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20100921 Late CorrespondenceA Skatepark For The Palos Verdes Peninsula September +, MADE A PART OF E RECORD AT NCIL MEETING OF OFFICE OF THE C Y CLERK CARLA MORREALE, CITY CLERK Who is Skatepark PV Skatepark PV committee members: Ellen November Chairman Suzy Seamans Co -Chair Charles Crouse Member Liz Cotton Member Mike Ortega Member Ken Anderson Member Cat Spydell Member Julie Turner Tisue Member Rick Edler Member Paul Galleberg Member Photographer RHE City Councilperson Facilities Manager, PVLD Realtor and Parent Entrepreneur and Parent Pro -Skater and Parent Publisher and Parent Exec. Director San Pedro/Peninsula YMCA Owner of Sotheby's Peninsula Realtors Attorney and board member of local YMCA Endorsements San Pedro and Peninsula YMCA Stoltz USA, Promenade on the Peninsula Mall Administration of the Palos Verdes Library District Ms. Mitzi Cress, Principal of Peninsula High Art Yoon, Director of Cox Communications Bennett Landscape Medawar Fine Jewelers 800+ members of Skatepark PV Facebook group How were we formed: The entire story can be found at: http://www.skateparkpv.org Ublot/?p=22 Synopsis: While observing skateboarders being told to disperse for loitering in public places on the Hill, we learned that skateboarding is illegal anywhere on the Hill. Skateboarding can result in $90 tickets. After earning that skateboarding is a mainstream sport and is practiced by approximately 3,000 residents, Ellen November decided to become the advocate for the youth of the hill. This prompted an article in the PV News, summer 2009. The article attracted other like- minded residents and Skatepark PV was formed. Where we meet and how often Skatepark PV meets at least monthly at the Community Room of the Promenade on the Peninsula Mall on the second floor next to Border's Books. We normally meet from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Skate®ark PV Mission Statement To ensure that a safe and welcoming skatepark venue is built on the Palos Verdes Peninsula where skateboarding can be practiced and enjoyed. A skatepark supports fitness for youth in alignment with the prevention of childhood obesity, and the support of children's health. Hermosa Beach Skatepark, photos by Ellen November Skateoark PV Activity to Date: 1.Skatepark PV Expo and Fair. On Sunday, April 25, 2010, we held an event on the roof parking lot of the Peninsula Center Library. Over 600 people attended the event. Our goal was to raise money for a feasibility study, which we accomplished. The event included local skate shop skaters skating on rails, ramps and boxes. A private company called PCH Skate hosted a skating area for youth which included their parents signing a liability waiver. Local skate shops had booths where gear was sold. Local bands performed. Food vendors provided drinks and food. A successful raffle was held with goods donated by skateboard gear vendors. The event received very favorable feedback in the local community including an article in PV News. sponsors, Cox and Girl Skateboards banners; Lower right: Skatepark PV t -shirts [go 2. Skate the Hill Following the Expo, PCH Skates and Rolling Hills Estates joined hands to host a Skateboard Day Camp for kids at Ernie Howlett Park. We also arranged for fee skate nights at Ernie Howlett Park form 4:00 pm until dusk every Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer. This was sponsored by Cox Communications and known as Skate the Hill. skated with the kids. Photo by Ellen November 3. Battle of the South Bay Skate Shops This event is planned for October 2010 and is being hosted by the Promenade on the Peninsula Mall. It will be held in the parking lot adjacent to Marmalade Cafe on Drybank and Crossfietd Roads, off of Silver Spur Rd. Seven South Bay skateboard shops will each send a team of five skaters to compete. Pro -skaters will be judges and the first annual trophy will be awarded. Live bands, vendor booths, food and a raffle are also part of the event. Again we expect at least 600 attendees. It is a fundraising event for Skatepark PV. This is an exhibition event. PROMENADE CIN THE PENINSULA 4. Feasibility Study: We are narrowing down which of two different engineering firms we want to hire for the feasibility study. This is our direction to them: a. Look over the possible sites and recommend the one that is most viable. b. Investigate that site and present a conceptual design, impact report and any potential issues like geologic stability, traffic, parking and lighting. This will include preliminary discussion of what overall costs might be at the selected site. 5. On the Agenda: We are presenting our goal of having a skatepark on the Peninsula to both the RPV and RHE city councils. Our goal is to get the park put on the agenda for further discussion. We are looking for at least one of the two cities to grant land to build a skatepark on. Our Methodoloev We are using the book Public Skatepark Development Guide, Handbook for Skatepark Advancement, Second Edition, by Peter Whitley, Skaters for Public Skateparks. Per this guide, a Skatepark starts with a vision. This vision is guided by the Skatepark Advocacy Process. Most of the writings are on the web at: www.skatepark.ore/chapter-1-vision/page-4.html Overview of Skateboarding as a sport Statistics from: http://www.childrenshospital.ore/az/Sitel112/mainpaeeS1112P0.html Boston Children's Hospital, statistics from 1998 Sport Annual injuries Among Children Bicycling 320,000 Basketball 200,000 Football 159,000 Baseball and softball 117,000 Trampolines 80,000 Soccer 77,500 In-line skating/roller skating 38,000 Snow skiing/snowboarding 29,000 Skateboarding 27,500 Gymnastics 25,500 Ice Hockey 18,000 Ice Skating 10,600 Sledding 8,500 v, Wikipedia has done an extensive and thorough job of documenting what skateboarding is and the history of skateboarding. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skateboarding Some brief bullet points: • Skateboarding was probably born sometime in the late 1940s or early 1950s when surfers in California wanted something to surf when the waves were flat • Portability, exercise, and environmental friendliness are some of the benefits of skateboarding. • NBC network aired a national skateboarding competition on Sunday afternoon, a time - period when golf or a ball game usually airs. This speaks to how mainstream skateboarding now is. • The closet skate park to PV is in Hermosa Beach, seven miles away. There is a skate park in El Segundo, 13 miles from PV. Both of these parks are gated and supervised. There is an ungated and unsupervised skate park at Channel St. in San Pedro, which is seven miles from the hill. Skateboarding vs. Traditional Sports Based on a 2004 sports participation study performed by SGMA International, there are approximately 11.6 million skateboarders in America. This figure is enough to make skateboarding the third most popular sport for American teenagers. Football currently ranks first, and basketball ranks second. The figures reported by the SGMA indicate that skateboarding is more popular than baseball, hockey, tennis and virtually every other traditional sport in the United States. For a sport that initially began as a diversion for California surfers during the cold seasons of the 1960s, that's a pretty impressive fact. In fact, up until quite recently, people were still debating whether or not skateboarding should officially be called a hobby or a sport. The introduction of annual skateboarding competitions such as the X -Games helped legitimize the sport as well as introduce it to a mass audience. Read more: How Does Skateboarding Rank in Popularity Compared to Other Sports? I eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does 4580013—rank-popularity-compared -other- sports. htm l#ixzzOzzwFSUJQ 30 Reasons for Skateparks Written by Chris Gilligan Wednesday, 19 September 200717:31 http://www.skatepark.org/30-reasons-for-skateparks.htmi Need to build a case for skateparks? Here are a few good reasons to get you started. 