Correspondence From Caballeros TC-19City o/ /Coffins
Tc- 19
02-•C))•
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS. CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX: (213) 377-7288
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CRAIG R. NEALIS, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CORRESPONDENCE AND MEMORANDUM TO TRAFFIC
COMMISSION REGARDING CONSIDERATION OF PLACEMENT
OF WARNING SIGNS AND STREET MARKINGS.
DATE: MAY 11, 1992
Attached is a Staff Report and correspondence from Caballeros President Roger Hawkins
which was previously presented to the Traffic Commission for consideration.
Specifically, Roger Hawkins was requesting additional locations for Horse Crossing street
markings as well as equestrian warning signs.
Members of the Traffic Commission considered the request by Mr. Hawkins and referred
it to the Rolling Hills Community Association for their input. The Commission as well as
the Community Association, have elected to receive and file this item and not recommend
installation of additional signs within the community.
TO:
City o/ Knifing Jh//
agenda Item # x
dtg. Date: 2/28/92
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS. CALIF. 90274
12131377.1521
FAX 1213) 3777288
HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE
ROLLING HILLS TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FROM: CRAIG R. NEALIS, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF PLACEMENT OF WARNING SIGNS
REGARDING JOGGERS AND EQUESTRIAN TRAFFIC AND
RELATED STREET MARKINGS.
DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 1992
Correspondence is attached to this staff report submitted to the City from Caballeros Del
Rancho Palos Verdes President Roger E. Hawkins dated January 17, 1992 and February 17,
1992, as well as correspondence from the City of Rolling Hills dated January 21, 1992
relative to horse crossings and caution signs and the erection of equestrian and jogger
warning signs.
In the January 27, 1992 correspondence, Caballeros President Roger Hawkins is
recommending additional locations where horse crossing street markings should be placed.
As of the date of this report, twenty-one (21) "horse crossing" markings have been repainted
by Safety Striping of Ventura, California. These locations are depicted on the January 21,
1992 correspondence to Mr. Hawkins from the City of Rolling Hills.
Regarding the issue of these equestrian crossing markings on the pavement, it is
recommended that staff be directed to contact the Caballeros following completion of the
safety striping improvements to see if any of these concerns regarding Caballeros have been
alleviated. If they have not, staff will provide the Traffic Commission with an estimate of
costs of conducting the work as recommended by Caballeros regarding the pavement
markings if the Commission desires.
'1
..
Regarding the erection of equestrian warning signs urging drivers to cross slowly, Caballeros
have recommended six (6) locations for placement. These locations, are described below
and are contained in their February 17 correspondence:
o Near the intersection of Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road on the south side
of Crest Road just east of Portuguese Bend Road, adjacent to Saffo residence (new
sign);
o on southbound Portuguese Bend Road as it approaches Crest Road on the "stop
ahead" warning sign;
o on westbound Crest Road, just west of Possum Road on the north side of the street
attached to the existing "30 MPH" sign;
o on eastbound Crest Road, just inside the Crenshaw gate affixed to the "30 MPH"
sign;
o on eastbound Crest Road located adjacent to #87 Crest Road East; and
o a new sign is proposed midway between #4 and #8 Johns Canyon Road facing
southbound traffic.
Caballeros further requests that horse crossing pavement markings be placed at these
locations in conjunction with- the signs.
Regarding the issue of the placement of signs warning joggers to run in single file/drivers
to be aware of joggers, it appears in the Caballeros correspondence that they oppose
placement of these signs.
It is requested that Traffic Commission members provide direction for staff regarding this
issue.
Photographs regarding placement of the signs as requested by the Caballeros organization
will be presented to the Traffic Commission at Friday morning meeting.
$!a414wt Del R444.s4 Pala Tema', Tae.
February 17, 1992
Hand Delivered
City Council and
Craig R. Nealis, City Manager
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
Re: HORSE XING and Caution Signs
ENFORCEMENT OF MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
Dear Council Members and Mr. Nealis:
Reference is made to my recent communications with Mr.
Nealis generally relating to the referenced HORSE XING and Caution
signs and the Caballeros' requests for the enforcement of municipal
ordinances. This letter follows up on some of those communiques
and particularly on my January 27 letter to Mr. Nealis.
HORSE XING and Caution Signs
At our last Caballeros meeting, it was pointed out by
someone in the audience that the City had just had repainted the
HORSE XING sign on Georgeff and, while the sign was painted in a.
workmanlike manner, it was at a location no longer frequented by
horses. As a general proposition, the City does not want to
clutter the streets with signs because it views signs are
inconsistent with maintaining a rural atmosphere. Caballeros
subscribes to the 'idea that "less is generally better" when it
comes to signs but, like the City, recognizes that certain signs
are necessary when installed for the purpose of sending a needed
message to the community or those using community streets.
Regrettably, the sign on Georgeff runs afoul of the City's policy
of ". . . maintain(ing) a rural atmosphere with minimal signage
except where absolutely necessary" (see Mr. Nealis' December 10,
1991 letter) in that the City has repainted a sign that was
unnecessary. The repainting of the HORSE XING sign on Georgeff
neither advanced the goal of maintaing the rural atmosphere nor did
it advance any worthwhile safety objective.
Caballeros did offer to work with the City so that signs
that were to be placed were appropriate placed to impart a needed
message and with the view of minimizing the total number of such
signs within the City. Caballeros now repeats that offer. It may
be that the restriping program, which evidently got underway on
January 27, has progressed to the point that signs will painted in
locations irrespective of need. To the extent that is the case, I
would recommend that the next time HORSE XING signs are part of
such a project, thought be given to utilizing the considerable fund
of information available from associations such as Caballeros. As
a community, we all want such signs to be located where they will
do some good and not repainted in locations simply because someone
painted the sign in that particular spot many years ago.
Our offer to participate in the restriping program was
not accepted. However, it was suggested that we identify existing
sign posts which Caballeros felt could be used to attach "Please
Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly" signs. Our suggestions in this
regard were to be presented to the Traffic Commission at its
upcoming meeting. To that end, I have taken a series of
photographs, some of which depict various signs in the City that
could be used to carry this message. I have enclosed these
snapshots with this letter and provide this legend:
1. Intersection of Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road
depicting equestrians on a typical ride.
2. The same group of riders are shown after they have
turned onto Crest Road East. Note that, while
waiting for some of the additional riders that are
coming up Portuguese Bend Road (see #3), one of the
riders had her horse roll over within a couple of
feet of the roadway. The horse and rider in
trouble are identified with the arrow. Needless to
say, this is an "accident waiting to happen" with
the risk of further mishap minimized by attentive,
courteous drivers passing such a situation "slowly
and quietly."
3. Riders proceeding up Portuguese Bend Road toward
nearby intersecting Crest Road. We propose that a
"Pass Horses Slowly and Ouietly sign" be affixed to
the existing sign depicted in the snapshot and
identified with the arrow.
4. Westbound on Crest from Portuguese Bend Road just
past Possom Ridge Road. Because of the heavy
volume of horse traffic on Crest Road West on
bridle trails adjacent to the street and numerous
intersecting trails, we propose that a "Pass Horses
Slowly and Quietly sign" be affixed to the existing
Speed Limit sign depicted in the snapshot and
identified with the arrow.
5. Eastbound on Crest Road West just inside the
Crenshaw Gate. Because of the heavy volume of
horse traffic on Crest Road West on bridle trails
adjacent to the street and numerous intersecting
trails, we propose that a "Pass Horses Slowly and
Quietly sign" be affixed to the existing Speed
Limit sign depicted in the snapshot and identified
with the arrow.
While not depicted in any photograph, we have
additionally proposed that a "Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly" sign
be affixed to the existing Speed Limit sign displayed to east bound
traffic on Crest Road East located near No. 87 Crest Road East.
While not depicted in any photograph, there is a stretch
of Johns Canyon Road (below the Heinsheimer residence) that is
particularly treacherous. The bridle trail on the west side of the
roadway is extremely narrow (in part because the paving contractor
paved over part of the existing bridle trail) leaving no margin for
error. To access Storms trail in route to Hix Ring, riders have to
traverse Johns Canyon on a curved part of the roadway which creates
a blind "intersection" for rider(s) and motorist(s). Caballeros
previously proposed that a "Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly Sign" be
installed on a new post positioned about midway between Nos. 4 and
8 Johns Canyon Road facing south bound traffic. Caballeros
continues to feel that such a sign would not detract from our rural
atmosphere and would advance important safety objectives.
Because of the numerous intersecting bridle trails on
Crest Road West, we also urge the painting of HORSE XING signs at
one or more of these locations which, we submit, would be far more
useful placement(s) than next to the virtually non-existent bridle
trail on Georgeff.
In Mr. Nealis' January 21 letter to me, he mentioned that
some consideration is being given to the placement of equestrian
signs in conjunction with signs reminding joggers to run in single
file. In rural communities across the country, HORSE XING and
similar signs abound. Reason: Because, like rural mailboxes, such
signs "come with" an agrarian area. Personally, on my travels I
enjoy encountering HORSE XING, CATTLE XING and similar signs
because they signal the fact that there are still places in
California where certain vintage values have not been lost. Again,
while this may be a strictly personal observation, I find no
nostalgia value in a sign reminding joggers to run single file,
particularly when those who run in groups do so, in part, for the
social aspects of the exercise. The simple ergonomics of group
running, i.e., jog and talk, does not lend itself to running in
single file. I suspect, therefore, that jogger signs will not only
go unheeded but, if coupled with equestrian signs, would detract
from a sign that conveys a message that might positively influence
driver behavior. Moreover, jogger signs may convey the erroneous
impression that this is a "wide open" City insofar as non-resident
pedestrian traffic is concerned.
ENFORCEMENT OF MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
In your December 3 letter to me, you responded to my
earlier inquiry concerning Sheriff Office issuance of appropriate
parking and moving citations. For two years, I have pestered both
the City and the Sheriff's Office to issue citations for vehicles
parked on bridle trails in violation of an existing municipal
ordinance. I have also asked those drivers that I observed parking
on bridle trails to move their cars explaining -- when they would
listen -- the hazards a rider encounters when forced to compete
with vehicular traffic for right of way on an asphalt roadway due
to cars parked in our bridle trails. I remain astounded that such
an unquestionably reasonable request would encounter so much
resistance from the City ("you can't tell people where to park and
"why don't you ride out in the street"), the Sheriff's Department
("how do we know it's a bridle trail and unless it is posted, as
such, we cannot cite the violator" and "call the City") and some
drivers of illegally parked cars ("go f_ yourself").
At long last and without much apparent help from the
City, Caballeros has made a dent in the problem at least insofar as
it pertains to the weekend soccer players that park on Crest Road
West. As you can see from the recently taken Photo No. 6, the
"Crest Road Soccer Squad" has been (after two years) cajoled into
parking on the north side of Crest Road instead of in the bridle
trail on the south side of Crest Road forcing riders into the
street for the distances shown in this snapshot. Parenthetically,
of the 18 or so vehicles depicted in this photograph, only two
displayed resident decals. I continue to wonder how "forgiving"
the City would be of these essentially non-resident illegally
parked vehicles were these caravans illegally parked of our City's
less trafficked streets. Caballeros again urges the City to advise
the Sheriff's Office that the City affirmatively wants them to
issue traffic citations to any and all non -permitted vehicles that
are parked on our bridle trails. If the Sheriff's Department
issues citations, this problem will self correct. As long as
violations go ignored, the problem will persist. If the problem
persists in spite of faithful enforcement, increase the fine from
its current nominal amount to an amount with some sting in it,
continue to insist upon enforcement and whatever reamins of the
problem will self correct.
Thank you for you continuing consideration of these
matters. Mr. Nealis' consistently prompt feedback is helpful to me
in reporting to Caballeros.
