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CC SR 20230221 02 - Historical Society Museum CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 02/21/2023 AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business AGENDA TITLE: Consideration and possible action to receive an update on a proposed Palos Verdes Historical Society museum. RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: 1) Receive and file a status update report on a proposed Palos Verdes Historical Society (PVHS) museum based on City Council direction at its November 15, 2022 meeting; and, 2) If desired, provide Staff direction on how to proceed with the proposed PVHS museum including, but not limited to, if and where the requested building should be located at a City Park, whether the City should consider incurring operating and maintenance costs, whether the City Council-adopted Parks Master Plan should be amended, initiate discussions with the National Park Service, and initiate discussions with Department of Toxic Substances Control, among other things. FISCAL IMPACT: None Amount Budgeted: N/A Additional Appropriation: N/A Account Number(s): N/A ORIGINATED BY: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst REVIEWED BY: Cory Linder, Recreation and Parks Director APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: A. November 15, 2022 staff report B. November 15, 2022 PVHS presentation C. February 1, 2023 public workshop Staff presentation D. February 1, 2023 public workshop PVHS presentation E. February 1, 2023 public workshop comment cards F. February 1, 2023 public workshop summary of public comments (page F-1) G. April 18, 2017 Lower Point Vicente outdoor interactive exhibits report H. February 7, 2023 letter from Los Serenos De Point Vicente (page H-1) I. October 31, 2022 introductory email request from PVHS (page I-1) J. Public comments received 1 BACKGROUND: The PVHS approached the City on October 31, 2022 , about identifying a City park location, specifically Lower Point Vicente next to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC), for an approximately 5,000 square foot museum to house its collection (Attachment I). The City Council received a report on a proposal from the PVHS on November 15, 2022, regarding a potential location for a museum at a City park (A-1). At the November 15 meeting, the City Council reviewed a table showing City parks that had sufficient space to accommodate a 5,000 -square-foot museum. The table looked at the following factors: • Whether there was sufficient space • Slope/grade concerns • Parking concerns, particularly whether there was existing parking or a need to build additional parking • Whether California Coastal Commission review would be required • Land use designation • Constraints/comments The Ken Dyda Civic Center and Lower Point Vicente Park were identified in the report as the most feasible locations. PVHS President Dana Graham made a presentation to the City Council that evening that included details about its proposal and the organization’s strong preference for the Lower Point Vicente site (Attachment B). His proposal included the following points: • PVHS’s mission is “To nurture an interest in our local history, its land and its people; to fascinate and educate visitors of all ages and inspire curiosity and learning.” • PVHS is seeking City approval for the development and construction of an approximately 5,000-square-foot museum at Lower Point Vicente Park, adjacent to PVIC. • Funding would be achieved through a combination of major donors, smaller donations, and grants. • PVHS stated that it has a major anonymous donor who has promised to fund the project if it is built at Lower Point Vicente Park. • PVHS’s presentation noted that approval from the City is a necessary first step to secure major donor(s) so they can be assured of a location, approved concept, and general timeframe. • PVHS would pay for the construction and would then be deeded to the City. • PVHS would manage and maintain the exhibits. • The City would cover all costs relating to staffing, and operations and maintenance of the facility. • President Graham said that Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos), which provides educational services and tours at PVIC, could expand to provide similar services at the PVHS museum. 2 • PVHS’s presentation stated that many South Bay cities have historical museums, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and Torrance, but not the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It is worth noting that PVIC has many historical exhibits on display. The following is an excerpt from PVHS’s presentation showing a conceptual museum floorplan for its galleries, including rooms devoted to Native American, Spanish, archeological, geologic, and other exhibits. An aerial identifying the proposed location for the museum, located to the north of PVIC, is shown in green below. 