CC SR 20250701 01 - LASD Switchback Enforcement Summary
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 07/01/2025
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration to receive a status report on the Enhanced Traffic Enforcement Program
along the switchbacks section of Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE)
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file a status report on the Lomita Sheriff Station’s 10-day
Supplemental Enhanced Traffic Enforcement Program along PVDE between Crest
Road East and Palos Verdes Drive South.
FISCAL IMPACT: No new fiscal impact resulted from this action, as the enhanced
enforcement effort was funded through two budgets: available
minutes from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (L0041SD)
Annual Service Level Authorization (Form 575) and the FY 2024-25
supplemental overtime budget of $70,000. Of the supplemental
overtime budget, the year-to-date expenditures and encumbrances
for overtime requests are approximately $32,900, and the added
overtime costs specifically for the PVDE enforcement program
between May 22 to June 30 are estimated at $7,000. In total,
supplemental overtime costs this year are anticipated to be just
under $40,000, which is within the supplemental overtime budget of
$70,000. It should be noted that the City has not expended the entire
FY 2024-25 supplemental overtime budget for varying reasons.
Lomita Sheriff’s Station is not contractually obligated to fulfill the
request for supplemental overtime and is largely dependent on the
number of available deputies at the time of the request. Recent local
incidents, including the wildfires and protests in Los Angeles, have
diverted many Sheriff’s Department deputies to those areas, limiting
the number of deputies that may have otherwise been available for
supplemental traffic enforcement and crime suppression activities in
the City. VR
Amount Budgeted: $8,241,600 (see below for a budget breakdown)
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 101-400-6110-5101: $8,171,600
(General Fund - Public Safety Sheriff)
101-400-6120-5115: $70,000
(General Fund - Public Safety Special Programs –
Supplemental)
ORIGINATED BY: Jennifer Schmid, Public Safety Manager JS
1
REVIEWED BY: Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager CJ
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Public Comments (page A-1)
BACKGROUND:
At the May 20, 2025 City Council meeting, the Public Works Department presented an
engineering traffic study’s recommended measures for Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE)
between Crest Road and Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS), including the area locally
known as the “Switchbacks”. Recommendations included, among other things,
establishing a speed limit of 35 MPH throughout this stretch of PVDE. However, leading
up to and during the meeting, the City received a notable volume of public comments
expressing concerns about excessive vehicle speeds, noise, near-miss vehicle incidents,
and the overall behavior of motorists along the roadway. Community members
emphasized that the combination of recreational drivers and scenic views of the
Switchback invites undesired motorist behavior including speeding that warrants a
response by the City.
In light of these concerns, the City Council voted to defer consideration to adjust the speed
limit on PVDE between Crest Road and PVDS and directed staff to prioritize enhanced
traffic law enforcement to the extent allowable using existing law enforcement resources
with the Lomita Sheriff Station including budgeted overtime. The City Council also
directed staff to return in approximately 30 days with data on the efficacy of that
enforcement program to determine if additional measures should be implement ed to
further address speeding in partnership with the Lomita Sheriff’s Station. The intent of this
decision was to increase law enforcement presence to proactively deter the potential for
speeding and undesired motorist behavior before revisiting any permanent speed limit
changes.
It should also be noted that the City Council directed Staff to return in 60 days (by August
5, 2025) to revisit the recommendation to adjust the speed limit to 35 MPH throughout
this stretch of roadway.
DISCUSSION:
Supplemental Enhanced Enforcement Program
In direct response, the Lomita Sheriff’s Station initiated a robust 10-day enforcement
program, beginning on May 22, 2025, utilizing highly visible and proactive law
enforcement presence along the Switchbacks section of PVDE to deter speeding and
other undesirable driving behaviors. The initial 10-day period from May 22 through May
31 was marked by heavy enforcement activity, including the strategic deployment of
2
deputy motor and traffic units. Deputies actively utilized LIDAR and Radar speed
detection equipment to identify and cite speeding motorists. These operations were
supported by a trained enforcement team with at least 2 -3 deputies certified in advanced
speed enforcement tools, ensuring precise and effective monitoring. In addition, the City
supplemented the Lomita Sheriff’s Station’s efforts by adding message boards warning
drivers against speeding, as well as an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) trailer
that displayed drivers’ vehicle speeds.