Very tuly yours,
Roge;jR. Hawkins
PresYdent
REH:reh
Enclosures
4 Dal gaol Pala Team, Tee.
January 27, 1992
Craig R. Nealis, City Manager
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills California 90274
Re: Horse Xing and Caution Signs
Dear Mr. Nealis:
This letter is in response to yours of January 21
generally regarding Horse Xing pavement markings and caution
signs within the City. While we have not canvassed every street
in the City, Caballeros feels that -- in addition to the existing
Horse Xing street markings -- such markings should be placed at
the following locations:
1. On Crest
2. On Crest
3. On Crest
East);
4. On Crest
East;
5. On Crest Road at trail located near No. 60 Crest
Road East;
6. On Eastfield at trail located near No. 77
Eastfield;
7. On Eastfield at trail located near No. 51
Eastfield
8. On Portuguese. Bend Road at intersection of
Saddleback Road;
9. On Johns Canyon Road at Storm's Trail located near
No. 7 Johns Canyon Road
Road
Road
Road
at
at
at
Johns Canyon Road;
Glory Trail (No. 5 Crest West);
Juanita Crane Trail (No. 12 Crest
Road at trail located near No. 34 Crest
Caballeros urges installation of caution signs, i.e.,
"Please Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly," at the following
locations on existing posts that support other traffic control
measures:
1. Attach to speed limit sign post displayed to west
bound traffic located near 43 Crest Road West (a
few hundred feet inside the Crenshaw Gate);
2. Attach to speed limit sign post displayed to east
bound traffic on Crest Road West located close to
the intersection of Possum Ridge Road;
Craig R. Nealis, City Manager
January 27, 1992
Page 2
3. Attach to the stop warning sign displayed to west
bound traffic located near 34 Crest Road East;
4. Attach to speed limit sign post displayed to east
bound traffic on Crest Road East located near No.
'87 Crest Road East;
5. Install post and attach to post situated
approximately midway between No. 4 and No. 8 Johns
Canyon Road -- said sign to be displayed to south
bound traffic.
The signs identified as Nos. 1 through 4, inclusive,
would simply be attached to existing traffic control sign posts
in areas where there are heavily used bridle trails in close
proximity to a heavily used "thoroughfare" with a history of
high speed traffic. Only sign No. 5 would require the
installation of a supporting post and would be positioned near
the bend in a road leading to a "blind" horse crossing at Storm's
Trail (near No. 7 Johns Canyon Road).
The addition of these signs would hopefully promote
safer driving practices around equestrian traffic in areas of
substantial equestrian and vehicular traffic. The fact that
these signs would -- with one exception -- be attached to posts
supporting other traffic control signs, means that their
installation would not distract from the rural atmosphere. What
does detract from the rural atmosphere is the excessive speed and
noisy traffic that equestrians encounter, notably along stretches
of Crest Road by drivers who are evidently ignorant of the
potential hazards associated with passing what is not always a
predictable equine or, if aware of the hazard, too thoughtless to
slow down or to pass the equine quietly. Signs of the type being
recommended may serve to educate the uninformed drivers of the
importance of passing equestrians slowly and quietly and remind
drivers -- who have temporarily misplaced their good judgment --
that this is a rural community, not a motor speedway. For
safety's sake, we again urge the installation of these
unobtrusive, discreetly placed signs that may prevent a tragic
accident.
Very truly your,
oger E. Hawkins
President
REH:reh
City o/ /2o[ftan, Jidi
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
GODFREY PERNELt
Mayor
GORDANA SWANSON
Mayor Pro Tem
GINNY LEEUWENBURGH
Counalwoman
JODY MURDOCK
Councawoman
THOMAS F MEINSHEIMER
Counulman
January 21, 1992
Mr. Roger Hawkins
President
Caballeros Del Rancho Palos Verdes, Inc.
37 Crest Road West
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Mr. Hawkins:
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING MILLS. CALIF. 90274
12131377-1521
FAX 1213) 377-7288
Members of the Rolling Hills Traffic Commission received and filed your correspondence
at their regular meeting held Friday, January 17, 1992. This letter is drafted in response to
some of the concerns which were raised in your letter.
First, you have requested identification of existing locations of the 21 "HORSE XING"
pavement markings and the eleven horse crosswalks. Listed below are the locations of these
items:
STREET/LOCATION
Caballeros, north of Crest. Portuguese Bend
Chuckwagon, west of Eastfield. Poppytrail.
Crest Road, east of Georgeff. Portuguese Bend
Eastfield Drive, north of Chuckwagon.
Lower Blackwater Canyon, west of
Portuguese Bend Road.
Pinetree Lane, north of Portuguese Bend
Road.
Portuguese Bend Road, south of
Saddleback.
Portuguese Bend Road, north of
Saddleback.
Road, south of
Road, south of
Blackwater Canyon.
Saddleback Road, east of Portuguese
Bend Road.
tb
Printed on Recycled Pape.
Mr. Roger Hawkins
January 21, 1992
Page Two
We hope that this information assists you in identifying possible new locations for equestrian
crosswalks and in the evaluation of existing locations.
Members of the Traffic Commission will be considering the placement of signs directing
motorists to drive slowly past horses at their regular meeting to be held on Friday, February
21, 1992 commencing at 8:30 a.m. It has been suggested by Commission members that
placement of equestrian signs, in conjunction with signs reminding joggers to run in single
file should be considered.
Regarding the city's traffic striping effort, it is anticipated that the traffic restriping program
will commence during the week of Monday, January 27, 1992. Any information you could
supply prior to that date would be extremely helpful.
For your information, members of the Traffic Commission considered an application for a
proposed new driveway access to 20 Portuguese Bend. Road. In considering the -approval
of the driveway apron, Commissioners indicated their desire to see the driveway apron
"roughened" to assist equestrian passage.
We hope this information is of assistance to you. Please feel free to provide any input
regarding the items described in this letter at the regular meeting of the Traffic Commission
to be held on February 21.
' Sincerely,
91 14
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CN:ds
cc: City Council
Traffic Commission
Peggy Minor, Manager, Rolling Hills Community Association
-VC -
PLACEMENT OF WARNING SIGNS REGARDING JOGGERS,
EQUESTRIAN TRAFFIC AND RELATED STREET MARKINGS
City Manager Nealis delivered a report regarding multiple correspondence received from
Caballeros Del Rancho Palos Verdes, Inc. President Roger Hawkins. Concerns were
expressed regarding liability exposure of the city, the volume of horse traffic at the locations
and the number of existing signs within the community.
Discussion was also offered regarding the utilization of the Palos Verdes Unified School
District property by soccer players now parking on the north side of Crest Road. It appears
that this parking issue is now resolved.
Commission members urged their support for equestrian activities in the community.
Following discussion, this item was referred to the Rolling Hills Community Association for
input due to their maintenance and control of the bridle trails within the community. Staff
was directed to draft a letter to Caballeros describing this action.
1
1—RPFEtC CHMiSSlor1
Ni NS‘s ;a5
21ac6192
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO CONDUCT A PARADE BY THE
ROLLING HILLS JUNIOR CABALLEROS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1992
City Manager Nealis reported that Junior Caballeros are requesting to conduct a parade
between 35 Crest Road West (Hawkins residence) and 1 Southfield Drive (Fischer
residence) on Saturday, April 4, 1992 at 10:00 a.m. It is estimated that approximately twenty
children will be participating either on horseback or in wagons.
This item was referred, with Traffic Commission support, to the Rolling Hills Community
Association due to their control and maintenance of roadways within the community. Staff
was directed to communicate the Traffic Commission's tentative approval to Lori Cornell.
i erF1c COHHlss%dn1
Ivl l �i u S
GODFREY PER':ELL
Mayo/
GORDANA SWANSON
Mayor Pro Tem
GUNNY LEEUWENBURGH
Councilwoman
JODY MURDOCK
Councilwoman
THOMAS F. NEINSHEIMER
Councilman
March 4, 1992
Ms. Lori Cornell
9 Maverick Lane
Rolling Hills, CA
90274
Dear Ms. Cornell:
city 0/ Rolling
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS. CALIF. 90274
12131 377-1521
FAX 1213) 377-7288
Members of the Rolling Hills Traffic Commission took formal action during their regular
meeting held Friday, February 28, 1992 to tentatively approve the Junior.CaballeTgskPaade-
scheduled for Crest Road on Saturday April 4, 1992 at 10:00 a.m. Commissioners
wholeheartedly supported the event and directed staff to work with the Sheriffs Department
and your organization to secure any assistance you may need.
Since the Rolling Hills Community Association is responsible for the control and
maintenance of roadways within the community, this item was referred to the Association
for their review.
Should you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to call. We look forward to
hearing from you so that we may provide you with whatever assistance you may require.
Sincerely,
Gin
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CN:ds
Printed On Recycled Paper.
City 01120/16,9
INCORPORATED JANUARY 20, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILL$. CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX: (213) 377.7288
TO: PEGGY MINOR, MANAGER
ROLLING HILLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
FROM: CRAIG R. NEALIS, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC COMMISSION CONCERNS
DATE: MARCH 4, 1992
At the regular meeting of the Rolling Hills Traffic Commission held Friday, February 28,
1992, two items were referred to the Rolling Hills Community Association Board of
Directors for their input.
First, a report regarding consideration of placement of warning signs relating to equestrian
traffic has been forwarded to the Association for review. Caballeros Del Rancho Palos
Verdes, Inc. have forwarded correspondence to the city identifying six locations where they
would like a sign placed, and/or a new sign erected warning motorists of an equestrian
crossing. Due to the Association's involvement with trails and roadways within the
community, Commission members felt it important to gain their input.
On another issue, the Junior Caballeros are pleased to announce that they wish to conduct
a parade on Crest Road between the Hawkins residence (35 Crest Road) and the Fischer
residence (1 Southfield Drive) on Saturday, April 4, 1992 beginning at 10:00 a.m. The
Commission has directed staff to work with the Junior Caballeros and the Sheriff's
Department to provide them with whatever assistance they may need. Due to the
Community Association's control of the roadways, it was felt that Association input should
be obtained and forwarded to the Junior Caballeros.
I have forwarded correspondence to Lori Cornell who is organizing this event. A copy of
that letter is attached for your review together with the staff reports which were provided
to the Traffic Commission.
If you require any information or further assistance regarding these issues, please do not
hesitate to contact this office.
CN:ds
TO:
Agenda Item # 5G TC—I 1
Mtg. Date: 2/28/92
lid•`, O/ Rolling ✓V(`16 INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX (213) 377-7288
HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FROM: CRAIG R. NEALIS, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO CONDUCT A PARADE BY
THE ROLLING HILLS JUNIOR CABALLEROS ON SATURDAY,
APRIL 4, 1992
DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 1992
Allison Hill, a member of the Junior Caballeros organization, approached the City Council
on Monday, February 24, 1992, requesting permission to conduct a youth parade on Crest
Road between the Hawldn's residence, 35 Crest Road West, and the Fischer residence
located at Southfield Drive and Crest Road on Saturday, April 4, 1992 beginning at 10:00
a.m. A more detailed report regarding the specifics of this parade will be provided at the
Traffic Commission.
r'
TO:
enda Item # 5C —l`1
Mtg. Date: 2/28/92
Cu, oMoiling fit&
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377.1521
FAX (213) 377-7288
HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE
ROLLING HILLS TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FROM: CRAIG R. NEALIS, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF PLACEMENT OF WARNING SIGNS
REGARDING JOGGERS AND EQUESTRIAN TRAFFIC AND
RELATED STREET MARKINGS.
DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 1992
Correspondence is attached to this staff report submitted to the City from Caballeros Del
Rancho Palos Verdes President Roger E. Hawkins dated January 17, 1992 and February 17,
1992, as well as correspondence from the City of Rolling Hills dated January 21, 1992
relative to horse crossings and caution signs and the erection of equestrian and jogger
warning signs.
In the January 27, 1992 correspondence, Caballeros President Roger Hawkins is
recommending additional locations where horse crossing street markings should be placed.
As of the date of this report, twenty-one (21) "horse crossing" markings have been repainted
by Safety Striping of Ventura, California. These locations are depicted on the January 21,
1992 correspondence to Mr. Hawkins from the City of Rolling Hills.
Regarding the issue of these equestrian crossing markings on the pavement, it is
recommended that staff be directed to contact the Caballeros following completion of the
safety striping improvements to see if any of these concerns regarding Caballeros have been
alleviated. If they have not, staff will provide the Traffic Commission with an estimate of
costs of conducting the work as recommended by Caballeros regarding the pavement
markings if the Commission desires.
