Fernando Estrada

The meeting primarily focused on the overview and evaluation of the pilot program concerning all-day tennis club court reservations at Ernie Howlett Park, which involved extensive discussion regarding utilization rates, preference between reservation systems and drop-in open play for both tennis and pickleball communities, and cost recovery goals. Following public comment, the Commission developed and recommended a modified hybrid structure for weekday court management to the City Council, which included designated times for paid pickleball open/drop-in play, paid tennis reservations, and contracted use, as well as setting the fee for pickleball open/drop-in play at $5 per person. Additionally, the Commission recommended continuing weekday afternoon staffing at the Tennis Club and determined alternate special meeting dates for November and December due to scheduling conflicts.

The special meeting addressed several business items. The Commission recommended that the City Council approve the 2026 agreement with Silver Spur Little League for the use of Ernie Howlett Park's sports fields, following discussions regarding field usage costs and maintenance responsibilities. The Commission also reached a consensus on Committee, Subcommittee, and Adopt-A-Park assignments for the 2026 calendar year and reviewed the 2026 Council Meeting Attendance Schedule. Verbal reports were provided concerning the debriefings for the 2025 Peninsula Parade of Lights, where lighting along a segment of the route was discussed, and the 2025 City Celebration, where the location for future events was debated. Additionally, the Commission reviewed the proposed 2026 special event schedule and received and filed reports on the 2025 Tracy Austin Doubles Tennis Tournament and various City Council actions from October and November 2025.

The meeting included recognition of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Educator of the Year Honorees. The Board President reported on the opening of enrollment for the 2026-27 school year and scheduled information sessions for Transitional Kindergarten and kindergarten parents. The Superintendent highlighted district participation in the Great Kindness Challenge Week, cultural exchange activities with Sakura City, Japan, and a review of the governor's proposed state budget. Discussion items included support for the 2026 PTA Advocacy Efforts regarding E-bike safety courses, an update on the $297 million Measure SOS bond program, and the approval of a resolution authorizing direct negotiation and change orders for the Miraleste Intermediate Swimming Pool Improvements Project. The board also reviewed proposed revisions to administrative regulations concerning alternative credits toward graduation and Advanced Placement course waivers, received an informational presentation on English Language Learners programs, and accepted numerous gifts designated for various schools and instructional/program needs.

The meeting commenced with an announcement regarding the impending retirement of the Public Works Director. Key discussions focused on public safety concerns. For the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive North and Silver Saddle Lane, the committee directed staff to gather traffic accident data before proceeding with a study on installing a pedestrian hybrid beacon (HAWK) system. An update was provided on the Rolling Hills Road Bike Lane Project, noting that engineering is complete and Metro's board consideration for construction funding is scheduled for September. The committee also addressed proposed roadway signs for Lariat Lane East and West on Rolling Hills Road, directing staff to coordinate with the Homeowners Associations on final location and present signs and costs to the City Council. Finally, the committee recommended to the City Council the reduction of speed limits on Palos Verdes Drive North. A separate discussion regarding roadway signs was tabled until the next meeting.

The meeting included a presentation by the Conservation Director of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy providing an overview of the Linden H. Chandler Preserve operations and discussing a Rivers and Mountain Conservancy grant and native plant sales. Business items addressed the Military Service Member Banner program, where the Commission agreed to select banner design #1 and established vetting criteria for names and applications. Staff reports covered a debrief of the Concert in the Park event, updates on the upcoming City Celebration event, and details concerning the Tracy Austin Doubles Tennis Tournament. Commission items included reports on Adopt-A-Park needs, specifically noting a fence repair at Silver Spur Park and restocking dog waste bags at Founder's Park.