Politics & Government

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 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.

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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.

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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, , and .

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.


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