CC SR 20251021 H - PVPLC Donor Recognition Monument
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 10/21/2025
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consider authorizing construction of a third donor recognition monument at Del Cerro
Park
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1) Authorize the construction of a third donor recognition monument at Del Cerro Park
to recognize donors who have made significant monetary contributions toward the
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s (Land Conservancy) Go Wild for the
Peninsula Capital Campaign and to recognize City Council members, Land
Conservancy Board members, and other officials, as deemed appropriate, for their
efforts to acquire the Wildlife Corridor.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to approve the recommended Council action
because the Land Conservancy will fund the donor monument design and installation,
and all associated work. VR
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Katie Lozano, Open Space and Trails Manager, Recreation and
Parks Department
REVIEWED BY: Daniel Trautner, Director, Recreation and Parks Department
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Land Conservancy ’s October 9, 2025 Request Letter (Page A-1)
B. Overlook, Vista Point, and Trail Design Schemes (Page B-1)
C. Land Conservancy Capital Campaign Brochure (Page C-1)
D. Land Conservancy Go Wild for the Peninsula Brochure (Page D-1)
E. City-Land Conservancy 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (Page E -1)
F. Preserve Public Use Master Plan (link)
G. City-Land Conservancy Management Agreement (link)
1
BACKGROUND:
In 1996, the City entered into a planning agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (collectivity referred to as the Wildlife
Agencies) to create a Natural Communities Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan
(NCCP/HCP) encompassing the entire City for the dual purposes of protecting and
preserving sensitive species and their habitats and streamlining the environmental review
process for a number of vital City infrastructure projects, as well as private projects (also
known as Covered Projects). Part of the development of the NCCP/HCP included creating
the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (Preserve) for habitat and sensitive species
preservation and as a mitigation measure for the loss to sensitive habitat resulting from
Covered Projects.
Between 1996 and 2004, the City, Land Conservancy, and Wildlife Agencies worked to
assess and map habitat, prepare the initial draft NCCP/HCP, and engage the public. After
that point, in late 2004, the focus turned to land acquisition and the required fundraising
and grant funding pursuit to build the envisioned Preserve, much of which was privately
owned land in the City. To support efforts to fundraise for the acquisition of land, at its
January 24, 2005 meeting, the City Council approved the following as the Land
Conservancy Capital Campaign Brochure (Attachment D):
1. The practice of allowing portions of the City-owned Preserve to be named after
donors who make significant monetary contributions toward the acquisition of the
privately owned parcels that make up the greater Preserve; and
2. Allowing a portion of Del Cerro Park to serve as a primary donor recognition site
for donors who contribute toward the City/PVPLC open space acquisition efforts.
Consequently, and based on the City Council’s January 24, 2005 actions, the Land
Conservancy worked with Melendrez and Associates, a landscape architectural and
design firm, to develop design and construction plans for donor recognition monuments
in the Preserve and the primary donor recognition site at Del Cerro Park. The design
scheme was vetted through a public process and subsequently approved by the City
Council. The design uses natural contours and themes, incorporates decorative Palos
Verdes stonework, and other vernacular materials to blend with the natural environment,
as depicted in the photographs below.
2
As requested by the Land Conservancy (Attachment A) and memoriali zed under the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (Attachment E) between the City and the Land
Conservancy, this evening, the City Council is being asked to consider approving the
installation of a third donor monument at Del Cerro Park’s Donor Recognition Site to
recognize the contributions made to acquire the 96-acre Wildlife Corridor in 2022.
DISCUSSION:
The Management Agreement (Attachment G) between the City and Land Conservancy
establishes that donor recognition monuments may be installed in the Preserve at
overlooks/scenic points and at the Del Cerro Park, provided that the City Council
approves the location, size, and sign s associated with said recognition sites. Del Cerro
Park, albeit outside the Preserve, was identified as an appropriate location for a donor
recognition site because it is situated above the Preserve and provides expansive views
of most of the overall Preserve.
The Management Agreement also establishes that the Land Conservancy maintains
donor recognition sites that it installs, including the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site,
which includes responsibility for cleaning, repairs, or modifications. The Land
Conservancy’s Capital Campaign Brochure establishes the following donor recognition
sites and criteria (Attachment D):
• Preserve name (1,500-acre Palos Verdes Nature Preserve): $10 Million
• Wilderness Area (individual Reserve): $1 Million
• Scenic Points: $250,000
• Trails: $100,000
• Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site: $37,000 or more
The Land Conservancy began a capital fundraising campaign, Go Wild for the Peninsula,
in 2022 to raise funds towards acquisition and management of the various land
throughout the Peninsula and San Pedro that the Land Conservancy co -manages and/or
owns. This included fundraising for the acquisition and management of the 96-acre
Wildlife Corridor, which the City and Land Conservancy partnered to acquire in 2022 from
York Point View Properties, LLC.
