Rancho Palos Verdes, California

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Rancho Palos Verdes, California
City
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Aerial view of Trump National Golf Club
Official seal of Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Seal
Nickname(s): 
RPV
Location of Rancho Palos Verdes in Los Angeles County, California
Location of Rancho Palos Verdes in Los Angeles County, California
Rancho Palos Verdes, California is located in the United States
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 33°45′30″N 118°21′51″W / 33.75833°N 118.36417°W / 33.75833; -118.36417Coordinates: 33°45′30″N 118°21′51″W / 33.75833°N 118.36417°W / 33.75833; -118.36417
Country United States
State California
County Los Angeles
IncorporatedSeptember 7, 1973[1]
Government
 • MayorJohn Cruikshank[2]
Area
 • Total13.47 sq mi (34.89 km2)
 • Land13.47 sq mi (34.89 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0%
Elevation220 ft (67 m)
Population
 • Total41,643
 • Estimate 
(2019)[6]
41,530
 • Density3,082.69/sq mi (1,190.27/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP code
90275[7]
Area code(s)310/424[8]
FIPS code06-59514
GNIS feature IDs255967, 2411516
Websiterpvca.gov

Rancho Palos Verdes, also known as RPV or Palos Verdes, is a coastal city located in Los Angeles County, California atop the bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, neighboring other cities in the Palos Verdes Hills, including Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates. Rancho Palos Verdes is known for its dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Catalina Island, and Los Angeles, as well as for its highly-ranked schools,[9] extensive horse and hiking trails,[10] and expensive housing prices.[11]

Landmarks[edit]

Point Vicente Lighthouse[edit]

Point Vicente lighthouse, near the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes

The Point Vicente Lighthouse, built in 1926, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Wayfarers Chapel[edit]

At another location along the coast, Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Lloyd Wright and built between 1949 and 1951, is also on the National Register of Historic Places. It is noted for its unique organic architecture and location on cliffs above the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Swedenborgian Church of North America and serves as a memorial to the 18th century scientist and theosopher, Emanuel Swedenborg.

The church is popular for weddings, due to its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The church was featured in the Fox teen drama television series The O.C., as the site of weddings and funerals. It was also featured briefly on the American science fiction television series Sliders,[12] and in an episode of The Rockford Files (2 Into 5.56 Won't Go). In addition, the chapel was part of the final marriage scene in Innerspace, an episode in season four of 90210. The chapel was featured in one of the final scenes in the 2014 movie Endless Love, as well as being featured in the ABC television series Revenge. Also featured in The Rockford Files season 2 episode 10. Marina and the Diamond's 'Baby' music video's wedding scene was filmed at the chapel, and The CW show, Lucifer

Portuguese Bend and Palos Verdes Nature Preserve[edit]

The Portuguese Bend region is the largest area of natural vegetation remaining on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, in Los Angeles County, California. Though once slated for development including the projected route of Crenshaw Boulevard, the area is geologically unstable and is unsuitable for building.

The Portuguese Bend landslide, one of the largest continuously moving landslides in North America, is located along the southern coastal area. Together with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy in 2009, the city completed the acquisition of a total of two square miles of open space, the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, the largest preserve of coastal open space north of San Diego and south of Santa Barbara.

Terranea Resort[edit]

The site of the former Marineland of the Pacific (1954–87) was redeveloped and is now occupied by the Terranea Resort. Terranea Resort is a high-end Mediterranean-inspired resort that sits on a 102-acre estate that features 582 guest rooms and suites.

Trump National Golf Club[edit]

Trump National Golf Club, Los Angeles is a public golf club located in Rancho Palos Verdes. The course was designed by Pete Dye and Donald J. Trump Signature Design.[13] It is owned by The Trump Organization. The course was about to open when a landslide occurred and the 18th hole slid toward the Pacific Ocean. The Ocean Trails Golf Club subsequently went into bankruptcy, and on November 26, 2002 Trump bought the property for $27 million, intending to redesign the course.[14] It includes a 45,000 sq ft (4,200 m2) clubhouse.[14] It is ranked among the Top 100 Courses You Can Play by Golf Magazine.[15]

Salvation Army School for Officer Training[edit]

The Salvation Army's School for Officer Training is located in Rancho Palos Verdes as well.