Regarding the erection of equestrian warning signs urging drivers to cross slowly, Caballeros
have recommended six (6) locations for placement. These locations, are described below
and are contained in their February 17 correspondence:
o Near the intersection of Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road on the south side
of Crest Road just east of Portuguese Bend Road, adjacent to Saffo residence (new
sign);
o on southbound Portuguese Bend Road as it approaches Crest Road on the "stop
ahead" warning sign;
o on westbound Crest Road, just west of Possum Road on the north side of the street
attached to the existing "30 MPH" sign;
o on eastbound Crest Road, just inside the Crenshaw gate affixed to the "30 MPH"
sign;
o on eastbound Crest Road located adjacent to #87 Crest Road East; and
o a new sign is proposed midway between #4 and #8 Johns Canyon Road facing
southbound traffic.
Caballeros further requests that horse crossing pavement markings be placed at these
locations in conjunction with the signs.
Regarding the issue of the placement of signs warning joggers to run in single file/drivers
to be aware of joggers, it appears in the Caballeros correspondence that they oppose
placement of these signs. •
It is requested that Traffic Commission members provide direction for staff regarding this
issue.
Photographs regarding placement of the signs as requested by the Caballeros organization
will be presented to the Traffic Commission at Friday morning meeting.
ea,aatetod arc Rade Pan vim. %e.
February 17, 1992
Hand Delivered
City Council and
Craig R. Nealis, City Manager
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
Re: HORSE XING and Caution Signs
ENFORCEMENT OF MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
Dear Council Members and Mr. Nealis:
Reference is made to my recent communications with Mr.
Nealis generally relating to the referenced HORSE XING and Caution
signs and the Caballeros' requests for the enforcement of municipal
ordinances. This letter follows up on some of those communiques
and particularly on my January 27 letter to Mr. Nealis.
HORSE XING and Caution Signs
At our last Caballeros meeting, it was pointed out by
someone in the audience that the City had just had repainted the
HORSE XING sign on Georgeff and, while the sign was painted in a
workmanlike manner, it was at a location no longer frequented by
horses. As a general proposition, the City does not want to
clutter the streets with signs because it views signs are
inconsistent with maintaining a rural atmosphere. Caballeros
subscribes to the idea that "less is generally better" when it
comes to signs but, like the City, recognizes that certain signs
are necessary when installed for the purpose of sending a needed
message to the community or those using community streets.
Regrettably, the sign on Georgeff runs afoul of the City's policy
of ". . . maintain(ing) a rural atmosphere with minimal signage
except where absolutely necessary" (see Mr. Nealis' December 10,
1991 letter) in that the City has repainted a sign that was
unnecessary. The repainting of the HORSE XING sign on Georgeff
neither advanced the goal of maintaing the rural atmosphere nor did
it advance any worthwhile safety objective.
Caballeros did offer to work with the City so that signs
that were to be placed were appropriate placed to impart a needed
message and with the view of minimizing the total number of such
signs within the City. Caballeros now repeats that offer. It may
be that the restriping program, which evidently got underway on
January 27, has progressed to the point that signs will painted in
locations irrespective of need. To the extent that is the case, I
would recommend that the next time HORSE XING signs are part of
such a project, thought be given to utilizing the considerable fund
of information available from associations such as Caballeros. As
a community, we all want such signs to be located where they will
do some good and not repainted in locations simply because someone
painted the sign in that particular spot many years ago.
Our offer to participate in the restriping program was
not accepted. However, it was suggested that we identify existing
sign posts which Caballeros felt could be used to attach "Please
Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly" signs. Our suggestions in this
regard were to be presented to the Traffic Commission at its
upcoming meeting. To that end, I have taken a series of
photographs, some of which depict various signs in the City that
could be used to carry this message. I have enclosed these
snapshots with this letter and provide this legend:
1. Intersection of Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road
depicting equestrians on a typical ride.
2. The same group of riders are shown after they have
turned onto Crest Road East. Note that, while
waiting for some of the additional riders that are
coming up Portuguese Bend Road (see #3), one of the
riders had her horse roll over within a couple of
feet of the roadway. The horse and rider in
trouble are identified with the arrow. Needless to
say, this is an "accident waiting to happen" with
the risk of further mishap minimized by attentive,
courteous drivers passing such a situation "slowly
and quietly."
3. Riders proceeding up Portuguese Bend Road toward
nearby intersecting Crest Road. We propose that a
"Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly sign" be affixed to
the existing sign depicted in the snapshot and
identified with the arrow.
4. Westbound on Crest from Portuguese Bend Road just
past Possom Ridge Road. Because of the heavy
volume of horse traffic on Crest Road West on
bridle trails adjacent to the street and numerous
intersecting trails, we propose that a "Pass Horses
Slowly and Quietly sign" be affixed to the existing
Speed Limit sign depicted in the snapshot and
identified with the arrow.
5. Eastbound on Crest Road West just inside the
Crenshaw Gate. Because of the heavy volume of
horse traffic on Crest Road West on bridle trails
adjacent to the street and numerous intersecting
trails, we propose that a "Pass Horses Slowly and
Ouietly sign" be affixed to the existing Speed
Limit sign depicted in the snapshot and identified
with the arrow.
While not depicted in any photograph, we have
additionally proposed that a "Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly" sign
be affixed to the existing Speed Limit sign displayed to east bound
traffic on Crest Road East located near No. 87 Crest Road East.
While not depicted in any photograph, there is a stretch
of Johns Canyon Road (below the Heinsheimer residence) that is
particularly treacherous. The bridle trail on the west side of the
roadway is extremely narrow (in part because the paving contractor
paved over part of the existing bridle trail) leaving no margin for
error. To access Storms trail in route to Hix Ring, riders have to
traverse Johns Canyon on a curved part of the roadway which creates
a blind "intersection" for rider(s) and motorist(s). Caballeros
previously proposed that a "Pass Horses Slowly and Ouietly Sign" be
installed on a new post positioned about midway between Nos. 4 and
8 Johns Canyon Road facing south bound traffic. Caballeros
continues to feel that such a sign would not detract from our rural
atmosphere and would advance important safety objectives.
Because of the numerous intersecting bridle trails on
Crest Road West, we also urge the painting of HORSE XING signs at
one or more of these locations which, we submit, would be far more
useful placement(s) than next to the virtually non-existent bridle
trail on Georgeff.
In Mr. Nealis' January 21 letter to me, he mentioned that
some consideration is being given to the placement of equestrian
signs in conjunction with signs reminding joggers to run in single
file. In rural communities across the country, HORSE XING and
similar signs abound. Reason: Because, like rural mailboxes, such
signs "come with" an agrarian area. Personally, on my travels I
enjoy encountering HORSE XING, CATTLE XING and similar signs
because they signal the fact that there are still places in
California where certain vintage values have not been lost. Again,
while this may be a strictly personal observation, I find no
nostalgia value in a sign reminding joggers to run single file,
particularly when those who run in groups do so, in part, for the
social aspects of the exercise. The simple ergonomics of group
running, i.e., jog and talk, does not lend itself to running in
single file. I suspect, therefore, that jogger signs will not only
go unheeded but, if coupled with equestrian signs, would detract
from a sign that conveys a message that might positively influence
driver behavior. Moreover, jogger signs may convey the erroneous
impression that this is a "wide open" City insofar as non-resident
pedestrian traffic is concerned.
ENFORCEMENT OF MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
In your December 3 letter to me, you responded to my
earlier inquiry concerning Sheriff Office issuance of appropriate
parking and moving citations. For two years, I have pestered both
the City and the Sheriff's Office to issue citations for vehicles
parked on bridle trails in violation of an existing municipal
ordinance. I have also asked those drivers that I observed parking
on bridle trails to move their cars explaining -- when they would
listen -- the hazards a rider encounters when forced to compete
with vehicular traffic for right of way on an asphalt roadway due
to cars parked in our bridle trails. I remain astounded that such
an unquestionably reasonable request would encounter so much
resistance from the City ("you can't tell people where to park and
"why don't you ride out in the street"), the Sheriff's Department
("how do we know it's a bridle trail and unless it is posted, as
such, we cannot cite the violator" and "call the City") and some
drivers of illegally parked cars ("go f yourself").
At long last and without much apparent help from the
City, Caballeros has made a dent in the problem at least insofar as
it pertains to the weekend soccer players that park on Crest Road
West. As you can see from the recently taken Photo No. 6, the
"Crest Road Soccer Squad" has been (after two years) cajoled into
parking on the north side of Crest Road instead of in the bridle
trail on the south side of Crest Road forcing riders into the
street for the distances shown in this snapshot. Parenthetically,
of the 18 or so vehicles depicted in this photograph, only two
displayed resident decals. I continue to wonder how "forgiving"
the City would be of these essentially non-resident illegally
parked vehicles were these caravans illegally parked of our City's
less trafficked streets. Caballeros again urges the City to advise
the Sheriff's Office that the City affirmatively wants them to
issue traffic citations to any and all non -permitted vehicles that
are parked on our bridle trails. If the Sheriff's Department
issues citations, this problem will self correct. As long as
violations go ignored, the problem will persist. If the problem
persists in spite of faithful enforcement, increase the fine from
its current nominal amount to an amount with some sting in it,
continue to insist upon enforcement and whatever reamins of the
problem will self correct.
Thank you for you continuing consideration of these
matters. Mr. Nealis' consistently prompt feedback is helpful to me
in reporting to Caballeros.
Very my yours,
Roge Hawkins
Pres dent
REH:reh
Enclosures
e44eeet84 Vet Ra«uo Pain Taal, Tore.
January 27, 1992
♦
Craig R. Nealis, City Manager
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills California 90274
Re: Horse Xinq and Caution Signs
Dear Mr. Nealis:
This letter is in response to yours of January 21
generally regarding Horse Xing pavement markings and caution
signs within the City. While we have not canvassed every street
in the City, Caballeros feels that -- in addition to the existing
Horse Xing street markings -- such markings should be placed at
the following locations:
1. On Crest Road at Johns Canyon Road;
2. On Crest Road at Glory Trail (No. 5 Crest West);
3. On Crest Road at Juanita Crane Trail (No. 12 Crest
East);
4. On Crest Road at trail located near No. 34 Crest
East;
5. On Crest Road at trail located near No. 60 Crest
Road East;
6. On Eastfield at trail located near No. 77
Eastfield;
7. On Eastfield at trail located near No. 51
Eastfield
8. On Portuguese Bend Road at intersection of
Saddleback Road;
9. On Johns Canyon Road at Storm's Trail located near
No. 7 Johns Canyon Road
Caballeros urges installation of caution signs, i.e.,
"Please Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly," at the following
locations on existing posts that support other traffic control
measures:
1. Attach to speed limit sign post displayed to west
bound traffic located near 43 Crest Road West (a
few hundred feet inside the Crenshaw Gate);
2. Attach to speed limit sign post displayed to east
bound traffic on Crest Road West located close to
the intersection of Possum Ridge Road;
Craig R. Nealis, City Manager
January 27, 1992
Page 2
3. Attach to the stop warning sign displayed to west
bound traffic located near 34 Crest Road East;
4. Attach to speed limit sign post displayed to east
bound traffic on Crest Road East located near No.
87 Crest Road East;
5. Install post and attach to post situated
approximately midway between No. 4 and No. 8 Johns
Canyon Road -- said sign to be displayed to south
bound traffic.
The signs identified as Nos. 1 through 4, inclusive,
would simply be attached to existing traffic control sign posts
in areas where there are heavily used bridle trails in close
proximity to a heavily used "thoroughfare" with a history of
high speed traffic. Only sign No. 5 would require the
installation of a supporting post and would be positioned near
the bend in a road leading to a "blind" horse crossing at Storm's
Trail (near No. 7 Johns Canyon Road).
The addition of these signs would hopefully promote
safer driving practices around equestrian traffic in areas of
substantial equestrian and vehicular traffic. The fact that
these signs would -- with one exception -- be attached to posts
supporting other traffic control signs, means that their
installation would not distract from the rural atmosphere. What
does detract from the rural atmosphere is the excessive speed and
noisy traffic that equestrians encounter, notably along stretches
of Crest Road by drivers who are evidently ignorant of the
potential hazards associated with passing what is not always a
predictable equine or, if aware of the hazard, too thoughtless to
slow down or to pass the equine quietly. Signs of the type being
recommended may serve to educate the uninformed drivers of the
importance of passing equestrians slowly and quietly and remind
drivers -- who have temporarily misplaced their good judgment --
that this is a rural community, not a motor speedway. For
safety's sake, we again urge the installation of these
unobtrusive, discreetly placed signs that may prevent a tragic
accident.