The City and the Land Conservancy entered into an MOU (Attachment C) in April 2022
regarding the collaboration as co-buyers in the purchase and management of the newly
acquired 96-acre Wildlife Corridor property. Section 9 and Exhibit 3 of the MOU include
information on the Go Wild for the Peninsula Capital Fundraising Campaign, which
includes funding for the Wildlife Corridor land purchase and habitat restoration, among
other land and activities outside the City that are co-managed or owned by the Land
Conservancy. The Donor Recognition Plan within the MOU complies with the approved
guidelines for recognition within the Management Agreement, with the following
adjustments:
3
• The MOU adds donation opportunities for bird and butterfly sanctuaries for
donations made to the Land Conservancy in the amount of $250,000 -$500,000.
These sanctuary donation opportunities were added because they are more
appropriate than scenic overlook points, as the newly acquired property has limited
public access.
• The threshold for donor recognition at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site was
lowered from $37,000 in the Management Agreement, to $25,000 in the MOU.
There are currently two City Council-approved donor recognition monuments at the Del
Cerro Park, and the Land Conservancy is proposing to place a third donor recognition
site at this location, commonly known as the Donor Recognition Site. The third monument
will be the same size and design as the previously two installed monuments, and will be
placed along the same concrete path, in the middle of the two existing monuments. The
donor recognition monument will include a stone clad bench, a low stone clad wall on
which plaques will be installed recognizing donors and officials, and stone edge paving.
This monument will, among other officials, specifically recognize donors who have
contributed $25,000 or more to the Land Conservancy’s Go Wild for the Peninsula Capital
Fundraising Campaign. See the graphic below for the approximate proposed location. If
approved, construction would begin and end in spring 2026, and an unveiling and thank
you ceremony would take place in spring/early summer 2026.
Acquisition of the Wildlife Corridor in 2022 was made possible through the following
funding sources:
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: $12,600,000
• Wildlife Conservation Board: $4,800,000
• Land Conservancy (private donations): $1,300,000
• City of Rancho Palos Verdes: $1,300,000
• LA County Regional Park and Open Space District: $1,000,000
Approximate location of third donor monument
4
The City Council has adopted additional policies, procedures, and design guidelines for
the installation of donor recognition monuments in the Preserve and at Del Cerro Park
within the following City Council approved plans and documents:
• Natural Communities Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP)
(2019)
• Preserve Public Use Master Plan (PUMP) (2013) (Attachment F)
• City-Land Conservancy Management Agreement (2011, amended 2014)
(Attachment G)
• Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Land Conservancy (2022)
(Attachment E)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
NCCP/HCP and PUMP
The City and Land Conservancy are co-permittees under the City’s NCCP/HCP permit.
The NCCP/HCP establishes the Land Conservancy as the Preserve Habitat Manager and
the holder of conservation easements of the Preserve properties owned by the City (the
City is the holder of the conservation easement for Preserve land owned ((approximately
26 acres)) by the Land Conservancy). Additionally, the Land Conservancy’s in-kind
services and fundraising efforts help to meet the financial assurances required in the
NCCP/HCP. The NCCP/HCP requires a Management Agreement (Attachment G) to be
in place between the City and the Land Conservancy to define each agencies’ roles and
responsibilities toward implementing the NCCP/HCP. The NCCP/HCP also includes the
PUMP (Attachment F), which establishes allowed public uses of the Preserve and the
amenities that support public use, including overlook areas.
The City Council-approved PUMP establishes that overlooks may be installed at the Del
Cerro Park, and it elaborates that overlooks are intended to improve trail/park users with
a rest area and enhanced viewing opportunities of the Preserve, Pacific Ocean, Catalina
Island, and the Palos Verdes Coastline. The overlooks also include seating areas and
amenities for the public’s use and utilize natural materials so as to keep with the natural
setting of the site such Palos Verdes stone. Typical overlooks include a stone clad bench,
a low stone clad wall, stone edge paving, and signage/donor information. The Land
Conservancy’s proposed donor monument at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site has
the same design and size as the other two previously City Council approved overlooks at
this location and is consistent with the NCCP/HCP and PUMP.
CONCLUSION:
The City Council is being asked to authorize the construction of a third donor recognition
monument at Del Cerro Park to recognize donors and officials who have made significant
contributions toward the acquisition of the Wildlife Corridor.
5
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff’s Recommendations, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1) Direct Staff to work with the Land Conservancy on different donor recognition size,
design, and/or location.
2) Take other action as deemed appropriate.
6
PRESERVING LAND AND RESTORING HABITAT FOR THE EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT OF ALL
6118 PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH. RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA 9027 5 T 310.541.7613 WWW.PVPLC.ORG
October 9, 2025
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Subject: Request for permission to construct donor recognition monument at Del Cerro Park
Dear Mr. Mihranian,
On behalf of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (Land Conservancy), I am writing to
respectfully request the City’s review and approval to construct a donor recognition monument
at Del Cerro Park.
The Conservancy wishes to recognize the generous supporters who contributed to the Go
Wild for the Peninsula Campaign that helped successfully acquire the 96-acre Wildlife Corridor.