3 While PVHS states that no architectural style or design has been chosen, below is a preliminary design concept excerpted from the presentation: The City Council concurred with Staff’s recommendation that Lower Point Vicente Park and the Ken Dyda Civic Center were the most viable site options. Council directed Staff to return with an update that includes the following: 1) Conduct public outreach to determine the level of support for both a historical museum including outreach to various stakeholders and the level of support for the two identified alternatives; 2) Analyze the estimated staffing and operations and maintenance costs for a 5,000 square foot facility; 3) Perform further analysis of the two sites; and 4) Discuss the role of Los Serenos de Point Vicente Docents. Tonight’s report addresses those topics. The City Council also requested information on the Planning Commission’s input. Based on City Council direction tonight, Staff can return at a future date with that information. 4 DISCUSSION: Tonight, Staff presents the City Council with the requested public feedback and analysis. 1. Public Outreach and Feedback A. February 1, 2023, Public Workshop The City conducted a public workshop on the PVHS museum proposal on February 1, 2023. The workshop was publicized via the City’s website, social media, and listserv messages. Notices were sent to all residents within a 1,000-foot radius of both the Ken Dyda Civic Center and Lower Point Vicente Park, all City homeowners associations (HOAs), the Rancho Palos Verdes Council of Homeowners Associations (CHOA), and interested parties, including the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, Terranea Resort, and Los Serenos de Point Vicente. Twenty-two people attended the workshop, which consisted of presentations by Staff and PVHS President Graham, followed by a robust question-and-answer period (Attachments C and D). Workshop attendees were asked to complete comment cards (shown below). 5 The following is a summary of the 14 comment card responses and general comments received at the public workshop: Yes No Is it important that the City of RPV have a historical museum? 12 2 1 2 3 4 5 AVG. How likely would it be that you would visit a historical museum in RPV? 1 lowest 5 highest 1 0 2 1 10 4.4 Lower Point Vicente Ken Dyda Civic Center No Opinion What is preferred location for a potential historical museum? 10 3 1 1 2 3 4 5 AVG. Indicate your level of support for a historical museum if it was paid for with private funds but operated and staffed at City expense. 1 lowest 5 highest. 2 0 0 1 10 4.3 Copies of all comment cards submitted are attached (Attachment E). Comments from the cards included the following feedback: • Positive about design • Good start • Differences between docents and PVHS need to be resolved • Concern that exhibits are duplicative of PVIC • Belief that design will complement PVIC • Concerns about impact on Oceanfront Estates residents • Believed concept of an additional museum was over after the Annenberg project • Frank Vanderlip needs to be recognized for his accomplishments It is worth noting that six of the workshop attendees identified themselves as being members of the PVHS. Below is a sample of verbal comments and concerns made at the workshop. A full set of workshop notes is attached to this report (Attachment F). • Discussion of docents’ proposed role. 6 • Number of staff needed. • Will museum take donations? Yes. • Concerns about parking, dark sky impact, view impairment • Operating hours -To be determined. • Clarification from PVHS that it chose Lower Point Vicente because of proximity to PVIC. People won’t want to go to both. • RPV is the biggest City on the Peninsula so museum should be there. • Old Malaga Cove site was too small. • Comparing PVHS project to Annenberg project is misleading. 1/10 the size. • Concern from docents that the plan overlays Council-approved outdoor exhibits. • PVHS said plan could be shifted on site if needed. • Concern that a great deal of planning had gone into the outdoor exhibits - adding that an additional museum could undo that work. • Worry about loss of green space. • Concern that exhibits at PVIC aren’t enough to encourage visitations and field trips. • A docent noted that school tours are booked solid and there are plenty of artifacts to keep the museum fresh. • Keep the design similar to PVIC. • Multiple museums at one site is a popular concept. • Can PVIC be expanded to accommodate PVHS exhibits? • PVHS said its major donor wants a standalone building at Lower Point Vicente. • Discussion of Annenberg project and role of National Park Service . • Discussion of size of PVHS collection and the need for storage. PVHS plan calls for underground storage of exhibits. • Question about size of exhibit space at