Very truly your,,
/e/
oger E. Hawkins
President
REH:reh
OPEN AGENDA
Ms. AllisonHill, 11 Cinchring, announced that the Junior
Caballeros will be sponsoring an Easter Parade on Saturday, April
4, at 10:00 a.m. It will begin at the Hawkins residence on Crest
Road and end at the Fisher home on Southfield. She invited
everyone in the community to attend the parade, and invited Mayor
Pernell to ride in a trailer with her family.
Mayor Pernell advised that for safety considerations the
subject should be referred to the Traffic Commission, and invited
Ms. Hill to speak at that meeting on Friday, February 28. The
Mayor presented her with a_City pin in commemoration of her first
visit to the City Council.
C\m `O1/411JC\L
�i�u•N;�s a- )a-‘1-
-7C-I�
City o/ R0//n, JUL
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
GODFREY PERNELL
Mayor
GORDANA SWANSON
Mayor Pro Tem
GINNY LEEUWENBURGH
Councilwoman
JODY MURDOCK
Councilwoman
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilman
January 21, 1992
Mr. Roger Hawkins
President
•C=abal]ergs=Del=R-anchozPalos-Verdes;Anc.
37 Crest Road West
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Mr. Hawkins:
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS. CALIF. 90274
(213)377-1521
FAX (213) 377-7288
Members of the Rolling Hills Traffic Commission received and filed your correspondence
at their regular meeting held Friday, January 17, 1992. This letter is drafted in response to
some of the concerns which were raised in your letter.
First, you have requested identification of existing locations of the 21 "HORSE XING"
pavement markings and the eleven horse crosswalks. Listed below are the locations of these
items:
STREET/LOCATION
Caballeros, north of Crest.
Chuckwagon, west of Eastfield.
Crest Road, east of Georgeff.
Eastfield Drive, north of Chuckwagon.
Lower Blackwater Canyon, west of
Portuguese Bend Road.
Pinetree Lane, north of Portuguese Bend
Road.
Portuguese Bend Road, south of
Saddleback.
Portuguese Bend Road, north of
Saddleback.
Portuguese Bend Road, south of
Poppytrail.
Portuguese Bend Road, south of
Blackwater Canyon.
Saddleback Road, east of Portuguese
Bend Road.
c:
Printed on Recycled Paper.
Mr. Roger Hawkins
January 21, 1992
Page Two
We hope that this information assists you in identifying possible new locations for equestrian
crosswalks and in the evaluation of existing locations.
Members of the Traffic Commission will be considering the placement of signs directing
motorists to drive slowly past horses at their regular meeting to be held on Friday, February
21, 1992 commencing at 8:30 a.m. It has been suggested by Commission members that
placement of equestrian signs, in conjunction with signs reminding joggers to run in single
file should be considered.
Regarding the city's traffic striping effort, it is anticipated that the traffic restriping program
will commence during the week of Monday, January 27, 1992. Any information you could
supply prior to that date would be extremely helpful.
For your information, members of the Traffic Commission considered an application for a
proposed new driveway access to 20 Portuguese Bend Road. In considering the approval
of the driveway apron, Commissioners indicated their desire to see the driveway apron
"roughened" to assist equestrian passage.
We hope this information is of assistance to you. Please feel free to provide any input
regarding the items described in this letter at the regular meeting of the Traffic Commission
to be held on February 21.
Sincerely,
9x itm,6
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CN:ds
cc: City Council
Traffic Commission
Peggy Minor, Manager, Rolling Hills Community Association
CORRESPONDENCE FROM CABALLEROS DEL RANCHO PALOS VERDES
DATED JANUARY 7, 1992
City Manager Nealis indicated that he is responding to this correspondence and that
Caballeros will be identifying locations where they feel additional "HORSE XING"
pavement markings could be placed, and that Caballeros will be looking at existing horse
pavement markings to determine the necessity for their continued existence on authorized
trails by the Rolling Hills Community Association.
�e_AFF1c CoHHIss10tJ
H1 N•1'ZL�
--`c-'°1
k
E.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM CABALLEROS DEL RANCHO PALOS VERDES
DATED JANUARY 7, 1992
City Manager Nealis indicated that he is responding to this correspondence and that
Caballeros will be identifying locations where they feel additional "HORSE XING"
pavement markings could be placed, and that Caballeros will be looking at existing horse
pavement markings to determine the necessity for their continued existence.
/RAMC oHHISsiod
1)1491
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ea4eeew� Dd gaucho Pan 'Vadcat Tee.
January 7, 1992
Mr. Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
Re: HORSE XING SIGNS
Dear Mr. Nealis:
Reference is made to yours of December 10 generally
regarding caution/equestrian crossing sings and speed control.
Respecting additional signs, we certainly concur with
and encourage the policy of doing all that we can as a community
to maintain a rural atmosphere with minimal signs except where
absolutely necessary. At the same time, we continue to feel
that there are selected locations in the City where equestrian
safety might be benefitted by additional signs, e.g., inside the
Crenshaw gate and at the intersection of Portuguese Bend Road
and Crest Road, encouraging'motorists to "Please pass horses
slowly and quietly." We believe there is one such sign in the
City at this time located inside the Main Gate. Unfortunately,
there is little, if any roadside equestrian traffic along
Portuguese Bend Road. From the way motorists speed along Crest
Road -- where we have our heaviest roadside equestrian traffic --
it appears that the Main Gate sign has lost its intended impact.
Consequently, even if the City is disinclined to increase the
number of signs, relocating the Main Gate sign to one of the two
intersections mentioned above would be a more helpful location.
Were the sign re -positioned inside the Crenshaw Gate, perhaps it
could be positioned in such a way as to obscure the street level
cable television boxes from view. We think that a couple of
additional attractively constructed signs like the one inside the
Main Gate could be positioned on existing sign posts or in front
of eye sores (cable television boxes) so as to help encourage
safer driving behavior, thereby promoting safer streets.
You asked for the identification of existing sign posts
which we feel could benefit from additional "HORSE XING" signs.
We are working on identifying such sign posts at this time and
will revert with further comments.
Respecting the twenty-one "HORSE XING" markings on
private roadways and eleven horse cross walks, we have a
recommendation that will be followed up with some specific
1
1
1
Mr. Craig R. Nealis
January 7, 1992
Page 2
information concerning placement. In making this recommendation,
I am assuming that the markings to which you refer are those
"HORSE XING" signs painted on the streets in, apparently, 21
locations. In driving from the Crenshaw Gate to the Main Gate
via Crest and Portuguese Bend Road, I observed one such crossing
sign. It was located near 26 Portuguese Bend Road which is a
location where -- statistically speaking -- no horses cross the
roadway because there is no bridle trail or bridle trail access.
Despite the fact that there are at least a dozen trails that
intersect with those two heavily travelled streets, there are no
"HORSE XING" signs painted at or near these bridle trails where
horses do, in fact, cross the street. We assume that the City,
when soliciting bids for the restriping of all traffic safety
stripings and markings citywide, we contract for 21 such signs.
We recommend, therefore, that the City not simply repaint
existing signs in present locations, but to give some thought as
to the placement of these markings where they will do the most
good. I do not want to engage in a canvass of our City streets,
making detailed recommendations as to where we feel such markings
ought to be situated if you inform me that the City does not
intend to place the signs where they are most needed if doing so
may require some shifting of location.
What I may do, however, is to attempt to acquaint
myself with the locations of all 21 "HORSE XING" signs and the 11
horse cross walks because, candidly, I am only aware of a handful
of the signs and nor aware of any of the cross walks. If you
could pinpoint locations for me, that would save me a good deal
of time.
We were heartened to learn that the Fiscal Year 1992-
1993 may bring with it funds to allocate for a new speed survey.
Hopefully the survey will underscore what is already apparent to
those who live on Crest Road, i.e., that the 30 miles per hour
speed limit on Crest is routinely ignored and that something
needs to be done to slow down the motorists. Unfortunately, the
present 30 MPH speed limit is a prima facie limit, not an
absolute limit, apparently leaving may motorists to believe that
they have a 10 -mile per hour license to exceed the posted limit.
As Deputy Lopez will no doubt attest, it is not uncommon to issue
citations along Crest Road in the 50-60 MPH range. While an
absolute speed limit along our City's most heavily trafficked
streets will not stop speeding, it would certainly disabuse
motorists of the notion that they have any "grace" speed over the
posted limit and make the Sheriff's Office task of enforcing City
speed limits a great deal easier. Having had considerable
personal experience with this subject, I can say without fear of
contradiction that there is no good reason for not capping the
Mr. Craig R. Nealis
January 7, 1992
Page 3
speed at which motorists drive their vehicles in this City to 25
MPH.
We share your hopefulness that Mr. Welbourn's
volunteer efforts with the speed board will have a positive
effect in reducing speeding in the City. Mr. Welbourn deserves
all of our thanks for his work.
While I am digressing somewhat from the original
purpose of this letter, my experience (even if this community)
that most residents want to control the speeding of others.
Residents tend to feel that, for so long as they are not being
cited, vigorous enforcement of the vehicle code is applauded.
When a community is really committed to controlling speed because
they know (rightly so) that speeding causes tragic, avoidable
accidents, there is one sure fire way to accomplish that
objective. Set absolute speed limits. Ask their local law
enforcement agency to enforce those limits. If this community
had an absolute speed limit of, for example, 25 MPH on all its
streets and had photo radar installed citing all motorists
exceeding the speed limit, I would be willing to guarantee you
that most everyone driving in this City would operate their
vehicles within the applicable speed limit. Regrettably, the
residents of most cities prefer the "right" to speed when they
feel like it as opposed to living in a community where safety is
uppermost on the agenda.
Very truly yours,
REH:reh
Rocfer E. Hawkins,
President, Caballeros
,<
Cu, o//Coffins.
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX (213) 377-7288
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CRAIG R. NEALIS, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CORRESPONDENCE FROM CABALLEROS DEL RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, INC. PRESIDENT ROGER E. HAWKINS DATED
OCTOBER 23, 1991
DATE: NOVEMBER 25, 1991
Members of the Rolling Hills Traffic Commission received
and filed the attached correspondence at their regular
meeting held on Friday, November 15, 1991. No recommended
action was taken by the Traffic Commission. This item
is presented and recommended for Receive and File" by the
City Council.
/jc
Del Raito Pa144 'Pada, '7 C.
October 23, 1991
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
Attention: City Council
OCT:i.)17(.17;:iii\b/r/E
24 199'
T' OLUNG HILLS
Re: Caution Signs - Equestrian Crossing Signs
Speed Control
Dear Council Members:
The letter contains recommendations from Caballeros
generally regarding (1) Caution Signs - Equestrian Crossing Signs
and (2) Speed Control.
CAUTION SIGNS - EQUESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNS
Upon entering the City's Main Gate, motorists encounter
a sign which reads "Please Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly."
Caballeros would like to see several additional signs with the
same message strategically posted elsewhere in the City as a
friendly reminder that motorists should reduce speed and avoid
unnecessary noise when passing horseback riders. Areas where
these signs could be spotted include the following:
1. At edge of bridle trail a few hundred
feet inside the Crenshaw Gate.
2. Strategically located at the
intersection of Crest and Portuguese
Bend Road. I would suggest a sign
facing west bound traffic on Portuguese
Bend Road as you approach the Crest Road
stop sign.
3. On the south side of Crest just east of
Portuguese Bend Road.
4. On the north side of Crest just east of
Caballeros. •
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 2
5. On some of the winding roads where horse
traffic is frequently forced into the
street, e.g., John's Canyon Road.
Caballeros also recommends that Equestrian Crossing
signs be located where bridle trails intersect with City streets
in such a manner to give drivers of vehicles notice of the
crossing. To the extent the City has adopted California Vehicle
Code § 21805 into its local traffic ordinances, such signs will
require drivers to yield the right-of-way to any horseback rider
crossing the roadway at such a location. These signs will also
serve to reinforce the importance of complying with California
Vehicle Code § 21759 which obligates the driver of any vehicle
approaching any ridden animal to exercise proper control of that
vehicle and reduce speed or stop as may appear necessary or as
may be signalled or otherwise requested by any person riding or
in charge of the animal in order to avoid frightening and to
safeguard the animal and to insure the safety of any person
riding the animal or in charge of the animal.