The proposed monument will be designed to harmonize with the natural landscape and the
existing park aesthetic, using natural materials consistent with the existing donor recognition
monuments in the Park. The monument will include donor names and acknowledgement of the
enduring public-private partnership between the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the Land
Conservancy.
We would be pleased to provide concept renderings, materials specifications, and installation
details for City staff review, and to coordinate with the appropriate departments on placement
and installation.
We deeply value the City’s ongoing partnership in preserving and enhancing the Palos Verdes
Nature Preserve natural lands and are grateful for staff’s support through the review and
approval process.
With appreciation,
Adrienne Mohan
Executive Director
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
A-1
10-8 B-1
10-9 B-2
“The land belongs to the future. We come and go, but the land is
always here. And the people who love it and understand it are the
people who own it — for a little while.”
– Willa Cather, O Pioneers!
For more information about these exciting opportunities,
please contact the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
916 Silver Spur Road, Suite 108
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
310-541-7613 • 310-541-7623 (fax)
www.pvplc.org
LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY FOR
FUTURE GENERATIONS
Donor Recognition Opportunities for the
Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve
Fulfill the Dream
C-1
Preserve Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 million
A gift of $10 million will be recognized by designating the entire preserve in the donor’s
name. The name of the preserve would be conveyed on all signage, printed materials,
and published maps, including internet mapping services. Special recognition would
also be featured at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Gateway Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2 million
Adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive South there will be a
Gateway Park for the entire preserve. Additional
development within this area may include an
equestrian center, educational kiosks, and picnic areas.
The Gateway Park will feature the donor’s name and be
prominently displayed on a sign welcoming visitors to
the preserve. The donor’s contribution would also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Wilderness Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 million
There are several unique natural areas in the preserve and each area will have the
opportunity for a clearly visible sign in a public location. It will be referred to in all
materials as the Donor Name Wilderness Area. A special recognition for each
Wilderness Area will be part of the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site
A donor recognition site will be created at Del Cerro Park to
recognize all contributions of $37,000 or more with permanent
markers overlooking the magnificent slopes of Portuguese
Bend. An easy pathway from the parking lot will bring the donor
to the viewpoint, where a significant and permanent recognition
marker, including seating and signage, will be placed.
Education Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.5 million
Within the Gateway Park an education center will
welcome people of all ages to learn about the unique
features of the preserve. A large sign with the donor’s
name will mark the area, and all materials will refer to
the facility by the donor’s name. You will also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Scenic Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250,000
These are dramatic overlooks within the
preserve. Permanent markers, designed for
each site as appropriate, will be placed at
the overlook and will recognize donor
support. Recognition could be a plaque,
bench, or other amenity to be determined.
Contributions will also be noted at the Del
Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000
Approximately twenty miles of trails traverse the preserve, and naming opportunities
exist for all of the major trails. The trail names will be shown on all of the maps of the
preserve, on trail signs at the trailhead and at trail intersections. Donors will also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Preserve Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 million
A gift of $10 million will be recognized by designating the entire preserve in the donor’s
name. The name of the preserve would be conveyed on all signage, printed materials,
and published maps, including internet mapping services. Special recognition would
also be featured at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Gateway Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2 million
Adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive South there will be a
Gateway Park for the entire preserve. Additional
development within this area may include an
equestrian center, educational kiosks, and picnic areas.
The Gateway Park will feature the donor’s name and be
prominently displayed on a sign welcoming visitors to
the preserve. The donor’s contribution would also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Wilderness Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 million
There are several unique natural areas in the preserve and each area will have the
opportunity for a clearly visible sign in a public location. It will be referred to in all
materials as the Donor Name Wilderness Area. A special recognition for each
Wilderness Area will be part of the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site
A donor recognition site will be created at Del Cerro Park to
recognize all contributions of $37,000 or more with permanent
markers overlooking the magnificent slopes of Portuguese
Bend. An easy pathway from the parking lot will bring the donor
to the viewpoint, where a significant and permanent recognition
marker, including seating and signage, will be placed.
Education Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.5 million
Within the Gateway Park an education center will
welcome people of all ages to learn about the unique
features of the preserve. A large sign with the donor’s
name will mark the area, and all materials will refer to
the facility by the donor’s name. You will also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Scenic Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250,000
These are dramatic overlooks within the
preserve. Permanent markers, designed for
each site as appropriate, will be placed at
the overlook and will recognize donor
support. Recognition could be a plaque,
bench, or other amenity to be determined.
Contributions will also be noted at the Del
Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000
Approximately twenty miles of trails traverse the preserve, and naming opportunities
exist for all of the major trails. The trail names will be shown on all of the maps of the
preserve, on trail signs at the trailhead and at trail intersections. Donors will also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Preserve Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 million
A gift of $10 million will be recognized by designating the entire preserve in the donor’s
name. The name of the preserve would be conveyed on all signage, printed materials,
and published maps, including internet mapping services. Special recognition would
also be featured at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Gateway Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2 million
Adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive South there will be a
Gateway Park for the entire preserve. Additional
development within this area may include an
equestrian center, educational kiosks, and picnic areas.