PVIC. Answer: approximately 5,000 square feet. • Request for more information on outdoor exhibits at upcoming City Council meeting. • Will Council approve at meeting? To be determined. • What is the purpose of gathering comments? Purpose is for Council to see the comments and the flow of discussion. B. Additional Public Feedback In addition to the workshop, 50 emails have been received since the November 15, 2022 City Council meeting, with the great majority being sent after the February 1, 2023 workshop (J-1). Forty were opposed to locating a historical museum at Lower Point Vicente Park and 10 were in favor. Emails from PVHS President Graham and PVHS member Dwight Abbott both mentioned a Nextdoor post dated February 4, 2023, that they believe preceded many of the opposing responses. Below is the text of that post: Posted on Next Door, Saturday, February 4, 2023 Dear Neighbors- Some folks want to build a rather ugly looking museum on the beautiful open space next to the Interpretive Center. We already have a museum there, and it would be a redundancy. They basically want to put images in there with the history of Palos Verdes. All of that could easily be achieved with a DVD or YouTube video without 7 destroying one of the last open landscapes. Take a moment to write an email to MattW@rpvca.gov and cc@rpvca.gov expressing how destroying this open land will eliminate the hunting grounds for the local great horned owls, red tail hawks, foxes, coyotes, and other creatures. It is no wonder the Palos Verdes Blue butterfly is almost extinct. We already have the Interpretive Center. The only ones who would benefit from this project are the contractors and anyone who has their hands in the cookie jar. Put the history of Palos Verdes in a video for those who want to learn. Why destroy more open lands? Send your emails today. We all moved to Palos Verdes for its scenic beautiful coastlines. Not to have more buildings to look at. Below is a brief list of general email comments received: • Concerned about impact to habitat and animals. • Desire to maintain open space. • Look at other locations. • Consider adding another room at PVIC. • Duplication of PVIC exhibits. • A history museum is a great idea. • Parking concerns. • Historical concepts could be captured on video or on YouTube. • Overlap with Los Serenos de Point Vicente outdoor exhibits. The focus of the emails was on the Lower Point Vicente Park concept, not the Civic Center option, which was only mentioned in several of the emails. 2. Financial Analysis: Estimated Staffing and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Costs As mentioned previously, PVHS has indicated that it would cover the cost of construction, relying on grants, and fundraising with the primary funding coming from an anonymous donor. PVHS has not provided an estimate for the cost of construction. PVHS’s proposal calls for the City to cover the costs of staffing, operations and maintenance after construction. Below are estimate d annual expenses based on comparisons to other City facilities. Proposed Historical Society Museum Estimated Annual Cost Water $22,700 Gas $1,100 Electricity $14,200 Telephone $1,500 Total Utilities $39,500 1 Recreation Supervisor I $101,100 1 Rec Specialist (28 hrs/wk) $34,200 1 Recreation Leader II (28 hrs/week) $30,800 3 Recreation Leader I (20 hrs/week) $76,300 Total Staffing Costs (Salary and Benefits) $242,000 8 Janitorial Services $9,500 Landscaping $37,000 Emergency Repairs/Misc. Repairs $7,000 Alarm Services and Security $14,000 Janitorial Services $4,000 Total Maintenance Costs $71,500 Operating Materials and Supplies $19,000 Exhibit Repairs $6,000 Total Recreation Operation Costs $25,000 Total Staffing and O&M Annual Estimated Costs $378,000 These are based on 2022-23 costs and would be expected to escalate significantly by the time construction was completed. 3. Site Analyses A. Lower Point Vicente Park Analysis Lower Point Vicente Park was identified as an appropriate and feasible location for the proposed PVHS museum for a number of straightforward reasons. The site has sufficient space for a 5,000-square-foot museum, the existing grade is relatively flat, the site has sufficient space for additional parking, and the site already has a museum (PVIC). However, a number of constraints and concerns would need to be addressed . First, Lower Point Vicente is on the site of a former U.S. Army base and is still subject to a federal Program of Utilization (POU). The National Park Service and the State Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS), which oversees the POU, would need to review and approve the addition of a new museum. While PVIC’s initial construction in 1984 and subsequent expansion in 2006 were approved by NPS, a 2008 proposal by the Annenberg Foundation to develop an educational public use facility featuring