Please let me know whether these additional signs can
be installed. If installation is permitted, then I would also
like to have pricing information, as well as whether Caballeros
or the City or the Association bears the cost. I suspect about
ten (10) Caution Signs will suffice. I have yet to count the
number of Equestrian Crossing signs that are needed but suspect
these relatively small signs will be modestly priced and will not
exceed 20 in number. A Caballeros representative is available to
work with you on site placement that will broadcast these
important messages in locations out of the way of equestrian
traffic.
SPEED CONTROL
Caballeros is quite concerned by the excessive
vehicular traffic speed that horseback riders encounter all too
often on our residential City streets. Too many motorists, who
would shutter (for personal safety concerns) at the thought of
riding even the mildest mannered horse, seem to think nothing of
passing within a few feet of a horse and rider at speeds of 40-60
mph -- in violation of Vehicle Code § 21759 mentioned above.
Example: last weekend, my wife, Christa, dismounted a horse she
was riding. The horse had balked at walking across a slippery
driveway where it had fallen some weeks earlier. While
attempting to hand walk that horse across the driveway, the horse
became unruly and backed into Crest Road. An approaching
motorist -- with an unobstructed view of what was occurring for
several hundred feet or more -- nonetheless approached Christa
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 3
and the horse at about 40 mph. Only with arms waving and yelling
did the driver bring her car to a literally screeching stop, just
a couple of feet from the horse. The driver looked momentarily
dumfounded by the situation, shrugged her shoulders and roared
off around one thoroughly spooked horse and its infuriated
"rider." Regrettably, episodes such as this are not uncommon.
We feel that problems of this type are commonly the result of
drivers being uninformed about horse behavior. Hopefully, the
requested signs will serve as a mechanism to educate those using
our roadways that horses are not inanimate objects but are
animals that react to external stimuli in sometimes erratic ways.
Vehicles passing at excessive speed (particularly large/noisy
vehicles) and motorists honking horns as they pass, set the stage
for what could be a tragic accident. Caution Signs and
Equestrian Crossing Signs should help better inform residents and
non-residents alike of appropriate driving etiquette around
equines.
In this general regard, Caballeros believes that
equestrian safety would be measurably improved through more
stringent speed control laws and/or more rigid enforcement of
existing speed laws. The California Vehicle Code provides a 25
mph prima facie limit in residential districts; yet, in Rolling
Hills -- with horse traffic on bridle trails adjacent to many of
the City's streets, no leash laws and heavy pedestrian traffic on
streets such as Crest Road and Portuguese Bend Road -- a 30 mph
prima facie limit has been enacted. While Caballeros regards the
30 mph prima facie limit as excessive and would prefer a 25 mph
prima facie limit, we understand this issue was considered years
ago and resulted in a 5 mph increase to the present 30 mph limit.
Caballeros believes that changed circumstances in terms of a
combined increase in the volume of vehicular, equestrian and
pedestrian traffic on our residential streets dictates a return
to the 25 mph standard. However, if a reduction in the speed
limit is not likely to occur, then we urge that the 30 mph speed
limit be changed from a prima facie to an absolute speed limit
for non-commercial vehicles and the 30 mph limit be reduced to a
25 mph absolute speed limit for commercial vehicles. Given the
relatively small size of the city, imposition of a 25 mph speed
limit would have no appreciable effect on how soon a driver would
reach his or her destination, but would certainly improve the
safety of those they encounter along the way.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff's Office should be encouraged to
vigorously enforce our current speed laws and particularly in
areas where there is heavy horse traffic, e.g., Crest Road.
Hopefully, the Sheriff's Office has not added the typical (10)
mph "tolerance" to an already awfully high 30 mph prima facie
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 4
limit. If the Sheriff's Office has incorporated such a
tolerance, then Crest Road actually has a 40 mph speed limit
which is patently unsafe. The Sheriff's Office should be asked
to cite very near the current prima facie speed limit.
We understand that the City is giving some thought to
installing photo radar in the City. Photo radar will shortly be
operational in the cities of Torrance and Pasadena. We support
the photo radar concept as a means of reducing vehicular speed on
our roads, and thereby promoting safety in our City.
Very duly yours,
Roge E. ns
President.
REH:rjh
CORRESPONDENCE FROM CABALLEROS DEL RANCHO PALOS VERDES
DATED OCTOBER 23, 1991
Commissioner Welbourn moved to receive and file the items contained in the Consent
Calendar. Staff was directed to present the correspondence received from Caballeros Del
Rancho Palos Verdes to the City Council without a recommended action from the Traffic
Commission. Commissioner Schmit seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
RRFFtc (o Kt(isSIan/
1149 1
4
City o/ k'o[Lc'n9 JUL
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
GODFREY PERNELL
Mayor
GORDANA SWANSON •
Mayor Pro Tem
GINNY LEEUWENBURGH
Councilwoman
JODY MURDOCK
Councilwoman
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilman
October 25, 1991
Mr. Roger E. Hawkins
President
Caballeros Del Ranch Palos Verdes, Inc.
37 Crest Road West
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Mr. Hawkins:
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX (213) 377.7288
Thank you for your correspondence dated October 23, 1991. We appreciate you expressing
your concerns.
I have taken the liberty of forwarding your letter to Captain William Mangan of the Los
Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Lomita Station. Further, your letter will be
considered by members of the Rolling Hills Traffic Commission at their regular meeting
scheduled for Friday, November 15, 1991 beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Thank you again for expressing your concerns.
Sincerely,
(9 A.
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CN:ds
®Printed on Recycled Paper.
&Alleged Tel Reuteito P4144 '1/ tea Sae.
October 23, 1991
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
Attention: City Council
OCT 2 4 1991
0 TY O OLLING HILLS
Re: Caution Signs - Equestrian Crossing Signs
Speed Control
Dear Council Members:
The letter contains recommendations from Caballeros
generally regarding (1) Caution Signs - Equestrian Crossing Signs
and (2) Speed Control.
CAUTION SIGNS - EQUESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNS
Upon entering the City's Main Gate, motorists encounter
a sign which reads "Please Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly."
Caballeros would like to see several additional signs with the
same message strategically posted elsewhere in the City as a
friendly reminder that motorists should reduce speed and avoid
unnecessary noise when passing horseback riders. Areas where
these signs could be spotted include the following:
1. At edge of bridle trail a few hundred
feet inside the Crenshaw Gate.
2. Strategically located at the
intersection of Crest and Portuguese
Bend Road. I would suggest a sign
facing west bound traffic on Portuguese
Bend Road as you approach the Crest Road
stop sign.
3. On the south side of Crest just east of
Portuguese Bend Road.
4. On the north side of Crest just east of
Caballeros.
2
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 2
5. On some of the winding roads where horse
traffic is frequently forced into the
street, e.g., John's Canyon Road.
•
Caballeros also recommends that Equestrian Crossing
signs be located where bridle trails intersect with City streets
in such a manner to give drivers of vehicles notice of the
crossing. To the extent the City has adopted California Vehicle
Code § 21805 into its local traffic ordinances, such signs will
require drivers to yield the right-of-way to any horseback rider
crossing the roadway at such a location. These signs will also
serve to reinforce the importance of complying with California
Vehicle Code § 21759 which obligates the driver of any vehicle
approaching any ridden animal to exercise proper control of that
vehicle and reduce speed or stop as may appear necessary or as
may be signalled or otherwise requested by any person riding or
in charge of the animal in order to avoid frightening and to
safeguard the animal and to insure the safety of any person
riding the animal or in charge of the animal.
Please let me know whether these additional signs can
be installed. If installation is permitted, then I would also
like to have pricing information, as well as whether Caballeros
or the City or the Association bears the cost. I suspect about
ten (10) Caution Signs will suffice. I have yet to count the
number of Equestrian Crossing signs that are needed but suspect
these relatively small signs will be modestly priced and will not
exceed 20 in number. A Caballeros representative is available to
work with you on site placement that will broadcast these
important messages in locations out of the way of equestrian
traffic.
SPEED CONTROL
Caballeros is quite concerned by the excessive
vehicular traffic speed that horseback riders encounter all too
often on our residential City streets. Too many motorists, who
would shutter (for personal safety concerns) at the thought of
riding even the mildest mannered horse, seem to think nothing of
passing within a few feet of a horse and rider at speeds of 40-60
mph -- in violation of Vehicle Code § 21759 mentioned above.
Example: last weekend, my wife, Christa, dismounted a horse she
was riding. The horse had balked at walking across a slippery
driveway where it had fallen some weeks earlier. While
attempting to hand walk that horse across the driveway, the horse
became unruly and backed into Crest Road. An approaching
motorist -- with an unobstructed view of what was occurring for
several hundred feet or more -- nonetheless approached Christa
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 3
and the horse at about 40 mph. Only with arms waving and yelling
did the driver bring her car to a literally screeching stop, just
a couple of feet from the horse. The driver looked momentarily
dumfounded by the situation, shrugged her shoulders and roared
off around one thoroughly spooked horse and its infuriated
"rider." Regrettably, episodes such as this are not uncommon.
We feel that problems of this type are commonly the result of
drivers being uninformed about horse behavior. Hopefully, the
requested signs will serve as a mechanism to educate those using
our roadways that horses are not inanimate objects but are
animals that react to external stimuli in sometimes erratic ways.
Vehicles passing at excessive speed (particularly large/noisy
vehicles) and motorists honking horns as they pass, set the stage
for what could be a tragic accident. Caution Signs and
Equestrian Crossing Signs should help better inform residents and
non-residents alike of appropriate driving etiquette around
equines.
In this general regard, Caballeros believes that
equestrian safety would be measurably improved through more
stringent speed control laws and/or more rigid enforcement of
existing speed laws. The California Vehicle Code provides a 25
mph prima facie limit in residential districts; yet, in Rolling
Hills -- with horse traffic on bridle trails adjacent to many of
the City's streets, no leash laws and heavy pedestrian traffic on
streets such as Crest Road and Portuguese Bend Road -- a 30 mph
prima facie limit has been enacted. While Caballeros regards the
30 mph prima facie limit as excessive and would prefer a 25 mph
prima facie limit, we understand this issue was considered years
ago and resulted in a 5 mph increase to the present 30 mph limit.
Caballeros believes that changed circumstances in terms of a
combined increase in the volume'of vehicular, equestrian and
pedestrian traffic on our residential streets dictates a return
to the 25 mph standard. However, if a reduction in the speed
limit is not likely to occur, then we urge that the 30 mph speed
limit be changed from a prima facie to an absolute speed limit
for non-commercial vehicles and the 30 mph limit be reduced to a
25 mph absolute speed limit for commercial vehicles. Given the
relatively small size of the city, imposition of a 25 mph speed
limit would have no appreciable effect on how soon a driver would
reach his or her destination, but would certainly improve the
safety of those they encounter along the way.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff's Office should be encouraged to
vigorously enforce our current speed laws and particularly in
areas where there is heavy horse traffic, e.g., Crest Road.
Hopefully, the Sheriff's Office has not added the typical (10)
mph "tolerance" to an already awfully high 30 mph prima facie
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 4
•
limit. If the Sheriff's Office has incorporated such a
tolerance, then Crest Road actually has a 40 mph speed limit
which is patently unsafe. The Sheriff's Office should be asked
to cite very near the current prima facie speed limit.
We understand that the City is giving some thought to
installing photo radar in the City. Photo radar will shortly be
operational in the cities of Torrance and Pasadena. We support
the photo radar concept as a means of reducing vehicular speed on
our roads, and thereby promoting safety in our City.
ly yours,
Roge E. Hawkins
President
REH:rjh
City o/ Alibi,_MI
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
GODFREY PERNELL
Mayor
GORDANA SWANSON
Mayor Pro Tern
GINNY LEEUWENBURGH
Councilwoman
JODY MURDOCK
Councilwoman
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilman
October 25, 1991
Ms. Joanne Itagaki
Assistant Traffic Engineer
12900 Crossroads Parkway South
City of Industry, Suite 200
CA 91746-3499
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213)377.1521
FAX (213) 377.7288
Dear Ms. Itagaki:
Enclosed for your review is a letter forwarded to the City from Caballeros Del Rancho
Palos Verdes, Inc., President Roger E. Hawkins. In his letter, Mr. Hawkins is requesting
equestrian crossing signs at various locations throughout the City. Additionally, he expresses
concerns regarding speed limits and traffic enforcement.