The Gateway Park will feature the donor’s name and be
prominently displayed on a sign welcoming visitors to
the preserve. The donor’s contribution would also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Wilderness Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 million
There are several unique natural areas in the preserve and each area will have the
opportunity for a clearly visible sign in a public location. It will be referred to in all
materials as the Donor Name Wilderness Area. A special recognition for each
Wilderness Area will be part of the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site
A donor recognition site will be created at Del Cerro Park to
recognize all contributions of $37,000 or more with permanent
markers overlooking the magnificent slopes of Portuguese
Bend. An easy pathway from the parking lot will bring the donor
to the viewpoint, where a significant and permanent recognition
marker, including seating and signage, will be placed.
Education Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.5 million
Within the Gateway Park an education center will
welcome people of all ages to learn about the unique
features of the preserve. A large sign with the donor’s
name will mark the area, and all materials will refer to
the facility by the donor’s name. You will also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Scenic Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250,000
These are dramatic overlooks within the
preserve. Permanent markers, designed for
each site as appropriate, will be placed at
the overlook and will recognize donor
support. Recognition could be a plaque,
bench, or other amenity to be determined.
Contributions will also be noted at the Del
Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000
Approximately twenty miles of trails traverse the preserve, and naming opportunities
exist for all of the major trails. The trail names will be shown on all of the maps of the
preserve, on trail signs at the trailhead and at trail intersections. Donors will also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
NO LON
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Preserve Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 million
A gift of $10 million will be recognized by designating the entire preserve in the donor’s
name. The name of the preserve would be conveyed on all signage, printed materials,
and published maps, including internet mapping services. Special recognition would
also be featured at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Gateway Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2 million
Adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive South there will be a
Gateway Park for the entire preserve. Additional
development within this area may include an
equestrian center, educational kiosks, and picnic areas.
The Gateway Park will feature the donor’s name and be
prominently displayed on a sign welcoming visitors to
the preserve. The donor’s contribution would also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Wilderness Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 million
There are several unique natural areas in the preserve and each area will have the
opportunity for a clearly visible sign in a public location. It will be referred to in all
materials as the Donor Name Wilderness Area. A special recognition for each
Wilderness Area will be part of the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site
A donor recognition site will be created at Del Cerro Park to
recognize all contributions of $37,000 or more with permanent
markers overlooking the magnificent slopes of Portuguese
Bend. An easy pathway from the parking lot will bring the donor
to the viewpoint, where a significant and permanent recognition
marker, including seating and signage, will be placed.
Education Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.5 million
Within the Gateway Park an education center will
welcome people of all ages to learn about the unique
features of the preserve. A large sign with the donor’s
name will mark the area, and all materials will refer to
the facility by the donor’s name. You will also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Scenic Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250,000
These are dramatic overlooks within the
preserve. Permanent markers, designed for
each site as appropriate, will be placed at
the overlook and will recognize donor
support. Recognition could be a plaque,
bench, or other amenity to be determined.
Contributions will also be noted at the Del
Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000
Approximately twenty miles of trails traverse the preserve, and naming opportunities
exist for all of the major trails. The trail names will be shown on all of the maps of the
preserve, on trail signs at the trailhead and at trail intersections. Donors will also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Preserve Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 million
A gift of $10 million will be recognized by designating the entire preserve in the donor’s
name. The name of the preserve would be conveyed on all signage, printed materials,
and published maps, including internet mapping services. Special recognition would
also be featured at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Gateway Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2 million
Adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive South there will be a
Gateway Park for the entire preserve. Additional
development within this area may include an
equestrian center, educational kiosks, and picnic areas.
The Gateway Park will feature the donor’s name and be
prominently displayed on a sign welcoming visitors to
the preserve. The donor’s contribution would also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Wilderness Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 million
There are several unique natural areas in the preserve and each area will have the
opportunity for a clearly visible sign in a public location. It will be referred to in all
materials as the Donor Name Wilderness Area. A special recognition for each
Wilderness Area will be part of the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site
A donor recognition site will be created at Del Cerro Park to
recognize all contributions of $37,000 or more with permanent
markers overlooking the magnificent slopes of Portuguese
Bend. An easy pathway from the parking lot will bring the donor
to the viewpoint, where a significant and permanent recognition
marker, including seating and signage, will be placed.
Education Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.5 million
Within the Gateway Park an education center will
welcome people of all ages to learn about the unique
features of the preserve. A large sign with the donor’s
name will mark the area, and all materials will refer to
the facility by the donor’s name. You will also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Scenic Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250,000
These are dramatic overlooks within the
preserve. Permanent markers, designed for
each site as appropriate, will be placed at
the overlook and will recognize donor
support. Recognition could be a plaque,
bench, or other amenity to be determined.
Contributions will also be noted at the Del
Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000
Approximately twenty miles of trails traverse the preserve, and naming opportunities
exist for all of the major trails. The trail names will be shown on all of the maps of the
preserve, on trail signs at the trailhead and at trail intersections. Donors will also be
recognized at the Del Cerro Donor Recognition Site.