1. Skateboarders need safe places to recreate. 2. Skateparks, if designed and constructed correctly, are fiscally conservative and require very little maintenance. 3. Compared to other sports, skateboarding is underserved in the area. 4. Skateboarding has millions of participants nationally and it's still growing while more traditional sports are in decline. There are currently abundant facilities for these other sports. 5. Skateboarding is a multi-million dollar industry. 6. Skateboarders represent a vital part of an urban community. 7. A skatepark can attract skateboarding tourists if designed to do so. 8. With national health issues looming for today's youth, it's time to offer a greater number of healthy, athletic choices. 9. The cost to participate is accessible to every economic class. 10. Thousands of other communities have come to understand the value of skateparks. 11. Skating in a park is much safer than skating in the streets. 12. The community already has hundreds, and maybe thousands of skateboarders. 13. In the future there are going to be many legitimate places to skate in the city. The time to embark on that positive future is now. 14. A skatepark is a place where skateboarders and other people who might not cross paths in the street can come together. 15. Skateparks can displace other less desirable activities in an area. 16. The skatepark can be an attraction for family vacations. 17. Skateboarding is "cool," And a skatepark will enhance the community's reputation. 18. Good skateparks often have volunteer teams to help maintain the facility. 19. Skateparks can draw skateboarders away from less appropriate areas. 20. Young and old people use skateparks. 21. Skateparks support vibrant, healthy communities, just like many other athletic facilities. 22. Skateboarding is mainstream. 23. Skateboarding is a popular spectator sport. 24. Skateparks are flexible in design and can work in many different size plots. 25. The skatepark can be a place to go after school. 26. Neighborhood skateparks allow younger skaters to recreate safely close to home. 27. Skateboarding is happening with or without a skatepark. 28. There are experts who can help the community plan out their next skatepark. 29. The best time to start the new skatepark is today. 30. If a city doesn't have a skatepark, it is a Skatepark. See Sports, Page 21 Palos. • • • • may have a home turf By Rebecca Villaneda Peninsula News It's a $90 ticket if a skateboarder gets caught skating on public or private property. Multiply that by eight, as in Spencer Cotton's case, and it becomes a pretty expensive hobby. "Skateboarding is illegal in PV, [but] there's obviously still skate- boarders," Cotton said as he was flipping tricks with some friends on a Palos Verdes Estates street. "If a cop rolled by right now, he'd probably try to give us tickets ... It happens all the time'" But the future looks brighter for skaters in Palos Verdes. Cotton, along with his friend, Kyle Ortega — both seniors at PV High School — have teamed with Ellen November, a Rancho Palos Verdes resident who wants to see a skate park built somewhere on the Hill. She already has garnered the support of Peninsula council members. And the Palos Verdes Library District board of trustees has allowed the group to host a rooftop fundraiser on Sunday, April 25. "I think our community needs to provide this for the kids," November said. "This is one of the most popular sports there is and these are good kids. Tho many peo- ple associate skateboarding with a bad element. "But look at the X Games; its a remarkable sport and we need to provide a safe, welcoming facility for our kids on the Hill," she added. November's hoping the fundrais- er at the Peninsula Library Center will not only foster more commu- nity support, but pay for a feasibil- ity study for the potential park. .We haven't figured out yet what is the best spot, but with some help See SKATERS, Page 6 Palos Verdes High School senior Kyle Ortega,:above. is -rallying -to get a skatepark on the Peninsula. He and his friend," Spencer Cotton, have been helping Rancho Palos Verdes resident Ellen November get com- munity support for the park. The group is organizing a ftmdralser on the rooftop of the Peninsula Center Library on Sunday, April 25 from noon to 4 p.m. Council moves on stabilization project By Ashley Ratcliff Peninsula News RPV— By approving on Tuesday night a contract for a critical study, the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council took a big step forward in addressing the persistent erosion of San Ramon Canyon. Council unanimously voted to enter an agreement with Harris & Associates to develop a "project study report" for the Lower San Ramon Canyon Stabilization Project. The contract includes a $506,300 fee and a 20 -percent design contingency totaling $102,000, allocated for addressing unforeseen conditions or issues beyond the identified scope of work. Harris & Associates will create at least three preliminary designs for the project. "We're not sure what's going to come out; Public Works Director Ray Holland said. "We haven't pre- determined what the answers are going to be, but we [retained] a pro- fessional team — an innovative, cre- ative, very qualified team — that will help us come up with some alternatives." Situated above Palos Verdes Drive South/25th Street and near the PV Drive East switchbacks, the city of RPV long has been plagued with the Tarapaca Canyon Landslide move- ment and erosion, which carries soil downstream, and causes floods dur- ing heavy rains and subsequent road closures. "There is a strong probability of a catastrophic roadway failure with the potential to take lives, destroy home,, sift off transportation and limit access to crucial facilmes according to a city -created fact sheet. Senior Engineer Ron Dragoo on Tuesday showed photographs taken at the site, including an ominous See RPV, Page 4 Is there an *; 'nom . Vol. 73 No. 11 Thursday March 18, 2010 50 cents www.pvnews.com ®2010 MediaNews Group Inside the News Peninsula Past: 1941 PV Bulletin managing editor boosts publication. See Page 6 wk; Guest columnist Carrie Yamato talks parenting. See PV pant ft9e 7 alos Verdes Peninsula News Thursday, August 5, 2010 5 Palos Verdes Peninsula News 550 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 293B Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 (310)377-6877 0- Ax xx" www.pvnews.com SIM Mary Scott, ext. 216 Editor -in -Chief PVPUSD, Education, Letters to the Editor mscott@pvnews.com Paul Silva General