CC SR 20241119 03 - Coast Guard Update
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 11/19/2024
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to receive a status update on efforts to potentially
acquire two United States Coast Guard properties in Rancho Palos Verdes.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file a status update on efforts to potentially acquire two United States
Coast Guard properties in Rancho Palos Verdes; and
(2) Direct staff to continue its efforts to explore the potential acquisition of one or both
properties in coordination with the United States Coast Guard and Federal
Legislators.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst, Recreation and Parks
REVIEWED BY: Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. July 25, 2024 Letter to Senator Laphonza Butler
B. July 25, 2024 Letter to Senator Alex Padilla
C. July 25, 2024 Letter to Representative Ted Lieu
D. April 21, 2022 Letter to USCG Commander Lisa M. Sharkey
E. February 28, 2023 Letter to USCG Commander Lisa M. Sharkey
BACKGROUND:
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has expressed interest in acquiring two United States
Coast Guard (USCG) properties located within the City, also known as Battery Barnes
and the Point Vicente Lighthouse.
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Acquisition and preservation of the iconic and historic Point Vicente Lighthouse property
has been a long-standing goal of the City dating back to the adoption of the City’s General
Plan in 1975. The property still functions as an active navigational lighthouse, but no
Coast Guard personnel currently occupy the site.
Separately, the 3.9-acre Battery Barnes site with its prime location immediately adjacent
to the Ken Dyda Civic Center, along with its tremendous views, would be a desirable
addition to the ongoing Civic Center Master Plan process. Battery Barnes served as part
of the West Coast’s artillery defense system during World War II. Two 16 inch guns and
anti-aircraft weapons were positioned there during the war. Subsequently, Battery Barnes
has been run by the USCG, which uses it to aid in navigation. No personnel are stationed
there.
An aerial image of both properties is shown below:
Battery Barnes and Point Vicente Lighthouse Properties
Acquiring or entering into a joint agreement with the USCG for either or both properties
is a current City Council goal and a long-standing component of the Civic Center Advisory
Committee’s (CCAC) Work Plan.
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At the August 6, 2024 City Council meeting, Councilmember Bradley requested a
progress report on the City’s ongoing efforts to acquire the Battery Barnes and the Point
Vicente Lighthouse properties, especially in light of the recent dismantling of the
Wayfarers Chapel.
DISCUSSION:
The City sent letters to the USCG in April 2022 and February 2023 to express its ongoing
interest in both properties (Attachments D and E). The February 21, 2023 letter noted
that the City’s intention for Battery Barnes would be to celebrate its rich history and role
in World War II, and with the Coast Guard. Allowing appropriately managed public access
to Battery Barnes via well-maintained trails and pathways and improved landscaping
would be an important element of future planning efforts. The letter further noted the City’s
commitment to properly maintain and manage infrastructure on the site. Establishing a
linkage to the legacy of Japanese American farming on the Palos Verdes Peninsula would
be another historical connection.
The letter also noted the City’s intent regarding the Point Vicente Lighthouse, stating that
the City would focus on well-managed public access, proper care of the grounds and
facility, and deep respect for this iconic site’s historical importance and its significance to
Rancho Palos Verdes residents. The letter noted that the operational needs of the USCG
are a top priority, and the City has no intention of interfering with those needs.
USCG personnel informed the City that the Coast Guard was engaged in a lengthy
divestiture and development process at Base Los Angeles/Long Beach. Both properties
are being evaluated for future uses, including housing for additional staff.
An additional factor is the recent acceleration of the greater Portuguese Bend Landslide,
which has received significant local and national media attention. In addition to a loss of
gas and power to hundreds or residences, damage to a major arterial (Palos Verdes Drive
South) and other roadways, utilities, and residences, this unprecedented, ongoing land
movement has forced the closure and subsequent dismantling of the famed Wayfarers
Chapel, a National Historic Landmark that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr. The
chapel’s redwood beams glass panels, stone structures, and decorative elements have
been dismantled and are being stored off site.
The owners of the chapel, the Swedenborgian Church, are looking at possible locations
to reassemble the chapel, as their current location may no longer be a viable site to rebuild
due to the active landslide. This is still being studied by the Wayfarers Board. The site-
specific naturalistic materials of the chapel need to stay within the same micro-climate to
prevent further deterioration. Due to that factor and the Swedenborgian Church’s desire
for the chapel to stay near to its historic original location, either of the USCG properties
would be ideal locations. Both sites have sufficient space for the chapel, the same micro-
climate, and similar natural settings with spectacular ocean views. The addition of the
Chapel would increase both the historic and aesthetic appeal of either site. That said, it is
important to note that this process is at a preliminary, information gathering stage; the City
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has not entered into any formal agreement regarding the re-assembly of the chapel.
The City sent out letters to Representative Ted Lieu and United States Senators Alex
Padilla and Laphonza Butler on July 25, 2024, requesting their support of acquiring or
entering into a joint use agreement of Battery Barnes and the Point Vicente Lighthouse
property with the additional possibility of locating Wayfarers Chapel on either site
(Attachments A, B, and C). The letters provide background information on the two
properties and an overview of the land movement and the damage to Wayfarers Chapel
and its subsequent disassembly.
Staff met with field staff for Representative Lieu and U.S Senators Padilla and Butler on
October 21, 2024 to discuss the City’s interest in the two USCG properties. The
representatives stated that the anticipated length of the ongoing USCG divestiture
process makes acquisition unlikely at this time but should still be pursued. Their advice
was to focus on the more prudent short-term approach of discussing the possibility of
joint use agreements with the USCG. Staff intends to reach out to Commander Robert
Poitinger, who has replaced Commander Sharkey, and other USCG personnel to
request a meeting to explore this possibility in more detail. Staff will continue to update
the City Council as this outreach process progresses.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
City Manager Ara Mihranian and Wayfarers Board President Robert Carr continue to
engage in ongoing discussions on the future location of Wayfarers Chapel including
considering relocating at the Ken Dyda Civic Center. As part of these discussions, the
preferred location continues to be the Battery Barnes site followed by the Civic Center.
CONCLUSION:
Staff is asking the City Council to receive and file a status update on the potential
acquisition of USCG properties in Rancho Palos Verdes and to direct staff to continue
exploring the potential of acquiring the properties.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not receive and file this status update.
2. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
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