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CC SR 20260707 K - Conservation and Open Space Element Survey CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 07/07/2026 AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar AGENDA TITLE: Consider authorizing publishing a General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element Survey per City Council Policy No. 2. RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: 1) Receive and file a report on the City’s community engagement process on the update to the General Plan’s Conservation and Open Space Element; 2) Review, and if deemed acceptable, authorize Staff to publish the General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element Survey in July 2026 to the general public per City Council Policy No. 2. FISCAL IMPACT: The Conservation and Open Space Element Survey is included under the approved Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with MIG, Inc. for the planned update to this Element of the General Plan. The total contract sum is not-to exceed $197,500, which is included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Budget. VR Amount Budgeted: $197,500 Additional Appropriation: None Account Number(s): 101-400-4120-5101 (General Fund – CDD - Planning – Prof/Tech) VR ORIGINATED BY: Jessica Bobbett, Senior Planner REVIEWED BY: Brandy Forbes, AICP, Director of Community Development APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: A. General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element Survey (Page A-1) B. City Council Policy No. 2 – Public Questionnaires and Surveys (Page B-1) BACKGROUND: The State of California requires both a Conservation Element and an Open Space Element to be included in every local government’s General Plan. As many of the goals and policies of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the requirements of the State are related, these two elements have been joined into one element for the City’s General 1 Plan. Open space is one of the prominent features that defines the character of Rancho Palos Verdes, playing a large role in the residents’ quality of life. Conserving open space also provides opportunities for public outdoor recreation, viewshed protecti on, and conservation of natural and biological resources, which provides a healthy ecosystem for vegetation and wildlife, flood and erosion control, protection of public health and safety, buffering between incompatible land uses, and the enhancement of ro ads and public spaces. The majority of Rancho Palos Verdes is developed with residential land uses; however, a significant amount of land (approximately 20% of the City) is dedicated to open space uses, including parks, golf courses, trails, and a dedicated nature preserve (Palos Verdes Nature Preserve). The City seeks to create a system that integrates parks, trails, natural habitats, and cultural resources into a series of networks for residents and visitors. Recent California State legislation requires significant updates to local General Plans. Under Senate Bill (SB) 1425, Open Space Elements must be revised to address equitable access based on social, economic, and racial factors, as well as incorporate climate resilience and rewilding opportunities. Additionally, Assembly Bill (AB) 1889, the "Room to Roam Act," requires an update to the Conse rvation Element to consider the effects of new development on wildlife movement and habitat connectivity, using the best available science. These mandates are designed to create more inclusive, resilient, and interconnected communities and ecosystems. The City’s Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan was last updated in 2018 when the entire General Plan Update was adopted by the City Council. On December 26, 2025, the City Council approved a Professional Service Agreement (PSA) with MIG, inc. to update the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan. DISCUSSION: Community Engagement & Outreach Community participation will help ensure the updated Element reflects local priorities, values, and lived experiences while aligning with State requirements for open space access, habitat protection, and environmental resilience. The following is a brief summary of the community engagement and outreach efforts currently underway or proposed to be implemented as part of the update to the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan: ➢ Stakeholder Meetings: The Community Development Department and MIG conducted stakeholder interviews to gather input from organizations and community representatives with interests in Rancho Palos Verdes’ natural resources, open spaces, trails, and environmental stewardship. Interviews were conducted in person at City Hall on April 23, 2026, and virtually via Zoom on April 29, 2026. The interviews provided an opportunity for participants to share perspectives on existing conditions, key challenges, opportunities, and priorities 2 for the future management and