mostly unstructured in order to allow natural ecosystems to
function with the least amount of human disturbance. Passive sites are
1
B-10
usually used for nature studies, hiking trails, limited picnicking areas,
etc."
While I defer to the experts on the application of the definition of RP, I
question whether the drafters of the General Plan intended the term
"unstructured" to include buses of school kids who visit outdoor
exhibits through organized field trips?
The plain definition of "structured" means having a well-defined
structure; highly organized. Field trips by their nature are highly
organized events.
Perhaps the planned LPV outdoor exhibits in and by themselves may be
largely consistent with the designation of RP, but not field trips and
other structured outdoor tours that would create noise, traffic and
disruption for the otherwise tranquil, peaceful natural setting of LPV. I
am also concerned about privacy and view issues for my neighbors.
When I mentioned the "law of unintended consequences," I was
specifically thinking parking at Abalone Cove and various issues at Del
Cerro Park.
At Del Cerro, the relatively unknown trail system has become a hiking
haven as a result of extensive postings on social media. It was recently
reported that traffic citations in the community increased by over
2000% from 2015 to 2016. Local residents also complain about noise,
litter, security issues and graffiti.
The well-known phrase "if you build it, they will come" doesn't
necessarily mean we want LPV and our neighborhood to be inundated.
This is not meant to be an elitist comment. On the contrary, I strongly
believe that all public sites in Palos Verdes should be welcoming,
provided we are not innocently creating havoc. For example, once an
expanded parking lot is added, there will be no turning back, even if LPV
becomes unmanageable.
As to whether the plan is desired in our community, I will readily
confess that the following selective excerpts from workshop summaries
2
B-11
and email comments may not represent a consensus view, but they
generally express my concerns:
"North side path is too close to the houses"
"Move Tongva village away from homes and move the archeological dig
too. Too much noise."
"Concern is over more people and more traffic coming to the site."
"There are issues with noise..."
"These are not in character with the park."
"Maintenance and vandalism concerns for the exhibits"
"The Palos Verdes Historical Society has designated an Indian village in
Palos Verdes Estates as a historical site."
"Better situated in Abalone Cove, not here."
"Too extensive. Will bring tons of people."
"Don't make changes. Fine as is. Leave alone."
"The Passive/Active definition is concerning."
"This not a good plan for the area.... The area just needs more care,
maintenance, trashcans and parking."
"Can we do a pilot to test out the trails and see how people respond?"
"This will not be for Rancho Palos Verdes - this precious land in our midst
will be ruined by the hoards of people that will come from all over as
result of social media."
These comments beg the question: Why can't we simply make minimal
enhancements at LPV ?
3
B-12
I have not commented on funding issues and long-term responsibility
for maintenance, but these critical matters must be addressed and
resolved. Otherwise, years from now, future RPV residents will be
saddled with financial obligations for unnecessary features at LPV.
Please understand, I am generally in favor of portions of phase I if they
will be appropriately located to minimize adverse affects.
As we know, there is an acronym called "NIMBY" for the phrase "not in
my backyard." Even though LPV is not in my backyard, it is close enough
that there may be a spill-over impact by over -use More important, I
sympathize with our neighbors who will have their views, privacy and
quiet enjoyment adversely impacted.
I suspect that if docents live in homes that abut LPV, they would be
equally concerned with significant expansion of its use.
I will conclude with this passage written by Mary Donovan and Ted
Bruinsma in their book titled "A Special Place - A Picture Story of the
Palos Verdes Peninsula:
"Although just twenty-five miles from the megalopolis of Los Angeles,
whose downtown buildings can be seen on the horizon, the Peninsula has
reserved, to a remarkable degree, the care free enjoyment of the simple
things that make life a paradise... Here is a place of natural charm where
people have deliberately cultivated isolation and tranquility.
In the case of LPV, more is not necessarily better.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to offer my point of view.
Ned Mansour
4
B-13
Daniel Trautner
From: Jim York <theyorkproperties@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2016 5:25 PM
To: LosSerenos
Subject: Plan
The plan looks good.
Please remove all the acacia trees. They block views from P V Drive and are a fire hazard. I have removed over 200 of
them from my property
Jim York
AWA
Daniel Trautner
From: Susan Shultz <sjshultz3@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2016 2:47 PM
To: LosSerenos
Cc: Cory Linder; Doug Willmore; Lisa Levine
Subject: Lower Point Vicente Workshop
Dear Ms. Simon,
My name is Susie Shultz and my husband, John, and I live on Calle Viento and our property directly borders the
Lower Point Vicente Park.
