Council Considers Dog Beach Near Trump Golf Club
The Rancho Palos Verdes City Council on Tuesday night directed staff to research pros and cons of dog beaches.
Councilmembers might be one step closer to turning what many Palos Verdes residents already consider a dog beach into an official spot to take local pooches as they discussed possible uses for the five-acre beach area below Trump National Golf Club at Tuesday night's Rancho Palos Verdes City Council meeting.
Though City ordinances currently prohibit dogs on beaches and golf courses within the City, and require dogs to be leashed while in public parks, there are often dogs off leashes with their owners on the beach.
Los Angeles County lifeguards began patrolling the beach July 5 and reported a July daily average of 140 people and 47 dogs on the beach, with numbers increasing on weekends to 253 people and 76 dogs, according to a City report.
The Council directed staff to conduct public outreach on future uses of the beach, as well as to research pros and cons of dog beaches, for example, whether an off-leash dog beach would be best for the City.
"I'm in favor of the off-leash experience," Councilman Doug Stern said.
The beach parcel extends north to the private beach owned by the Portuguese Bend Club, and south to approximately the mid-point of the Trump National Golf Club.
Staff will also reach out to local businesses, churches, and organizations along Palos Verdes Drive South and Palos Verdes Drive West, including Trump National Golf Club, the Portuguese Bend Club, Wayfarers Chapel, and Terranea.
One resident spoke in favor of the dog-friendly beach, but still hoped the Council would consider a separate dog park, in addition to a skatepark.
City Manager Carolyn Lehr said staff is searching to find good locations for both.
"We expect to bring back some evaluations of potential sites for both a dog park and skatepark," she said. "We continue to look for those opportunities."
Current discussions with landscape architect Mia Lehrer & Associates regarding potential future locations for a skatepark and dog park will be coordinated with the analysis of the beach below Trump National Golf Club, according to a City staff report.
Mayor Tom Long suggested a possible ban on certain types of dogs, like pitbulls, which he said could be more dangerous to park- and beach-goers.
However, staff predicted an "enforcement nightmare" if certain breeds were not allowed.
"You can't enforce that," Councilman Anthony Misetich said.
Council also discussed setting certain hours or days dogs would be allowed at the beach. Staff will look into benefits and challenges of a dog beach, dog beach compatibility with existing uses, environmental factors and estimated costs. Results will be discussed at a future Council meeting.
In This article
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Wayfarers Chapel
5755 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA -
Terranea Resort and Spa
6610 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA -
Trump National Golf Club
1 Ocean Trails Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Mizz Terri
4:00 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I think that dogs should be allowed off leash on the beach below Trump. It's really better for dogs to swim than for people since it's so rocky. I love seeing the dogs there; they all seem so happy to be there and get along with others well. It's about time there is somewhere that you can take your dog to the beach in the Southbay.
It reminds me of Santa Barbara in that respect and that's a good thing.
Lia Oprea
11:40 am on Monday, January 23, 2012
This would be SUCH a great idea! Though the beach is not good for swimming it is so much fun for the whole family, especially at low tide as kids can go tide-pooling, spot whales in the bay and both dogs and kids have a full run of the beach. Just yesterday a visiting family to Trumps, with their two boys and dog were overjoyed when I showed them where the path was and gave them an old tennis ball to take down to the beach with their puppy. I watched from above as the boys and their dog thouroughly enjoyed themselves! It is always a joyful experience. I have lived in Redondo Beach for over 30 years and have been taking dogs down to the beach near what is now Trumps for years! I have NEVER seen a negative incident between dogs other than a little rough play, which responsible owners quickly put a stop to. I have signed up to receive posts on this topic but please do let me know where I can go to vote, yes , yes, yes on this terrific idea. If you haven't been there with your dog or your kids it is a wonderful way to get out in nature, teach the kids about marine life and get everyone some excercise (dogs and people)!
Concerned citizens
7:55 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Con’s to Proposed R.P.V- Dog Beach
- No longer safe for children, beach-goers, native environment or dogs.
- Heavy impact on local environment. (Tide pools, native animals, plants, hill sides, run off, etc…)
- Concern for health issues & possible spread of disease
-Not legal – all dogs must be on a 6 ft leash according to R.P.V municipal code 6.20.010
- Greater Los Angeles County also prohibits dogs on any beach, why should this be an exception?
Currently Ocean Trails beach has none of the following
- No Lifeguard = possible drowning
- No trash cans = trashed preserve
- No regulations = chaotic setting
- No bathrooms = human/dog feces and disease
- No signage = do as you please attitude
- No emergency access = slow response for accidents
No dog beach = A safe enjoyable place for residents, visitors and local environment.
Concerned citizens
7:56 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
the dog beach issue is officially out of control! Unfortunately this amazing natural preserve is being destroyed daily and is no longer safe for children, beach-goers, native animals or dogs!
With numbers now reaching the hundreds on any given day, the impact to this natural space is ever present. The local environment (i.e. tide pools/hillsides/native animals) is being disrespected with human/animal feces and the dog beach is commonly left trashed. With no trashcans, bathrooms, signage, emergency access or regulations, visitors are left to do as they please. There are many local alternatives for dog lovers, such as nature walks and a soon to be regulated dog park in Palos Verdes. Please consider the impact that thousands of people will have upon this stretch of coast if word continues to spread throughout Southern California via Internet reviews, word of mouth, etc….
Help our community oppose the possibility of this becoming a sanctioned dog beach by making your voice heard.
R.P.V council is currently gathering feedback from local community to make a ruling Feb-March, 2012… ACT NOW
Please help by writing council members at cc@rpv.com
Parks and rec - parks@rpv.com or Katie 310 544-5260
Or write RPV City Hall – 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. 90275
Janice
4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Let the dogs run! We do not have a dog but walk this beach often and love the freedom that the dogs AND their owners have. This is NOT a swimming beach and there is rarely any sunbathers... it is too rustic and too hard to get to. Let the responsible dog owners and their dogs enjoy this beautiful environment!