Scenic Points
A donor recognition site at Del Cerro Park to recognize all
contributions of $37,000 or more with permanent markers
overlooking the magnificient slopes of Portuguese Bend. An
easy pathway from the parking lot to the viewpoint, where a
significant recognition marker, seating and signage are placed.C-2
GoWildPV.org
916 Silver Spur Road, #207 Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Tel: 310-541-7613 | Email: info@pvplc.org
facebook.com/pvplc instagram.com/pvplc
Tax ID: 33-030722
Since 1988, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy has successfully
conserved more than 1,700 acres of natural land for the community’s enjoyment
while restoring healthy ecosystems with native plants as home for wildlife.
We now face a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve the last major piece
of open space on the Peninsula critical for saving rare California wildlife from
extinction. This new 96-acre wildlife corridor will provide critical connectivity
from the shoreline to the expanse of Preserve land above.
We need your help!f
D-1
REMOVE FIRE-PRONE PLANTS
Removing invasive species including highly
hazardous acacia will reduce the fuel load
of combustible vegetation. Invasive species
also inhibit the growth of native plants that
are both more fire tolerant and necessary
for the survival of local wildlife.
USE ECO-FRIENDLY
GOAT GRAZERS
Goats effectively remove invasive weeds
including fennel, mustard and other
non-native plants. This method of weeding
by goat grazing is considered an environ-
mentally friendly and economically efficient
approach for fuel reduction.
M o n a rch But erfly
Go Wild Planv Why should I Go Wild?
• Safeguard our community from wildfire
• Help protect natural lands and Peninsula’s beauty
• Help our community be more drought resistant
• Create habitat to shelter local rare species
• Protect the Peninsula for future generations
• Contribute financial support
• Give volunteer hours
• Spread the word to others
• Plant native plants in your own backyard
(Purchase online at: pvplc.org/plant-sales)
Ways to Go Wild
x
f
B u r o wing Owl
Cactus W r e n
D-2
Since 1988, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy has preserved
more than 1700 acres of natural land on the Peninsula. The spectacular
views contribute to the quality of human life on the peninsula and also
provide valuable refugia and wildlife corridors for animal and plant
inhabitants. The Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (in yellow), now 1500
acres managed in partnership with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,
includes a 96-acre Wildlife Corridor (in white) supported by this
GO WILD initiative. Preserved lands are also managed in Rolling
Hills Estates (in orange) and San Pedro (City of Los Angeles, in blue).
Help create a coastal
wildlife corridor!
About Usv
96-acreWildlifeCorridor
<!<!96-acreWildlifeCorridor
D-3
The PVP Land Conservancy received the highest grant in the nation from the
US Fish and Wildlife Service last year and was also granted matching funds from the
state’s Wildlife Conservation Board. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes contributed toward
the purchase of land as did the Los Angeles County Regional Park, Open Space District
from Measure A Funds and District 26 Senator Ben Allen. To date, $24.7 million
in public funds have been raised.
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is grateful for over 35 years of strong
support from the community. Together we have preserved the health, beauty and
character of the Peninsula. We invite you to participate in the collective vision of creating
a coastal wildlife corridor to connect natural lands on the Peninsula! Please consider
making a generous gift. With your help, today’s preservation work will ensure the splendor
of natural lands on the Peninsula will be enjoyed now and in future generations.
Go Wild Campaignh
CREATE A PALOS VERDES BLUE
BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY
The preservation and restoration of the
wildlife corridor will provide a sanctuary
for the safe reintroduction of the Palos
Verdes blue butterfly – the rarest butterfly
in the world – back into its historic home
range. Restoring native wildflowers, cactus
and coastal sage scrub plants will support
the recovery of a diverse array of endangered
and imperiled species.
PLANT DROUGHT TOLERANT
NATIVE SPECIES
Drought tolerant native plants are a key
part of the solution to California’s severe
water shortage. Not only are native
species a beautiful alternative to thirsty
plants, they provide food and shelter for
birds, butterflies like the Monarch, bees
and other pollinator populations in severe
decline across the nation.
