Palos Verdes Real Estate Blog

Cris Bruzzone, a regular reader of PalosVerdesSource.com emailed me requesting an update on “the planned condo and/or townhome projects that were originally slated for the Deep Valley Drive and Silver Spur area.”  I welcome the opportunity to answer questions about Palos Verdes real estate.   At the City Managers Meeting in late April, Douglas Prichard from Rolling Hills Estates gave an update (click here to read).

Today, I spoke to Niki Cutter, Principal Planner for Rolling Hills Estates, who was kind enough to give me the following information.  She also told me that the City of Rolling Hills Estates has adopted the Cal Green Code.

• 828 Silver Spur (former Arco site) – proposed is a 4500 square foot Chase Bank building.
• 627 Deep Valley Drive (old car wash site) – proposed is an assisted living facility.
• 655 Deep Valley Drive (Brick Walk) – draft of Environmental Impact Report will go to public for comment the beginning of 2012 for 102 multi-family (condos) and 46 townhomes.
• Rolling Hills Covenant Church expansion is in process.
• Butcher Ranch subdivision of 11 single family homes at Palos Verdes Drive North and Palos Verdes Drive East has begun grading.
• Chandler Preserve project of 114 single family residences on 1/2 acre lots, redesign of Rolling Hills Golf Course and boundary line adjustment between Torrance and Rolling Hills Estates was approved by the City Council and will need further approvals.

Thank you Cris Bruzzone for asking for this information as it gave me an opportunity to learn the current status of these projects.

Photo courtesy of the City of Rolling Hills Estates

The 54th Annual Rolling Hills Estates City Celebration will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011, from 9:oo a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Empty Saddle Club.  Palos Verdes homes owners will enjoy this old fashioned celebration with activities all day including equestrian events, hay wagon rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and many fun games and activities.  Some of the equestrian activities will include Gymkhana events, the Lomita Sheriff Posse Color Guard,  equine and dressage demonstrations and even a performance by the Junior Drill Team.

If you want to try your luck in the 19th Annual Poker Ride, you can join at only $10 per hand as a card playing carriage driver or horseback rider. Non-riders who wish to participate can purchase tickets and have a riding friend carry them.  Players can register at Chandler Park for a one-hour ride between 8:00a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information call the Poker Ride Co-Chair at (310) 375-5157.

A barbecue lunch will be served by the Palos Verdes 4-H Club from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can purchase beverages from the Empty Saddle Club.  A Los Compadres group will be serving a delicious barbecue meal from Chicago for Ribs between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m.  The price will be $12 for adults/$6 for children under 12.

The Empty Saddle Club is located at 39 Saddle Road, Rolling Hills Estates 90274.  For more information, click here or call (310) 377-1577 ext. 109.

Photo courtesy of the City of Rolling Hills Estates

On Friday, September 9, 2011, the 54th annual Portuguese Bend National Horse Show will be held at Ernie Howlett Park.  This  event offers three full days of a wide variety of special equestrian events.  Both riding rings will be scheduled with activities such as the $10,000 Seahorse Jumper Classic which challenges some of the West Coast’s finest Jumper riders over a difficult and exciting course.

This show is the most popular three day event of its kind in the West, and is the site of the Pacific Coast Horse Show Medals Finals.  The Peninsula Committee Childrens’s Hospital presents this event to raise money to fund the Clinical Image Center at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Palos Verdes homes owners will have 3 days of hometown fun with puppet shows, pony rides, games, moon bounce and face painting activities.  There will be food booths which will serve breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Riding events will begin at 7:30 a.m. each day. On Friday admission is free all day, but on Saturday and Sunday, general admission will be $5 and children under 12 are free.  You can also reserve ringside tables.  Each day’s special event schedule and shows can be found at www.pcch.net, or call (310)-318-8258.

Ernie Howlett Park is located at 25851 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rolling Hills Estates 90274.

Photo courtesy of the Portugese Bend National Horse Show

A new website has been created for Palos Verdes homes owners to assist them with many different law enforcement questions – www.lomitasherrif.com.   Most of the Palos Verdes Peninsula is serviced by the Los Angeles County Sheriff – Lomita Station on Narbonne except for the city of Palos Verdes Estates which has its own Police Department.

According to an article written by Mary Scott in the Peninsula News, “Residents in these cities can pay for traffic tickets and check court dates on the new site.  The new site also offers a Most Wanted list and crime mapping.  Residents can search crimes by date or location, residents can type in their address to see if any crimes have occurred near them.  Residents leaving town can go online and request that a patrol check on their homes while they re away.”

I used the crime mapping feature (click here for link to Sheriff’s Dept. Crime Mapping) and noticed that specifics for the past seven days are only shown for Rancho Palos Verdes.  Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates just indicate the number of incidents but not the specifics.  There is also a Megan’s Law section that you can check.  The new Sheriff’s Lomita Station website is a great site for area residents to use.

