CC SR 20180731 03 - Preserve ParkingRANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 07/31/2018
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration and possible action to 1) receive an update of the current parking and
access situation throughout the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and Open Space areas,
and; 2) approve recommendations for Forrestal Reserve, Portuguese Bend Reserve,
and Point Vicente Park/Civic Center.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file an update of the current parking and access conditions used for
the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and Open Space areas; and,
(2) Provide Staff direction to proceed with the following measures to lessen impacts
to the residential neighborhoods adjacent to the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve
and Open Space areas:
A. Forrestal Reserve: Implement the following measures identified at the March
20, 2018 City Council Meeting:
1.Red-stripe the curb along the entire length of Forrestal Drive before the
Forrestal Drive gate;
2.Establish the following beyond the Forrestal Drive gate for Forrestal
Reserve parking:
a.Designate 28 parking spaces beyond the Forrestal Drive gate for
Reserve Parking.
b.Remove brush in the area beyond Forrestal Drive to accommodate
the parking spaces.
c.Install a second gate on Forrestal Drive.
d. Open the Forrestal Drive gate daily for Preserve parking.
3.Establish permit-only parking area in the Ladera Linda neighborhood on
Pirate Drive, Sea Raven Drive, and Phantom Drive.
4.Direct Staff to take steps to work with PVPLC to remove the existing
Pirate Trail head or relocate it to the north, away from existing residential
area.
B. Portuguese Bend Reserve:
1.Install a gate and turnstile at the Burma Road Trailhead and Rattlesnake
Trailhead.
2.Install parking meter stations on Crenshaw Boulevard near the Burma
Road trailhead.
C. Point Vicente Park/Civic Center:
1.Establish Point Vicente Park as the parking location for the Palos Verdes
Nature Preserve.
1
FISCAL IMPACT: No funds for these recommendations have been included in the FY
18-19 budget.
Amount Budgeted: $0
Additional Appropriation: $347,500
Account Number(s): 330-400-8033-8802
ORIGINATED BY: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst
Cory Linder, Recreation and Parks Director
REVIEWED BY: Gabriella Yap, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Doug Willmore, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Inventory of Open Space Access Points & Trails (page A-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
A defining feature of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is its extensive open space
holdings and network of trails. The City has approximately 73 miles of trails located
within its parks, the 1,400 acre Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (Preserve), and open
space area including existing City trails located within development projects (Terranea
and Trump National). The City has one of the largest expanses of open space acreage
in all of Los Angeles County. The City’s past and present emphasis on the acquisition
and preservation of open space area and trails is in keeping with the City’s low-density,
semi-rural character.
From 1996-2004 the City and Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC)
worked with the community, stakeholders and the Wildlife Agencies (U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service and California Fish and Wildlife) to seek funding to acquire properties
that make up the current Preserve. Currently, the Preserve is comprised of 11
individual reserves totaling 1,400 acres of open space that was purchased for the
primary purpose of habitat and species conservation, as well as passive recreational
use. In 2004, City Council approved a draft Natural Communities Conservation Plan /
Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) for the Preserve, and in 2018, the City Council
approved an updated NCCP/HCP, which is now being reviewed for approval and permit
issuance by the Wildlife Agencies. A component of the NCCP/HCP is the Preserve
Trails Plan (PTP) which identifies the trail routes, trailheads, and trail uses for the
Preserve.
As everyone now knows, an unintended consequence of the City’s extensive open
areas has been the growing popularity of the Preserve with the larger Los Angeles
community. This has been exacerbated by social media and the surrounding high
2
density communities seeking hiking trails. In some areas, the City has experienced
challenges managing the large number of non-residents visiting the City wishing to use
the open space and trails, and some neighborhoods have been negatively impacted by
parking, crowds, noise and trash. This report is intended to analyze existing parking
available to trail users, and, in certain situations, provide alternatives to improve parking
and reduce the negative impacts on the City’s residential neighborhoods.
While the majority of City-owned open space is contained within the Preserve, this
report will also look at the current parking and access conditions involving City parks
and non-Preserve open space areas and trails. Most of the Preserve was acquired
through a variety of state and federal grant funds that place restrictions on property
use. Some of the restrictions include using the land for habitat and species protection,
using it to form the City’s NCCP/HCP, and to provide public access. Additionally, some
of the grant restrictions require the City to make parking available to the public. Parking
restrictions placed on the properties are unspecific as to the number of spaces or
proximity to the Preserve. The result is a wide range of access points in some areas
that have substantial available parking (Abalone Cove and Alta Vicente), some with
limited off-street parking, and some with no dedicated on-site parking spaces that are
reliant on available street parking. This in itself is not a problem for the great majority of
the access points in the City, as most are only modestly used and Staff has not received
any complaints from residents about congestion or parking challenges.
The Preserve does not have an official or designated main entrance, but rather 53
authorized access points. Some of these access points are near a public parking lot or
a major arterial street; however, the majority are directly adjacent to or in residential
neighborhoods. The most popular access points are the Burma Road Trailhead near
Del Cerro Park at the Portuguese Bend Reserve, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park at the
Abalone Cove Reserve, the three trailheads at lower Forrestal Reserve, and the Point
Vicente Interpretive Center at the Vicente Bluffs Reserve. These areas all provide
access to the Preserve.