Peafowls and Peacocks[edit]

As with other cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the city has had to find ways to control the population of wild peafowl. Frank A. Vanderlip spearheaded a group that bought 16,000 acres (6,500 ha) and began development of the peninsula. He is credited with introducing the birds here around 1910.[16]

Geography[edit]

Rancho Palos Verdes is located at 33°45′30″N 118°21′51″W / 33.75833°N 118.36417°W / 33.75833; -118.36417 (33.758216, −118.364256).[17]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.5 square miles (35 km2), virtually all of which is land.

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
198036,577—
199041,65913.9%
200041,145−1.2%
201041,6431.2%
2019 (est.)41,530[6]−0.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[18]

2010[edit]

The 2010 United States Census[19] reported that Rancho Palos Verdes had a population of 41,643. The population density was 3,092.6 people per square mile (1,194.1/km2). The racial makeup of Rancho Palos Verdes was 25,698 (61.7%) White (56.0% Non-Hispanic White),[20] 1,015 (2.4%) African American, 80 (0.2%) Native American, 12,077 (29.0%) Asian, 41 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 748 (1.8%) from other races, and 1,984 (4.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3,556 persons (8.5%).

The census reported that 41,303 people (99.2% of the population) lived in households, 313 (0.8%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 27 (0.1%) were institutionalized.

There were 15,561 households, of which 5,187 (33.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 10,465 (67.3%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 1,218 (7.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, and 460 (3.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 304 (2.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships and 85 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 2,936 households (18.9%) were made up of individuals, and 1,810 (11.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65. There were 12,143 families (78.0% of all households); the average family size was 3.03.

The population was diverse in age terms, with 9,248 people (22.2%) under the age of 18, 2,352 people (5.6%) aged 18 to 24, 7,045 people (16.9%) aged 25 to 44, 13,344 people (32.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 9,654 people (23.2%) aged 65 or older. The median age was 47.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 90.1 males.

There were 16,179 housing units, at an average density of 1,201.5 per square mile (463.9/km2), of which 12,485 (80.2%) were owner occupied and 3,076 (19.8%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.4%. 33,015 people (79.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units, and 8,288 people (19.9%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Rancho Palos Verdes had a median household income of $118,893, with 4.5% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[20]. Since 2020, the median household income has risen to $133,286.

Education[edit]

The city is served by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD), which includes Palos Verdes Peninsula High School and Palos Verdes High School, and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD, in the Eastview area of the city). Children living in Eastview have the option of attending public school in either the PVPUSD or the LAUSD. Also, Rolling Hills Country Day School (K-8) and Chadwick School (K-12) are well-known private schools that serve the area. Marymount California University, a private liberal arts institution offering bachelor's and master's degrees, is located in Rancho Palos Verdes.

The public school district which serves Rancho Palos Verdes consistently ranks top in the nation. The latest survey conducted by U.S. News, in 2013, reports that the PVPHS ranks 156th in the nation and 24th in the state,[21] while Palos Verdes High School (PVHS) in Palos Verdes Estates trails closely behind, at 269th in the nation and 43rd in the state.[22]

The Palos Verdes Library District operates three libraries on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with Miraleste Library in Rancho Palos Verdes.[23]

Government[edit]

Rancho Palos Verdes is a General Law city, meaning that it has no charter. The City elects five council members at large to four-year terms in staggered, non-partisan elections on the first Tuesday in November of every odd-numbered year. The mayor and mayor pro tempore are elected annually by the residing city council members. At this time all of the city council has served as mayor at least once.

As of December 3, 2019, the city council consists of:[2]

  • Mayor: John Cruikshank
  • Mayor Pro Tem: Eric Alegria
  • Councilmember: David Bradley
  • Councilmember: Barbara Ferraro
  • Councilmember: Ken Dyda

Mayor Cruikshank and Mayor Pro Tem Alegria have served on the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council since November 2017. Councilmember Dyda, at 84 years old, was the oldest person ever elected to the city council. He was also elected to the original city council when the city was established in 1973 and has served as mayor twice previously. Councilmembers Bradley and Ferraro were recently elected in November 2019.

As outlined in the City's Municipal Code, the city council hires a city manager to manage the day-to-day operation of the City and its staff. The current city manager is Ara Mihranian.

County, state, and federal representation[edit]

In the County of Los Angeles, Rancho Palos Verdes is located in the 4th Supervisorial District, represented by Janice Hahn.

