CC SR 20260120 E - 2026 RPV's Run for Myles
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 01/20/2026
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Run for Myles non-profit
organization to co-host a rescheduled race event on January 31, 2026.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1) Authorize the Mayor to execute an MOU between the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
and the Run for Myles non-profit organization to co-host a Kids’ Fun Run, 5k, and
10k race event on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in a form approved by the City
Attorney;
2) Authorize waiving $2,897 in the following City fees:
a. Special Event Permit fee of $483
b. Civic Center parking lot fee of $423
c. Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) parking fee of $423
d. PVIC lawn fee of $1,568 at $196 per hour for 8 hours
3) Authorize the City Manager to accept donated proceeds from the event to be used
for parks and trails preservation and recorded in Fund 228 (Donor Restricted
Fund).
FISCAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact includes the waiver of $2,897 in City event fees, as
well as Staff and City Attorney’s time to prepare and implement the
terms outlined in the MOU and to operate the event as co-host. If
approved, the waived fees of $2,897 are not included in the revenue
budget projections; therefore, there are no changes to the budget.
The Staff time and City Attorney’s time are part of the Fiscal Year
2025-26 operating budget. All other operating costs for the event will
be fully borne by the Run for Myles organization.
Furthermore, the MOU stipulates that all donated proceeds from the
event will be transferred to the City for use towards parks and trails
preservation. These funds will be deposited in Fund 228, Donor
Restricted Fund. VR
Amount Budgeted: N/A.
Deposits/proceeds are
recorded in Donor Restricted Fund
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Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 228-300-5419-3901
(Donor Restricted Fund – Revenues) VR
ORIGINATED BY: Cheri Bailiff, Permit Technician
REVIEWED BY: Daniel Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Memorandum of Understanding with Run for Myles (page A-1)
B. Run for Myles Event Flyer (page B-1)
C. 10/07/2025 Staff Report to Approve MOU with Run for Myles (Linked)
BACKGROUND:
Myles Helm was an avid runner and resident of Rancho Palos Verdes who enjoyed the
City’s extensive parks and trails system. Mr. Helm completed numerous races, including
two Ironman World Championships and over 60 marathons, 20 of which he ran in Rancho
Palos Verdes. Following his passing in July 2022, the Helm family formed a non -profit
organization called Run for Myles (Organization) to host a running event that would
commemorate Mr. Helm’s life, promote fitness, and raise funds to preserve the City’s
parks and trails.
Representatives from the Organization approached the City in 2022 about co-hosting an
inaugural Kids’ Fun Run (1K), 5K, and 10K road race event in 2023. The race took place
along a portion of Palos Verdes Drive South, with the start and finish points located at
Point Vicente Interpretive Center. An MOU for that event was approved by the City
Council on August 15, 2023. That event was held on September 9, 2023, as part of the
City’s 50th Anniversary celebration, and $35,000 in event proceeds were donated to the
City for the preservation of parks and trails. Following the success of the inaugural event,
the Organization and City co-hosted the event again on September 28, 2024. At the
request of the Helm family and in response to the recent landslide emergency and utility
shut-offs that began in the summer, the 2024 proceeds totaling $10,000 were donated to
the Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula’s Portuguese Bend Landslide Relief Fund.
RPV’s Run for Myles was scheduled for November 15, 2025 , and an MOU with the
Organization for this date was approved on October 7, 2025 (Attachment C). However,
the event was postponed due to a severe rainstorm and has been rescheduled to January
31, 2026. Given this change in event date, a new MOU is required to host the event on
January 31 under the same terms and conditions as the original MOU.
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DISCUSSION:
The terms and conditions between the Organization and the City to cohost the proposed
January 31, 2026 running event are included in a new MOU (Attachment A) and have
remained materially unchanged from the previous MOU with the exception of the event
date. In summary, the MOU outlines the following obligations and costs to be fulfilled by
the Organization:
• Administration and operation of the event
• Preparation of a traffic control plan, and implementation of traffic control and
crowd control measures
• Procurement of liability insurance
• Payment of all fees associated with the event
• Implementation of the conditions provided in the City’s Special Event Permit
The MOU also outlines the following obligations to be fulfilled by the City, as cohosts:
• Provide space for the event and public access to the Point Vicente Interpretive
Center and Rancho Palos Verdes’s Ken Dyda Civic Center.
• Provide review of traffic control plans and special permit applications as
submitted by Run for Myles.
• Associated City Staff and City Attorney costs to provide the terms listed above.
The MOU requires all proceeds from the event to be donated to the City for the purpose
of parks and trails preservation efforts.
Pursuant to §§ 17.78.010(B)(1) and (2) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, the
City Council may consider waiving fees for non-profits and/or for events benefiting the
public. Specifically, the RPVMC states:
The city council may, in its discretion, grant such a waiver if it finds:
1. The applicant or the beneficiary of the use or activity proposed by the
applicant is a nonprofit corporation registered with the state;
2. The use or activity proposed or the activities of the beneficiary of the use or
activity proposed are charitable, educational or otherwise provide a substantial
benefit to the public; or
3. The applicant has demonstrated a financial hardship, as determined by the
city council, on a case by case basis.