This report is divided into following three sections:
A) Analysis of Potential Access and Parking Remedies
B) Analysis of Three Primary Trail/Open Space Areas
C) Overview of Open Space Access Points - This discussion is contained in
Attachment A and includes an overview of the City’s entire open space holdings
including the 53 authorized access points and a conservative estimate of 34
unauthorized Preserve access points. It contains an analysis of the City’s other
seven open space and trail segments:
1. Grandview/Malaga Canyon
2. Hesse
3. Three Sisters/Filiorum
4. Portuguese Bend (Lower)
5. Abalone Cove/Archery Range
3
6. Trump/Switchback (San Ramon)
7. Miraleste/Eastview
The discussion includes trails outside of the Preserve established in the Trails Network
Plan, which encompasses the Conceptual Trails Plan and the Conceptual Bikeways
Plan. The Community Development Department is in the process of updating and
consolidating these trail planning documents, which is anticipated to be completed in
early 2019. These documents identify approximately 30 miles of City trails outside the
Preserve. Unlike the Preserve trails, these trails are not actively patrolled or monitored
by the City or PVPLC, and Staff does not have accurate data of their levels of current
use. A 2019 City goal is for the Recreation and Parks Department to implement the
updated Trails Network Plan once it is completed by the Community Development
Department. Between 2015 and 2016 the Community Development Department held a
series of workshops to gather public feedback on the Trails Network Plan update, and at
that time, concerns were expressed with the general public’s use of the trails, adequate
trailheads and associated parking, and unintended consequences with having City trails
identified and posted with signs. As the Trails Network Plan is completed and
implemented, Staff will continuously monitor parking challenges and solutions should
they arise. By consolidating the trails plans, Staff intends to create a concise, updated
document with a thorough analysis of the City’s trail systems and best management
practices. There is no intent to promote trails or encourage non-resident trail use.
A. Analysis of Potential Access and Parking Issues and Remedies
The section identifies the following potential approaches to address access and parking
remedies to alleviate adverse impacts to adjacent residential neighborhoods throughout
the City’s open space areas:
• Preserve Capacity and Usage Level
• Controlled Access
• Paid Parking Alternatives
• Reservation System
• Shuttle System
• Preserve Capacity and Usage Level
The precise number of visitors is difficult to determine due to the 87 authorized and
unauthorized access points and because none of the major access points are
staffed. While the Preserve has a large capacity due to its size and extensive
number of trails, parking availability is limited at many locations, notably at Del
Cerro, the most well-known Preserve access point. Previous attempts to document
visitor levels are mainly anecdotal, focusing on surveys over a one or two-day
period. The City recently began quantifiable monitoring of major access points
through the use of underground trail counters located at the Burma Road Trailhead,
4
the Rattlesnake Trailhead, and the Pirate Trailhead. For the month of June, Staff
collected the following data:
• Rattlesnake: 3,042 total (2,940 hikers and 102 cyclists)
• Burma Road: 8,534 total (7,713 hikers and 821 cyclists)
• Pirate Trail: 2,316 total (2,301 hikers and 15 cyclists)
The use of additional trail counters at popular entry points would provide useful data
to determine actual usage levels, which could then be compared to existing parking
capacity.
• Controlled Access
The terrain and geology of the Preserve makes it difficult to secure. While some
access points may be suited for a gate and/or fencing, securing other access points
may prove to be logistically difficult and/or costly. Attempting to close off all
unauthorized access points while securing authorized access points would be a
costly and challenging endeavor, one that would potentially be upsetting to local
residents who are used to accessing the Preserve via less well-known access points
near their respective neighborhoods. Access points that merit consideration of
increased security will be noted in this report. Securing authorized and unauthorized
access Preserve-wide would cost approximately $250,000. A more detailed analysis
and cost estimate for securing the Preserve can be generated if Council wishes.
Increasing security and controlling access at certain locations would likely lead to a
redistribution of usage at other access points. While this would reduce the pressure
and strain on parking and adjacent residents at existing popular access points, there
may be unintended consequences on other areas. Therefore, any changes or
increased access control should be done in a careful and deliberate manner, to
minimize unanticipated and undesired impacts.
If Council wishes, Staff can return with more detailed analysis and cost estimates.
• Paid Parking
The possibility of requiring paid parking was originally considered by the Council in
2016 as a means to control the Portuguese Bend Reserve parking on Crenshaw
Blvd. After much discussion, the Council voted to not consider the pay-to-park
concept. While not adopted previously, this concept is now being proposed as a
recommended approach to control access at several areas surrounding the
Preserve. The only current reserve-adjacent area that assesses a fee for parking is
the Abalone Cove parking lot. The 2016 proposal was based on a third-party
vendor providing comprehensive parking operations support of 79 parking spaces
5
with 4-5 pay stations along Crenshaw Blvd. Services provided by the third-party
vendor include revenue reconciliation, meter maintenance, and citation issuance.
The initial purchase and installation costs for five metered pay stations is currently
estimated at $32,500 with annual operations and enforcement costs of
approximately $168,000 per year. Potential areas for paid parking consideration are
Del Cerro and Forrestal Reserve. The following chart shows projected costs and
revenue, based on a $5 per hour metered parking rate. The $5 rate may prove to
be a deterrent to some Preserve visitors who would seek out free parking elsewhere.