Crime Map courtesy of Los Angeles County Sheriff – Lomita Station

Palos Verdes real estate area 165 is the Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood is a somewhat equestrian oriented area where many homes maintain horse facilities.  There are also many equestrian centers located throughout the area.  Palos Verdes Drive North is located on the northern border of the Peninsula   This area has many lots that are 1/2 acre or more, which allows space for horse facilities.  The city of Rolling Hills Estates has many public  horse trails with tunnels under Hawthorne and Crenshaw Boulevards.  The city also has many miles of  bicycle paths.

 The Palos Verdes Drive North area has a beautiful private golf course and clubhouse called the Rolling Hills Country Club which also is a popular wedding venue.  Close to the golf club on Montecillo Drive is the Jack Kramer Tennis and Swim Club.  The South Coast Botanical Garden, which is operated by the County of Los Angeles, is located on the northern border of this area.  This facility takes in approx 87 acres of magnificent grounds.  Some of the other more prominent pieces of property in this area are the Nansen soccer field, Ernie Howlett Park and the South Coast Botanical Gardens. This area has several small parks and  large equestrian centers.  The area also has four private schools and two elementary schools. You can find three private pre-schools also in this area. 

Currently there are 12 condo/town homes available in this area.  They range from $159,000 for a 1 bedroom/1 bath, 659 foot condo, to $525,000 for a 3 bedroom/3 bath, 1,722 square foot town home.  There are 25 homes for sale in this area ranging from $765,000 for a 3 bedroom/2 bath, 1,472 square foot home, to $3,999,000 for a 6 bedroom/7bath, 5,400 square foot home.

Photo courtesy of the City of Rolling Hills Estates

Once again the Palos Verdes Street Fair & Music Festival will be available for all Palos Verdes homes owners to enjoy. The fair will have its “Friday Teen Fun Night” opening the carnival on Friday, June 10, 2011, from 5:00 -10:00 p.m. Local  youth can purchase discount tickets through their middle school or high school for an evening of fun.  The fair will have more than 200 arts and crafts booths, carnival rides for children of all ages, an International Food Court and Beer Garden, a children’s petting zoo, free pony rides, train rides, and live entertainment on its two stages.  All day wristbands will be available to purchase for the carnival rides for $25.  There will also be “Healthy Lifestyles” areas which is provided by Providence Little Company of Mary which will check blood pressure and give you healthy living tips.

Under the big tent and on the main stage will be continuous live entertainment.  There will be multiple bands showing off their talents in rock, country, jazz and pop, and on Sunday the Legendary Jazz Recording artist David Benoit will be performing with the Asia America Youth Orchestra.  On Saturday, the annual “Top Dog Show” will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. under the Big Tent.  Afterward animal rescue and adoptions will take place from 12:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The fair is a Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rolling Hills Estates “green” event.  The fair goers can learn about eco-friendly goods from vendors on “Green Street”.  Proceeds of the fair support student and teacher scholarships, seminars, and programs that advance the quality of life for all Palos Verdes Peninsula residents.

For more information contact the PVP Chamber at (310) 377-8111, or visit them at www.pvstreetfair.com.  The fair hours are Saturday, June 11, 10:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 12, 10:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Parking is available at the Promenade parking structure at Drybank Drive and Silver Spur Road.  There will be also parking at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School.

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Street Fair

The City of Rolling Hills Estates was originally incorporated in order to help preserve its rural environment and equestrian lifestyle.  The city operates the public riding rings and the Peter Weber Equestrian Center which has municipal boarding stables.  The Peter Weber Equestrian Center offers both boarding and comprehensive programs which include riding lessons and horse training.  There are 112 corrals, three riding rings, two turn-out pens and two hotwalkers.  The Center also sponsors lessons throughout the year, but now is offering its ever popular Summer Pony Camp.  They have instruction in both Western and English which includes jumping and dressage.  The Palos Verdes Peninsula has 25 miles of bridle trails that are maintained for the use of the community.  The center is located at 26401 Crenshaw Blvd., Rolling Hills Estates 90274.

For more information call (310) 541-9487 or go on line at LindaF@ci.rolling-hills-estates.ca.us.

Photo courtesy of the City of Rolling Hills Estates

Earlier this week, I attended a Palos Verdes real estate Board Breakfast Meeting with the City Managers from all 4 cities on the Peninsula – Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates.  Here is a summary of their updates:

Tony Dahlerbrach from Rolling Hills reported on the initiative going on the ballot for the next election in March 2012 regarding passive and storage usage of barns.  The property involved in the Poppy Trail landslide is being remediated by the insurance company and will be sold as two separate lots in December.  Verizon and AT&T have installed new cell sites so there will be better cellular coverage.  There is a new ordinance going before the Planning Commission regarding glare studies for solar panel installations.