Manager psilva@tbrnews.com Mike Bolio Director of Advertising (310)543-6121 mbolio@pvnews.com NEWS Amy Artino, ext. 230 City of Palos Verdes Estates aartino@pvnews.com Ashley Ratcliff, ext. 220 Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills aratcliff@pvnews.com Rebecca Villaneda, ext. 211 City of Rolling Hills Estates rvillaneda@pvnews.com f��,�t,�\\'T Amy Artino, ext. 230 Sports aartino@pvnews.com Ashley Ratcliff, ext. 220 Calendar aratcliff@pvnews.com Mary Scott, ext. 216 Arts & Entertainment, Society mscott@pvnews.com Rebecca Villaneda, ext. 211 asiness, Religion, Special Sections and Weddings & Engagements rvillaneda@pvnews.com Aff miff 'Awffmm wvq� �.skate Klub a place to Teenagers used to skateboard in the park- ing lot where the News office previously was located, on Silver Spur Road at Crossfield Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. Whenever we left the office for the evening, we had to watch ourselves to avoid a mid-air collision with one of these young skateboarders — we also had to keep an eye out for runaway boards. Then there was the matter of them hitting our cars. The situa- tion was annoying at best. But we never called the Lomita Sheriffs Station on them; although we could have. Skateboarding in parking lots and shopping centers is against RPV's municipal code. We realized there wasn't a place for them to skate, and that was all they want- K'' ed to do. The makeup of our split-level park- ing lot and structure provided some degree of difficulty and challenge for them. We fig- ured it was better that they were in our park- ing lot — most people had left for the day anyway — than somewhere else, doing something much worse. Skateboarding is a popular past time; it's certainly better for kids than violent video games. It's a great sport for kids to learn coordination, balance and focus. The kids of the Peninsula deserve to have a skate park. The News thanks Ellen November, a lead- ing spokeswoman for a Peninsula skate park, and Rolling Hills Estates City Councilwoman Susan Seamans for jumpstarting a temporary spot at Ernie Howlett Park. �/► A Skateboarders can "Skate the Hill" every Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. until sunset through Nov. 7. Huntington Beach -based Freshpark Industries has provided portable ramps and rails. Skate the Hill is a safe and supervised envi- ronment. We hope that skateboarders will utilize the temporary skate park and stay out of parking lots. And we hope the community will see the value of Skate the Hill, giving kids a safe place to skate rather than having them in random parking lots, dodging people and cars. Then maybe, after Nov. 7, we can work together to find an open space for a perma- nent skate park. Inskle Sports orts Legals, Page 18 Service Directory, Page 20 Classifieds, Page 22 Pars \/erdes Petainsc>tla I�e�t/s Th��sda u! 29 231® Pae 17 By Nick Ingram Special to the News Traditionally, the Palos Verdes Peninsula has not been a friendly place for skaters. But as of Friday, July 23, there is a location where one can skate hassle -free: Ernie Howlett Park in Rolling Hills Estates. With a fine of $90 if caught skating anywhere on the Peninsula (according to Rancho Palos Verdes munici- pal code title 12.16.120) and the two closest places to uti- lize being more than 5 miles away (Hermosa Beach Skate Park and Channel Street Skate Park in San Pedro), Skate Park PV Chairperson Ellen November and RHE City Councilwoman Suzy Seamon set up Skate the Hill, a function on Friday and Saturday nights that allows skaters to utilize a half pipe, ramps, rails and a table -top on the basketball courts of Ernie Howlett Park "What are the children of Palos Verdes supposed to do on Friday and Saturday nights? There is no legal place to skate on the Hill," November said. "I want a place where older kids can skate, without lessons, for lit- tle or no money." And now kids can do that For a low price of $5 and the signing of a liability waiver, Skate the Hill begins at 4 p.m. and lasts until sunset on ment. Professional skater and RPV resident Kenny Anderson attended the first night of Skate the Hill. Anderson, a father of three, is a huge supporter of Skate Park PV. `bur main objective is to have a park here [on the Peninsula]. This at least gives the kids somewhere they are allowed to skate, Anderson said. "Before this, there was absolutely nothing. If this is going to bring more aware- ness, and give these young kids a place to skate and learn, and give them some- thing to look forward to, its great., Anderson, who has com- peted in numerous contests, as well as the X Games, was pleased with the setup and the turnout for the first aright "It's a good start," Anderson said. "I didn't know what to expect, but it's good for the young kids who are learning.' Cox Cable and Beach Sports are sponsoring the summer -long event. Beach Sports, which has locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties, is the parent com- pany of PCH Skate Camps, which runs weeklong ses- sions at Ernie Howlett Park, currently led by Chris Hand and a few assistants. While Hand also did not know what to expect the first James Maxwell, front, a 6 -year-old skater, won a new skateboard deck from professional skateboarder Kenny Anderson during the first Skate the Hill event at Ernie Howlett Park in Rolling Hills Estates on July 23. Still, James prom- ised to keep the board his father taught him to skate on. Behind James is skater Henry Norton, who also came out to enjoy Skate the Hill. For more Skate the Hill photos, visit www.pvnews.com and click on Photo Gallery. environment for kids to do what they want, leaving the parents feeling safe, Hand said. Palos Verdes Estates resi- dent Carol Shaffer, whose son, Eric, attended the week- long skate camp, as well as the initial Skate the Hill ses- sion last Friday evening, was cnrnriarrl to — 11— —A, be beneficial if the Hill had a skate park of its own. "It would be nice to have somewhere closer to home [that Eric] could go," she said. `A skate park would be a great place for people to go. We need to get the skaters off the streets." RHE resident Jessica with skateboarding, said she draws some of her surfing style into her skating, but was pleased with the arrange- ment at Ernie Howlett Park "It's a pretty sweet setup, she said. "I am use to skating bowls, but it is fun to mess around and get experience." At the end of the day, "It feels good to win the board," James said. "I am going to keep the board my dad gave me until it breaks." Skate Park PV currently is petitioning to have a perma- nent park on the Peninsula. To sign the petition, go to www.thepetitionsite.com/l/s kateparkpv. inside Spo Legals, Page Service Directory, Page Classifieds, Page Ro rits Palos Verdes Peninsula News T gars InV A#test 12 2010 P---' Anderson shoots commercial and stars on Fuel TV. By Travis Perkins Special to the News Professional skateboarder and Rancho Palos Verdes resident Kenny Anderson defi- nitely is a busy man. Earlier this week, Anderson flew to New York City to film a commercial with basket- ball legend Julius Erving, better known as Dr. J. The shoot was for Converse, one of Anderson's many sponsors, along with Chocolate, Elwood, Indy and Planet Earth Skateboards. His day started with a 5 a.m. call time. Most skaters probably aren't used to such early mornings, but Anderson is an excep- tion. "I guess I am, though, because of my babies, said Anderson, who, with his wife Kristin, is raising a 5 -year-old daughter, Diane, and 20 -month-old twins, Myles and Ameilia. Anderson also has been busy traveling and filming "First Hand;' a Fuel TV show that features the 34 -year-old skating in the Amazon. The 30 -minute episode aired on Aug. 8 and stemmed from the idea of Anderson traveling around to different skate spots in his old Mercedes, which he convert- ed to run on vegetable oil. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Anderson has been described as quiet and polite, yet well-spoken with a strong presence. At age 10, he started skateboarding. His older brother, Kyle, introduced him to the sport and the local scene. "I just did whatever my brother did, he said. "I just picked up his old board when he left, went out front and that was that — I have been skating ever since.' Anderson said he used to practice until it was dark outside, and occasionally traveled with his brother and older friends to con- tests. At age 14, he landed his first sponsor, hnnjcina nn with PI—t Parth Qb tPhn Ar a Tom Underhill, Peninsula Rancho Palos Verdes resident Kenny Anderson came out in support of SkatePark PV on July 23 for the first night of Skate the Hi Ernie Howlett Park. cuit prize and Vans Triple Crown. To this day, he still feels nerves every time he com- petes. I even felt it when I did the demo [at Skate the Hill], said Anderson, who has competed in the X -Games and will be at the Red Bull Manny Mania later this month. Anderson said he actually enjoys traveling —n thy„ Tn t QQQ t, t-1, � +,4 - first night of Skate the Hill, which featured ramps and half pipes on the basketball courts at Ernie Howlett Park. There, Anderson hosted a mini contest and gave away a free skateboard to 6 -year-old James Maxwell. He also performed a quick demo and earned the respect of the young skaters in attendance. ly with people like Rolling Hills Es' Councilwoman Suzy Seamans involved. "Ellen is really the one who got me 1 into this;' Anderson said. "It's almost she's a skateboarder." For more information about SkatePark visit skateparkpv.org. Send e-mails LAk . RANCHO PALOS VERDES TO: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: CITY CLERK DATE: September 21, 2010 SUBJECT: ADDITIONS/REVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA Attached are revisions/additions and/or amendments to the agenda material presented for tonight's meeting: - Description of Material Mayor's Announcements Peninsula Education Foundation City Manager Report Email exchange between Mayor Pro Tem Long and Dr. Michael S. Brophy 6 Email from Pat Corwin 8 Answers to questions posed by Mayor Wolowicz 12 Emails from: Erika and Neil Barber; Stasys Petravicius Respectfully submitted, 14,4 Carla M o r r e a I e MAGENI)X2010 Additions Revisions to agendas\20100921 additions revisions to agenda.doc The Peninsula Education Foundation raises money to support the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District in meeting its funding priorities, in partnership with other groups, to assure continued excellence in our local public schools. MY r� f�nnauncerne��s Elementary Schools: • World language instruction • Library/ Media Aides/ Discretionary Aides • Music teachers Intermediate Schools: • Safe School Counselors • Technology/ Engineering Program Start -Up High Schools: • Academic counselors College & Career Center staff • PVIT/ SMERT (Advanced Engineering Programs) WpvPUSD STUDENTS BY CITY Ommmmmm Palos Verdes Estates alos Verdes Peninsula 314 inincorporated) 20% 2.6% Other Cities (Redondo Beach, 308 2% Torrance, etc.) WORLD-CLASS SCHOOLS • 98% of seniors go onto higher education. • Both high schools have been named: US News And World Report Top 100 Schools. Newsweek's America's Best High Schools 2010. • API Scores are among the best in the State. • Great schools draw families to move here, supporting higher property values. These achievements require teachers and special programs PEF funds 64 classroom teachers and key staff positions. Hermosa Beach `. Other Cities' School Funding 1,176 $100,0+ El`Segundo 3,263 $250,000 $77/ student Annually *Information obtained from each district's education foundation SO From: Tom Long[mailto:tomlong@palosverdes.com] Sent: Monday, September 20, 2010 10:57 PM To: Michael Brophy Cc: clehr@rpv.com Subject: Re: Taking the High Road Dear Michael, Why? Anyone can donate money to the city at any time and specific council action is not required. It would be nice to have one meeting free of Marymount related issues to permit the council to do its other regular business in a timely and orderly manner. Staff --please distribute this with late correspondence. Tom Long Mayor Pro Tem, RPV -----Original Message ----- From: "Michael Brophy" Sent 9/18/2010 4:33:43 PM To: "Michael Brophy", "cc@rpv.com" Subject: RE: Taking the High Road Good afternoon I just wanted you to know I will be at the CC meeting on Tuesday. Having not heard back about the election expense question, I will raise it in public comment. Michael From: Michael Brophy Sent: Friday, September 03, 2010 8:56 AM To: cc@rpv.com Cc: kendyda@verizon.net Subject: Taking the High Road Good morning. As you know, we are committed to taking the high road in the election. Marymount is keeping to its pledge through Nov. 2nd... this is a top priority. That is why I am contacting you about two campaign matters: - The No on P yard signs are getting a lot of attention because of problems you may be having with placement on public property and the lack of disclosure about funding (on the signs). I am no expert so I am not commenting on this. ! memp.3w 141- A,. - In making phone calls to supporters this week, I have been advised that as many as 60 endorsement names have been taken off of your website because the folks named were in fact Marymount supporters. I am looking right now at a name on the site of someone I spoke with yesterday who Supports Yes on P. I can share with you that a good number of folks are steamed about this. The College has no plans to pursue either item at this point, but it may come up Tuesday at the City Council meeting. I plan to be there on another matter, which is to invite you all to our 9/15 and 9/25 events that celebrate our four-year status and our Catholic mission. Regards, Michael Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A. President of Marymount College 30800 Palos Verdes Drive East Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275 310-377-5501 mbrophy@marymountpv.edu www.marymountpv.edu From: Pat Corwin [corwinp@pvpusd.k12.ca.us] Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 2:52 PM To: cc@rpv.com Subject: Illuminated Crosswalk @ Whitley Collins & Crest Road Just a brief note of thanks to you for your consideration of making the crosswalk at Whitley Collins and Crest Road highly visible to drivers. I applaud your efforts in keeping the safety of all as your highest priority. It comforts me in knowing that our students will be better protected from those driving at a high rate of speed on Crest Road. Pat Corwin Principal Ridgecrest Intermediate School <br> <br> <br> Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District 