Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Rancho Palos Verdes public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues
Transient Occupancy Tax ballot measure
Committee members repeatedly urged exploring a TOT increase from the current 10%, noting neighbors charge 14-16% and a 2-point bump could raise about $1.4 million a year. Council can't advocate for it, but the committee can — and plans to include 'revenue enhancement' in its formal feedback.
Greater Portuguese Bend landslide emergency extensions
Land movement slowed after February's rain-driven spike, which staff credit to the deep dewatering wells. But power is still out behind the gate and the emergency proclamation remains in effect until movement stops.
City Council Election
Rancho Palos Verdes’ city council race is razor-thin, with only 156 votes separating the candidates. That means the final balance of power on the council is still unresolved—and the outcome could shape local decisions on budgets, development, and services.
Ryan Park Playground and Three Sisters Connector Trail
A $122,500 design contract moves the playground project forward using restricted Measure A park funds and an ADA compliance upgrade. A Portuguese Bend resident objected, saying landslide-area homes need the money more.
School Construction Update (Measure SOS)
Superintendent Devin Serrano reported the Miraleste pool finishes in December, roof and security work is done at several RPV schools, and over $56 million in bond construction is planned for RPV schools, with Miraleste seismic work starting in fall 2027.
Public Safety Camera Reimbursement Program Suspension
The council paused its security camera grant program over legal risks from license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, liability insurance requirements for HOAs, and pending lawsuits elsewhere. Existing commitments will be honored, but no new applications until staff returns with a comprehensive plan.
Cal Water Meter Fees and Downsizing
When a feeder line failed, some residents went over 24 hours without water and got no reverse-911 alert until more than 12 hours in. The committee added a Cal Water incident review to future agendas to push the utility on better notifications and repair timelines.
Radon mitigation equipment screening and neighbor appeal at 28711 Cedarbluff Drive
A neighbor appealed the city's approval of a radon vent system installed in the side yards of 28711 Cedarbluff Drive, citing mechanical code clearances, survey accuracy, and fire-safety concerns. The commission held that its review was limited to the equipment screening under the municipal code and upheld the approval with added safety conditions. The case highlights how radon systems, which require no city permits, are handled between city planning, building safety, and LA County Public Health.
Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program guide overhaul
Council liaison Mayor Pro Tem Perestam recapped the City Council's ongoing debate over the roundabouts: data shows they reduced speed, but the Council will soon reconsider whether speed bumps or roundabout enhancements are the better fix. IMAC members cautioned that the installations aren't true roundabouts and could complicate future roundabout proposals elsewhere.
Landslide response and funding
Landslide spending has reached $56.9 million since 2022, and members estimate $13 million a year in permanent ongoing costs with no matching revenue. The CIP fund balance has dropped from $24.6 million to a projected $8.3 million, and members say residents everywhere on the hill will eventually pay through taxes or fees.
Neighborhood speeding and traffic enforcement
The study found speeds under the 25 mph limit and a ~10% grade that rules out speed humps. Instead, stop signs get brighter, more visible upgrades — with the petitioner invited back in a year to report whether it's working.
Roadway and storm drain construction scheduling
A sinkhole at Hawthorne and Indian Valley reopened and swallowed steel plates last week; Public Works got northbound lanes back open by Saturday and pumped out floodwater during a two-inch storm that briefly closed Palos Verdes Drive South.
Storm Drain Condition Assessment and Repairs
The storm drain inventory wraps up this fiscal year, but the sewer assessment in Portuguese Bend is stalled by the landslide. Members linked recent sinkholes at Hawthorne and Indian Bend to aged storm drains and revived talk of reinstating a storm drain user fee — but only after the assessment is done.
PV Drive South and PV Drive East Roadway Projects
The February 25 joint TSC/IMAC meeting on the PV Drive South intersection study is expected to draw a big crowd — roughly 1,000 notification letters are going out — and committee members living in the affected area may need to recuse or disclose to avoid conflict-of-interest claims.
Landslide costs and buyout program
Quietly bundled in the consent calendar: the landslide emergency declaration was reconfirmed with new emergency contracts (including $1.5 million for on-call sewer repairs), and appraisal contracts for the voluntary property buyout program were extended into 2028 to keep Round 2 appraisals moving.
Reopening Portuguese Bend Trails / Great Line Trail Route
Phase one trails have soft-opened with good feedback, and the committee's volunteer trail work has the Paintbrush Rim loop ready for phase two reopening; phase three trails sit in the damaged landslide zone and wait on stabilization.
Bike lane safety on arterial roads
A commissioner who lives on Palos Verdes Drive South urged the city to add separated, protected bike lanes on busy 45-mph roads, saying there's currently no safe way for families to bike within city limits.