Carolyn Petru, the Rancho Palos Verdes Deputy City Manager reported on the Mirandela Project (affordable housing) at Crenshaw and Crestridge with 34 units on a 3-acre build site within 19 acres for the total project.  Many of the residents are former Palos Verdes residents who qualified for the program.  We also heard about the Park Ranger Program on the 1400 acre Nature Preserve manned by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority.  Most of the citations have been for off leash dogs, improper trail use, unauthorized paragliding, off-road motorized vehicles, camping, issues at Sacred Cove, graffiti removal and illegal dumping.  There is a Junior Ranger Program in pilot phase to teach trail skills, recognizing animal tracks, etc.

Joe Hoefgen from Palos Verdes Estates reported that the speed cushions on Via Del Monte will be reviewed next month – most feedback has been positive however bicyclist are not in favor.  There is a current study to monitor the underground water in the Malaga Cove commercial area.  Applications are being accepted from Palos Verdes Estates residents who want to volunteer for committees within city.   They have a new website: www.PVestates.org

Douglas Prichard from Rolling Hills Estates reported that the local economy is showing signs of recovery based on tax revenues.  It will be another 2-3 years before improvements to Palos Verdes North, west of Crenshaw are complete.  He discussed several development projects.  828 Silver Spur (former Arco site) will probably be approved as a small commercial building.  627 Deep Valley Drive (old car wash site) is currently approved for 58 senior units and may become an assisted living site.  655 Deep Valley Drive (Brick Walk) will go to Planning Commission for 150 units.  Rolling Hills Covenant Church expansion was approved for 16,000 square foot office and school expansion on south campus.  Butcher Ranch subdivision at Palos Verdes Drive North and Palos Verdes Drive East is approved for 11 single family homes.  Chandler Preserve status: Planning Commission approved project and now going before City Council for 114 single family residences on 1/2 acre lots, private streets, total redesign of Rolling Hills Golf Course and boundary line adjustment between Torrance and Rolling Hills Estates.

Photo courtesy of Arvin Design

Did you know that in 1913, the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula was purchased for development for $1,500,000 by a group headed by Frank Vanderlip, Sr.?  That is probably the median price for one our Palos Verdes houses today!  After the stock market crash in 1929, portions of the original purchase were sold off.  Today, the Palos Verdes Peninsula is actually composed of 4 different cities – Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates (and 2 Los Angeles County areas known as Westfield and Academy Hills). All Palos Verdes homes in these four cities and 2 areas are part of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District.

Palos Verdes Estates was the first city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula to incorporate in 1939. The city has 4.5 miles of coastline. Twenty-eight per cent of the city land is permanently deeded as parkland and maintained as dedicated open space. In 2009 the US Census count was 13,546 residents for this area.  The unique Mediterranean flair of Monte Malaga and Malaga Cove, and charm of Valmonte and Lunada Bay bring their own history to this area.

Rancho Palos Verdes was the last city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula to incorporate in 1973. It has 7.5 miles of coastline and 12.3 square miles of land.  It is the largest city on the Peninsula.  The US Census count was 40,964 in 2009.

Rolling Hills Estates was incorporated in 1957 and is the third largest city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula both in size (4.18) mi and population – 7,834 according to the 2009 census.  It has a rural atmosphere and some lots are 1/2 acre (or more) and some areas are zoned equestrian. The city has six parks, 25 miles of scenic trails and 36 acres of open space. It is often called the Heart of the Peninsula because of its large shopping and entertainment areas.

Rolling Hills is a privately gated equestrian community located atop the scenic hills of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It was in incorporated in 1957.  It is the smallest city on the Peninsula and the most private; most lots are over one acre.  The city has 26 miles of private roads and 23 miles of equestrian trails. It’s 2009 U.S. Census count was 1,972.

In the next few weeks I will be going over the seventeen different Multiple Listing Service areas for Palos Verdes real estate and concentrating on their locations and what makes each of them so special. You will be able to access information on current listings in these areas and the different price points.

The Norris Pavilion was completed in 1999 after it became apparent that the Norris Theatre was not able to house all the  activities that needed space.  Today, it hosts a dance studio and the Negri theatre groups.  There is a portable stage, dance floor,  a conference room, catering kitchen and private dressing rooms.  The Pavilion is also rented out for wedding parties and large company events.  The circular parking court in front of the Pavilion is often transformed into a cocktail reception or ceremonies area and  the beautiful tree covered hill makes an excellent backdrop.

The Norris Pavilion is located at 501 Indian Peak Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.  For more information regarding renting any of the Norris facilities call (310) 544-0403 or visit www.norriscenter.com.

Photo courtesy of Norris Center