If you have any comments regarding this letter, please forward them to me in time for the
regular meeting of the Traffic Commission scheduled for Friday, November 15, 1991. Your
cooperation is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CN:ds
®D^^¢ed on Recycled Pacer.
eggatern Dcl RaKeke Palen touted, Tee.
October 23, 1991
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
Attention: City Council
lOicati‘ia\syLio
OCT 2 4 1991
TY O OLtING HILLS
he: Caution Signs - Equestrian Crossing Signs
Speed Control
Dear Council Members:
The letter contains recommendations from Caballeros
generally regarding (1) Caution Signs - Equestrian Crossing Signs
and (2) Speed Control.
CAUTION SIGNS - EOUESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNS
Upon entering the City's Main Gate, motorists encounter
a sign which reads "Please Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly."
Caballeros would like to see several additional signs with the
same message strategically posted elsewhere in the City as a
friendly reminder that motorists should reduce speed and avoid
unnecessary noise when passing horseback riders. Areas where
these signs could be spotted include the following:
1. At edge of bridle trail a few hundred
feet inside the Crenshaw Gate.
2. Strategically located at the
intersection of Crest and Portuguese
Bend Road. I would suggest a sign
facing west bound traffic on Portuguese
Bend Road as you approach the Crest Road
stop sign.
3. On the south side of Crest just east of
Portuguese Bend Road.
4. On the north side of Crest just east of
Caballeros.
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 2
5. On some of the winding roads where horse
traffic is frequently forced into the
street, e.g., John's Canyon Road.
Caballeros also recommends that Equestrian Crossing
signs be located where bridle trails intersect with City streets
in such a manner to give drivers of vehicles notice of the
crossing. To the extent the City has adopted California Vehicle
Code § 21805 into its local traffic ordinances, such signs will
require drivers to yield the right-of-way to any horseback rider
crossing the roadway at such a location. These signs will also
serve to reinforce the importance of complying with California
Vehicle Code § 21759 which obligates the driver of any vehicle
approaching any ridden animal to exercise proper control of that
vehicle and reduce speed or stop as may appear necessary or as
may be signalled or otherwise requested by any person riding or
in charge of the animal in order to avoid frightening and to
safeguard the animal and to insure the safety of any person
riding the animal or in charge of the animal.
Please let me know whether these additional signs can
be installed. If installation is permitted, then I would also
like to have pricing information, as well as whether Caballeros
or the City or the Association bears the cost. I suspect about
ten (10) Caution Signs will suffice. I have yet to count the
number of Equestrian Crossing signs that are needed but suspect
these relatively small signs will be modestly priced and will not
exceed 20 in number. A Caballeros representative is available to
work with you on site placement that will broadcast these
important messages in locations out of the way of equestrian
traffic.
SPEED CONTROL
Caballeros is quite concerned by the excessive
vehicular traffic speed that horseback riders encounter all too
often on our residential City streets. Too many motorists, who
would shutter (for personal safety concerns) at the thought of
riding even the mildest mannered horse, seem to think nothing of
passing within a few feet of a horse and rider at speeds of 40-60
mph -- in violation of Vehicle Code § 21759 mentioned above.
Example: last weekend, my wife, Christa, dismounted a horse she
was riding. The horse had balked at walking across a slippery
driveway where it had fallen some weeks earlier. While
attempting to hand walk that horse across the driveway, the horse
became unruly and backed into Crest Road. An approaching
motorist -- with an unobstructed view of what was occurring for
several hundred feet or more -- nonetheless approached Christa
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 3
and the horse at about 40 mph. Only with arms waving and yelling
did the driver bring her car to a literally screeching stop, just
a couple of feet from the horse. The driver looked momentarily
dumfounded by the situation, shrugged her shoulders and roared
off around one thoroughly spooked horse and its infuriated
"rider." Regrettably, episodes such as this are not uncommon.
We feel that problems of this type are commonly the result of
drivers being uninformed about horse behavior. Hopefully, the
requested signs will serve as a mechanism to educate those using
our roadways that horses are not inanimate objects but are
animals that react to external stimuli in sometimes erratic ways.
Vehicles passing at excessive speed (particularly large/noisy
vehicles) and "motorists honking horns as they pass, set the stage
for what could be a tragic accident. Caution Signs and
Equestrian Crossing Signs should help better inform residents and
non-residents alike of appropriate driving etiquette around
equines.
In this general regard, Caballeros believes that
equestrian safety would be measurably improved through more
stringent speed control laws and/or more rigid enforcement of
existing speed laws. The California Vehicle Code provides a 25
mph prima facie limit in residential districts; yet, in Rolling
Hills -- with horse traffic on bridle trails adjacent to many of
the City's streets, no leash laws and heavy pedestrian traffic on
streets such as Crest Road and Portuguese Bend Road -- a 30 mph
prima facie limit has been enacted. While Caballeros regards the
30 mph prima facie limit as excessive and would prefer a 25 mph
prima facie limit, we understand this issue was considered years
ago and resulted in a 5 mph increase to the present 30 mph limit.
Caballeros believes that changed circumstances in terms of a
combined increase in the volume of vehicular, equestrian and
pedestrian traffic on our residential streets dictates a return
to the 25 mph standard. However, if a reduction in the speed
limit is not likely to occur, then we urge that the 30 mph speed
limit be changed from a prima facie to an absolute speed limit
for non-commercial vehicles and the 30. mph limit be reduced to a
25 mph absolute speed limit for commercial vehicles. Given the
relatively small size of the city, imposition of a 25 mph speed
limit would have no appreciable effect on how soon a driver would
reach his or her destination, but would certainly improve the
safety of those they encounter along the way.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff's Office should be encouraged to
vigorously enforce our current speed laws and particularly in
areas where there is heavy horse traffic, e.g., Crest Road.
Hopefully, the Sheriff's Office has not added the typical (10)
mph "tolerance" to an already awfully high 30 mph prima facie
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 4
limit. If the Sheriff's Office has incorporated such a
tolerance, then Crest Road actually has a 40 mph speed limit
which is patently unsafe. The Sheriff's Office should be asked
to cite very near the current prima facie speed limit.
We understand that the City is giving some thought to
installing photo radar in the City. Photo radar will shortly be
operational in the cities of Torrance and Pasadena. We support
the photo radar concept as a means of reducing vehicular speed on
our roads, and thereby promoting safety in our City.
ly yours,
Roge E. Hawkins
President
REH:rjh
o/ Kol[c'nq Jdi[[e
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
GODFREY PERNELL
Mayor
GORDANA SWANSON
Mayor Pro Tem
GINNY LEEUWENBURGH
Councilwoman
JODY MURDOCK
Councilwoman
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilman
October 25, 1991
Captain William Mangan
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Lomita Station
26123 Narbonne Avenue
Lomita, CA 90717
Dear Capta. angan:
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX (213) 377-7288
Enclosed is a copy of correspondence sent to the City of Rolling Hills from Caballeros Del
Rancho Palos Verdes, Inc., President Roger E. Hawkins. As you will notice in his letter,
Mr. Hawkins is requesting vigorous enforcement of the existing speed limits and also
expresses the desire to reduce the speed limit to 25 miles per hour in locations where the
speed limit is currently 30 miles per hour.
I would appreciate any comments you may have relating to his letter. This letter will be
considered by members of the Rolling Hills Traffic Commission at their regular meeting
scheduled for Friday, November 15, 1991, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Your cooperation is
appreciated. Please keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Craig R. Nealis
City .Manager
CN:ds
t.
Printed on Recycled Pace.
Del ,gaca Palaa tardaa, Tee.
October 23, 1991
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
Attention: City Council
Re: Caution Signs - Equestrian Crossing Signs
Speed Control
Dear Council Members:
l r )
OCT 2 4 1991
0 TY O OLLING HILLS
Ey...�r �.._..
The letter contains recommendations from Caballeros
generally regarding (1) Caution Signs - Equestrian Crossing Signs
and (2) Speed Control.
CAUTION SIGNS - EOUESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNS
Upon entering the City's Main Gate, motorists encounter
a sign which reads "Please Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly."
Caballeros would like to see several additional signs with the
same message strategically posted elsewhere in the City as a
friendly reminder that motorists should reduce speed and avoid
unnecessary noise when passing horseback riders. Areas where
these signs could be spotted include the following:
1. At edge of bridle trail a few hundred
feet inside the Crenshaw Gate.
2. Strategically located at the
intersection of Crest and Portuguese
Bend Road. I would suggest a sign
facing west bound traffic on Portuguese
Bend Road as you approach the Crest Road
stop sign.
3. On the south side of Crest just east of
Portuguese Bend Road.
4. On the north side of Crest just east of
Caballeros.
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991"
Page 2
5. On some of the winding roads where horse
traffic is frequently forced into the
street, e.g., John's Canyon Road.
Caballeros also recommends that Equestrian Crossing
signs be located where bridle trails intersect with City streets
in such a manner to give drivers of vehicles notice of the
crossing. To the extent the City has adopted California Vehicle
Code § 21805 into its local traffic ordinances, such signs will
require drivers to yield the right-of-way to any horseback rider
crossing the roadway at such a location. These signs will also
serve to reinforce the importance of complying with California
Vehicle Code § 21759 which obligates the driver of any vehicle
approaching any ridden animal to exercise proper control of that
vehicle and reduce speed or stop as may appear necessary or as
may be signalled or otherwise requested by any person riding or
in charge of the animal in order to avoid frightening and to
safeguard the animal and to insure the safety of any person
riding the animal or in charge of the animal.
Please let me know whether these additional signs can
be installed. If installation is permitted, then I would also
like to have pricing information, as well as whether Caballeros
or the City or the Association bears the cost. I suspect about
ten (10) Caution Signs will suffice. I have yet to count the
number of Equestrian Crossing signs that are needed but suspect
these relatively small signs will be modestly priced and will not
exceed 20 in number. A Caballeros representative is available to
work with you on site placement that will broadcast these
important messages in locations out of the way of equestrian
traffic.
SPEED CONTROL
Caballeros is quite concerned by the excessive
vehicular traffic speed that horseback riders encounter all too
often on our residential City streets. Too many motorists, who
would shutter (for personal safety concerns) at the thought of
riding even the mildest mannered horse, seem to think nothing of
passing within a few feet of a horse and rider at speeds of 40-60
mph -- in violation of Vehicle Code § 21759 mentioned above.
Example: last weekend, my wife, Christa, dismounted a horse she
was riding. The horse had balked at walking across a slippery
driveway where it had fallen some weeks earlier. While
attempting to hand walk that horse across the driveway, the horse
became unruly and backed into Crest Road. An approaching
motorist -- with an unobstructed view of what was occurring for
several hundred feet or more -- nonetheless approached Christa
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 3
and the horse at about 40 mph. Only with arms waving and yelling
did the driver bring her car to a literally screeching stop, just
•a couple of feet from the horse. The driver looked momentarily
dumfounded by the situation, shrugged her shoulders and roared
off around one thoroughly spooked horse and its infuriated
"rider." Regrettably, episodes such as this are not uncommon.
We feel that problems of this type are commonly the result of
drivers being uninformed about horse behavior. Hopefully, the
requested signs will serve as a mechanism to educate those using
our roadways that horses are not inanimate objects but are
animals that react to external stimuli in sometimes erratic ways.
Vehicles passing at excessive speed (particularly large/noisy
vehicles) and motorists honking horns as they pass, set the stage
for what could be a tragic accident. Caution Signs and
Equestrian Crossing Signs should help better inform residents and
non-residents alike of appropriate driving etiquette around
equines.