While I attended the last Concept Plan Workshop in October, I am unable to attend this week. Therefore, I
would like to go on record with my thoughts and concerns through this email.
We are opposed to change or development of any kind in the open space behind our home, but realize that the
city of RPV may go ahead with the re -landscaping and renovations of the area regardless of our wishes. This
alone, will bring more people- meaning more noise, more traffic, and less privacy. If the docents are allowed to
build their displays and interactive exhibits, our concerns will increase. While we appreciate the goals of the
docents, we do not support adding exhibits and allowing school fieldtrips. We fear that "if we give an inch, they
will take a mile".
I was slightly encouraged at the last workshop to hear that the docents are willing to work with the local
residents in order to address our concerns. I was also made somewhat hopeful by their willingness to relocate
the proposed exhibits to the eastern edge of the property- away from homes, as is shown in the new drawings.
While we would prefer no exhibits and no fieldtrips, we may be more open to discussing a modified plan.
However, that plan must include safeguards and restrictions in writing which would detail the limitations on
days, times, and frequency with which these exhibits could be used.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could please email me an update of any discussions and decisions which
take place at the workshop tomorrow.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Susie Shultz
16 Calle Viento
B-15
Daniel Trautner
From:
Ken Heintz 1 <heroadtrip@aol.com>
Sent:
Monday, January 30, 2017 3:35 PM
To:
Daniel Trautner
Subject:
Proposed Changes to Recreation and Parks Master Plan
Mr. Trautner,
I have owned a home in Ocean Front Estates since June 2000 and have very strong objections to the proposed
amendments to the 2015 Recreation and Parks Master Plan to accommodate the proposed park plan for the
Lower Point Vicente Park.
The proposed amendments will result in increased vehicular traffic, need for specialized parking for buses and
other vehicles and increased visitor traffic to an already heavily visited area of Rancho Palos Verdes. Due to the
location of this site, vehicle ingress and egress is already severely limited to one side of PV Drive South, and
increasing the flow of vehicle in and out of this area without a major change in PV Drive will only lead to
increased danger of accidents for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Moreover, the revised site plan will attract
large numbers of school aged children to an area which is accessible to cliffs overlooking the ocean that will
require substantial diligence and oversight by park officials and school chaperones to insure that serious
accidents do not occur with regularity.
The proposed site venues (a village, geological exhibit, archeological dig, and stand of some type) are not
indigenous to this area and are simply artifacts of those who want to create a use for this site that is simply not
warranted. This site has been essentially open space for a long period of time and, frankly, is best suited for that
express use. If the city wants to do anything to improve the site, I would suggest some attractive landscaping
and foot trails to make the area blend in more with the adjacent Interpretive Center. This area is not well suited
for a "playground" of sorts for young school children or for a field trip location for other school aged children to
a series of fictional venues whose only saving grace is that they would be located on a site that has a nice view
of the ocean. Of what educational value could such a phony experience be for the children?
Finally, there is also no doubt that the increased traffic of school children in the area will increase the need for
site maintenance and refuse removal, and create additional noise and congestion that will impact the peaceful
and quiet environment for the homeowners in the adjacent community. For the past 16 or so years this
community has enjoyed a peaceful existence in this area and has not been subject to the negative impacts that
will certainly result from the intended use of this property as contemplated in the proposed site plan.
Thank you for allowing me to comment on this proposal.
Ken Heintz
59 Paseo de la Luz
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
e
Daniel Trautner
From: maquevedo@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2017 12:33 PM
To: Daniel Trautner
Cc: Sean Larvenz
Subject: Public Notice / Public Comments
Attachments: 20160204_092151_resized.jpg
Dear Daniel,
My concern is that as the City funnels funds to the Lower Point Vicente Park the Higher Point will not be maintained, I am
talking about the triangle of Hawthorne, City Hall and PV Drive.
Last year we had a major issue with tumbleweeds, see my e-mail below and the attachment. Now that the tumbleweeds
have started to reappeared my concern is that the City will not proactively address this and other Fire Hazards. Can the
City guarantee that the Lower Point Vicente Park Project will not affect the maintenance of the Higher Point?
Thanks in advance for your time and cooperation.
Very best regards.
Miguel Quevedo
1.310.200.3397
24 Via Capri
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
-----Original Message -----
On Thursday, February 4, 2016, Miguel Quevedo <maguevedo&aol.com> wrote:
Sean,
Thanks for calling me back and going with me trough the issues.
See the picture of the amount of tumbleweeds that were blown by the ghosting wind of last Sunday. I tossed the
Tumbleweeds my self to the other side of the fence as per Pam instructions.