preservation of open space resources in the City. Discussions focused on topics such as habitat conservation, trail access and maintenance, wildfire resilience, public access, recreation, environmental education, and the long-term stewardship of the City's natural areas. ➢ Focus Group Meetings: The Community Development Department and MIG hosted a series of virtual focus group sessions virtually via Zoom on May 20, 21, and 27, 2026, to gather input from organizations, community groups, and interested individuals regarding the update of the City’s Conservation and Open Space Element. A total of 21 individuals participated. The focus group sessions included a virtual whiteboard and interactive map to identify various topics and areas of interest. Key topics included trails, wildlife protection and access to parks and open space. The information collected will assist Staff in the preparation and update of draft goals and policies for the document. ➢ Pop-up Events: The Community Development Department and MIG will host various pop-up events in summer of 2026, which will include interactive display boards and community engagement activities. The boards will be designed to educate participants about the project, encourage involvement, and gather meaningful feedback through visually engaging and easy-to-complete activities. ➢ Conservation and Open Space Element Survey: Pending Council approval this evening, a City-wide survey will be published to help guide future decisions about parks, trails, beaches, open spaces, habitat protection, environmental stewardship, and public access. The survey will be open to residents, property owners, business owners, workers, students, volunteers, and visitors who use or care about the City’s natural and recreational resources. ➢ Informational Campaigns: Staff will continue with the creation of social media outreach, flyers, and website updates to inform residents about the Conservation and Open Space Element update. Community Survey When updating the Conservation and Open Space Element, it is important to understand the needs and concerns of the community. To achieve this, Staff proposes to publish a draft survey that requests the community to help identify community priorities and inform future policies, programs, and improvements for the Conservation and Open Space Element. The draft survey is attached for the City Council’s review (Attachment A). In accordance with City Council Policy No. 2 (Attachment B), the City Council must authorize publishing a community survey prior to survey issuance The Conservation and Open Space Element Survey is intended to achieve the following: ➢ Understand Community Priorities: 3 • The survey participants’ perspectives will provide essential data to identify the top issues, ensuring that resources and programs address the most pressing concerns. ➢ Foster Collaboration: • Engaging community members through a survey encourages active participation, builds trust and strengthens partnerships between the City and the community. ➢ Promote Transparency: • This process demonstrates the City’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency, showing that the Conservation and Open Space Element Update is guided by the voices of the community. The survey will be created using an online survey tool to ensure the community has the opportunity to participate in the survey. The City will distribute it through multiple channels including various online platforms (including the City’s website) and in-person at pop-up events. Hard copies will also be mailed to any resident that requests one by calling the project planner, Jessica Bobbett, at 310-544-5224 or emailing ConOS@rpvca.gov. CONCLUSION: The City Council is being asked to review and authorize publishing the attached Conservation and Open Space Element Survey in July 2026 to the general public per City Council Policy No. 2. ALTERNATIVES: The following alternative actions are available for the City Council’s consideration: 1. Do not authorize the publication of a Conservation and Open Space Element Survey. 2. Identify modifications to the Conservation and Open Space Element Survey. 3. Take other action. 4 Draft Community Survey / June 16, 2026 Conservation & Open Space Element Update 1 Rancho Palos Verdes Conservation & Open Space Survey The City of Rancho Palos Verdes wants to hear from you to help guide future decisions about parks, trails, beaches, open spaces, habitat protection, environmental stewardship, and public access. Whether you visit Rancho Palos Verdes’ parks and open spaces frequently or only occasionally, your input is valuable! This survey will take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete and is open to residents, property owners, business owners, workers, students, volunteers, and visitors who use or care about Rancho Palos Verdes’ natural and recreational resources. Your feedback will help identify community priorities and inform future policies, programs, and improvements for the Conservation & Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan. Parks, Open Space, and Trails The following questions focus on how people reach and use parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces in Rancho Palos Verdes. 