Palos Verdes Blue B
u
t e
rf
l
y
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
City of Rancho Palos Verdes &
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
This Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU")is entered into as of April 5, 2022 by and
between City of Rancho Palos Verdes, a general law city & municipal corporation ("RPV" or
City") and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, an Internal Revenue Service §
501(c)(3) not for profit corporation ("PVPLC" or "Conservancy") with regard to City and
Conservancy's collaboration as co-buyers in the purchase and management of the
York/Plumtree/Lower Filiorum properties (for a Wildlife Corridor, as depicted in Exhibit 1)
Property")pursuant to that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement("PSA")to be entered into by
and between City and Conservancy, as buyers, and York Point View Properties, LLC, as seller.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, City and Conservancy have been collaborating in planning for the acquisition
of the Property and for management of portions of it as a Wildlife Corridor which was first
contemplated as part of the NCCP/HCP in 2001 to provide unique habitat for rare species like the
Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly,the cactus wren, and the California gnatcatcher; and
WHEREAS, the Wildlife Corridor acquisition will be another significant step in the
collaborative and historic effort of RPV and PVPLC over almost 35 years to create the 1500-acre
Palos Verdes Nature Preserve; and
WHEREAS, Conservancy has secured or is in the process of securing funds or
commitments for funds from county, state, and federal agencies and private donors to acquire the
Property; and
WHEREAS, Seller has indicated it is willing to sell the Property to City and Conservancy
as Co-Buyers, but that it will pursue other alternatives if the PSA is not executed promptly
providing for a closing no later than June 30,2022,and the PSA provides that Ticor Title Company
shall act as escrow holder ("Escrow") and that sometimes City and Conservancy are jointly
referred to herein as"Buyer"; and
WHEREAS, the relatively short timeframe to consummate the transaction will require a
wide range of tasks to be closely coordinated by City and Conservancy; and
WHEREAS, City and Conservancy desire to specify the key responsibilities for each task
required to(a) satisfy conditions for closing escrow of the PSA, (b)complete the requirements of
the county, state, and federal grants,(c)coordinate the timing and content of public statements and
activities to ensure an accurate and consistent public understanding of the purchase, and(d)ensure
a successful fundraising campaign for the purchase and for advance funding of future restoration
projects required of both RPV and PVPLC under the NCCP/HCP and Management Agreement;
and
Page 1 of 9 Pages
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WHEREAS, terms not specifically defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the
PSA.
AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals (which are incorporated
herein by this reference)and for other good and valuable consideration,the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged by each of the parties, City and Conservancy have determined
to allocate to each other the key responsibilities described as follows:
1. City Contribution. City will contribute a total of$1.3M by depositing into escrow as follows:
i) $315,000 to open of Escrow within the time specified in the PSA; and (ii) the balance of
same as required to close Escrow within the time specified in the PSA.
2. PVPLC Contribution. Conservancy will contribute a total of $1.3M by depositing into
escrow as follows: (i) $315,000 to open of Escrow within the time specified in the PSA; and
ii)the balance of same as required to close Escrow within the time specified in the PSA.
3. Escrow, Title Report, and Expenses. City and Conservancy will split all costs incurred as
Buyer relating to due diligence and closing costs, including without limitation costs for Phase
I environmental, any potential recommended Phase H report, tests, or further investigation;
review of survey; any other report or investigation; and escrow closing costs. Seller is
responsible to pay for an ALTA non-extended owner's policy issued to City. However, any
additional premium for endorsements or extended coverage shall be paid by City for City's
policy of title insurance. The parties shall equally share the cost for an owner's policy of title
insurance, if any, insuring the Conservancy with respect to its Conservation Easement. Except
for the costs expressly set forth above, City and Conservancy shall each be solely responsible
for its own fees and costs relating to its respective review and implementation of the PSA,
including without limitation, legal fees.
4. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment(ESA). The Phase I environmental review shall be
engaged by PVPLC with an experienced firm by April 4 with the report due for delivery on or
before April 29.
5. Survey and Compliance with Map Act. The PSA requires Seller to submit a survey including
a metes-and-bounds description of the property within two weeks after PSA execution. City
will assign appropriate planning and engineering resources to review and approve the survey.
The City will issue a Certificate of Compliance for both the Property and Lot 3 in accordance
with City's municipal code.
6. CA Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) Grant Application. The list of deliverables
required for the CA WCB grant is included in a section of Exhibit 2 attached hereto
Deliverables Checklist")which may be updated at weekly status meetings with assignments
for responsibility. These deliverables must be delivered to WCB before April 29 in order for
the WCB grant to be included on the agenda for approval at their May 27 board meeting. CA
WCB will communicate directly to City regarding its ongoing obligations as land owner.
Page 2 of 9 Pages
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7. US Fish&Wildlife Service(USFWS)Grant Application. The USFWS has awarded a grant
to CA WCB subject to CA WCB board approval of its matching grant and the successful
completion of the Property acquisition. USFWS will communicate directly to City regarding
its ongoing obligations as land owner.
8. LA County Grant Award. The LA County Regional Park and Open Space District's grant
is awarded to PVPLC and PVPLC will follow up regarding the requirements for depositing the
funding of this grant into Escrow. PVPLC will promptly communicate to City its ongoing
obligations as land owner under this grant including certain required documents before funding
Escrow and certain deed restrictions and covenants that must be recorded promptly post-
Closing.
9. Fundraising Camnaign. The Land Conservancy will seek the community's support for the
acquisition and restoration of this Wildlife Corridor to provide opportunity for the recovery of
critically imperiled species. The Land Conservancy has therefore developed plans to launch a
capital campaign to include funding for both the land purchase and habitat restoration, which
will require the support of City, summarized in Exhibit 3 attached hereto ("Fundraising
Program"). It should be anticipated that significant contributions might be solicited for the
capital campaign, and, therefore, the Fundraising Program details the Donor Recognition Plan
that will support this effort and that comply with the approved guidelines for recognition
within the existing RPV/PVPLC Management Agreement for the Preserve. The Fundraising
Program also includes anticipated communications plans for positioning the campaign to
ensure its success, and all public statements and announcements regarding the acquisition and
restoration of the Wildlife Corridor are to be mutually agreed upon between PVPLC and RPV.