Results of Supplemental Enforcement Efforts:
Over the course of the 10-day enforcement period, deputies were out on patrol a total of
186 times (unit observations) and issued 110 traffic citations, of which 78 citations were
specifically speeding violations (see graph below). The remaining citations addressed
non-moving violations such as parking in the lookouts, expire d vehicle registration, and
driver’s license matters, and other issues. The operation showcased a visible and
impactful law enforcement presence, aimed at curbing undesirable driving behavior along
the Switchbacks. It should be noted that on Friday, May 30, no formal traffic enforcement
was conducted due to other law enforcement activity and resources needed in different
areas of the City.
Following the conclusion of the initial 10-day enhanced enforcement, the program
transitioned into a more sustained yet targeted strategy. From June 1 through the end of
the month, the Lomita Sheriff’s Station continued regular patrols utilizing dedicated motor
deputy and traffic enforcement units. Supplemental overtime resources, when available,
were also deployed to ensure high visibility during peak activity hours and to respond
swiftly to community concerns. Deputies played a vital support role during this period,
conducting patrols and issuing citations for violations such as illegal parking within
3
restricted scenic lookouts. Their presence not only reinforced the message of zero
tolerance for infractions but also provided a visible deterrent to unsafe behavior.
As of now, enforcement data for the period between June 1 and June 30 is being compiled
and reviewed by the Lomita Sheriff’s Station and City Staff and will be distributed to City
Council as late correspondence and will be presented during the July 1, 2025 City Council
meeting.
Temporary Closure of Scenic Lookouts Along Switchbacks
To further support these efforts and minimize opportunities for large vehicle gatherings
often associated with undesired driving behavior, the scenic lookouts along the
Switchbacks were temporarily closed. This tactical closure aided in preventing car clubs
and other groups from loitering in the area, allowing deputies to concentrate on traffic
enforcement without obstruction. While the closure was initially implemented as a public
safety measure, Lomita Sheriff’s Station acknowledged that the closure was beneficial in
supporting their enforcement efforts and giving deputies the bandwidth to focus their
efforts on traffic issues along the Switchbacks. However, residents and other members
of the public expressed concerns regarding the closure of the scenic lookout areas, which
served as a viewing node to the public (Attachment A).
After consulting with the Lomita Sheriff’s Station, the C ity reopened the scenic lookouts
on June 23, 2025. The scenic lookouts remain open and the previous parking restrictions
have been reinstituted – closed one hour after dusk until one hour before dawn similar to
all other recreation areas of the City pursuant to Section 12.16.030 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code.
In tandem with enforcement efforts, the Public Works Department is exploring long -term
physical improvements to the lookouts, including the possibility of striping parking stalls
to prevent large groups of vehicles from parking at any given time and providing
directional ingress and egress, further enhancing safety in those areas. These actions
reflect a coordinated, multi-agency effort to prioritize public safety, support law
enforcement, and preserve the scenic and residential integrity of Switchbacks.
Throughout this period, the City partnered with Lomita Sheriff’s Station on education and
outreach efforts to keep the public informed. Information regarding the closures and
ongoing enforcement program was shared through social media and City Manager’s
Weekly Report. These proactive communications were aimed at reinforcing the purpose
of the closures, promoting responsible driving behavior, and ensuring transparency with
residents.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends receiving and filing this report and to continue coordinating with the
Lomita Sheriff’s Station to utilize supplemental overtime, when available, to monitor
potential speeding on PVDE.
4
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternative actions are available for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not approve one or more recommendations and direct staff accordingly, which
may include requests to return with additional information or updates.