9/21/2010 RANCHO PALOS VERDES REPLY MEMORANDUM TO: Joel Rojas and Kit Fox FROM: Steve Wolowicz CC: Carolyn Lehr and Carol Lynch DATE: September 20, 2010 SUBJECT: CC meeting 9-21-10 item #8 Clean-up code amendment QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Joel and Kit, For a simple clean-up amendment this staff report has been a little difficult to follow. I think that I have one question but with several elements: Thanks, Steve To clarify — the amendment is to (1) replace numeric designations with project descriptive names and (2) add a written description for Eastview Park. It has been recognized that the Marymount proposed initiative will need to be modified slightly. Yes, this is the basic essence of what is being proposed by Staff. Questions: Since the initiative will be voter enacted, who needs to approve the modifying language? Should these corrections be made only after the vote (if approved)? Or should the clarifications take place before the vote? We will defer to Carol on these questions; she has reviewed the report and ordinances. Since the changes would not be substantive, we believe that the City Council has the authority to make them, just as the Council has had the authority over the years since 1989 to amend City Code with respect to the implementation of Proposition `M'. Page 1 of 1 C:\WINNnProfiles\terit\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKB\REPLY_cc meeting 2010 09-21 #8 code clarification (2).doc 09/21/10 2:55 P From: Erika Barber [nbarber310@cox.net] Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 2:18 PM To: RPV City Council Subject: Finance committee Dear City council members, I just heard that David Conforti who is associated with the Trump organization is interested in being on the Finance Committee for RPV. We feel this is a definite conflict of interest. Please do not vote for him. Sincerely, Erika and Neil Barber 4004 Stalwart Drive 9/21/2010 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Dear council members: Stasys Petravicius [stasys1@cox.net] Tuesday, September 21, 2010 3:44 PM cc@rpv.com Stasys Petravicius Candidate for the Finance Committee I was told about a meeting you are having this evening to select a person for the fiance committee. An interested candidate I'm told is David Conforte- also told an employee of the Trump organization. Would his employ by the Trump organization constitute a conflict of interest? Thanks for a reply. Respectfully, Stasys Petravicius, RPV resident. LAwk. RANCHO PALOS VERDES TO: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: CITY CLERK DATE: September 20, 2010 SUBJECT: ADDITIONS/REVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA Attached are revisions/additions and/or amendments to the agenda material received through Monday afternoon for the Tuesday, September 21, 2010 City Council meeting: Item No. Description of Material City Manager Report Revised Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure P per Court Order 6 Letter from Ray W. Mathys; Email from Sunshine Respectfully submitted, Carla Morreale W:WGENDA\2010 Additions Revisions to agendas\20100921 additions revisions to agenda through Monday afternoon.doc RECEIVED z.:i iY OF RANCHO PALO$ VEXES ARGUMENT AND REBUTTAL FORM AN 2 6 20 cls ELECTION DATE: Pi91)s%-� '�.C9 � (� MEASURE I.D. (if any): �cyq OFFIOE JURISDICTION: �.* e� 2MYDERAN ADPALOSVEADES (Please mark (x) In the appropriate box) To AUG 2 7 2Q C3 Argument in Favor 0 Argument Against l (ff Rebuttal to Argument Against ❑ Rebuttal to Argument in Favor Statements will be printed in uniform type, We and spacing. Use black paMraphs and singil�ets eos Tormat. fi autitint$e� Indented or centered will be typeset in block parralgho� d Hower, 1u m ye dam 8. Indentations, circles, stars, dots, Italics and/ You yp Words tobe printed in bolcWhae type, and/or CAPiTAL08D are to be clearly indicated. Any combinations of enhanced words ere counted as one word. The number of wordakonanyms that are in botdface type, CAPITALIZED shall not exceed 30 words per docent. All statements should be cheoked by the authors r r Band punotuatiori as the elections official is not permitted to edit any material contained therein. ALL AUTHORS MUST SIGN ON THE REVERSE SIDE Please type statements below in =and lower ones letters. Statement will be eset in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet using DUTCH l RM BT font in 10 oint sPZe. However, statement can be submitted usba anv standard font. FACT - Teta years and millions of dollars were spent studying every aspect of Measure P, including the proposed dormitories. FACT - The dorms were extensively studied in the Environmental Impact Report. FACT - The City approved dorms in 1979 and 1980. They were not built due to lack of funding. FACT - The dormitories will reduce traffic and noise pollution in our neighborhoods by lowering the number of commuter students. New on -campus parking will reduce street parking. Per judgment entered on September 15, 2010 in the lawsuit entitled Lewis v. �Y Morreale. FACT - The City Attorney's' partial analysis states: Substantial changes to Measure P wound "require either approval the City—or voter approval", insuring that the projects promised in Measure P are implemented as proposed FACT - Measure P creates an independent neighborhood advisory council that reports directly to the City Council on the implementation of the Maxyrmount Plan. FACT - The City of Rancho Palos Verdes was created by a vote of our citizens. The future of Marymount College, one of our city's jewels, deserves no less. Vote Yes on Measure P www. MarymountPlan. com N4Y Itlana- er 0 LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK ELECTION PLANNING SECTION (562)462-2317 DECLARATION BY AUTHOR(S) OF ARGUMENTS OR REBUTTALS (Elections Code Section 9600) Ali arguments Concerning measures filed pursuant to Division 9 of the Elections Code shag be accompanied by the following declaration to be signed by each author of the argument/rebuttal. Names and titles listed will be printed in the Voter Information portion of the OMdal Sample Said Booklet in the order provided below. The undersigned author(s) of the: of ballot measu election for the ❑ Argument in Favor IN Rebuttal to Argument Against ❑ Argument Against ❑ Rebuttal to Argument in Favor_ to be held on /Vr`✓ 1 ereby state that such argument is true and correct to the (date) haaf of hia/harfthair Irnrnaelarina anti haliaf 1. W tamre G !/ MINWAXWO"AMMMt Signature redacted Ar �'" 41-10 Date 2, RNW to" Iw+atxe etaAppwaaAroumea Date 3, P&ftd NIMs naeannpearanAWMMI Cate 4. PMM NW&pna teAppaaran Date 5. PMWNNW TO(AA00—manAmOM9 sitpwwre Dae IMPORTANT FILING INFORMATION: I, am the designated filer of the above titled argument/rebuttal. Please notify me of any questions pertaining to this filing. Below Is my contact Information. Mailing Address: E -Mail Address: Contact Numbers: Daytime Evening Fax OFFICE USE ONLY Time Stamp Word Counts NUMBER OF WORDS: !