Estimated revenue from citations and meters is $514,000 with net proceeds of
$314,500. These estimates are based on the same parking rates being charged for
both resident and non-resident users.
Costs:
Purchase & Installation of
5 Stations
$6,500 per unit/$32,500
total
Operations/Enforcement $14,000 month/$168,000
Year
Total Cost $200,500
Revenue
Citation $39,000
Meter Revenue $475,000
Total Revenue $514,000
Net Proceeds: $313,500
• Reservation Systems
Reservation systems are an effective way to both control access and limit usage
levels in select circumstances. Essentially, visitors would be required to purchase a
multi-hour day pass or hourly pass to be able to access portions or all of the
Preserve at a certain time. This approach is extensively utilized in County, State
and National Park sites. In order for a reservation system to be effective, there
usually must be a high level of enforcement to ensure compliance along with tight
access controls. While Preserve enforcement and official presence has increased
markedly in recent years due to the establishment of Open Space Management
Division Staff, controlling each access point would require additional staffing.
Revenue generated from metered parking and day pass fees could help offset the
overall financial impact of creating and establishing a fully-integrated computerized
reservation system. The limited ability to fully secure the perimeter of the Preserve
would negatively affect any reservation system, which typically relies on controlled
entry points, in conjunction with spot checks of visitor passes. Long-time resident
Preserve users may react negatively to having to pay for Preserve access that has
6
been free for decades. Addressing that concern by allowing for free or reduced
rates for residents as opposed to non-residents could be in potential conflict with
funding restrictions that may require equal access. More legal research would have
to be done before reaching a conclusion (residents and non-residents).
Many Reserves border City Parks or non-reserve open space areas, such as
Vicente Bluffs Reserve which connects directly to the Point Vicente Interpretive
Center. This close proximity would lead to situations where a hiker on a contiguous
trail would be able to walk without having to pay a fee on one section of a trail and
then have to pay a permit fee to use the same trail in an adjacent area. Situations
like that would make consistent enforcement extremely difficult. Establishing a
reservation system in a limited number of high use Reserves such as Forrestal and
Portuguese Bend Reserves would likely reduce the number of total visitors, but
potentially push them to Reserves that may not have a paid permit system. Some of
those Reserves have adequate parking while others do not. Additionally, the City
could experience increased liability exposure as altercations or incidents resulting
from visitors being confronted about not having passes or using resident passes that
are not theirs.
A following chart shows estimated costs and revenue associated with a pilot
reservation system based on recent estimated attendance levels. The estimated net
revenue to the City would be $443,000 a year.
Annual Costs and Revenue: Permit Access at
Portuguese Bend (Burma and Rattlesnake) and
Forrestal Reserve
Annual Costs:
Computer Application $10,000
Administration $10,000
Staffing (Weekends/year
round)
$75,000
Rental of modular Entry
Stations (3) and amenities
$9,000
Total: $104,000
Approximate Revenue
Permit Fees $5 per day $547,000
Approximate Net Revenue $443,000
7
This option would require even more analysis before Staff could recommend it.
• Shuttle System
A shuttle bus system has been brought up in recent years as a potential approach
to ease the impact at major Preserve access points that have limited parking
capacity. It is unlikely that a shuttle system would ever be a complete substitute for
parking near access points, but it might be able to alleviate impacts on residential
neighborhoods. The Point Vicente Park/Civic Center site, with its ample parking,
restrooms, and potential designation as a prime designated entry location
(Recommendation 2-C) is a logical location for a shuttle service. Visitors could
easily walk to Vicente Bluffs Reserve and Alta Vicente Reserve or take a shuttle to
drop-off points at specified Reserve locations including Burma Road Trailhead near
Del Cerro (Portuguese Bend Reserve), Abalone Cove Park, Gateway Park turnout,
and Forrestal Reserve. Point Vicente Interpretive Center’s dirt lot (owned by the
Coast Guard) would be a potential backup or temporary shuttle location. If Council
wishes to pursue this option, Staff can return with several alternatives to include
weekend/every day, seasonal, potential routes with drop-off/pickup points and cost
estimates.
Shuttle Costs (1) 20 Passenger Van
Rental
Price Per Day w/ Driver (8 Hours)
$750
Weekends Only (104 rental days) $78,000
Year Round (365 rental days) $273,750
Weekends and Summer (168 rental
days)
$126,000
Initial Start Up Costs: Shuttle stop
signage, benches, amenities.
$20,000
A shuttle system is not recommended due to the high costs of the program and its likely
modest effectiveness in reducing parking impacts.
B. Analysis of the Three Primary Trail/Open Space Areas
This discussion analyzes and provides recommendations to alleviate parking and
access issues at the following three primary trail/open space areas (out of eleven total):
• Forrestal/Ladera Linda/Trump National
• Del Cerro/Crenshaw/Portuguese Bend Reserve
• City Hall/Point Vicente Park/Civic Center
8
Forrestal / Ladera Linda / Trump National /Marilyn Ryan Sunset Point Park
DESCRIPTION:
Ladera Linda has been an 18-acre City Park since 1983. Previously it was an
elementary school. The park had a Master Plan approved on March 20, 2018 and is in
the early stages of a construction design process. Long-standing concerns were raised
during the Master Plan’s extensive community outreach efforts, about adjacent traffic
and parking concerns related to use of the City-owned Forrestal Reserve and the
Portuguese Bend Fields, which are owned by the School District and heavily used by
AYSO. Concerns were expressed about impacts on adjoining neighborhoods. A slate
of possible solutions including restriping, opening up the Forrestal Gate for Preserve
Users, and permit-only parking were included in the March 20, 2018, City Council
report. The approved Master Plan calls for a total of 59 total parking spaces to
accommodate the needs of the new Park design. While public awareness of the
Forrestal Reserve trails has certainly increased in recent years, AYSO’s seasonal use
continues to have the most significant impact on parking and traffic in this area.