2. Take other action.
5
Outlook
FW: Request to Restore Public Coastal Access Along Palos Verdes Drive East
From Brandy Forbes <bforbes@rpvca.gov>
Date Thu 6/19/2025 3:29 PM
To Jennifer Schmid <jschmid@rpvca.gov>
Jen,
Here is a third comment that Coastal Commission received, Again, Ara wanted me to forward to
you to include in the July 1 staff report.
Thanks,
Brandy Forbes, AICP
Community
Development Director
bforbes@rpvca.gov
Phone - (310) 544-5227
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
90275
Website: www.rpvca.gov
This e-mail message contains information belonging to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, which may be privileged,
confidential, and/or protected from disclosure. The information is intended only for use of the individual or entity named.
Unauthorized dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, or are not an
intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.
From: SouthCoast@Coastal <SouthCoast@coastal.ca.gov>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2025 1:54 PM
To: Brandy Forbes <bforbes@rpvca.gov>
Subject: FW: Request to Restore Public Coastal Access Along Palos Verdes Drive East
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any a achments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe!!!.
Hello,
We are receiving various emails for this report; we will continue to forward them to you based on
guidance from our analyst and enforcement unit.
A-1
Staff Services Analyst
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
South Coast District Office
301 E. Ocean Blvd. Suite 300
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 590-5071
From: Josephine Lemus <lemcg@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2025 1:07 PM
To: SouthCoast@Coastal <SouthCoast@coastal.ca.gov>
Subject: Request to Restore Public Coastal Access Along Palos Verdes Drive East
To who it may concern:
I’m writing to express concern about recent actions by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (“RPV”) that have impaired
public access to important coastal resources in our area.
Recently, the City installed “No Parking Any Time” signs at these turnouts, effectively blocking access to these
cherished public areas. This change limits enjoyment of the natural beauty that makes our city so special.
Rancho Palos Verdes is a beautiful place, and sharing that beauty with others does not diminish it. If anything, it
enhances our sense of community and humanity. We should be welcoming others to enjoy what we are fortunate to
have, not restricting access to it.
I respectfully ask that you take steps to reverse this decision, remove the restrictive signage, and restore public
access as it has existed for nearly a century.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Best regards,
Josephine Lemus
A-2
Outlook
FW: Palos verdes dr east look outs
From Brandy Forbes <bforbes@rpvca.gov>
Date Thu 6/19/2025 3:29 PM
To Jennifer Schmid <jschmid@rpvca.gov>
Jen,
Here is an additional comment that Coastal Commission received, Again, Ara wanted me to
forward to you to include in the July 1 staff report.
Thanks,
Brandy Forbes, AICP
Community
Development Director
bforbes@rpvca.gov
Phone - (310) 544-5227
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
90275
Website: www.rpvca.gov
This e-mail message contains information belonging to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, which may be privileged,
confidential, and/or protected from disclosure. The information is intended only for use of the individual or entity named.
Unauthorized dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, or are not an
intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.
From: SouthCoast@Coastal <SouthCoast@coastal.ca.gov>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2025 1:47 PM
To: Brandy Forbes <bforbes@rpvca.gov>
Subject: FW: Palos verdes dr east look outs
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any a achments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe!!!.
Hello,
See the report below, our enforcement officer suggested we should forward this to you for review.
A-3
Staff Services Analyst
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
South Coast District Office
301 E. Ocean Blvd. Suite 300
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 590-5071
From: jorher1 <jorgeh367@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2025 10:34 AM
To: SouthCoast@Coastal <SouthCoast@coastal.ca.gov>
Subject: Palos verdes dr east look outs
Dear sirs,
I'm writing regarding a recent action taken by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes ("RPV") that
impairs access to coastal resources in my area.
The Palos Verdes Drive East ("PVDE") roadway was constructed in the 1920's. Scenic
lookouts / turnouts were provided with ample space for cars to park well off the roadway. These
vantage points provided panoramic views of the coastline and access to the trail system of the
San Ramon Reserve (which PVDE runs through).
The City of RPV recently installed signs on the turnouts that read "No Parking Any Time". This
change prevents residents and visitors from enjoying the coastal views and accessing the
resources of the San Ramon Reserve.