companion animals to be located at Lower Point Vicente near the proposed PVHS museum site was not approved. After several years of pursuin g this project, the Annenberg Foundation formally withdrew its proposal in August 2011. The Annenberg proposal faced community opposition due to the site’s unique open space feel and desired passive recreational use of the site, as well as the deed restrictions in the POU for passive recreation. It is worth noting that the Annenberg proposal was significantly larger in scope than the PVHS proposal (approximately 51,000 sq. ft.). The City has a long and established history going back to its incorporation efforts in 1973 to proceed carefully in regard to coastal development. Community concerns about any proposed coastal development would be anticipated and nearby residents would likely express concerns about any proposed building development and its potential impacts as it relates to view obstruction, noise, traffic, light and glare. A number of these concerns 9 were brought up during the recent workshop and in public emails. The PVHS proposal would also be subject to California Coastal Commission review. The expansion of PVIC was delayed for several years due to the discovery of lead contamination at the site from an Army firing range. While the PVHS proposal shows that its proposed location is not in a lead-contaminated area, this would need to be confirmed by a geotechnical investigation and approval by Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) who have deed restrictions over the property. The proposed site also overlaps a City Council approved location for Los Serenos de Point Vicente docent historical exhibits. The City Council approved modifying the Parks Master Plan on April 18, 2017, to include a variety of improvements, including outdoor interactive exhibits at Lower Point Vicente Park (Attachment G). This plan was the result of several years of planning and coordination with Los Serenos de Point Vicente docents, Oceanfront Estates residents, City Staff, a representative from the California Native Plant Society, resident Eva Cicoria, and then-Mayor Jim Knight. A plan that included an array of outdoor exhibits was reviewed by the NPS and OGALS and determined to be consistent with the POU and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) related deed restrictions. The historical exhibits consisted of outdoor interactive stations to be sponsored and funded by Los Serenos de Point Vicente. They consisted of the following exhibits and signage: • Tongva village • Geology fossil exhibit • Archaeological dig • Spanish rancho exhibit • Dry farming (Annie’s Stand) • WW II exhibit Below is an excerpt of the conceptual plan with locations for exhibits: 10 The exhibits and signage have not been constructed to date. While PVHS representatives have stated that the precise location of the building could be shifted to accommodate the outdoor exhibits and signage, the Master Plan would need to be revised to accommodate the proposed PVHS museum. Additionally, it can be anticipated that nearby residents may object to the addition of a museum in addition to the outdoor exhibits and signage. B. Ken Dyda Civic Center Analysis The Ken Dyda Civic Center was also identified as an appropriate and feasible location for the proposed PVHS museum. The site has sufficient space, the existing grade is relatively flat, there is room for additional parking, and a portion of the site is designed for institutional public use. Additionally, there is a current Civic Center Master Plan effort ongoing since 2017, and the Civic Center Advisory Committee (CCAC) has supported the inclusion and display of historic and culturally significant artifacts on the Civic Center site. The CCAC has focused on the underground Nike missile silos located at the site’s existing maintenanc e yard as a potential future location that could be combined with an above -ground entrance and gallery. Exhibit space has been included in preliminary site designs and in the Council - approved program document, but no final design has been approved. The CCA C clarified at its July 28, 2022 meeting that a potential use for the Civic Center site could include general museum and artifact displays but did not identify a particular organization, and did not preclude the possibility of multiple organizations coming together to house historic collections in one building. There are a number of constraints and challenges with the Civic Center site. Like Lower Point Vicente Park, the Civic Center property was also a former military base and certain portions of the site are subject to a POU that is overseen by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA) and the NPS. Due to restrictions tied to the POU, a significant portion of the Civic Center on its east side is limited to public safety and law enforcement use. Because the PVHS proposal does have a public safety component, it would not be allowed to be built in the public safety zone. The Civic Center site would not be subject to California Coastal Commission review since it is located outside the City’s Coastal Zone. It is worth noting that PVHS has stated that its major donor is only interested in funding a standalone building at Lower Point Vicente. Based on that statement, the fundamental premise that the PVHS would fund the construction and then deed the property to the City would not apply at the Ken Dyda Civic Center. 