Marilyn Ryan Sunset Point Park
This 1.5-acre park with tremendous ocean views was deeded to the City by the Trump
National Golf Club as part of the golf course development. It was acquired in 2011.
There is limited parking on site which is gated off at night. Visitors can also park on the
adjacent Trump National Drive.
9
INVENTORY:
FACILITY TYPE PUBLIC PARKING
SPACES
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PERMIT
TRAILHEAD
/ TRAILS
TRAILS
NETWORK
PLAN
NCCP
OFF
STREET
ON
STREET
Ladera Linda
Park
Park 78* 135** No No/adjacent No No
Forrestal
Reserve
Open
Space
0 250*** No Yes Yes Yes
Marilyn Ryan
Park****
Park 6 110 No No No No
*Includes main parking lot, paddle tennis lot and fenced off parking lot
**Approximate number of on-street parking available on Forrestal Drive between the park entrance and
PV Drive South.
*** Spaces beyond Forrestal Gate. Parking is significantly less available during AYSO games.
****Marilyn Ryan Park users can access park from Trump National Drive
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Forrestal: Proceed with Mitigation Plan from March 20, 2018 City Council Meeting:
1.Red-stripe the curb along the entire length of Forrestal Drive before the
Forrestal Drive gate;
2. Establish the following beyond the Forrestal Drive gate for Forrestal
Reserve parking:
a)Designate 28 parking spaces beyond the Forrestal Drive gate for
Reserve Parking.
b)Remove brush in the area beyond Forrestal Drive to accommodate
the parking spaces.
c)Install a second gate on Forrestal Drive.
d)Open the Forrestal Drive gate daily for Preserve parking.
3.Establish permit-only parking area in the Ladera Linda neighborhood
on Pirate Drive, Sea Raven Drive, and Phantom Drive.
4. Direct Staff to work with PVPLC to remove the existing Pirate Trail
head or relocate it to the north, away from the existing residential
area. In addition to Council direction, this action would require review
and approval by the Land Conservancy, due to the potential impact
and potential loss of habitat caused by relocating part of the trail to
accommodate the new trailhead. If directed by Council, Staff would
return with additional analysis and cost estimates.
Some Ladera Linda Homeowners Association members have brought forward a plan to
utilize a currently fenced-in lot and the existing paddle tennis court parking lot at
Ladera Linda Park to accommodate Preserve parking and move parking away from
10
residences. While this proposal would add additional preserve parking at a modest
cost, it is also temporary and its effectiveness is uncertain. In addition, it doesn’t really
help solve the additional problems of traffic and too many non-PV users accessing the
preserve from this residential access point. The Ladera Linda Master Plan conceptual
design that was approved by Council in March does not include the fenced-in lot.
Additionally, the number of spaces in the proposed Master Plan design was based on
Park uses and capacity, not Preserve usage. Many local Ladera Linda residents
expressed concerns about adding additional designated Park parking spaces during
multiple Park Master Plan community meetings. . Locating parking past the existing
gate would remove parking from neighborhoods, be cost-effective, be close to the
trailhead, and would not be a temporary measure.
Proposed parking design created by members of Ladera Linda HOA
Marilyn Ryan Sunset Point Park
No recommendations
Other Options to Consider
• Traffic Flagger for PV Drive South and Forrestal during AYSO games. The
immediate need for this recommendation has been reduced in the short run due
to AYSO’s assurances that their fall season (their most well-attended season) will
likely only be at half of usual capacity. This approach should be revisited and
considered if AYSO usage returns to previous levels.
11
• Ladera Linda Park: Use of currently gated lot to allow for additional temporary
parking
Cost Estimate for all Forrestal recommendations: $85,000. Cost estimate does not
include cost of moving or relocating trail head adjacent to intersection of Pirate Drive
and Forrestal Drive.
“Del Cerro / Portuguese Bend/ (upper) segment/Vista Del Norte”
DESCRIPTION:
Officially preserved in 2005, the 399-acre Portuguese Bend Reserve is the largest of the
11 Reserves and, along with Forrestal and Abalone Cove, is the most visited. It
consists of rolling hills, steep canyons and rock outcroppings, with significant habitat
and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island. Del Cerro Park
is a small neighborhood park located nearby to the most popular access point to the
Reserve. In recent years, the Portuguese Bend Reserve has been the focal point for
concerns about increased use of the Preserve and impacts on adjacent neighborhoods.
Mitigating measures have been implemented to control parking for Preserve users, such
as implementing a designated “residents only” permit parking area and red-striping
curbs have helped control areas along Crenshaw Boulevard, its extension to the Burma
Road trailhead and nearby residential areas. On April 3, 2018, Council approved the
elimination of all 16 parking stalls along Park Place (except for one ADA space), and the
12
conversion of that area into green space. The 16.7 acre Vista Del Norte Reserve is an
isolated portion of the Preserve located near Crestridge Road.