10. Enrollment in NCCP/HCP and Filing of Easements. City will take the necessary steps to
enroll the Wildlife Corridor properties in the NCCP/HCP and the Management Agreement
within 120 days after Closing.
11. Post-Closing Responsibilities. Except as specifically noted below, in the PSA or the
Conservation Easement, responsibilities will be shared between RPV and PVPLC post-closing
under the same terms as the other lands in the Preserve as defined in the NCCP/HCP and
Management Agreement.
11.1. Lot Access. RPV will have the responsibility to maintain access points to the Property.
11.2. Site Maintenance.Fence and Improvement Removal Post-Closing.
11.2.1. City will be responsible for ongoing site fees and maintenance such as fuel
modification and weed abatement as required of a landowner and in accordance
with the NCCP/HCP and Management Agreement.
11.2. 2. City will be responsible to enforce the removal of improvements committed by
the Seller under the PSA -Exhibit H which are to be completed post-closing.
11.2.3. City will be responsible to enforce the fence removals committed by the Seller
under the PSA-Exhibit I which are to be completed post-closing.
Page 3 of 9 Pages
E-3
12. Trail Management Commitments under the PSA. For convenience and reference, PSA
Section 13.2 references the post-closing commitment to Seller with respect to Lot 3 which
covenant is set forth in the Deed.
13. Duration. This MOU shall become effective immediately upon execution. However, if the
PSA is not executed and approved by both City and Conservancy on or before May 1, 2022,
this MOU may be terminated by either party upon written notice to the other party. This MOU
may only be modified by mutual written agreement of both parties.
14. MOU Project Management. City Manager and Conservancy Executive Director will conduct
an in-person or video conference status meeting once each week on Friday with appropriate
individuals present to keep the parties on schedule to achieve the timeline in the Deliverables
Checklist and will each report to their respective organizations on these status meetings as they
deem appropriate to ensure timely attainment of the goals.
15. Good Faith Cooperation. The parties shall cooperate in good faith to effect the provisions of
this MOU and to enter into a PSA with Seller and coordinate in good faith with respect to
efforts for items listed in the Deliverables Checklist which will be updated at weekly meetings
for other items that may require coordination. As future title holder of the Property, City
Manager will act as lead with respect to filings and deliverables required of the owner including
executing and issuing approvals, waivers and amendments under the PSA in its role as sole
owner.
16. Indemnity. If either party breaches this MOU, the breaching party shall indemnify and hold
harmless the non-breaching party for all costs and damages incurred by the non-breaching
party including, but not limited to, attorney's fees.
17. Attorney Fees. In the event of any litigation or other legal proceeding including, but not
limited to, arbitration or mediation between the parties arising from this MOU, the prevailing
party will be entitled to recover, in addition to any other relief awarded or granted, its
reasonable costs and expenses(including attorney's fees) incurred in the proceeding.
NOW, THEREFORE, City and Conservancy have caused their duly appointed
representatives to execute this MOU
SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
Page 4 of 9 Pages
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CITY/RPV: CONSERVANCY/PVPLC:
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, a Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, a
municipal corporation non-profit corporation
By:(461111 By: Atid /
David Bradley, Rob Kautz,
Mayor President, Board o 'rectors
Date: 61 WA G. 2022 Dated: 2022
ATTEST:
Bya
ity
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By: //
City Attorn
Page 5 of 9 Pages
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EXHIBIT I -- LOT MAP
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Page 6 of 9 Pages
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EXHIBIT 2
WILDLIFE CORRIDOR Acquisition-Key Timeline Elements DRAFT V8
Week of(Friday): MAR APR MAY JUN JUL
11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 30 1 8 15 22 29
Rasp-/Status Due Di.Ends CLOSING
PSA Execution&Escrow
PSA/MOU draft distributed P I X
PVPLC Board Approval
York Approval v&P X
RPV Approval-MOUIPSA R X X
Deliver Execution Signatures PN X
Deliver Execution Signatures R X
Open escrow P X
PVPLC Deposit in escrow P X
RPV Deposit in escrow R X
PVPLC/RPV Due Diligence
Phase I Env.Ordered/Complete P X X
Seller's documentation received v X
Seller's documentation review RIP
Title Exceptions Noticed to Seller RIP X
Title Insurance Ordered R/P X
Title Exceptions Remediated Y/r X
Final Title Report Received TIP check date w WCB X
Contingency lifted P&R X
Approvals for Closing ALL X
Escrow Closing-Target Date T X
Survey&Map Act Compliance
Survey w M&B's submitted to RPV v X
Review/coordinate to ensure compliance RN X
Issue Certificate of Compliance R X
US Fish&Wildlife Services Funding
Award Granted,ALL TASKS COMPLETE us
o
LA County Grant Funding Requirements
Grant Awarded LAC
CEQA Certification/Exemption R
Signed and Notarized Copy Deed Restrictio R
Assignment/Assumptions Review/Approval R