4. Response from Los Serenos de Point Vicente The proposal from PVHS calls for Los Serenos de Point Vicente to expand education and docent services. PVHS President Graham made a presentation to Los Serenos de Point Vicente in November 2022 about their proposal. Los Serenos de Point Vicente sent in a 11 response letter on February 7, 2023, stating its formal position on PVPHS’ proposal (Attachment H). Below is a list of the essential elements of Los Serenos de Point Vicente’ letter: • Los Serenos de Point Vicente does not oppose PVHS’ wish to build a museum. • Concern that the topics covered in the proposed museum would be a duplication of displays at PVIC. • Besides, whales and whale watching, PVIC has displays on indigenous peoples, California Missions, Spanish ranchos, Japanese farmers, Marineland, the Point Vicente Lighthouse, geology, and archeology. • The Native Plant Garden has displays on plant life on the Peninsula. • The proposed Lower Point Vicente location interferes with the outdoor exhibits proposed by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and adopted by the City Council in 2017 (discussed in more detail previously in this report). • Los Serenos de Point Vicente supports consideration of the Ken Dyda Civic Center at City Hall, noting that the area has sufficient area to accommodate the museum, including the possible re-purposing of the Nike missile silos. • Los Serenos de Point Vicente cannot commit to providing a new museum with docent support since it is not part of the organization’s mission. • Los Serenos de Point Vicente suggests that if a new museum is approved, the two organizations should collaborate on the type of exhibits to be displayed to minimize duplication. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Other Historic Collections In addition to PVHS’s collection, several other collections of artifacts currently in storage that could be displayed cooperatively at a future museum site, as summarized below: • Los Serenos de Point Vicente - Los Serenos de Point Vicente has significant historical, cultural, geologic, and marine mammal artifacts stored both at PVIC and off site. A large portion of its collection was previously stored at Ladera Linda Community Park but had to be moved to storage units due to the recent demolition and ongoing construction at that facility. • Discovery Room - The Discovery Room’s broad collection of natural artifacts was previously located in a 1,000 square foot room at the former Ladera Linda Community Park but is now also in storage due to that site’s current construction. Many of its artifacts are owned by longtime resident and docent Yvetta Williams. While a limited number of the Discovery Room’s artifacts will eventually be displayed in the new Ladera Linda Community Park’s meeting room or stored in carts and in a small storage room at that site, the great majority will remain in storage. 12 • Vanderlip - Members of the Vanderlip family have reached out to the City about their interest in displaying their collection of art, furniture, and archival materials if a location becomes available. CONCLUSION: Staff recommends the City Council receive and file this report and, if desired, provide direction on whether and how to proceed with the PVHS’s request. ALTERNATIVES: In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for the City Council’s consideration: 1. Do not direct staff to proceed with the proposed project. 2. Direct Staff to provide more analysis on the proposed project. 3. Take other action, as deemed appropriate. 13 Palos Verdes Historical Society Museum Proposal Public Workshop Wednesday, February 01, 2023 / 6:00 p.m. Hesse Park QUESTION / ANSWERS / DISCUSSION: Henry Jurgens (Docents): • What do you mean by ‘expanding Docent program’? What program? (Answer: The proposal by the PVHS is to expand the number of docents to assist with a new museum.) Ken Dyda: • How many staff are there at PVIC? (Answer: 1 FT and 12 PT staff at PVIC, this proposal would need 1 FT and 5 PT for operations and maintenance.) Don C. • Will the museum take donations? (Answer: Yes. PVHS President Dana Graham said PVHS will still serve in a management role as it pertains to the artifacts) Susan Shultz (Oceanfront Estates resident): • Not opposed to museum concept