INVENTORY:
FACILITY TYPE PUBLIC PARKING
SPACES
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PERMIT
TRAILHEAD
/ TRAILS
TRAILS
NETWORK
PLAN
NCCP
OFF
STREET
ON
STREET
Del Cerro Park Park 1 ADA
Space
None* Yes Yes No No
Portuguese
Bend Reserve
Open
Space
0 184 No Yes Yes Yes
Vista Del Norte Open
Space
0 30 No Yes Yes Yes
*10 Resident Only Spaces near Del Cerro Park/Resident Decal required
**Significant areas near Portuguese Bend are restriped, permit only parking in adjacent neighborhoods.
184 spaces are within a 1/3 mile of Burma Road entrance
***Limited on-street parking is available along Crestridge Road and on Indian Peak Road.
Recommendations:
Crenshaw Extension:
• Secure Burma Road Preserve Entrance and Rattlesnake Trail Heads with gates
and turnstiles. More substantial gate and fencing would minimize undesirable
access outside of Preserve hours and during rain-related closures. Cost
Estimate: $50,000
• Install parking meter pay stations on Crenshaw Boulevard near Burma Road
entrance: Cost Estimate: $200,500 for initial installation and annual costs.
Anticipated annual revenue from citations and meters is $514,000.
•
Costs:
Securing Burma and
Rattlesnake Trailheads
$50,000
Purchase & Installation of
5 Stations
$6,500 per unit/$32,500
total
Operations/Enforcement $14,000 month/$168,000
Year
Total Cost $250,500
Revenue
Citation $39,000
Meter Revenue $475,000
Total Revenue $514,000
Net Proceeds: $264,500
13
Other Options to Consider:
Closure of Rattlesnake Trail (Requires Council approval). Closing this well-used access
point could alleviate impact on adjacent neighborhoods, but could have unintended
consequences in other areas. Visitors might gravitate towards other areas such as
Ocean Terrace and Seacrest. These neighborhoods and HOAs might opt to pursue
permit parking and red-striping if they experienced significantly higher numbers of
Preserve visitors. Long-time trail users would likely be displeased by the removal of a
popular trail.
City Hall / PVIC Segment
DESCRIPTION:
This heavily-utilized section includes Point Vicente Park/Civic Center, Alta Vicente
Reserve, the Point Vicente Interpretive Center and Vicente Bluffs Reserve. The Point
14
Vicente Park/Civic Center location is currently going through a Master Plan process
which may significantly reshape the site and its existing components. Currently, the site
houses City Hall, a maintenance yard, an open grass area, a tennis court, temporary
dog park, parking lots, the City’s TV studio, and assorted small storage/out buildings.
The relatively flat 20-acre site is surrounded on three sides by the 40+ acre Alta Vicente
Reserve. The 27.5-acre Point Vicente Interpretive Center was acquired from the
Federal Government in 1978. The museum was opened in 1984 and expanded in
2006. PVIC connects directly to the Vicente Bluffs Reserve and Ocean Front Estates
development on its north side. Finally, the 10.5-acre Pelican Cove Park (formerly
known as Point Vicente Fishing Access) is located to the south of PVIC and features
tremendous views, a public restroom and access to the beach. The park is directly
adjacent to Terranea Resort and park users can easily access the Resort’s public trails.
Terranea maintains the parking lot, restroom and landscaping.
Inventory:
FACILITY TYPE PUBLIC PARKING
SPACES
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PERMIT
TRAILHEAD
/ TRAILS
C. TRAILS
NETWORK
PLAN
NCCP
OFF
STREET
ON
STREET
Civic Center Park Approx.
150*
0 No Yes Yes No
Alta Vicente
Reserve*
Open
Space
Approx
150**
Approx 10 No Yes Yes Yes
Point Vicente
Interpretive
Center
Park Approx
215
0 No Yes Yes No
Vicente Bluffs
Reserve**
Open
Space
24 Approx
150
spaces (3
access
points)
No Yes Yes Yes
Pelican Cove Open
Space
100 0 No Yes Yes Yes
Terranea Private 50 30 on
Terranea
Way
Private Bus. Yes Yes No
Ryan Park Park 64 53 No No No No
*200 additional spaces available in overflow lot-used by reservation only
Alta Vicente Reserve also utilizes Civic Center Parking and the cul-de-sac adjacent to St. Paul’s Church.
**Vicente Bluffs Reserve visitors utilize Point Vicente Interpretive Center Parking, Ocean Front Estates
off Calle Entradero, and the Pelican Cove Parking Lot
Point Vicente Park/Civic Center has the potential to serve as a prime Preserve parking
location with easy access to Vicente Bluff and Alta Vicente Reserves. The area has
existing trail heads and substantial parking, including the possibility of additional parking
15
on rarely-utilized grass lands near the existing tennis courts. Public restrooms are
available. While the site is currently in the middle of a master plan process, it is already
serving as a reserve access point, and the needs of Preserve parking can be included
in the planning process. The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy has made
initial inquiries about relocating their headquarters to the Civic Center as part of the
Park Master Plan. Their plans include a Preserve information center component. The
nearest access point that links to the popular Portuguese Bend Reserve access point is
approximately 1.5 miles away at the Three Sisters Reserve. While that distance may
be a deterrent to a majority of visitors, it would still be a viable option for those wishing
to access the Portuguese Bend Reserve from an established parking lot.
