Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the goals of the Beautify Lunada Bay project?

The primary long-term goal is to is restore attractive, locally native, drought tolerant plants to open space areas in Lunada Bay that have suffered from neglect over the years. A second goal is to make existing walking paths accessible year-round by community members desiring to take quiet strolls through these open space areas.

2. What are the goals of the pilot project?

The pilot project will be a proving ground for basic features such as the plant palette and walking path design that may be extended over time to other open space areas. The second goal is to create an outdoor classroom for students at Lunada Bay Elementary School and to add open-space related projects to the educational experience of Palos Verdes High School students. The third goal is to provide opportunities for community members who like to pull weeds, build walking paths, and be involved in other activities in this beautiful place we call home.

3. How is the pilot project being funded?

Approximately 85% of the funding for the pilot project has been provided by donations from members of the community. The remaining ~15% was provided by the Lunada Bay Homeowners Association. The Lunada Bay Homeowners Association’s contribution ($9,000) covered the development of formal design and construction documents. In addition, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is providing staff time for project management as in-kind support to the project, and the City of Palos Verdes Estates is providing boulders/rock material for the trails and water for irrigation. The City will also provide mulch once the planting is completed.

4. How has the city of Palos Verdes Estates contributed to the pilot project?

The City has provided guidance for the project, has conducted Parklands Committee and City Council reviews with unanimous approval in public forum at City Hall, as well as permit review and approval for the habitat restoration effort. The City of Palos Verdes Estates is also providing some materials including stones, mulch, and water. The City has provided no direct funding to the project.

5. Where can I see plans for the pilot project and later phases proposed by Beautify Lunada Bay?

The plans for the pilot project are at the Lunada Bay Homeowners Association web page for the Beautify Lunada Bay project (see http://blb.lbhoa.org). Planning for the next phase will begin after the pilot project is completed, and will follow the same process used for the pilot: open meetings will be held to discuss options for Phase 2, and information collected from those meetings, as well as lessons learned from the pilot, will be used to develop a draft plan. The draft plan will be presented to the Lunada Bay Homeowners Association Board, and the City’s Parkland Committee and City Council.

6. Is the Beautify Lunada Bay program coordinated with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy?

Yes, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is a partner in the restoration effort and is providing guidance on plants to be used, assisting with managing the contractor, and organizing  and training volunteers. The PVPLC, a nonprofit organization, also accepts donations that are used for the project.

7. What process was required to approve the pilot project and what is the current status of later phases?

The project began in 2014 as a concept, and since that time, a series of meetings were held in the Multipurpose Room at LB Elementary School to collect community input and provide information. Flyers were hand-carried to residents along Lunada Canyon informing them of the concept and inviting their attendance. LBHOA membership was routinely noticed on the project concept, development, and plans via email and on the LBHOA website, as well. The formal plans were developed based on input provided at those meetings, and the concept and plans were presented to the City’s Parklands Committee and City Council at public meetings for their comment and approval.

9. How can residents provide input?

Once the pilot has been finished, and depending on funding and availability of volunteers, plans will be developed for continuing from the pilot toward the bluff top above Lunada Bay. Local residents will be invited to help develop these plans. Residents can email us at BeautifyLunadaBay@lbhoa.org to be added our list to stay informed about community or City meetings related to the project.

10. How can I get involved with Beautify Lunada Bay?

BLB is a resident-led project organized by the Lunada Bay Homeowners Association. Individuals can email their desire to get involved to BeautifyLunadaBay@lbhoa.org

11. How can I contribute to Beautify Lunada Bay?

Financial contributions can be donated to the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy at http://www.pvplc.org; earmarked “for BLB”. Contributions are tax deductible. Residents can also be involved as volunteers in various activities including planning, fundraising, building of trails, planting, mulching, and weeding. To volunteer or to just be on the mailing list for updates, please email BeautifyLunadaBay@lbhoa.org