I believe this capricious action by the City of RPV is a deliberate attempt to discourage visitors
from coming to the area and enjoying Coastal Resources.
I request that you compel the City of RPV to remove the (new) signage and restore access to
the state it's been in for the past 100 years.
Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Jorge Herrera
Palos Verdes CA
A-4
A-5
A-6
Outlook
FW: Complaint re Closure of Scenic Overlooks on Palos Verdes Drive East
From SouthCoast@Coastal <SouthCoast@coastal.ca.gov>
Date Thu 6/19/2025 8:55 AM
To Palm, Jeffrey@Coastal <jeffrey.palm@coastal.ca.gov>; Garcia, Diana@Coastal <diana.garcia@coastal.ca.gov>;
Sayre, Spenser@Coastal <spenser.sayre@coastal.ca.gov>
2 attachments (362 KB)
PVDE Google Maps.JPG; NPAT.jpg;
Hi all,
See the email below regarding an access complaint in Rancho Palos Verdes
From: Robert Grasier <robert.grasier@aol.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2025 3:24 AM
To: SouthCoast@Coastal <SouthCoast@coastal.ca.gov>
Subject: Complaint re Closure of Scenic Overlooks on Palos Verdes Drive East
Dear sirs,
I'm writing regarding a recent action taken by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes ("RPV") that impairs access to
coastal resources in my area.
The Palos Verdes Drive East ("PVDE") roadway was constructed in the 1920's. Scenic lookouts / turnouts were
provided with ample space for cars to park well off the roadway. These vantage points provided panoramic views
of the coastline and access to the trail system of the San Ramon Reserve (which PVDE runs through).
The City of RPV recently installed signs on the turnouts that read "No Parking Any Time". This change prevents
residents and visitors from enjoying the coastal views and accessing the resources of the San Ramon Reserve.
I believe this capricious action by the City of RPV is a deliberate attempt to discourage visitors from coming to the
area and enjoying Coastal Resources.
I request that you compel the City of RPV to remove the (new) signage and restore access to the
state it's been in for the past 100 years.
Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Robert Grasier
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
310 864-2582
Attachment 1 - map of the area with the turnouts highlighted in yellow
Attachment 2 - example of the recent signage installed by the City of RPV
A-7
You don't often get email from diana.garcia@coastal.ca.gov. Learn why this is important
Outlook
FW: Complaint re Closure of Scenic Overlooks on Palos Verdes Drive East
From Brandy Forbes <bforbes@rpvca.gov>
Date Thu 6/19/2025 3:28 PM
To Jennifer Schmid <jschmid@rpvca.gov>
1 attachment (389 KB)
FW: Complaint re Closure of Scenic Overlooks on Palos Verdes Drive East;
Jen,
Please see email from Coastal Commission and attached complaint. This isn’t in the coastal
zone, as Coastal Commission let the person know. They have sent two additional comments
since. Ara wanted me to forward these to you for you to include in the July 1 Council staff
report. I will forward the other two comments, as well.
Thanks,
Brandy Forbes, AICP
Community
Development Director
bforbes@rpvca.gov
Phone - (310) 544-5227
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
90275
Website: www.rpvca.gov
This e-mail message contains information belonging to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, which may be privileged,
confidential, and/or protected from disclosure. The information is intended only for use of the individual or entity named.
Unauthorized dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, or are not an
intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.
From: Garcia, Diana@Coastal <diana.garcia@coastal.ca.gov>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2025 11:05 AM
To: Brandy Forbes <bforbes@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Fw: Complaint re Closure of Scenic Overlooks on Palos Verdes Drive East
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any a achments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe!!!.
A-8
Dear Brandy Forbes:
I hope this email finds you well. Our staff received the complaint attached this morning (from two
separate members of the public) regarding alleged access obstructions along the Palos Verdes Drive
East Roadway and San Ramon Reserve. As you may know, Commission staff let the members of the
public know that the subject area is not within the Coastal Zone Boundary and thus not within staff's
permitting / enforcement jurisdiction. Staff wanted to relay this report to your office to ensure you have
received it.