In the California State Legislature, Rancho Palos Verdes is in the 26th Senate District, represented by Democrat Ben Allen, and in the 66th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Al Muratsuchi.[24]

In the United States House of Representatives, Rancho Palos Verdes is in California's 33rd congressional district, represented by Democrat Ted Lieu.[25]

Economy[edit]

Top employers[edit]

According to the City's 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[26] the top employers in the city are:

# Employer Employees
1 Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District 1,970
2 Terranea Resort 730
3 Trump National Golf Club 260
4 Marymount California University 220
5 Keller Williams Realty 163
6 The Canterbury 115
7 Belmont Village 111
8 Trader Joe's 88
9 Ralphs 83
10 Green Hills Memorial Park 80

Emergency services[edit]

Fire protection in Rancho Palos Verdes is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and ambulance transport by McCormick Ambulance Service.[27]

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department operates the Lomita Station in the City of Lomita and provides law enforcement services for Rancho Palos Verdes.[28]

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in the Harbor Gateway, Los Angeles, near Torrance and serving Rancho Palos Verdes.[29]

Other nearby hospitals include Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital, both located in Torrance and San Pedro.

Notable people[edit]

Notable residents of Rancho Palos Verdes include professional poker player Barry Greenstein and artist John Van Hamersveld.[30] Merrill Moses, the Olympic water polo player, lived there. Chester Bennington of Linkin Park was once a longtime resident of Palos Verdes. Top-ten tennis player Eliot Teltscher also lived there.[31] Christen Press, a forward for the United States women's national soccer team and two-time World Cup champion, grew up there. Christopher John Boyce, a former American defense industry employee who was convicted for selling United States spy satellite secrets to the Soviet Union in the 1970s, grew up there.


References[edit]

  1. ^ "California Cities by Incorporation Date". California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Archived from the original (Word) on November 3, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  2. ^ a b "City Council". Rancho Palos Verdes. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  3. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  4. ^ "Rancho Palos Verdes". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved October 11, 2014.
  5. ^ "Rancho Palos Verdes (city) QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  6. ^ a b "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  7. ^ "USPS – ZIP Code Lookup – Find a ZIP+ 4 Code By City Results". Retrieved January 18, 2007.
  8. ^ "Number Administration System – NPA and City/Town Search Results". Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved January 18, 2007.
  9. ^ "Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Profile" (PDF). Palos Verdes Peninsula School District. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 25, 2006. Retrieved October 3, 2006.
  10. ^ "Rancho Palos Verdes Equestrian Maps". City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Retrieved October 3, 2006.
  11. ^ "The Most Expensive ZIP Codes". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 24, 2007. Retrieved October 3, 2006.
  12. ^ "THE O.C. Filming Locations: The Church". www.seeing-stars.com.
  13. ^ "trumpnationallosangeles.com FAQ". trumpnationallosangeles.com. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  14. ^ a b David R. Holland, Senior Writer (April 29, 2010). "Brash, bold and built by a billionaire: Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles". travelgolf.com. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  15. ^ "Trump National Golf Club, Los Angeles". Golf.com. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  16. ^ Bell, Alison (May 7, 2010). "L.A. Then and Now: Peacocks are one of Arcadia founder's legacies". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  17. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  18. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  19. ^ "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA – Rancho Palos Verdes city". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  20. ^ a b "Rancho Palos Verdes (city), California".
  21. ^ "Ranking". www.usnews.com. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  22. ^ "Ranking". www.usnews.com. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  23. ^ "Hours & Locations." Palos Verdes Library District. Retrieved on March 28, 2010.
  24. ^ "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  25. ^ "California's 33rd Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
  26. ^ "City of Rancho Palos Verdes 2014 CAFR".
  27. ^ "McCormick Ambulance Service areas
  28. ^ "Lomita Station Archived January 23, 2010, at the Wayback Machine." Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Retrieved on January 21, 2010.
  29. ^ "Torrance Health Center." Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Retrieved on March 18, 2010.
  30. ^ Garrigues, Alana (March 31, 2015). "Iconic artist John van Hamersveld salutes Hermosa Beach surf culture in next downtown mural". Daily Pilot. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  31. ^ "Eliot Teltscher – One of the Greatest Jewish Tennis Players Of All Time".

External links[edit]

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