1A. How often do you visit Rancho Palos Verdes’ parks, trails, preserves, beaches, or open space areas? (Select one)  Daily  Several times per week  Several times per month  A few times per year  Rarely (if selected, question then goes to 1B)  Never (if selected, question then goes to 1B) 1B. If you rarely or never visit parks, trails, beaches, or open spaces in Rancho Palos Verdes, what is the primary reason? (Select all that apply)  Lack of time  Difficult to access  Lack of interest  Physical or mobility limitations  Lack of nearby facilities  Lack of information about available facilities  Safety concerns A-1 Draft Community Survey / June 16, 2026 Conservation & Open Space Element Update 2  I prefer recreation opportunities elsewhere  Other (please specify): 2. What activities do you regularly participate in within Rancho Palos Verdes’ open spaces? (Select up to three)  Beach or Coastal Access  Dog Walking / Pet Recreation  Horseback Riding  Mountain Bicycling  Nature Photography  Nature Study and Educational Programs  Picnicking or Informal Recreation  Running  Sightseeing / Scenic Viewing  Volunteer Stewardship Activities  Walking/Hiking  Wildlife Viewing/Bird Watching  Other (please specify): 3. What do you value most about Rancho Palos Verdes' open spaces? (Select up to three)  Access to trails  Coastal resources and beaches  Community identity  Environmental education  Equestrian opportunities  Natural beauty and scenic views  Quiet, low-density character  Recreation opportunities  Wildlife habitat and biodiversity  Other (please specify): 4. Which parks, trails, and recreation improvements would you like to see the City prioritize over the next 10 years? (Select up to three)  Improved maintenance and upkeep  Enhanced playgrounds, sports, and recreational facilities  More shade, seating, picnic areas, and visitor amenities  Enhanced safety and security features A-2 Draft Community Survey / June 16, 2026 Conservation & Open Space Element Update 3  Improving trail maintenance  Repairs to damaged or closed trails  New trail routes throughout the City  Improved or additional Trailheads  Additional landscaping, shade trees, and habitat enhancements  Improved parking, walkways, and park access  More community gathering and event spaces  Expanded educational, cultural, or interpretive features  Other (please specify): Access to Parks and Open Space The following questions focus on how people reach and use parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces in Rancho Palos Verdes, including travel options, access barriers, and opportunities for improvement. 5. What is your primary way of getting to parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces in Rancho Palos Verdes? (Select one)  Walk  Bicycle  Drive a personal vehicle  Carpool/rideshare  Public transit  Shuttle service  Mobility device  Other (please specify): 6. How long does it typically take you to travel to parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces in Rancho Palos Verdes? (Select one)  Less than 10 minutes  10 to 20 minutes  20 to 30 minutes  30 to 60 minutes  More than 60 minutes 7. What barriers, if any, make it difficult for you or others to access parks, trails, beaches, or open spaces in Rancho Palos Verdes? (Select all that apply)  Insufficient parking or parking areas are often full A-3 Draft Community Survey / June 16, 2026 Conservation & Open Space Element Update 4  Lack of bicycle facilities or connections  Lack of sidewalks, trails, or pedestrian connections  Poor trail connectivity between destinations or neighborhoods  Inadequate trail maintenance or trail conditions  Limited signs, wayfinding, or information about access points and routes  Limited accessibility for people with disabilities or mobility challenges  Limited public transportation options  Parking reservation requirements or restricted vehicle access at trailheads  Parks, trails, beaches, or open spaces are too far from where I live  Safety concerns (personal safety, wildlife, trail conditions, or other hazards)  Steep hills or difficult terrain  Trail closures or restricted access  Unsafe streets, intersections, or crosswalks  No significant barriers  Other (please specify):______________ 8. How would you rate access to parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces in Rancho Palos Verdes? Access refers to how easy it is to reach and use these destinations, whether by walking, bicycling, driving, public transit, shuttle, mobility device, or other means. 1 = Very Poor 2 = Poor 3 = Fair 4 = Good 5 = Excellent 6 = Unsure 9. Which group do you believe faces the greatest barriers to accessing parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces in Rancho Palos Verdes? (Choose one) A barrier is any condition that makes it more difficult to access, enjoy, or participate in parks, trails, beaches, or open space areas, such as physical, financial, transportation, language, safety, or accessibility challenges.  