Due to the fact that this is a Fire Hazzard, could you guys come to clear the field before the weekend? Or, could you tell
me who has to be contacted to get it done?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Miguel Quevedo
1.310.200.3397
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy SO 6, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
Sean,Thanks for calling me back and going with me trough the issues.See the picture of the amount of tumbleweeds that
were blown by the ghosting wind of last Sunday. I tossed the Tumbleweeds my self to the other side of the fence as per
Pam instructions. Due to the fact that this is a Fire Hazzard, could you guys come to clear the field before the weekend?
Or, could you tell me who has to be contacted to get it done?Thanks in advance for your help.Miguel
Quevedo1.310.200.3397 Sent via the Samsung Galaxy SO 6, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
B-17
Daniel Trautner
From: Critelli, Robert C III <Robert.C.Critelli@morganstanley.com>
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2017 12:41 PM
To: LosSerenos
Subject: PT VICENTE PROPOSAL
Fran,
Please advise when you plan to attend City Council meeting to discuss the current proposal. Many thanks, Bob Critelli
Robert C. Critelli
Vice President
Financial Advisor
Morgan Stanley
609 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 400
Rolling Hills Estates, Ca. 90274
CA Lic. #OA05676
N M LS# 1326774
Office: 310-544-3654
NOTICE: Morgan Stanley is not acting as a municipal advisor and the opinions or views contained herein are not intended to be, and do not constitute, advice
within the meaning of Section 975 of the Dodd -Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, If you have received this communication in error, please
destroy all electronic and paper copies and notify the sender immediately. Mistransmission is not intended to waive confidentiality or privilege. Morgan Stanley
reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to monitor electronic communications. This message is subject to terms available at the following
link: http://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers If you cannot access these links, please notify us by reply message and we will send the contents to you By
communicating with Morgan Stanley you consent to the foregoing and to the voice recording of conversations with personnel of Morgan Stanley.
1
B-18
Daniel Trautner
From:
Jane Stewart <jane@cinemashrink.com>
Sent:
Monday, February 06, 2017 12:53 PM
To:
Lisa Levine
Cc:
LosSerenos
Subject:
Letter Opposing Development of Pt. Vicente
To Ocean Front Estates HOA:
As long-time, permanent residents of Ocean Front Estates and loving enthusiasts of Point Vicente, we would
like to thank the docents and volunteers for their care and caretaking of the Interpretative Center. However, we
are adamantly opposed to the expansion of the Interpretative Center to a development of outside educational
exhibits on the grounds around it.
We believe people seek out the peninsula area below our houses, around the Interpretative Center and near Pt.
Vicente lighthouse to get close to the ocean, enjoy the pleasure of walking the cliffs and experience its low-
keyed atmosphere as a retreat from busy lives. We observe many people taking time for whale watching,
parents playing with children, families on picnic, couples in a romantic moment, joggers taking a turn through
the park and photographers spending hours capturing a raptor training its young -- all of which require a degree
of quiet. We don't think another Southern California recreational -educational destination with planned activities
offers greater value to what we have now. And we think it endangers a rare spot of retreat next to the ocean.
We see and approve the Center hosting small weddings and nature sessions. We are opposed to the idea of an
expanded parking lot to accommodate tour groups and busses with teacher -guides herding groups of children
through exhibits and tramping through an area that has, amazingly enough, survived as a unique wilderness area
in our neighborhood.
We strongly oppose any further development of this land and fall firmly on the side of preserving it as a rare
sanctuary to be enjoyed — as it is — by many people who seek it out for this reason. We defeated the Annenberg
project and we will bring the same effort to bear to prevent this plan from going forward.
Jerry Sicherman/Jane Stewart
Ocean Estates
72 Via Del Cielo, RPV, CA., 90275
Daniel Trautner
From: ROSEMARY CAMPBELL < roselOg rows@ mac.com >
Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2017 1:36 PM
To: Daniel Trautner
Cc: ROSEMARY CAMPBELL
Subject: comments re: Lower Point Vicente Concept Plan
Hello Daniel,
I will be unable to attend the public meeting so I would like my comments submitted to the Council.
I have two concerns with the plan:
1.) The proximity of the trail that runs adjacent to the Ocean Front Estates Homes. On the plan it reads as being placed
150 feet from the homes. I think it should be at least 250 feet. I know this is a consideration to be addressed separately
with the Council, but I'd like it to be in the notes with consideration.
2.) I'm concerned that the plan may be construed as "open-ended" with room for other changes to be possible in the
future. The concern continues to be that future groups and peoples will use this as a precedent to mean that more can
be added. It is very important that there be a limitation stated with no changes to be possible in the future or no more
lot coverage to be possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Campbell