Since the proceeds from the race event will go to the City, and the City is a cohost, the
City Council is being asked to consider waiving the following fees for the registered non-
profit Organization:
a. Special Event Permit fee of $483.00
b. Civic Center parking lot fee of $423.00
c. Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) parking fee of $423.00
d. PVIC lawn fee of $1,568 at $196 per hour for 8 hours
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The total City fees to be waived is $2,897.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Registration and event information can be found at:
https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/RanchoPalosVerdes/RPVsRunForMyles .
The event information is included in the attached event flier (Attachment B).
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve the attached MOU between the Organization
and the City to co-host the 2025 Run for Myles racing event on January 31, 2026. Staff
also recommend that the City Council waive certain event permit fees and authorize City
Manager to accept donated proceeds from the event for City parks and trails preservation
efforts.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not approve an MOU between Run for Myles and the City for co-hosting the RPV
Run for Myles running event thereby deciding not to conduct the event this year. If
the event is not conducted this year, refunds will be issued to race registrants who
have paid up to this time.
2. Identify issues or concerns to be addressed prior to approving the MOU and direct
Staff to return at a future date.
3. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
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MOU Page | A-1
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
AND RUN FOR MYLES
FOR RPV’S RUN FOR MYLES
KIDS' FUN RUN, 5K, AND 10K EVENTS
This Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”), is made and entered on January
31, 2026 (“Effective Date”), by and between the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (“City”), a
California municipal corporation, and Run for Myles (“Organization”) a non-profit
501(c)(3) organization located at 46-E Peninsula Center Drive #390, Rolling Hills Estates,
90274. The City and the Organization may be referred to collectively or individually as
“Parties” or “Party.”
RECITALS
A. Myles Helm was an individual who completed races including two Ironman World
Championships and over 60 marathons, 20 of which he ran in Rancho Palos
Verdes.
B. The Parties seek to commemorate Myles Helm by co-hosting a Kids’ Fun Run, 5k,
and 10k running event on January 31, 2026 (“RPV’s Run for Myles” or “Event”).
C. Participating in the Event will contribute to preserving parks and trails in Rancho
Palos Verdes, as all event proceeds will go directly to the City for the purpose of
preserving its parks and trails.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits to be derived by the
Parties, and of the promises contained in this MOU, the Parties agree as follows:
Section 1. Recitals. The recitals set forth above are incorporated into this MOU.
Section 2. Term. This MOU will remain in effect and can be renewed annually
from the Effective Date, subject to Section 6, below.
Section 3. Parties’ Obligations.
A. Organization’s Obligations.
1. Organization will provide all necessary services not explicitly provided by
the City, and may do so through third party providers, at its discretion.
2. Organization will organize RPV’s Run for Myles, which includes a Kids’ Fun
MOU Page | A-2
Run, 5k, and 10k run to take place on January 31, 2026 for the purpose of honoring Myles
Helm and to raise funds for the City’s parks and trails. Between 500 and 1,000 people are
anticipated to participate. The event kicks off at 7 AM with registration open to the public
for check-in. At 7:45 AM, announcements are made, and a warm-up session takes place
to prepare participants. The 10K race begins at 8 AM, followed by the 5K race at 8:15 AM,
and the Kids’ Fun Run race at 9:45 AM. Afterward, at 10:15 AM, there will be
announcements and awards to recognize outstanding participants. The race will begin at
31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 and will end by
12:30pm. The Organization is responsible for all organizational aspects of the event,
including prompt cleanup, which shall be completed no later than 1:00pm of the event day.
3. Organization will temporarily place caution tape along a route along a scenic
view of the City; the location is more particularly depicted in Exhibit “A”. Organization’s route
will circulate for a 1 kilometer, a 5 kilometer, and a 10-kilometer area around the City.
Organization shall be solely responsible for the purchase and maintenance of the caution
tape and shall ensure that it is maintained in good and clean condition.
Organization shall only remove the RPV’s Run for Myles 1k, 5k, and 10k
caution tape at the request of City, which request shall be made based on good cause. The
caution tape shall not otherwise be removed unless the caution tape constitutes a danger
to the public health and safety.
4. Run for Myles and Mercury Events LLC shall each maintain event liability
insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 in Commercial General Liability (per occurrence),
$2,000,000 in General Aggregate, $1,000,000 in Automobile Liability (per accident for
bodily injury and property damage), and $1,000,000 in Liquor Liability or Liquor Legal
Liabilities (per occurrence).
5. RPV’s Run for Myles shall only temporarily interfere with the operation of the
public roadway.
6. Organization shall pay all fees associated with the event including but not
limited to: Los Angeles County Sheriff Department fees, rental fees for parking lot(s),
staffing fees, Point Vicente Interpretive Center Lawn Area rental fees.