- NUMBER OF WORDS WITH BOLD FACE, ETC.: PROJECT CODE NUMBER: ELECTION DEPUTY: a�aaaa„oe LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGISTRAR RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK ELECTION PLANNING SECTION (562) 462-2377 DECLARATION BY AUTHOR(S) OF ARGUMENTS OR REBUTTALS (Elections Code Section 9600) All arguments concerning measures filed pursuant to Division 9 of the Elections Code shall be accompanied by the following declaration to be signed by each author of the argument/rebuttal. Names and titles listed will be printed in the Voter Information portion of the Oficial Sample Ballot Booklet in the order provided below. The undersigned aLithor(s) of the: of ballot measure election for the 0 Argument in Favor ® Rebuttal to Argument Against ❑ Argument Against ❑ Rebuttal to Argument In Favor at the , Sd a'4 n 2nj. rtr.• I (tete of atscdan) to be held on 9— 0 /-V6 ,/ .a hereby state that such argument is true and correct to the (datew best of hislher/their knowledge and belief. Signature redactedBook- 7. _ Plrtr- �rL4�E�.4�wG ` Iy�>*+ew. 1fo�G S ^- o t �2 2. NOR ME* t Ttlrotonppeeron Data 3. Ptktw roma arp�tare tonpaeaton Xvwnw Date 4, OWN W-m- toMpeeran Date {. aeae 7fttoAuPwanVxuwnm*Data IMPORTANT FILING INFORMATION: 1, am the designated fifer of the above titled argument/rebuttal. Please notify me of any questions pertaining to this filing. Below is my contact Information. Mailing Address: E -Mail Address: Contact Numbers: Daytime venino Fax OFFICE USE ONLY Time Stamp Word Counts NUMBER OF WORDS: NUMBER OF WORDS WITH BOLD FACE, ETC.: PROJECT CODE NUMBER: ELECTION DEPUTY: NMAUJMW LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGISTRAR RECORDERICOUNTY CLERK ELECTION PLANNING SECTION (562) 462-23'17 DECLARATION BY AUTHOR(S) OF ARGUMENTS OR REBUTTALS (Elections Code Section 9600) All arguments concerning measures flied pursuant to Division 9 of the Elections Code shall be accompanied by the following declaratioon to be signed by each author of the argumentkabuttel. Names and titles listed will be printed in the Voter Information portion of the Oficial Sample Ballot Booklet in the order provided below. The undersigned authors) of the: of ballot measu election for the 13 Argument In Favor ❑ Argument Against (81' Rebuttal to Argument Against ❑ Rebuttal to Argument in Favor at the ' - �y�� ,� `° 'A to be held on hereby state that such argument is true and correct to the t n , 2. kms re 1DAppooron ArgarrM TlktoW�—mftumenk toAppoorm 78oloAppoormftwood Signature redacted IMPORTANT PILING INFORMATION: 1, am the designated filer of the above titled argumentfrebuttal. Please notify me of any questions pertaining to this filing. Below is my contact information. Mailing Address: E -Mail Address: Contact Numbers: Daytime Everting Fax OFFICE USE ONLY Time Stamp Word Counts NUMBEROF WORDS: NUMBER OF WORDS WITH BOLD FACE, ETC.: PROJECT CODE NUMBER: ELECTION DEPUTY: ar SAMMaa M j 2. kms re 1DAppooron ArgarrM TlktoW�—mftumenk toAppoorm 78oloAppoormftwood Signature redacted IMPORTANT PILING INFORMATION: 1, am the designated filer of the above titled argumentfrebuttal. Please notify me of any questions pertaining to this filing. Below is my contact information. Mailing Address: E -Mail Address: Contact Numbers: Daytime Everting Fax OFFICE USE ONLY Time Stamp Word Counts NUMBEROF WORDS: NUMBER OF WORDS WITH BOLD FACE, ETC.: PROJECT CODE NUMBER: ELECTION DEPUTY: ar SAMMaa LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGISTRAR-RECORDEWCOUNTY CLERK ELECTION PLANNING SECTION (562) 462-2317 DECLARATION BY AUTHOR(S) OF ARGUMENTS OR REBUTTALS (Elections Code Section 9600) All arguments concerning measures filed pursuant to Division 9 of the Elections Code shall be accompanied by the following declaration to be signed by each author of the argumen*ebuttal. Names and Was listed Will be printed in the Voter Information portion of the OMdai Sample Ballot Booklet in the order provided below. The undersigned author(s) of the: E3 Argument In Favor IN Rebuttal to Argument Against O Argument Against 1 ❑ Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of ballot measure P at the c:'uu.I A- winmig!o (name nadir Ie@er) lints or etee8on) election for the (rd%► G Q to be held on L&.0 2 a hereby state that such argument is true and corred to the best of hisiher/their knowledge and belief. Signature redacted oma{ 2—� MAW ram 4" , 10J. -"UWAPPW0nArgW0W Dale 2. FWftA W=- `l%t0APPW0nA*-0d Date 3, sq"atu�e Ap�eer a1 Date 4. uae TfttoAWwanAWmwd Date jP&WNM Won TMiaAWwonAMwwt Dam IMPORTANT FILING INFORMATION: 1. /t r ( g�ookly am the designated filer of the above titled argumenftbuttai. Please notify me of any 4usedons pertaining to this filing. Below is my contact Information. Mailing Address: ..31 J- o D A(d.► VAIAC E -Mail Address: _ -41J% fi-,t 4 a+�r+/�pt/, Contact Numbers: ! 3 720 /o Mgt, if 27a 6 Daytime Evening Fax OFFICE USE ONLY Time Stamp Word Counts NUMBER OF WORDS: NUMBER OF WORDS WITH BOLD FACE, ETC.: PROJECT CODE NUMBER: ELECTION DEPUTY: asoAsw++ & LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGISTRAR RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK ELECTION PLANNING SECTION (562) 462-23'17 DECLARATION BY AUTHOR(S) OF ARGUMENTS OR REBUTTALS (Elections Cade Section 9600) All arguments concerning measures tiled pursuant to Division 9 of the Sections Code shall be accompanied by the foilowing declaration to be signed by each author of the argument/rebuttal. Names and titles listed will be printed in the Voter Information portion of the Olvdal Sample Ballot Booklet In the order provided below. The undersigned authors) of the: of ballot measure election for the ❑ Argument in Favor 10 Rebuttal to Argument Against ❑ Argument Against ❑ Rebuttal to Argument in Favor at the �` + (nems endla letter., _ _ �� d eteotlen) —"�� to be held an hereby state that such argument is true and correct to the ttteW) +� best of hWheNtheir tngLedga and belief. A/ ./ .o' wr C` Signature redacted nA'f v� a.�w°4 . FMW ram ' s�nt/�i�- l ..epwa+�� �JJar. im. - TINSWAPOW00AWMW Dam 2. Ffkm tam 99R -- Dole 3 HM atpneturo toAppear Dam 4, Worm sill"aeue tsWmeeran M Date 6,P*MdF= Swft- TarommaranXiMM Data IMPORTANT PILING INFORMATION: 1, am the designated filer of the above titled argument/rebuttal. Please notify me of any questions pertaining to this filing. Below is my contact information. Mailing Address: E -Mail Address: Contact Numbers: Daytime Evening Fax OFFICE USE ONLY Time Stamp Word Counts NUMBER OF WORDS: NUMBER OF WORDS WITH SOLD FACE, ETC.: PROJECT CODE NUMBER: ELECTION DEPUTY: b] COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ELECTION PLANNING SECTION REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK AUTHORIZATION FOR ANOTHER PERSON TO SIGN REBUTTAL ARGUMENT (Elections Code Sections 9167, 9317 & 9604) 11 authorize the person listed below to (Print name of AUTHOR of the Amument sign the rebuttal to the argument ❑ in favor jV against Measure 6_ (Check one) (Letter) for the A&IOC election to be (Jurisdiction) held on kla se , 2,pt p (Date) Any Author of the Argument may be replaced with another author to sign the Rebuttal. name _ Signature redacted (Signature of Rebuttal Author) r to appear on Signature of Argument Author:" Signature redacted� -- -; -- Date: e-16 —(o Attach this form to the "Declaration by Authors Form" submitted with the Rebuttal Argument. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ELECTION PLANNING SECTION REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK Q1� AUTHORIZATION FOR ANOTHER PERSON TO SIGN REBUTTAL. ARGUMENT (Elections Code Sections 9167, 9317 & 9604) authorize the person listed below to (Print name of AUTHOR of the Argument sign the rebuttal to the argument © In favor against Measure (Check one) (Letter) for the j _ j L o ., _ rwg'f 1141CL J election to be 1 (Judsdictlon) held on 2 ray r o (Date Any Author of the Argument may be replaced with another author to sign the Rebuttal. name Signature redacted (Signature of Rebuttal Author) A 4,s on Signature redacted Signature of Argument Author: - - — -- ---- — - - Date: � ^.�''' 707 Attach this form to the "Declaration by Authors Form" submitted with the Rebuttal Argument. V COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK ppR08 ELECTION PLANNING SECTION AUTHORIZATION FOR ANOTHER PERSON TO SIGN REBUTTAL ARGUMENT (Elections Code Sections 9167, 9317 & 9504) I, M„ I?authorize the person listed below to (Print name of AUTHOR of thg Argu ent sign the rebuttal to the argument ❑ in favor against Measure (Check one) (Letter) for the 2 held on 1" 2 �1 p (Date) election to be Any Author of the Argument may be replaced with another author to sign the Rebuttal. A (Print name Signature redacted (Signature of Rebuttal Author) (Title to appear on Rebuttal) Signature redacted Signature of Argument Author: Date: Attach this form to the "Declaration by Authors Form" submitted with the Rebuttal Argument. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ELECTION PLANNING SECTION REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK AUTHORIZATION FOR ANOTHER PERSON TO SIGN REBUTTAL ARGUMENT (Elections Code Sections 9167, 9317 & 9504) authorize the person listed below to (Print name of AUTHOR of the Argument sign the rebuttal to the argument 0 in favor PC against Measure r (Check one) (Letter) for the LzL, oLelection to be (Jurisdiction) held on %4a w 20112 (Date) Any Author of the Argument may be replaced with another author to sign the Rebuttal. name Signature redacted (Signature o Rebuttal u or) S 1 jft4,V4--- / (Title to appear on Rebuttal) n A n Signature of Argument Author: Signature redacted Date: Attach this form to the "Declaration by Authors Form" submitted with the Rebuttal Argument. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK ELECTION PLANNING SECTION AUTHORIZATION FOR ANOTHER PERSON TO SIGN REBUTTAL ARGUMENT (Elections Code Sections 9167, 9317 & 9504) I,lf4 G i L !% L authorize the person listed below to (Print name of.AUTHOR of the ArgArnent Q sign the rebuttal to the argument ❑ in favoragainst Measure (Check one) (Letter) for the e held on kJr_.._.2 (Date) election to be Any Author of the Argument may be replaced with another author to sign the Rebuttal. #VU.4., (Print name of Rebuttal Signature redacted to appear on C o%"►i+rS ,9'-,xo Signature of Argument Author: Signature redacted / Date: Attach this form to the "Declaration by Authors Form" submitted with the Rebuttal Argument. Ray W. Mathys September 16, 2010 5738 Whitecliff Drive Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (310) 377-3713 MathysRW@aol.com To: Mayor Steve Wolowicz and members of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council Subject: Traffic control at the intersection of Crest Road and Whitley Collins Drive CREST READ is one of RPV's major thoroughfares. Its function is to permit vehicular traffic between Crenshaw Blvd. and Hawthorne Blvd. to flow in both directions in the most expeditious way possible. Crest Road enables traffic to bypass the high school congestion at Hawthorne and Silver Spur, as well as the traffic entering and leaving the Peninsula Center. In the event of an emergency, Crest Road can provide the means by which the area can be expeditiously evacuated. Emergency vehicles use Crest Road daily to rapidly reach the destinations where they are needed. Crest Road is a vital link in the City's traffic circulation pattern and, therefore, needs to be kept in its current uninterrupted, free-flowing condition. The intersection of Crest Road and Whitley Collins Drive has the characteristics of being simply a mid -block location where a residential collector street just happens to enter onto a major right of way. Traffic speeds past Whitley Collins just as if the entryway wasn't even there. This intersection does not have the look or feel of a "real" intersection as does the one at Highridge. TRAFFIC CONTROL These conditions need to be taken into consideration when attempting to deal with the difficult and risky maneuver of making a left turn onto Crest Road from Whitley Collins during peak traffic hours. To begin with, any traffic control device that would have the in pact of interrupting he flow of traffic on Crest t7oad is simply not warranted. Should any such device be installed, it would create a far greater potential accident condition than that which exists at this location at the present time. All the traffic studies that have been made over past years have arrived at this same conclusion. For this reason, then, I have difficulties with the staff's recommendation of installing a pedestrian -activated flashing yellow light with a highly visible crosswalk at this location. I have visited a similar traffic control arrangement that is located on 25th Street and Moray Ave. in San Pedro. This location is at the beginning of a commercial area where traffic has slowed to between 25 and 35 miles per hour. I drove through the intersection, both ways, several times to pace the speed of the traffic through this area. I inquired from a resident two doors from this location as to how the system is working. I was told that the street is crossed "very cautiously." Since the light is yellow, and not red, motorists do not feel obligated to stop for pedestrians. More often than not, they simply drive on past. I waited until traffic thinned out, pushed the button, and made my way across the street. As I moved across, the cars stopped in the lane I was in but the others drove past in both directions. I found it a little scary, which made me understand what the resident meant when he said they cross "very cautiously." With traffic at that location being alerted to cars moving in every direction, including through traffic to and from Western Avenue, conditions are entirely different from the ones at Crest and Whitley Collins. On Crest, the traffic is barreling past the Whitley Collins entryway at speeds twice that of those at the Moray Ave.. and 25th Street location. In addition, we know how dangerous marked crosswalks can be. Pedestrians have been known to assume they have the right of way and simply walk out into the path of oncoming vehicles. The idea of a marked crosswalk at -this location makes me more, than a little nervous. In addition, I'm not sure what fast-moving traffic on Crest Road is expected to do when they see a yellow light start to flash and some pedestrian stepping off the curb to start walking across the street. If the motorist slows down and stops at what appears to be a mid -block location, he is bound to run the risk of being rear-ended. We know this to be the case where unwarranted stop signs are installed. The same potential problem would exist with cars stopping in what appears to be the middle of nowhere. In addition, if the light required a pedestrian to activate it and there is no one available at the time when a vehicle is attempting to