Recommendations:
Point Vicente Park / Civic Center:
• Establish Point Vicente Park as a prime Preserve parking location with access to
several different reserves. Estimated cost for signage amenities: $10,000.
OTHER OPTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED:
• Although not recommended, if the City Council were to pursue a shuttle option,
the Civic Center would be a logical location for a shuttle service with drop-offs at
specified Preserve locations including the Burma Road, Abalone Cove Park, and
old Gateway turn-off. PVIC property could also be a potential shuttle service
location as well either on a permanent basis, or temporarily if the Civic Center is
undergoing construction.
Cost Estimate: Weekends year round and every day in summer: $126,000
• Acquire ownership of dirt parking lot outside of PVIC (currently owned by Coast
Guard)-possible shuttle location. This is a relatively-long Federal government
process.
• Future planned improvements to PVIC include relocation of the current overflow
parking lot. An option to consider would be to maintain the current overflow lot
and improve the new lot.
16
Estimated Costs and Projected Revenue of Forrestal/Del Cerro and Civic Center
Recommendations:
Estimated Costs
Forrestal
Forrestal Drive
Improvements: redstriping,
gates, permit parking, etc…
$85,000
Del Cerro
Securing Burma and
Rattlesnake Access with
gates and turnstiles
$50,000
Del Cerro Parking Meter Installation
Maintenance and
Enforcement
$200,500
Point Vicente
Park/Civic
Center
Additional amenities and
signage
$10,000
Total Costs $345,000
Projected
Revenue
Del Cerro Citations $39,000
Del Cerro Parking Meter $475,000
Total Revenue $514,000
Net Revenue $169,000
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Direct Staff to provide additional information on one or more of the
identified potential actions.
2. Provide other direction to Staff, as appropriate.
17
ATTACHMENT A: Inventory/Overview of
10 Preserve/Open Space Segments
Overview of City Open Space Areas and Trails: Ten Segments
1. Grandview/Malaga Canyon
2. Hesse
3. Point Vicente Park/Civic Center & PVIC (included in main report)
4. Three Sisters/Filiorum
5. Del Cerro/Portuguese Bend (Upper) (included in main report)
6. Portuguese Bend (Lower)
7. Ladera Linda Forrestal (included in main report)
8. Abalone Cove/Archery Range
9. Trump/Switchback (San Ramon)
10. Miraleste/Eastview
A-1
COMPREHENSIVE PARKING PLAN - SEGMENT ONE (1)
“GRANDVIEW SEGMENT”
DESCRIPTION:
The City completed the purchase of the 18-acre Grandview Park site in 1981 and the
property currently is undeveloped. The Council approved a conceptual development
plan in 2010 that included a passive park with trails, play equipment, view areas, and a
parking lot. No subsequent action has been undertaken regarding this plan.
In 2014, the City acquired approximately 58-acres of open space land in the
northwestern segment of the City known as Malaga Canyon. Malaga Canyon supports
healthy habitat consistent with the area’s native pallet. Informal trails have been
identified. Malaga Canyon is part of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and is managed
by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
The site is part of the City’s overall NCCP program.
Grandview Park is a little-used park site, located within residential areas of Rancho
Palos Verdes and Palos Verdes Estates. There are no on-site parking spots and limited
A-2
off-street parking on Montemalaga Drive and Ironwood St. Informal trails have been
created at the site and there is the potential for improved access to the Malaga Canyon
Reserve which is located at the Northeastern juncture of the park.
While this area is not currently heavily used, potential improvements to Grandview
would presumably increase awareness and usage, both within the park itself and in with
adjacent trails. While no parking changes are recommended at this time, improvements
would necessitate adding sufficient on-site parking to accommodate both park and trail
usage.
The potential need for park and trail parking will be addressed If and when the City
begins the process to work with the community to develop an updated and refined
master plan for Grandview Park Additional parking, along with signage and a circulation
plan, would be incorporated into the design of Grandview to minimize impact on
surrounding areas.
INVENTORY:
FACILITY TYPE PUBLIC PARKING
SPACES
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PERMIT
TRAILHEAD
/ TRAILS
TRAILS
NETWORK
PLAN
NCCP
OFF
STREET
ON
STREET
Grandview Park Park 0* Approx.
20 spots
No Yes Yes No
Malaga Canyon Open
Space
0 Approx.
70 spots
No Yes Yes Yes
*A small parking lot off of Montemalaga Drive was included in a 2010 Grandview park design.
RECOMMENDATION:
o Monitor the trail usage. If development is considered for Grandview Park, staff
should consider adding parking for non-park usage as part of an off street
parking lot. This would enable staff to control access to these trails and the park
in one location.
o No recommendations for Malaga Canyon access points.
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER:
None at this time.
A-3
COMPREHENSIVE PARKING PLAN - SEGMENT TWO (2)
“HESSE SEGMENT”
DESCRIPTION:
Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park was purchased by the City from the Palos Verdes
Unified School District in 1976 and developed in 1983. The 28.68-acre park is divided
into two distinct areas. Upper Hesse Park features a busy 7,300 square foot community
center, two playgrounds, an athletic field, walking paths, and numerous picnic areas.