In this general regard, Caballeros believes that
equestrian safety would be measurably improved through more
stringent speed control laws and/or more rigid enforcement of
existing speed laws. The California Vehicle Code provides a 25
mph prima facie limit in residential districts; yet, in Rolling
Hills -- with horse traffic on bridle trails adjacent to many of
the City's streets, no leash laws and heavy pedestrian traffic on
streets such as Crest Road and Portuguese Bend Road -- a 30 mph
prima facie limit has been enacted. While Caballeros regards the
30 mph prima facie limit as excessive and would prefer a 25 mph
prima facie limit, we understand this issue was considered years
ago and resulted in a 5 mph increase to the present 30 mph limit.
Caballeros believes that -changed circumstances in terms of a
combined increase in the volume of vehicular, equestrian and
pedestrian traffic on our residential streets dictates a return
to the 25 mph standard. However, if a reduction in the speed
limit is not likely to occur, then we urge that the 30 mph speed
limit be changed from a prima facie to an absolute speed limit
for non-commercial vehicles and the 30 mph limit be reduced to a
25 mph absolute speed limit for commercial vehicles. Given the
relatively small size of the city, imposition of a 25 mph speed
limit would have no appreciable effect on how soon a driver would
reach his or her destination, but would certainly improve the
safety of those they encounter along the way.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff's Office should be encouraged to
vigorously enforce our current speed laws and particularly in
areas where there is heavy horse traffic, e.g., Crest Road.
Hopefully, the Sheriff's Office has not added the typical (10)
mph "tolerance" to an already awfully high 30 mph prima facie
•
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 4
limit. If the Sheriff's Office has incorporated such a
tolerance, then Crest Road actually has a 40 mph speed limit
which is patently unsafe. The Sheriff's Office should be asked
to cite very near the current prima facie speed limit.
We understand that the City is giving some thought to
installing photo radar in the City. Photo radar will shortly be
operational in the cities of Torrance and Pasadena. We support
the photo radar concept as a means of reducing vehicular speed on
our roads, and thereby promoting safety in our City.
Very July yours,
Rogev' E. Hawkins
President
REH:rjh
d Vet gado Pam Team, Tote.
October 23, 1991
PPE:
OCT 2 4 1991
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274 By... -.....1 _
Attention: City Council
Re: Caution Signs - Equestrian Crossing Signs
Speed Control
Dear Council Members:
CITY O& ROLLING HILLS
The letter contains recommendations from Caballeros
generally regarding (1) Caution Signs - Equestrian Crossing Signs
and (2) Speed Control.
CAUTION SIGNS - EQUESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNS
Upon entering the City's Main Gate, motorists encounter
a sign which reads "Please Pass Horses Slowly and Quietly."
Caballeros would like to see several additional signs with the
same message strategically posted elsewhere in the City as a
friendly reminder that motorists should reduce speed and avoid
unnecessary noise when passing horseback riders. Areas where
these signs could be spotted include the following:
1. At edge of bridle trail a few hundred
feet inside the Crenshaw Gate.
2. Strategically located at the
intersection of Crest and Portuguese
Bend Road. I would suggest a sign
facing west bound traffic on Portuguese
Bend Road as you approach the Crest Road
stop sign.
3. On the south side of Crest just east of
Portuguese Bend Road.
4. On the north side of Crest just east of
Caballeros.
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 2
5. On some of the winding roads where horse
traffic is frequently forced into the
street, e.g., John's Canyon Road.
Caballeros also recommends that Equestrian Crossing
signs be located where bridle trails intersect with City streets
in such a manner to give drivers of vehicles notice of the
crossing. To the extent the City has adopted California Vehicle
Code § 21805 into its local traffic ordinances, such signs will
require drivers to yield the right-of-way to any horseback rider
crossing the roadway at such a location. These signs will also
serve to reinforce the importance of complying with California
Vehicle Code § 21759 which obligates the driver of any vehicle
approaching any ridden animal to exercise proper control of that
vehicle and reduce speed or stop as may appear necessary or as
may be signalled or otherwise requested by any person riding or
in charge of the animal in order to avoid frightening and to
safeguard the animal and to insure the safety of any person
riding the animal or in charge of the animal.
Please let me know whether these additional signs can
be installed. If installation is permitted, then I would also
like to have pricing information, as well as whether Caballeros
or the City or the Association bears the cost. I suspect about
ten (10) Caution Signs will suffice. I have yet to count the
number of Equestrian Crossing signs that are needed but suspect
these relatively small signs will be modestly priced and will not
exceed 20 in number. A Caballeros representative is available to
work with you on site placement that will broadcast these
important messages in locations out of the way of equestrian
traffic.
SPEED CONTROL
Caballeros is quite concerned by the excessive
vehicular traffic speed that horseback riders encounter all too
often on our residential City streets. Too many motorists, who
would shutter (for personal safety concerns) at the thought of
riding even the mildest mannered horse, seem to think nothing of
passing within a few feet of a horse and rider at speeds of 40-60
mph -- in violation of Vehicle Code § 21759 mentioned above.
Example: last weekend, my wife, Christa, dismounted a horse she
was riding. The horse had balked at walking across a slippery
driveway where it had fallen some weeks earlier. While
attempting to hand walk that horse across the driveway, the horse
became unruly and backed into Crest Road. An approaching
motorist -- with an unobstructed view of what was occurring for
several hundred feet or more -- nonetheless approached Christa
, a.
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 3
and the horse at about 40 mph. Only with arms waving and yelling
did the driver bring her car to a literally screeching stop, just
a couple of feet from the horse. The driver looked momentarily
dumfounded by the situation, shrugged her shoulders and roared
off around one thoroughly spooked horse and its infuriated
"rider." Regrettably, episodes such as this are not uncommon.
We feel that problems of this type are commonly the result of
drivers being uninformed about horse behavior. Hopefully, the
requested signs will serve as a mechanism to educate those using
our roadways that horses are not inanimate objects but are
animals that react to external stimuli in sometimes erratic ways.
Vehicles passing at excessive speed (particularly large/noisy
vehicles) and motorists honking horns as they pass, set the stage
for what could be a tragic accident. Caution Signs and
Equestrian Crossing Signs should help better inform residents and
non-residents alike of appropriate driving etiquette around
equines.
In this general regard, Caballeros believes that
equestrian safety would be measurably improved through more
stringent speed control laws and/or more rigid enforcement of
existing speed laws. The California Vehicle Code provides a 25
mph prima facie limit in residential districts; yet, in Rolling
Hills -- with horse traffic on bridle trails adjacent to many of
the City's streets, no leash laws and heavy pedestrian traffic on
streets such as Crest Road and Portuguese Bend Road -- a 30 mph
prima facie limit has been enacted. While Caballeros regards the
30 mph prima facie limit as excessive and would prefer a 25 mph
prima facie limit, we understand this issue was considered years
ago and resulted in a 5 mph increase to the present 30 mph limit.
Caballeros believes that changed circumstances in terms of a
combined increase in the volume of vehicular, equestrian and
pedestrian traffic on our residential streets dictates a return
to the 25 mph standard. However, if a reduction in the speed
limit is not likely to occur, then we urge that the 30 mph speed
limit be changed from a prima facie to an absolute speed limit
for non-commercial vehicles and the 30 mph limit be reduced to a
25 mph absolute speed limit for commercial vehicles. Given the
relatively small size of the city, imposition of a 25 mph speed
limit would have no appreciable effect on how soon a driver would
reach his or her destination, but would certainly improve the
safety of those they encounter along the way.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff's Office should be encouraged to
vigorously enforce our current speed laws and particularly in
areas where there is heavy horse traffic, e.g., Crest Road.
Hopefully, the Sheriff's Office has not added the typical (10)
mph "tolerance" to an already awfully high 30 mph prima facie
City of Rolling Hills
October 23, 1991
Page 4
limit. If the Sheriff's Office has incorporated such a
tolerance, then Crest Road actually has a 40 mph speed limit
which is patently unsafe. The Sheriff's Office should be asked
to cite very near the current prima facie speed limit.
We understand that the City is giving some thought to
installing photo radar in the City. Photo radar will shortly be
operational in the cities of Torrance and Pasadena. We support
the photo radar concept as a means of reducing vehicular speed on
our roads, and thereby promoting safety in our City.
my yours,
Rogeif E. Hawkins
President
REH:rjh
Cu, .0/ R0/f, Jh//J
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
GODFREY PERNELL
Mayor
GORDANA SWANSON
Mayor Pm Tem
GINNY LEEUWENBURGH
Councilwoman
JODY MURDOCK
Councilwoman
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilman
September 23, 1991
Mr. Roger E. Hawkins
President
Caballeros Del Rancho Palos Verdes Inc.
37 Crest Road West
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Mr. Hawkins:
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377.1521
FAX: (213) 377-7288
Thank you for your correspondence regarding driveway aprons. Members of the Rolling
Hills Traffic Commission discussed this matter and received and filed your letter at their
regularly scheduled meeting held Friday, September 20, 1991.
Although construction regulations pertaining to driveways on private property are not under
the purview of the Traffic Commission, your input was appreciated. Thank you for your
concern.
Sincerely,
primly
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CN:ds
C3
Printed on Recycled Paper.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM CABALLEROS REGARDING DRIVEWAY APRONS.
Mrs. Christa Hawkins, 37 Crest Road West addressed the Commission stating that she was
seeking support from the Traffic Commission with regard to educating contractors and the
community pursuant to the safety of equestrians when crossing slick driveways. She
explained that in order for a horse to cross a driveway safely when using trails, the surface
should be scored and roughened.
Chairwoman Leeuwenburgh stated that this requirement would come under the purview of
the Rolling Hills Community Association; however, the Traffic Commission will support and
encourage this treatment.
H tid Tas `llao'c‘l
IC -i9
eii y 0/ l offin5 hill
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX: (213) 377-7288
Agenda Item No: 5.B
Mtg. Date: 9-20-91
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRWOMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC
COMMISSION
FROM: CRAIG R. NEALIS, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CORRESPONDENCE FROM CABALLEROS REGARDING DRIVEWAY
APRONS.
DATE: SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
Please find attached for your review correspondence received from Caballeros President
Roger E. Hawkins regarding potential hazards associated with driveway aprons.
CN:ds
edaeee'w4 Del Rands Palen Dada, Tse.
August 19, 1991
City of Rolling Hills
City Council and Homeowners' Association
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
Re: Driveway Aprons
Letter of Appreciation
Dear Council and Board Members:
DRIVEWAY APRONS
This is a "to whom it may concern" letter, inasmuch as
we are not quite certain whether this is a letter properly
directed to the City or the Homeowners' Association. The subject
has todo with driveway aprons and the potential hazard they
create to equestrian traffic when graded too steep or when
constructed in such a manner as to create a slippery surface.
While it is obvious that a horseback rider crossing an
extremely steep driveway faces a peril that can only be avoided
by riding in the street, an equally hazardous -- and readily
avoidable -- condition can be created when the driveway apron is
surfaced with materials that are excessively slick, e.g., glazed
brick rather than non -glazed brick, or the surface has not been
roughed up or grooved to provide safe footing. There are
inexpensive and readily available means to improve the footing.
Newly installed cement driveway aprons can be brushed before
"setting up" to provide an anti-skid surface. Asphalt can be
grooved or intentionally pitted to improve traction.
We have an excellent example of resident
conscientiousness in the Manning family at 14 Crest Road West.
They recently installed an asphalt driveway. The apron was not
grooved or pitted on installation; however, due to their concerns
about equestrian safety, they roughed up their driveway apron
which vastly improved footing for horses. Caballeros extends its
thanks to the Mannings.
We feel that homeowners are often unaware of the
hazards created by these conditions. However, paving
contractors that install driveways in horse communities, know or
City of Rolling Hills
City Council and Homeowners' Association
August 19, 1991
Page 2
ought to know about proper installation techniques. If such
contractors are uninformed, then we recommend that "to whom it
may concern" take the steps necessary to insure that newly
installed driveways comply with construction practices safe to
equine traffic and that present residents be asked to cooperate,
as did the Mannings, by private remedial action. To the extent
the contractors fail to comply, then they ought to be asked to
correct the defects they have created without cost to the
homeowner. Should they fail to comply, then they should be
refused permission to continue working in the City.
As for current installations, perhaps that same "to
whom it may concern" could notify residents (e.g., in the
Newsletter) that it would appreciate resident assistance by
homeowners checking those driveway aprons that intersect
equestrian trails for conditions that could create slipping
hazards to equines and correct the same. If the residents are
uncertain as to whether their driveway apron present such a
hazard, please have them let Dave Basque, Linda Cigliano or
myself know and we will be happy to assist.