make a left turn onto Crest Road, the light wouldn't be of much use. Frankly, I would rather see a continuous flashing yellow light with a radar gun attached to advise the motorists of their excessive speed while at the same time alerting them to the possibility of a pedestrian crossing and/or a vehicle in the process of exiting Whitley Collins onto Crest Road. Flashing yellow lights serve as advisory signals. They should not be expected to serve as stoplights. STREET IMPROVEMENT HISTORY The Traffic Committee was formed approximately two years after the City was incorporated. I was one of the people selected to serve on the first Committee and did so for eight years. We all took our job very seriously. One of its first projects was to work on the improvement of Highridge Road from Hawthorne Blvd. on up the hill past the Highridge apartment area. This area was used repeatedly during the election as an example of what was not wanted throughout the rest of the community. Only the north half of the street was paved at the time. The Traffic Committee decided that two things had to be accomplished with whatever improvements were to be made. The first consideration was to deal with the traffic congestion that was generated by the high residential density of the development in the immediate area. The second one was that the street had to work to draw attention away from the unattractiveness of all the stucco in the area. The Committee decided that by duplicating the semi -rural ambiance of the wide median on P.V. North in the vicinity of the reservoir it would provide the improvements needed to accomplish their objective. The 22 -foot wide, well -landscaped median provided both the detraction from the unattractive area as well as reducing traffic congestion by enabling left turn maneuvers to be made in two steps. The plan has worked beautifully for all these years. Crest Road was also paved on the north side only at that time. Since the use of a 22 -foot wide, landscaped median, worked so well on Highridge to improve the traffic flow as well as promote the image of RPV being a semi rural community, the Traffic Committee recommended that Crest Road be improved in the exact same way as Highridge Road. Unfortunately, there was no money at the time and therefore the Crest Road improvements had to be deferred until such time as the south side of the street was developed to obtain the funds. This development took something like eight or ten years to happen, and by that time there had been a complete turnover of personnel at City Hall. Charlie Abbott was the new head of Public Works and his engineer, George Wents, was in charge of drawing up the Crest Road street improvement plans. George, being unaware of the previous approved plans to duplicate the Highridge design, proceeded to draw up the plans for Crest Road with a 13 -foot -wide median. I happened to catch the discrepancy and advised George of the error. George argued vehemently that the street had to have a 13 -foot -wide median. I argued just as vehemently that the 22 -foot -wide median was needed for all the traffic control reasons that worked so well on Highridge. The discussion finally concluded with Charlie Abbott, George Wents and myself meeting at the corner of Crest and Whitley Collins to resolve the issue. After much discussion, Charlie suggested we split the difference and go with an 18 -foot -wide median. Compact cars were big at the time and my thinking was that a 15 -foot car could fit in an 18 -foot space, which would allow it to make a left turn maneuver in two steps. So, we settled on the 18 -foot -wide median. Although an 18 -foot -wide area is physically adequate for a two-step left turn maneuver, it has turned out that mentally, it does not work for most drivers. The width was further reduced, psychologically, by the left -turn pockets design being moved 4 feet in from the travel lane to a narrow 4 -foot -wide raised median. The area between the left turn lane and the adjacent travel lane was outlined with buttons. A 4 -foot -wide raised median see -tion does not provide the psychological safety barrier needed by most drivers'to make a left turn maneuver in two steps. The design effectively reduced the median, psychologically, to that of a 13 -foot -wide median. It simply doesn't work as intended. PROPOSED MEDIAN EXPANSION In July of 1999, on behalf of the Mesa Palos Verdes Homeowners Association, a plan to expand the median on Crest Road at Whitley Collins to 22 feet in order to implement right turn maneuvers from Whitley Collins Drive onto Crest Road was presented to the Traffic Committee. The plan, being somewhat out of the ordinary, was met with the usual doubts that come with deviating from the norm. Most of the rejections were pretty much unfounded but one had merit. The plan could encourage the other four or five developments along Crest Road to request that similar improvements be made to their accesses to Crest Road. There was no money budgeted for such work. However, for the purpose of assisting school traffic, a signal was installed at the intersection of Crest Road and Highridge Road. This provided school traffic with a safe and trouble-free route to the Ridgecrest School site via the Whitley Collins entryway off Highridge. In so doing, the drivers could avoid the problems associated with using the Whitley Collins entryway at Crest Road. The money needed to install the signal had been provided by the developments along the south side of Crest Road. The installation provided school traffic with a safe and expeditious travel route to and from the Ridgecrest school site. The signal works great for school traffic but it is of little or no help in assisting Mesa residents in their efforts to make safe left turns onto Crest Road from Whitley Collins during peak traffic hours. Therefore, I would like to revive the plan that was proposed in 1999 and work with Staff and the Traffic Commission to see if an acceptable solution can be arrived at to effectively address the problems at the Crest Road/Whitley Collins intersection. Thank you for your assistance in addressing this important matter. i erel at s *S' cc: Nicole Jules, P.E. Senior Engineer From: SunshineRPV@aol.com Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2010 3:24 PM To: cc@rpv.com; rayh@rpv.com; tomo@rpv.com Subject: RE: September 21, 2010 CONSENT CALENDAR MEMO from Sunshine TO: RPV City Council Ray Holland, Director of Public Works Tom Odom, Trails Manager RE: September 21, 2010 CONSENT CALENDAR 6. Establishing Pedestrian -Activated Traffic Controls on Crest Road at Whitley Collins Drive (Holland) Recommendation: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-_, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ESTABLISHING TRAFFIC CONTROLS ON CREST ROAD AT WHITLEY COLLINS DRIVE; and, 2) Authorize the expenditure of $28,726 for the purchase of a pedestrian activated flashing beacon system. Several years ago, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes would not install a flashing lights crosswalk across Crest Road because the fog there gets so dense. What has changed? Why have you not proposed the same improvement to the trail crossing just west of the entrance to Sea Breeze (RPV Trails Network Plan SECTION THREE trail G1.)? ...S 9/20/2010