Lower Hesse Park features a network of short trails, three picnic areas, and a sand
volleyball court. Improvements to Lower Hesse Park’s trails, landscaping, and amenities
were completed in 2018.
Hesse Park is adjacent to the Agua Amarga Reserve and trailheads for the Lunda
Canyon Trail. This segment is consistent with the Trails Network Plan where trail
connectivity runs east and west along the canyon with a north/south connector to Lower
Hesse Park.
A-4
INVENTORY:
FACILITY TYPE PUBLIC PARKING
SPACES
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PERMIT
TRAILHEAD
/ TRAILS
TRAILS
NETWORK
PLAN
NCCP
OFF
STREET
ON
STREET
Hesse Park Park 125 Approx.
100 spots
No Yes Yes No
Agua Amarga
Canyon*
Open
Space
0 Approx.
20 spots
No Yes Yes Yes
*Parking available in adjacent neighborhoods, specifically along cul de sacs located by entry points.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
None at this time
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER:
• None at this time
A-5
COMPREHENSIVE PARKING PLAN - SEGMENT FOUR (4)
“THREE SISTERS / FILIORUM SEGMENT”
DESCRIPTION:
Three Sisters
The Three Sisters Reserve has two authorized and established entry points. They are
McCarrell Canyon Trailhead at the end of Ocean Terrace Drive and Barkentine /
Sunshine Trailheads at the end of Barkentine Street.
There is also an authorized, but not established, entry at the Three Sisters Trailhead
that has two ways of entering – a drainage access off of PV Drive South (aerial photo
large red #4) and an HOA trail from Tramonto Dr. though it is a bit of a walk.
There is also an authorized, but not established, ancillary entry into Sunshine Trail via
an alley from lower Barkentine Street. There is an ancillary entry to McCarrell Canyon
Trail via McBride Trail
A-6
The McCarrell Canyon Trailhead has no off-street parking. It has approximately 30
parking spots along Ocean Terrace Drive including the cul-de-sac. This area is not
currently restricted.
The Barkentine / Sunshine Trailheads has no off-street parking. At the end of
Barkentine Street, there is restricted parking. At the Sunshine Trail ancillary entry, the
alley comes off of lower Barkentine Street that has some restricted parking. There is no
off-street parking.
The Three Sisters Trailhead drainage access is currently not open to vehicles from the
public, but could offer 4 or more spots for off-street parking. There is no street parking
available as PV Drive South is the only adjacent street and parking along it is currently
prohibited. The HOA trail access to Three Sisters Trailhead is via Tramonto Dr. and it
currently has no parking restrictions and could park as many as 8 or more vehicles.
There is no off-street parking here.
Filiorum
In addition to 2 entry points from an adjacent reserve (Gary’s Gulch and Kelvin Canyon
Trails), Filiorum Reserve has two authorized, established trailheads with parking
implications. These are Zote’s Cutacross Trail and Rattlesnake Trail Filiorum also has
an authorized, restricted entry from the Portuguese Bend community via Gary’s Gulch
Trail, but it has no parking implications for the general public. There is also an
unauthorized entry via Ford Trail from the Portuguese Bend community, but it also has
no parking implications for the general public. Finally, Filiorum Reserve has a couple of
ancillary entries to Zote’s Cutacross Trailhead via the east and west ends of McBride
Trail, but the west end is covered with the discussion of McCarrell Canyon Trailhead
entry in the Three Sisters Reserve report. The east end of McBride Trail is far away
from Zote’s Cutacross and has little or no parking available on street or off street.
Since Rattlesnake Trailhead is immediately adjacent to the Portuguese Bend / Del
Cerro Park access areas at the end of Crenshaw Blvd., those parking considerations
should be part of that report.
For Filiorum Reserve, that leaves only the Zote’s Cutacross Trailhead access from
Pacifica Drive as the primary and reasonable parking location. An alley between private
properties connects McBride and Zote’s Cutacross Trails to Pacifica Dr. There is no off-
street parking at this location. There are approximately 20 parking spots physically
available along the Pacifica (between where the alley meets Pacifica and the start of the
street at Ocean Terrace Drive) with no current parking restrictions.
INVENTORY:
FACILITY TYPE PUBLIC PARKING
SPACES
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PERMIT
TRAILHEAD
/ TRAILS
TRAILS
NETWORK
PLAN
NCCP
OFF
STREET
ON
STREET
A-7
Three Sisters Open
Space
0 Approx.
50 total
spots
No Yes Yes Yes
Filiorum Open
Space
0 Approx.
20 spots
No Yes Yes Yes
RECOMMENDATIONS:
No recommendations at this time
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER:
None
A-8
COMPREHENSIVE PARKING PLAN - SEGMENT SIX (6)
“PORTUGUESE BEND (lower) SEGMENT”
DESCRIPTION:
This segment covers the lower section of the 399-acre Portuguese Bend Reserve as
well as the Gateway property. Gateway Park was purchased in 2005 in conjunction
with the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve Purchase. The 17-acre site is surrounded on
three sides by the Portuguese Bend Reserve. It is located within an active landslide
and is used by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. This area was kept out of the
Reserve system so it could be used as an entry point into the Preserve with public
parking. The intent was to relieve some of the parking and congestion problems in the
Del Cerro area. A 30 parking space plan with portable public restrooms, picnic tables,
and a staff/ranger drop-in trailer was included as part of the Parks Master Plan Update
process in 2015. Concerns about safety, security, social media, and geology were
raised at several well-attended public meetings. Based on Council direction, no
improvements at Gateway were included in the approved Parks Master Plan Update.