Escrow Co.to Register as County Vendor T/a X
Estimated funding to escrow LAC
Record Deed Restriction iz X
Post Closing Requirements
TB D
CA Wildlife Conservation Board Funding
PSA and supporting doc'n delivered P
DGS Site Visit w
DGS review complete w T
Addendum to the Appraisal w 7
General Services review signoff w
WCB Board documentation complete w
Earliest WCB board Grant Approval w X
Request Funding to escrow W
a•••• a-•••z-••• a••••a••••a••••
WCB specified deliverables:
Provide Title Co./Escrow Co.Contact it P at X
Confirmation that signatiure block is con Pit X
Property Survey(forthcoming from seller Y X
Plotted Easements Exhibit r X
Resolution from Buyer's Board(Sample R X X
Confirmation that minerals are intact,if r r X
Exhibit C -of Subgrant RIP X
Preliminary Title Report with verified vest R/P X
List indicating what title exceptions will n P/R X
Phase 1 Environmental Report Due wit X
Fully executed PSA R/P X
Encroachment Statement indicating tha P/R X
Identified insurable legal access PIR X
Disbursement Letter Requesting Funds R X
Fully executed escrow instructions R X
WCB's Escrow Instructions sent to Escrr w X
WCB to provide fully executed Grant an MR X
Recorded Conveyance Document R X
Recorded Notice of Unrecorded Grant& R X
Final Closing Statement/Buyer's Settler R X
Final Title Policy R X
LAC=LA County RPOSD P=PVPLC R=RPV T=Ticor Y=York /=primary/sec. &=both •Complete
Page 7 of 9 Pages
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EXHIBIT 3
Fundraising Campaign
9. The Land Conservancy will seek the community's support for the acquisition and restoration
of this Wildlife Corridor to provide opportunity for the recovery of critically imperiled species.
The Land Conservancy has therefore developed plans to launch a capital campaign to include
funding for both the land purchase and restoration, which will require the support of City as
described below in order to be successful.
9.1. City and PVPLC agree not to make any independent public announcements about the land
acquisition and will make efforts to direct their respective staff and other personnel to
avoid unplanned public statements and disclosures to the extent possible under the law.
9.2. PVPLC will provide a communications plan with timing to RPV, and the timing and
content of all public announcements will occur by either City or PVPLC based on a
communications plan mutually agreed with PVPLC's and RPV's designated publicity
team representatives. PVPLC and RPV will mutually agree to public statements that
celebrate the acquisition of the Wildlife Corridor as the culmination of a collaborative and
historic effort of RPV and PVPLC over almost 35 years to create the new 1500-acre Palos
Verdes Nature Preserve.
9.3. The fundraising campaign may continue for some period after the closing of escrow to
reach the total fundraising goal for both acquisition and restoration. A mutually agreed
celebratory announcement of the purchase would be made at the conclusion of the
fundraising campaign or at a date mutually agreed by City and PVPLC.
9.4. As part of the fundraising campaign there will be a donor recognition program involving
naming and recognition consistent with the conditions previously agreed in the
RPV/PVPLC Management Agreement with some adjustments appropriate for the new
property given its limited public access. The naming opportunities as set forth below are
hereby agreed in advance as the short escrow and timeline require that conversations
commence immediately with individuals to raise major gifts.
Under the guidelines, $1 million gifts will allow a donor to name an existing Reserve,
consistent with the Management Agreement. The new property will be divided into
three Reserves of approximately 30 acres each, providing three additional $1 million
naming opportunities.
100,000 gifts will allow a donor to name a trail, consistent with the Management
Agreement. There are only two trails on the new land, though donations to this
campaign could also be made for naming a trail outside of the newly acquired land.
250,000 gifts for a scenic overlook are not appropriate as the new property does not
have a place for readily-accessible scenic overlook;instead,Conservancy is authorized
to recognize gifts of$250,000-$500,000 for a"butterfly sanctuary" or"bird sanctuary"
habitat area to be created through the restoration activities. The naming recognition
features will follow the established "look and style" already in place in the
Management Agreement between RPV and PVPLC.
Page 8 of 9 Pages
Ø4A-E-8
RPV and PVPLC also agree in principle to establish a location suitable for group
recognition for this land purchase, as was previously arranged at the Del Cerro
location for the prior land acquisition efforts. The commemorative plaques at Del
Cerro provide group naming opportunities for individuals who have made
commitments of$25,000 and above, and lists more prominently the top donors while
also recognizing City Council members. While Del Cerro could be a possible choice
for the Wildlife Corridor group naming, Conservancy will propose having plaques at
the Abalone Cove Reserve entry point in an appropriate location near the parking lot.
A site at the Abalone Cove Reserve is more proximate to the Wildlife Corridor and
attracting further attention and traffic may be more appropriate at Abalone Cove than
at Del Cerro.
Page 9 of 9 Pages
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