but has concerns about parking, blockage of views, wants to keep the ‘dark sky’ effect at night. No light pollution. Patrons already park in their neighborhood to use the park. Nancie Silver (resident): • Likes the concept and is fine with either location. What would the operating hours be? (Answer: To be determined. Estimates for staffing was based on a 9 to 5 operation.) Dwight Abbott (PVHS Board Member): • The architect chose the PVIC location based on the existing parking lot (overflow) and space for buses, additional parking. Functionally, the PVIC is preferred. People want to go to both, not to separate locations. RPV is the biggest city on the hill, that’s why it should be in RPV. Ken Dyda: • Spoke of the old Malaga Cove site, stated it was too small. The proposed square footage of the proposed is half the size of PVIC at 5,000 sf. The Anenberg project was 50,000 sf. There can be interactive events at the 2 museums. The exact location at PVIC is not set in stone. This project can supplement the outdoor interactive. Henry Jurgens (Docent): • A Master Plan for PVIC was approved in 2018 which included outdoor exhibits. This proposal was not a part of that. Its proposed location will remove 3 of the outside interactive areas of the Master Plan. This is an issue for the docents. F-1 Ken Dyda (rebuttal to Henry): • The location at PVIC is just a suggestion. The proposed location was based on not blocking views, no lead in the soil, and minimizing noise. Relocation at PVIC can be considered. Susan Shultz: • Relocation could be a issue. The 2018 Master Plan was a long process with the HOA, City, and docents. If this changes the PVIC Master Plan, this could be a problem as it could shift components towards Oceanfront Estates. Herb Stark: • The building should not force a relocation of the interactive elements. The building can go elsewhere at Lower Point Vicente Park. Kevin Bunting: • Worried about the loss of more green space. David Gregg: • How many people with this museum serve? Likes the concept but it should all ‘work’ the best way possible. People want to always be closer to the ocean. PVIC is better location than Civic Center. Likes the design but wants it to be safe, and the floor plan should be looked at to serve the best way it can. Ann Hugh (PVHS Board): • Stated she was previously a docent. She quit as she got bored of the same artifacts, etc. This PVHS wants to work with the Docents. Schools have told her that the PVIC alone is not enough to justify a field trip. Joe Cocke: • Museum parks do exist. A great example is Balboa Park in San Diego. 18 museums at one location. Henry Jurgens (rebuttal to Ann): • All 4th grade PVPUSD classes are signed up for tours at PVIC. As well as other schools for Wow grant funded program for Title I schools. Schools are being accommodated. Docents have plenty of artifacts to keep museum fresh. Herb Stark: • Adding space will help with storage for both facilities. It should be a similar design and architecture as the PVIC. Michael Friedman: F-2 • In favor of another museum, but a lot of what is being proposed is already at PVIC. Why can’t we just expand the current facility? The $5M donation – will that be enough for a new building? Can PVHS raise more money? Use that money to expand the PVIC. Dana Graham (PVHS President): • The donor doesn’t want it to be at the Civic Center. They possibly could donate more if needed. They want a stand alone building, something to put their name on. But, the donation is specific to the PVIC location. Susan Shultz: • The Annenberg project was shut down by the National Park Service (NPS). Would they shut the proposal down too? Staff Matt Waters briefly discussed the Annenberg project and stated that the NPS would likely need to review the proposal but they had not been approached yet since this proposal is such an early stage. Joe Cocke: • The PVHS collection is much larger than the PVIC collection. Don Christy • Storage is always an issue. Is there an underground storage area so all artifacts are on one site and can be rotated in? Dana Graham/Ken Dyda: • The current proposed design should account for all the artifacts using the cabinets, shelves and different rooms. Dana Graham noted that there is underground storage in their initial design. Kevin Bunting: • How much space is the exhibit area of PVIC (Answer: approximately 5,000 sf) Henry Jurgens: • The PVIC is a work in progress. Please don’t duplicate or interfere with the outdoor exhibits. David Gregg: • There should be a slide at the Feb 21 Council meeting depicting a different location at PVIC, the outdoor exhibits and parking. Will Council approve all this at the next meeting? (Answer: TBD -- - CC may ask for more outreach and analysis.) Dwight Abbott: • Storage is needed. Joe Cocke: • The LA County Natural History Museum has warehouses everywhere for their