LETTER OF APPRECIATION
On an unrelated, but equally important issue, we would
like to express our appreciation to Ginny Leeuwenburgh for the
extraordinarily prompt assistance rendered by having a sign moved
on Portuguese Bend Road to minimize a hazard to passing riders.
Roger Vink and his staff should be commended for the
very excellent job they have been doing to keep the bridle trails
in generally first rate condition. We certainly appreciate the
efforts being made in that general regard.
Very truly yours,
Roger E. Hawkins
President
REH:reh
cc: Traffic Commission
Architectural Committee
Planning Commission
Chris and Cathy Manning
City o/ Koffin$ .J<ti[Lo
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
GODFREY REFINER
Mayor
GORDANA SWANSON
Mayor Pro Tem
GINNY LEEUWENBURGH
Councilwoman '
JODY MURDOCK
Councilwoman
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilman
September 16, 1991
Mr. Roger E. Hawkins
President
Caballeros Del Rancho Palos Verdes, Inc.
37 Crest Road West
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Mr. Hawkins:
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS. CALIF. 90274
(213) 377.1521
FAX (213) 377.7288
Members of the Rolling Hills Traffic Commission received your correspondence directed
to the Board of Directors of the Rolling Hills Community Association pertaining to
enforcement of Ordinance No. 149 which relates to the unlawful entry of persons over and
upon the private roads of the City of Rolling Hills.
We appreciate the concerns expressed in your letter. We thank you for taking time to
establish your concerns in writing and for providing them to the City and the Community
Association for review.
Although the vast majority of your concerns fall under the jurisdiction of the Community
Association, clearly, two of the areas mentioned fall under the jurisdiction of the City of
Rolling Hills.
Regarding your concern enumerated number 6 on page two, you request that violators
should be issued traffic citations to discourage blatant disregard of equestrian safety. It is
the policy of the City of Rolling Hills to issue parking citations whenever equestrian,
pedestrian or traffic safety is jeopardized. We fully respect the right of equestrians to use
established trails and other areas within the community. If, however, there is a specific
situation which you would like investigated, please feel free to contact this office. I will be
more than happy to meet with you to discuss the situation.
®Printed on Recycled Paper.
Mr. Roger E. Hawkins
September 16, 1991
Page Two
Regarding concern enumerated number 7 on page two, we have drafted a correspondence
to the Sheriffs Department further encouraging their efforts to enforce speed limits
throughout the community. We took the liberty of providing the Sheriffs Department with
a copy of your correspondence.
Should you wish to discuss these matters further, please do not hesitate to call. Your
cooperation and interest in the City of Rolling Hills is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Craig R. Nealis .
City Manager
CN:ds
cc: Rolling Hills Community Association
City Council
City Attorney
C—lq
NEW BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE FROM CABALLEROS PRESIDENT ROGER E. HAWKINS.
City Manager Nealis introduced the subject item and outlined questions numbered 6 and
7 as contained in the subject letter; provided a brief history of current Sheriff's Department
procedures with regarding to parking on easements; and cited the current use of the Speed
Board as a deterant to speeding within the City.
Commissioner Virtue pointed out that with respect to Mr. Hawkin's request for a reduction
in speed limits to 25 m.p.h., the speed limit on Eastfield is currently set at 25 m.p.h.
Commissioner Schmit suggested that, on occasion, the City could be saturated with Sheriffs
Department vehicles to deter speeders, and that the Rolling Hills Community Association
would be prepared to share in the cost.
Commissioner Wiener commented with regard to the visibility of "Stop" signs on Eastfield;
increased Sheriffs Department patrols during rush hour; and, gave an example of a gate
design which could be used at the South Crest Gate. There followed discussion regarding
the potential ramifications of the Community Association's intent to close the South Crest
Gate.
City Manager Nealis was directed to draft a letter to Captain Mangan, Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department, Lomita Station, enclosing a copy of Mr. Hawkin's letter, requesting
cooperation in enforcing speed limits. Chairwoman Leeuwenburgh requested that the draft
letter be reviewed by the City Attorney prior to mailing.
6...PEF\C KKSSkoN
N, 31/41t s
CONSENT CALENDAR
CORRESPONDENCE FROM ROGER E. HAWKINS REGARDING SEMAPHORE
AT MAIN GATE.
Following City Manager Nealis' introduction the subject item was received and filed.
Traffic Commission Minutes
August 16, 1991 -1-
(OttmSSkoN
`6I1G19l
`�,1NUr�S
e1, o/ Rollin, Jdil[�
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX (213) 377-7288
Agenda Item No: 5.A
Mtg. Date: 8-16-91
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRWOMAN LEEUWENBURGH AND MEMBERS OF THE
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FROM: CRAIG R. NEALIS, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CORRESPONDENCE FROM CABALLEROS PRESIDENT ROGER E. HAWKINS
DATE: AUGUST 16, 1991
Attached to this Staff Report is correspondence dated July 9, 1991
from Caballeros President Roger E. Hawkins to the Rolling Hills
Community Association Board of Directors expressing concern
relating to enforcement of Ordinance No. 149 pertaining to entering
the City under false pretenses. We have attached a copy of
Ordinance No. 149 to this Staff Report for your review.
Members of the Rolling Hills Community Association Board of
Directors suggested that this correspondence be forwarded to the
Traffic Commission for possible consideration.
In reviewing the correspondence, it appears that Paragraphs 6 and
7 on Page 2 raises issues directly under the jurisdiction of the
Traffic Commission. Specifically, Paragraph 6 requests issuance of
traffic citations against commercial vehicle construction equipment
and other vehicles parked on trails in disregard of equestrian
safety.
Paragraph 7 urges continued Sheriff's Department enforcement of
speed limits on major thoroughfares within the City including
Portuguese Bend Road, Crest Road and Eastfield.
These items are presented for discussion purposes.
CN:ds
c.Roffin9 lifts Community c 4I3.ociation
4 cRanciw cPa&os (Vedas
No. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND RD. • ROLLING HILLS. CALIF. 90274
(213) 377.1521 ROLLING HILLS
CALIFORNIA
TO: Traffic Commission
FROM: Peggy R. Minor, Manager
DATE: July 23, 1991
RE: Letter from Roger Hawkins dated July 9, 1991
The Board of Directors suggested that we send to you a copy of the
letter sent by Roger Hawkins. The letter has some references to
traffic situations that the Board thought you could consider.
dc
Encl.
VW Rastas Pain 'Vadaa, Tire.
July 9, 1991.
Board of Directors
Rolling Hills Community Association
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
Dear Members of the Board:
Caballeros applauds your efforts to promote our country
environment by taking steps to insure compliance with Ordinance
No. 149 relating to entering the City under false pretenses. You
have requested input to guarantee compliance with the
regulations. Caballeros suggests the following:
1. Instruct gate guards to obtain somewhat more
detailed information from non-resident motorists
attempted to access the City, e.g., (1) make of
vehicle, (2) color of vehicle, and (3) type of
vehicle [van, pickup, etc.].
2. Require exiting vehicles to check out at the
gate where exiting occurs. This should minimize
"drive throughs" and may not be necessary on other
than a random basis. Once alternate driving
patterns are established by those wary of being
cited for Ordinance No. 149, temporary cessation
of the exiting check could be implemented.
3. Installation of computers at the various
gates to allow guards to track motorists entering
and exiting the City. Also, by requesting that
residents provide lists of "approved" service
companies/individuals, the guards could quickly
tell whether the would be entrant is on the
"approved list" of the resident whose name the
entrant has given. If the names do not match, a
call to the resident should confirm or deny the
legitimacy of the requested entrance.
4. Insist that those applying for yearly passes
-- typically construction workers -- are carefully
screened. For example, require display of a
business license and check with the resident where
the worker is supposed to be employed to confirm
that the applicant is not simply purchasing a
$40.00 annual pass to drive through the City in
Board of Directors
July 9, 1991
Page 2
route to a job site outside the City. Also, make
it clear to the applicant that random checks will
be made when they seek to enter the City and a
determination that the pass is being misused will
be cause for lengthy suspension of the pass
(first offenders) and permanent revocation of the
pass (subsequent offenders).
5. Deny access to the City of construction
vehicles after 4:00 p.m. unless a call is made to
the resident confirming a legitimate purpose for
entering the City. Construction activities do not
normally get under way in the late afternoon;
therefore, absent some emergency situation for
which allowances can be readily made, construction
vehicles have no legitimate business in the City.
This prohibition should also be applied to non-
residents seeking entrance to the City before
7:00 a.m., whether on foot, on bicycles, or in
vehicles for strictly recreational purposes.
6. Do not allow construction vehicles (or other
vehicles for that matter) to congest our bridle
trails. There are numerous instances of
construction equipment being left between jobs on
our trails and/or gardening companies and/or
recreational users employing the trails as a
convenient parking lot. Violators should be
issued traffic citations to discourage such
blatant disregard of equestrian safety.
7. Continue to have the Sheriff's Office
vigorously enforce speed limits on, among other
places, thoroughfares through the City. Notable
examples are Portuguese Bend Road, Crest Road and
Eastfield. These are the arteries most heavily
trafficked by drive throughs. While the subject
of historical debate, we would urge reduction of
the speed limits on these thoroughfares to 25
miles per hour in an attempt to maximize the
safety of equestrian and pedestrian traffic.
8. Caballeros urges the Board to apply Ordinance
No. 149, Chapter 9.44 in a non-discriminatory
manner. The Ordinance does not appear limited to
vehicular traffic and makes it clear that the
security officers are to obtain information from
would be entrants before allowing access to the
Board.of Directors
July 9, 1991
Page 3
private roads in the City. This Ordinance should
apply to anyone seeking access to the City, e.g.,
non-resident bicyclists and pedestrians who are
increasingly causing congestion of the City
streets.
9. Encourage our neighboring cities to do what
they can to aid us in minimizing congestion of our
streets. One example is the illegal use of the
school facilities near Crest Road and Buggywhip.
While we have been extremely active in attempting
to discourage motorists from using our bridle
trails as parking lots, asking Rancho Palos
Verdes to enforce their posted prohibitions
against using school property for other than
school use would have the collateral benefit of
eliminating the need for illegal users of school
property to access the school from City streets.
Parenthetically, there has been very noticeable
cooperation from the weekend soccer players to
park their cars (virtually all non-resident owned
vehicles) on the north side of Crest Road off the
bridle trails. Nonetheless, to the extent such
motorists are using resident names to ostensibly
go to a resident's home but, in reality, access
the City as a shortcut to a playing field outside
the City, mocks the very Ordinance that the Board
now seeks to enforce.
10. Further obstruct entry into the City at the
east end of Crest Road. While the City has
erected a fence across Crest to deny access to the
City, an opening has been left in the fence to
permit unauthorized users into the City at any
hour of the day or night. The Board should strive
to require all persons entering the City to access
our streets past a gate guard. Any person with
legitimate reasons for entering the City who
respects our right to privacy and a serene
atmosphere should have no objection to checking in
"at the gate" as a price to admission.
While clearly implementing these and other steps will
not eliminate the problems you are addressing, they should
certainly discourage the "open door" turnstile that now exists at
this gated community. In my informal inquiry of other gated
communities in the southland, I find that those gated communities
are far more stringent in applying rules to access the City than
Board of Directors
July 9, 1991
Page 4
this gated city. By stringent application of exisitng City
regulations, we can hopefully minimize the increasing assault on
our City streets as a convenient arterial for persons who have
no stake and no interest in our rural atmosphere.
A very firm stand should be taken to bring to a
screeching halt these unauthorized intrusions into the city.
This is not an issue of inhospitablity but, rather, one having to
do with paying a very high price to live in a city where a rural
atmosphere and serene quality of life are prized. If clear
lines are not drawn now, we fear that increased pressure from
non-residents to use our streets as convenient thoroughfares may
weaken our ability as a City to successfully maintain our status
as a private, gated community. From a purely horseperson's
perspective, streets adjacent to bridle trails that are heavily
used by, for example, busses, contruction vehicles, bicyclists,
etc., are an unsafe "mix" that Caballeros urges you to S.T.O.P.
Very truly yours,
%oger E. Hawkins
President
REH:reh