A-9
INVENTORY:
FACILITY TYPE PUBLIC PARKING
SPACES
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PERMIT
TRAILHEAD
/ TRAILS
TRAILS
NETWORK
PLAN
NCCP
OFF
STREET
ON
STREET
Portuguese
Bend Reserve
Open
Space
0 * No Yes Yes Yes
Gateway
Property
Open
Space
0 None No Yes Yes No
*Limited parking-mainly in gated areas, inaccessible to general public.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
None
OTHER OPTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED:
o Consideration of formalized crosswalk on PVDS
o Fencing (post and cable), with signage, along PVDS to direct people to
proper entrances to beach (Ab Cove, Trump, etc).
o Reconsideration of Gateway Park as possible Preserve Parking area with the
following components
o One way in, separate one way out.
o Post and cable to keep vehicles where they are allowed.
o No infrastructure allowed.
o Staffed facility to address the public, cash handling, and maintenance.
o Provide for a staff trailer (operations and maintenance) and portable
restrooms.
o Daily staff to monitor for cash handling, fissures, maintenance,
emergencies.
o No overnight parking – secured with gates.
A-10
COMPREHENSIVE PARKING PLAN – SEGMENT EIGHT (8)
“ABALONE COVE / ARCHERY RANGE SEGMENT”
DESCRIPTION:
The beach and tide pool area is a popular year-round destination for the public and
public parking is provided at a nominal fee.
INVENTORY:
FACILITY TYPE PUBLIC PARKING
SPACES
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PERMIT
TRAILHEAD
/ TRAILS
TRAILS
NETWORK
PLAN
NCCP
OFF
STREET
ON
STREET
Abalone Cove
Shoreline Park
Open
Space
125 Approx.
11 spots
No Yes Yes Yes
Altamira
Canyon Reserve
Open
Space
0 0spots No Yes Yes Yes
A-11
Archery Range* Open
Space
15-20 0 No Yes Yes
• Parking current locked-accessible by archery club users
RECOMMENDATIONS:
None
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER:
• Joint parking usage with Archery Range for beach access.
• Potential parking lot at the bottom of Beach School Trail that can accommodate
15-20 cars
Annie’s Stand location can accommodate 16 parking spots and can be used as
an additional exit or entrance.
A-12
COMPREHENSIVE PARKING PLAN - SEGMENT NINE (9)
“TRUMP / SAN RAMON SEGMENT”
DESCRIPTION:
The San Ramon Reserve includes all of the 100-acre parcel that surrounds the Palos
Verdes Drive East switchbacks. This segment also included Trump National Gold Club,
Founders Park, and Ocean Trails Reserve. The Ocean Trails Reserve includes habitat
areas restored or preserved by Trump National Golf Course. Conservation easements
were placed over the adjacent 54-acre Shoreline Park and 65 acres were restored with
habitat for the California gnatcatcher.
A-13
INVENTORY:
FACILITY TYPE PUBLIC PARKING
SPACES
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PERMIT
TRAILHEAD
/ TRAILS
TRAILS
NETWORK
PLAN
NCCP
OFF
STREET
ON
STREET
Trump National
Golf
Open
Space
46* Approx.
110 spots
No Yes Yes Yes
Ocean Trails
Reserve
Open
Space
50est. Approx.
180
**spots
No Yes Yes Yes
Switchbacks/San
Ramon
Open
Space
0 0 No Yes Yes Yes
*spaces in public Trump Lot. Additional 114 spaces in main Trump Lot
**Total includes est. 150 on La Rotonda and 30 on Twin Harbors View Drive
RECOMMENDATIONS:
No recommendations at this time
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER:
• None at this time.
A-14
COMPREHENSIVE PARKING PLAN - SEGMENT TEN (10)
“MIRALESTE / EASTVIEW SEGMENT”
DESCRIPTION:
Eastview Park is a 9.9-acre park owned by the Los Angeles County Sanitation
District. The City signed a long term lease and began construction in March
1990. Improvements on this site include a children’s playground, picnic facilities,
jogging path, permanent restroom, landscaping, and an off-street parking lot. In
December 2017, the City completed a Dog Park that has areas for large and small
dogs.
The Miraleste Recreation and Park District was formed in 1940, and the sphere of
influence updated in 2004. It’s one of 3 Recreation and Parks Districts established on
the Peninsula. The District owns and maintains 42.86 acres of undeveloped canyon
areas and street medians in the Miraleste neighborhood, as well as a District building
located at 19 Miraleste Plaza. Miraleste Recreation and Park District is governed by a
A-15
5-member board of District residents and reports to Los Angeles County; City of Rancho
Palos Verdes is the supervising authority.
INVENTORY:
FACILITY TYPE PUBLIC PARKING
SPACES
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PERMIT
TRAILHEAD
/ TRAILS
TRAILS
NETWORK
PLAN
NCCP
OFF
STREET
ON
STREET
Eastview Park Park 0 Approx.
XX spots
No Yes Yes Yes
Miraleste
Recreation and
Park District
Open
Space
0 Approx.
XX spots
No Yes Yes Yes
RECOMMENDATIONS:
None at this time
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER:
• None at this time
A-16