collection. They display only ½ of 1% of their collection. F-3 Ken Dyda: • What is the purpose of the people asking to see the comments. Is it for a rebuttal? Staff Waters said the purpose was for City Council to see the comments and the overall flow of discussion. Meeting ended at approximately 7:45pm F-4 February 7, 2023 Matt Waters City of Rancho Palos Verdes Department of Recreation and Parks 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Dear Matt, On behalf of the Los Serenos de Point Vicente Docents, I would like to present our formal position on the issue of the establishment of a new museum for the Palos Verdes Historical Society. First off, we would like to state that Los Serenos de Point Vicente does not oppose the vision of the Historical Society to construct a suitable facility to display their many artifacts. That said, we would like to address a few concerns from the presentation given by Historical Society President Dana Graham to both the Docents and to the City Council in December 2022. Los Serenos is concerned that the topics covered in the new museum as proposed would be a duplication of most of the topics already included in the PVIC museum. The PVIC museum includes displays on the flora and fauna of the area, but it is not only focused on whales and whale watching. The PVIC museum also includes displays on the indigenous peoples, California Missions, Spanish ranchos, Japanese farmers, Marineland, the Point Vicente lighthouse and its Fresnel lens, geology, and archeology. Our Native Plant Garden is a comprehensive display of the plant life of the Peninsula. Los Serenos does not support the location chosen at Lower Point Vicente, as this location will interfere with the Outside Exhibit Project proposed by Los Serenos as far back as 1970 and adopted by the City Council in the Master Plan for Lower Point Vicente in 2017. Of the alternate locations reviewed during the council meeting, which were based on a thorough analysis by staff, Los Serenos would support the city staff recommendation to consider placing the museum at the Ken Dyda Civic Center. Several sites in that area would fit the footprint desired by the Historical Society, including remodeling of the former Nike base underground missile storage room. Los Serenos cannot commit to supporting the new museum with Docent support to lead tours, as a new museum is not part of the Mission of Los Serenos de Point Vicente. Los Serenos suggests that if a new museum is approved that Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the Historical Society collaborate on the type of exhibits which will be H-1 presented in the new museum and in the PVIC, with a goal of minimizing duplication as much as possible. Thank you for all of the work you and your staff have put in on this project. Los Serenos looks forward to future discussions about the proposed new museum. Sincerely, PAUL FUNK President Los Serenos de Point Vicente H-2 From:Matt Waters To:Matt Waters Subject:FW: Historical Society Museum Date:Wednesday, November 2, 2022 1:42:32 PM From: Dana H Graham <danahgraham@cs.com> Sent: Monday, October 31, 2022 1:04 PM To: Matt Waters <MattW@rpvca.gov> Subject: Re: Historical Society Museum CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Hon. Mayor and RPV City Council Members: The Palos Verdes Historical Society has been without a museum, to house and display the countless historical artifacts we have in storage, since 2006 when the School District took over our former site in the Malaga Cove School tower. What we are looking for from you is written approval for construction of a museum adjacent to the Pt Vicente Interpretive Center in the location shown on the accompanying diagram. We view this to be an expansion of the PVIC, with the building itself being subject to the normal City process. Upon completion, we would deed the building to the City. The Historical Society would manage and maintain the displays, while the City would staff and maintain the building. You will see that we have done quite a bit of research as to the viability of a one-story, approximately 5000 sf museum, and have attempted to anticipate and solve every reasonable objection -- view obstruction, lead contamination, environmental compatibility, etc. The project would be privately funded, but to keep our benefactors on board, they need to know where the museum would be located and that we are making progress toward it. We had originally wanted to make this presentation last July but, for a few reasons, that didn't happen. Our goal is to come away from this meeting with an agreement in principle as to museum location. We will then proceed thru the normal channels (Planning Commission, etc) for approval of the building itself. Thank you again for your favorable consideration of our proposal. Dana Graham -- President, Palos Verdes Historical Society I-1