7. Organization shall submit a Special Event Permit application including event
liability insurance in the amount specified above.
8. Organization shall submit a Traffic Control Plan for City acceptance as part
of the Special Event Permit application in advance of the event. Organization shall
implement the accepted Traffic Control Plan and shall be responsible for all costs
associated with preparation, review, acceptance, implementation, and all associated and
related costs of the Traffic Control Plan. Organization will provide personnel, materials, and
equipment to implement and manage traffic control for the duration of event according to
the Traffic Control Plan accepted by the City. Organization shall provide all necessary
resources.
10. Organization shall contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to
MOU Page | A-3
provide emergency services including police.
11. Organization shall provide waste receptacles.
12. Organization shall provide custodial support.
13. Organization shall provide portable restroom facilities and portable sinks.
14. Organization shall provide event security and crowd control.
15. Organization shall provide a stage and a sound system for participating
bands.
16. Organization shall provide staff to manage parking.
17. Organization shall provide shuttle service through Palos Verdes Transit
between parking lots and race venue.
18. Organization shall obtain a permit for tents and structures by coordinating
with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
B. City Obligations.
1. City shall provide space for the temporary placement of the caution tape in
the public roadway, as depicted in Exhibit “A”, at no charge to Organization
2. City shall provide access to Point Vicente Interpretive Center lawn area for a
fee to Organization.
3. City shall provide parking at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center parking lot
for a fee to Organization. City shall provide parking at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall for a
fee to Organization.
4. City shall review and the Traffic Control Plan submitted with Organization’s
Special Event Permit. Upon Organization completing all Traffic Control Plans to the
satisfaction of the City, the City shall accept the Traffic Control Plan.
Section 4. Indemnification; Release. Organization must indemnify, defend and
hold harmless the City, its elected and appointed officers, employees, agents, and
volunteers (“City Indemnitees”) from and against any and all liability, including but not
limited to demands, claims, actions, fees, costs and expenses (including attorney and
expert witness fees), arising from and/or relating to the performance of this Contract,
except for such loss or damage arising from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of
the City Indemnitees.
Section 5. Termination; Withdrawal. This MOU may be terminated upon a 60-
day notice written request of either Party.
Section 6. General Provisions
MOU Page | A-4
A. Notices. Any notices, invoices, or reports relating to this MOU, and any
request, demand, statement, or other communication required or permitted hereunder
must be in writing and be delivered to the representatives of the Parties at the addresses
set forth below. The Parties shall promptly notify each other in writing of any change of
contact information, including personnel changes.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Attn: Ara Mihranian, City Manager
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
email: aram@rpvca.gov
Run for Myles
Attn: Jill Helm
46-E Peninsula Center Dr. #390,
Rolling Hills Estates, Ca 90274
email: runformyles501c3@gmail.com
B. Relationship of the Parties. The Parties are, and will at all times remain as
to each other, wholly independent entities. No Party to this MOU will have power to incur
any debt, obligation, or liability on behalf of any other Party unless expressly provided to
the contrary by this MOU. No employee, agent, or officer of a Party will be deemed for
any purpose whatsoever to be an agent, employee, or officer of another Party.
C. Amendment. The terms and provisions of this MOU may not be amended,
modified, or waived, except by an instrument in writing signed by both Parties.
D. Law to Govern. This MOU is governed by, and will be interpreted, construed
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
E. Severability. If any provision of this MOU is to be determined by any court
of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable to any extent, then the
remainder of this MOU will not be affected, and this MOU will be construed as if the
invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained in this MOU.
F. Entire Agreement. This MOU constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties
with respect to the subject matter of this MOU.
G. Waiver. Waiver by any Party to this MOU of any term, condition, or
covenant of this MOU will not constitute a waiver of any other term, condition, or covenant.
Waiver by any Party to any breach of the provisions of this MOU will not constitute a waiver
of any other provision, nor a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation of any provision
of this MOU.
H. Counterparts. This MOU may be executed in counterparts, each of which
will be an original, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
MOU Page | A-5
I. The Parties have been represented by counsel in the preparation and
negotiation of this MOU. Accordingly, this MOU will be construed according to its fair
language. Any ambiguities will be resolved in a collaborative manner by the Parties and
will be rectified by amending this MOU as described in Section 6(C).
[Signatures on following page.]
MOU Page | A-6
The Parties have caused this MOU to be executed by their duly authorized
representatives and affixed as of the date of signature of the Parties:
“CITY”
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, a
municipal corporation
By:_________________________
Paul Seo, Mayor
“ORGANIZATION”
RUN FOR MYLES, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
corporation
By:_________________________
Jill Helm, President
ATTEST
By: _________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
By:_________________________
William Wynder, City Attorney
MOU Page | A-7
EXHIBIT “A”
RPV’S RUN FOR MYLES 1K/5K/10K MAP
B-1