RPVCCA_CC_SR_2011_08_16_03_Status_Report_Beach_Below_TrumpCITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
REVIEWED:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL -1 y'.
TOM ODOM,DIRECTOR,RECREATION AND PARKS I(-
DEPT.lDEPUTY DIRECTOR,PUBLIC WORKS DEPT."?~
AUGUST 16,2011
STATUS REPORT AND PROPOSED COMMUNITY OUTREACH
FOR USES ON THE BEACH BELOW TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF
COURSE
CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER
Staff Coordinator:Katie Howe,Administrative Analyst II ~~
RECOMMENDATION
1)Receive and file a status update on the beach below Trump National Golf Course;
and,2)Direct staff to conduct public outreach on future uses of the beach and to bring
back research on the pros and cons of dog beaches.
BACKGROUND
In May 2011,Trump National Golf Club transferred ownership of a 24.4-acre coastal
parcel to the City as required through the project entitlements.Approximately five acres
of the parcel is accessible beach area.The parcei extends north to the private beach
owned by the Portuguese Bend Club,and south to approximately the mid-point of the
Trump National Golf Course (the most southerly 10.67 acres of coastal bluff was
accepted by the City in 2006).The beach is narrow along its length,and abuts steep
cliffs.See Attachment "A"map.Now that ownership of the property has been
transferred to the City,the City is responsible for providing appropriate services and
enforcing City rules and regulations.As required through the project entitlements,
Trump National is responsible for maintaining the park,including trash removal and
weed abatement.
Public access to the beach is primarily by a steep,unpaved trail shown in Attachment
"A".The public beach may also be accessed by Portuguese Bend Club members,as
there is no physical barrier between the private club beach and the public beach.There
are also several smaller trails along the coast leading down to the shoreline,which the
public can also use to access this beach.Beach visitors may park at the public parking
lot located to the east of the golf course club house,along Ocean Trails Drive,or at the
public parking lot at the end of La Rotonda Drive.
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Status Update and Uses for Beach Below Trump National Golf Course
August 16,2011
Page 2
Current uses of the beach include limited swimming and surfing,which typically occur in
the area of the beach belonging to the Portuguese Bend Club that does not contain
rocks or prolific kelp growth.However,there is a known surfing spot typically not
accessible to beginners,just off of the point near the southern portion of the beach.
Most of the water off of the beach contains rocks and prolific kelp growth.For years,
while the property was under private ownership,the beach has been used as an
informal dog beach.Los Angeles County lifeguards commenced onsite services July 5,
2011 and report a July daily average of 140 people,and 47 dogs on the beach,with
numbers increasing on weekends to 253 people and 76 dogs.This number may be the
peak of annual use,because it is summer time.
DISCUSSION
Based on staff and the County lifeguards'observations of the uses occurring on the
beach,the City must determine whether or not dogs should be allowed to continue to
use the property.City ordinances currently prohibit dogs on beaches and golf courses
within the City,and require dogs to be leashed while in public parks.As previously
mentioned,the beach is situated between Founders Park,a very scenic and popular
City park,and the Portuguese Bend Club,a private beach community.In addition,the
beach is used by other groups,such as hikers,surfers and families.Because this
decision could potentially impact a large number of user groups,staff recommends that
the City take the following actions:
Outreach
Staff recommends that the City engage in a public outreach effort to determine the
community's desires for this public beach.Staff proposes to reach out to local
businesses,churches,and organizations along Palos Verdes Drive South and Palos
Verdes Drive West,including Trump National Golf Club,the Portuguese Bend Club,
Wayfarers Chapel,and Terranea.Staff also plans to post information and invitations to
a future Council Meeting at which the item will be discussed at the entry points to the
beach,and at other City parks and shopping centers.Staff will reach out to Rancho
Palos Verdes HaAs and organizations that may have a special interest in the matter.
Research
Staff has conducted some preliminary research on the benefits and disadvantages to a
public dog beach,and will bring forth comprehensive research for the City Council's
consideration,along with results from the public outreach effort at a future meeting.In
addition to benefits and challenges,the research will include dog beach compatibility
with existing uses,environmental factors,estimated costs associated with a dog beach,
and mitigation possibilities.
Additional Information
Based on prior direction from the City Council,staff is in the process of entering into an
agreement with landscape architect Mia Lehrer &Associates to conduct site analysis
for potential future locations for both a skate park and a dog park.The results of this
effort will be coordinated with the analysis of the beach below Trump National Golf
Course.
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Status Update and Uses for Beach Below Trump National Golf Course
August 16,2011
Page 3
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact will result from providing staff with direction.
Attachments:
Attachment "A"map
Relevant City ordinances
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Attachment "A"
Maps
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Attachment "8"
Relevant City Ordinances
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City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Excerpts
Relevant to Dogs Off-leash and on the Beach
6.04.050 -Animals prohibited on beaches.&
No person shall bring onto a beach or into the waters of the Pacific Ocean adjacent to any
beach any cattle,horse,mUle,goat,sheep,swine,dog,cat or other animal of any kind.
12.16.050 -Dogs and pets.&
No person may bring a dog or a'ny other pet unless authorized by the ciPj manager or the ciPj
manager's designee,onto any park or portion of a parl<unless the animal is restrained by a
substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length and is in the charge,care,custody and
control of such person.No person may bring a dog or any other pet unless authorized by the ciPj
manager orthe ciPj manager's designee onto a golf course or designated play area under any
circumstances .
•"Or(1 18';5 ';<oa I 198.1.\
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