Households with children  Low-income households  Non-English speakers  People with disabilities  Residents without access to a vehicle  Seniors  Visitors and non-residents A-4 Draft Community Survey / June 16, 2026 Conservation & Open Space Element Update 5  Young adults and teens  No groups face significant barriers  Other (please specify): 10. How concerned are you about conflicts among trail users (hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and e-bike riders)? 1 = Not Concerned 2 = Slightly Concerned 3 = Neutral 4 = Somewhat Concerned 5 = Very Concerned 6 = Unsure Conservation and Resilience The following questions focus on protecting natural resources, improving environmental stewardship, and preparing for future environmental challenges. 11. Which Conservation & Open Space priorities would you like to see the City focus on over the next 10 years? (Select up to three)  Protecting and restoring open space, habitat, and wildlife connectivity  Expanding public access while protecting sensitive natural resources  Expanding and improving the trail network and trail connections  Improving park and trail access  Improving coastal resource protection  Expanding environmental education and stewardship  Supporting volunteer stewardship and restoration programs  Other (please specify): 12. How supportive are you of the following strategies to protect natural resources while maintaining public access? Please select one response for each strategy. Strategy Support Neutral Oppose Unsure Trail stewardship programs     Volunteer habitat restoration     Educational signage     A-5 Draft Community Survey / June 16, 2026 Conservation & Open Space Element Update 6 Short answer (write-in) Strategy Support Neutral Oppose Unsure Seasonal trail closures in sensitive areas     Habitat buffer zones     Increased ranger presence and enforcement     Registration or permit programs for certain trail or recreational activities     Native habitat restoration projects using native and locally adapted plant species     Improved public education and outreach     Other (please specify):_________________     13. Which environmental resilience and natural hazard issues would you like to see the City prioritize over the next 10 years? (Select up to three)  Wildfire preparedness  Drought resilience  Landslide recovery and prevention  Sea-level rise  Coastal bluff erosion  Flooding and storm impacts  Water conservation and reuse  Water quality and runoff management  Other (please specify): 14. Is there anything else you would like the City to consider as part of the Conservation & Open Space Element Update? A-6 Draft Community Survey / June 16, 2026 Conservation & Open Space Element Update 7 Demographic Questions 15. Which of the following best describes your connection to Rancho Palos Verdes? (Select all that apply)  Live in Rancho Palos Verdes  Work in Rancho Palos Verdes  Attend school in Rancho Palos Verdes  Visit parks, trails, beaches, or open spaces in Rancho Palos Verdes for recreation  Volunteer in Rancho Palos Verdes  Own property in Rancho Palos Verdes  Own a business in Rancho Palos Verdes  Other (please specify): 16. What is your age group?  Under 18  18–24  25–44  45–64  65+ 17. Which Race or Ethnicity best describes you? (Select all that apply)  American Indian or Alaska Native  Asian  Black or African American  Hispanic or Latino  Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander  White  Other (specify):  Prefer not to answer 18. What is your gender?  Woman  Man  Non-binary  Prefer to self-identify: __________  Prefer not to answer A-7 Draft Community Survey / June 16, 2026 Conservation & Open Space Element Update 8 19. Do you identify as having a disability that affects your ability to access parks, trails, or open spaces?  Yes  No  Prefer not to answer Thank You! Thank you for participating and helping shape the future of Rancho Palos Verdes' parks, trails, open spaces, and natural resources. A-8 CITY COUNCIL POLICY NUMBER: 2 DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED: 02/04/92 SUBJECT: Questionnaires sent to the public by City Council, Committee/ Commission(s) and Staff POLICY: It shall be the policy of the City Council that all questionnaires and/or surveys to be sent by the City to the general public or special groups, whether generated by Staff, City Council or Committee/Commission(s), be authorized by the full City Council at a public meeting. The City Manager shall be authorized, however, to approve any questionnaires and/or surveys for information to be sent to other public agencies. BACKGROUND: The City Council recognized the need to establish a policy to control questionnaires and surveys for information that are sent or delivered to the general public and special interest groups. B-1