Thanks so much,
Diana
Diana Garcia | Enforcement Officer
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
South Coast District Office
301 Ocean Blvd. Suite 300
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 590-5071
A-9
Some people who received this message don't often get email from brettnewset@yahoo.com. Learn why this is important
Outlook
RE: Switchback turnout closure
From Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
Date Tue 6/17/2025 5:51 AM
To Brett Walker <brettnewset@yahoo.com>; CC <CC@rpvca.gov>; kguerre@lasd.org <kguerre@lasd.org>
Cc Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>; Catherine Jun <cjun@rpvca.gov>; Jennifer Schmid
<jschmid@rpvca.gov>
Good morning Mr. Walker,
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to the City Council to express your thoughts on the closure of
the turn-outs along the switchbacks. Your email along with my response will be attached to the July 1
City Council staff report for consideration.
I would like to point out that the closure of the turn-outs were temporary to support the initial enforcement
plan and are planned to be re-opened soon with restrictions, such as hours. Additionally, we are
exploring the possibility of striping spaces for parking.
The City Council is tentatively scheduled to consider the City’s response to the enforcement plan at its
July 1 meeting.
The staff report with recommendations will be published the Tuesday before.
Let me know if you have any follow up questions or comments.
Ara
From: Bre Walker <bre newset@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2025 12:20 PM
To: CC <CC@rpvca.gov>; kguerre@lasd.org
Subject: Switchback turnout closure
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any a achments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe!!!.
A-10
Dear Council members and Captain Guerrero,
I wanted to express my appreciation for the action taken to shut down the switchback turnouts (
No parking/No stopping). We have noticed a big change in activity. At the council meeting I
concentrated on racing activity. However, it is much more than that. Please see the below
video(given to Lomita Sheriffs) as well as the picture of Gang graffiti. The turnouts had also
been used in the past for firework discharge which resulted in two fires in two years.
Again thank you for your quick response
Brett Walker
Shooting.MOV
dropbox.com
A-11
On May 19, 2025, at 1:16 PM, Brett Walker <brettnewset@yahoo.com> wrote:
Dear Council members
Hopefully this gives insight into what’s happening on the switchbacks. Please add to
tomorrows “Traffic study of Palos Verdes Drive East"
My property has a unique view of the race track.
Looking forward to expressing my suggestions tomorrow
Sincerely
Brett Walker
<530l5srkaql5en9e2s4gd.jpeg>
Switchback racing.mp4
dropbox.com
A-12
Outlook
Prohibiting parking on PV Drive East scenic overlooks (at switchbacks)
From Douglas Shook <shook@usc.edu>
Date Fri 5/30/2025 7:28 AM
To CityManager <CityManager@rpvca.gov>
Some people who received this message don't often get email from shook@usc.edu. Learn why this is important
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any a achments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe!!!.
Dear Mr. Mihranian,
I can support the increased patrolling to curb speeding if it is deemed necessary, but to restrict parking at
the scenic lookout points is an over-reach, will not reduce speeding, and removes access to a beloved
distinguishing feature of our community.
As an RPV homeowner, I make regular use of the scenic lookout points and have met many families,
young couples, tourists, etc., who park, take photos and speak about what a wonderful community we
have here in RPV.
To me, restricting parking and removing access to these beautiful scenic lookout points is wrong-minded
and makes our lovely community appear unwelcoming to its residents and our guests.
I also do not understand how a restrictive act like this was approved and implemented without any public
announcement or public input.
Increase patrols in the area if you believe it is necessary, but please take down those signs and let us
enjoy our wonderful views again. If you wish to put this restriction up for public discussion, do so, but
please take down those signs immediately until the public has had input on what I believe is an
unwarranted, ineffective, and uninformed decision.
I also have contacted the city council regarding this issue. Thank you.
Best regards,
Douglas Shook
=======================================
Douglas Shook, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Data Sciences
University of Southern California
e-mail: shook@usc.edu
A-13